Teddy walked to her rental car and drove to the cottage. She parked behind Annie's car and saw that the kitchen light was on. Teddy let herself into the house.
"Good your home sweetheart," Teddy said, "we need to talk about a couple things. Is Josh home?"
"Josh is on call tonight," Annie replied, "we're on opposite schedules right now."
"Good we need to talk about him," Teddy said.
"We are together," Annie replied.
"You said separate rooms, then when I come I find his shower stuff in the master bathroom and boxers in your laundry basket," Teddy said.
"It's just started this week," Annie said, "I know what I'm doing."
Annie grabbed two wine glasses from the cupboard and reached for a bottle of red on the counter, "mama?"
"Not tonight," Teddy said, "I'm tired and jet lagged."
"Never stopped you before," Annie said, putting the wine glasses away and grabbing water glasses instead.
Teddy looked serious, "sweetheart, just listen. He's your best friend. Once you cross this bridge you can't go back. You know Owen came to see me a few weeks ago. And now I have to have a conversation with him that I haven't had in 25 years and I'm scared to. He was my best friend and now we did something because I trusted him and thought that I knew what I was doing created a whole new situation."
"You're not making any sense," Annie replied.
"When Owen came to Germany he didn't stay in your room," Teddy said.
"I don't want to know this," Annie said, "it's my mama and uncle owen. Ewwww."
"I need you to listen to me freak out for a moment," Teddy said, "and you better be more on top of protection than I am. How did I do this twice?"
"Twice," Annie asked.
"I did this 25 years ago," Teddy said, "and ended up alone with no baby."
"You're pregnant," Annie asked, "Owen's baby?"
"Yes," Teddy said, "it was Owen it felt right."
"Then don't tell me," Annie said, "call him and tell him to get over here and tell him. Owen will want this baby, it's Owen. He's always wanted kids. Mama, he loved you even when he was with Christina."
"He's meeting me at 9 tomorrow morning," Teddy said, "we're going to walk to the beach."
"That's a good path and a great place to talk," Annie replied, "you have to tell him. How long ago was he in Germany?"
"10 weeks," Teddy said.
"And you haven't told anyone," Annie looked shocked.
"I'm 46 sweetheart I didn't think it was possible at my age," Teddy said, "I knew three weeks ago."
"And you kept it a secret," Annie said, "you weren't going to tell me?"
"I was," Teddy said, "then you weren't finding your way here and I panicked. I worried he'd be like your birth father."
"Mama it's Owen," Annie said, "he's a good man. He loves you. He's always loved you. He will be there for you and my little sibling. I'd still prefer a brother."
"You get what you get," Teddy said, "but I will tell Owen in the morning. 12 hours won't make a difference now."
Annie said, "you have to tell him. Don't do this alone mama. Owen will be there. I'm here. Move back to Seattle. Come home. Bailey and Pierce are posting for another cardio attending, they have more work then Pierce and Riggs can do. Step back from being major bossy pants and enjoy being a surgeon again. Owen needs to know. Your baby needs to know both parents. It sucks when you have to write unknown information under father's information."
"Are you still curious about Steven," Teddy asked.
"I am. I tried to contact him," Annie admitted, "but no reply. Oddly enough neither dad replies to me. Don't let this baby have that experience."
"How do I tell him," Teddy asked.
"Write it with a stick in the sand, just blurt it out," Annie said, "you babble and ramble when you're nervous. He'll know something's up. Just tell him."
"What if he's mad," Teddy asked.
"What did you tell me," Annie said, "it takes two. He obviously didn't think of it either."
"What about Josh," Teddy asked, "do I need to worry about this."
"No," Annie replied confidently, "I saw the new OBGYN and had an IUD put in. I'm an intern. I don't have time for a baby in residency. Maybe as a fellow or an attending but not now. And my relationship is too new for that."
Teddy sighed, "at least I taught you well. I can't seem to learn."
"It was Owen you trusted him and I'm going to guess there was alcohol involved," Annie said.
"We shared a bottle of wine but I do that when you come and visit. We each drink half the bottle and chat no one is drunk," Teddy said.
"Two glasses and you're a lot chattier than normal and more open," Annie said.
"So are you," Teddy said.
"But now that your home you can be my designated driver," Annie said.
"I do not pick you up from bars drunk," Teddy said.
"No we go to Joes, have a few then I crash on Jennas couch," Annie said.
"Who's Jenna," Teddy asked.
"She's in my intern group," Annie replied, "Silverstone. Tall brunette biting sense of humor. Secretly loves rainbows and unicorns."
"Surgical best friend," Teddy asked.
"I heard Bailey tell Owen it was Grey and Yang all over again but with rainbows and butterflies," Annie said.
"Are you Meredith or Christina here," Teddy asked.
"Ask Bailey," Annie replied, "Meredith I hope. I may be into cardio but Jenna is intense. She's all about neuro she thinks Amelia Shepard walks on water. She'll do anything to get Shepard to give her surgeries."
"There's a few in every class," Teddy said, "I've heard you're getting good at being put on cardio cases."
"Pierce is easy to suck up to and Nathan Riggs is an excellent teacher. I prefer his OR to pierces," Annie said, "except when he called me Teddy."
"He called you Teddy," Teddy asked.
"A few times," Annie said , "I told him it's Grace. But he insists on calling me mini Altman or tiny Teddy."
"I heard that today," Teddy said, "I thought he was being goofy Nathan."
"That's normal Nathan," Annie said.
"What's the sleeping situation," asked Teddy, "my plan was to stay in the master with you because it's the big bed."
"Do you want the other room," Annie offered, "it would be just you. Or I can quickly throw clean bedding on my bed and Josh can go back to the other room. I have to put clean bedding on one of them."
"It's up to you," Teddy said, "I kind of showed up unannounced."
"I'm also fine in Josh's bed and give you mine," Annie suggested, "him and I are trading off Meghan watch."
"She gets a day and a night intern," Teddy asked, "for how long?"
"Until the people in charge think she doesn't need a doctor 24/7 or she gets sick of us," Annie said, "I'm betting on option B."
"Let's put clean bedding on both beds then I'll take the smaller one," Teddy said, "are you sure Josh won't mind?"
"You're not going to get mad that we're sharing a room," Annie asked.
"Are you happy with it," Teddy asked, "does it make you feel safe and loved."
"I do. I sleep better when he's here and we can cuddle," Annie blushes , "he makes me feel safe and loved and wanted in a way no one ever has."
"If you're happy," Teddy said, "I am. But I'm going to say that I don't want to hear anything through the walls. You're still my little bear and I don't want or need to know that side of your life."
"We're on opposite shifts for now," Annie said, "plus there's Steph who knows what's going on with Josh and I."
"Where is Steph doing her residences," Teddy asked.
"Tacoma," Annie said, "OBGYN. We still see her."
"Are you okay with a sibling," Teddy asked, "25 years is a huge age gap."
Annie smiled and gave Teddy a hug, "congratulations mama."
"You're the first person I've told," Teddy said.
"In the morning you'll tell Owen," Annie replied.
"Are you okay with it," Teddy asked.
"If you're happy," Annie smiled.
The next morning Owen knocked on the door.
Teddy already had her shoes on to go for a walk.
"Where's Annie," Owen asked.
"Hospital," Teddy said, "babysitting Meghan. Josh just got home and he's in their room."
"He's in her room," Owen said, "I should have kicked both of their buts when they moved in. I knew you wouldn't like it."
"Frees up a room for me," Teddy said, "she's smart and happy with it. What can I really say."
Teddy and Owen walked towards the beach and down the steps to the water. She silently walked along the edge of the water.
"Teddy what's going on," Owen asked.
"A lot," Teddy said honestly, "what are we doing Owen?"
"I don't know," Owen replied, "but I want to figure it out."
Teddy sighed, "we have a timeline and I need you not to freak out and panic. I've already done that enough."
"You're not making much sense," Owen said, "it's just me why are you scared."
"Who says I'm scared," Teddy asked.
"Your babbling and pulling away from me," Owen said.
"Owen I need you to count for me," Teddy said, "how long ago were you in Germany?"
Owen froze, "what are you saying Teddy?"
"I'm saying we have a very short window to figure out what we are and what our plan is," Teddy replied, "I meet with Pierce and Bailey Monday about a job. I'm coming back to Seattle."
"Teddy why are you coming back? You love medcom Annie doesn't need you," Owen said.
"This isn't about Annie," Teddy said, "she's an adult. This is about you, me and our baby."
Owen went white, " our what?"
Teddy took a deep breath but stayed facing the water. Owen could see her hands against her forehead. She was serious and upset.
"Owen, I'm 10 weeks pregnant. The only man I've been with in the last year is you," Teddy said, "I didn't believe it was possible. I honestly thought I was too old for this. I'm 46. I'm careful I learned that lesson then there was you and I trusted you and I wasn't careful."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner," asked Owen. He was looking at the sand.
"I've only known for three weeks," Teddy said, "I was scared. I really thought I was just getting old."
"Scared of what Teddy," Owen asked.
She turned to face Owen, "that it would be like what happened with Annie. That you wouldn't want us and would walk away. That you'd call me a slut and say I was lying. That you would deny we have a child and refuse to acknowledge they exist. That you would hate me."
Owen pulled her into his arms noticing the tears, "no tears Teddy. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. We will figure this out together. I'm here for you and our kids."
"Kids," Teddy said, "we only share one. I have a daughter."
"Will Annie be okay with this," Owen asked, "a little sibling is a big adjustment."
"She's 25 soon," Teddy said, "she'll be a good big sister. She knows. She offered me wine last night turned it down so then I told her. Plus we treat her more as the cool aunt then the big sister. She has her own life."
" what do you want to do," Owen asked.
"I'm keeping this baby and coming back to Seattle," Teddy said, "I'm going to do this with or without you. It's your choice Owen. I know you didn't ask for me or this baby. You can be as involved as you want to be. It's your choice. I'm not going to force you to be involved with me but I hope your there for our baby."
Owen held Teddy closer, "I want this. I want us. I meant what I said in Germany it's always been you. Teddy give me a chance, give us a chance."
"It's not just us anymore," Teddy said, "I have two kids to think about. Annie is 25 but she still needs consideration."
"Teddy we can do this," Owen said, "I want to do this with you. You're not alone. I love you, I want to be with you."
Teddy shook her head, "why now Owen?"
"I don't know," Owen said, "but the time is finally right. You and I, it feels right, it always has."
"I love you," Teddy whispered, "I always have. Even when I was with someone else I loved you. But why now? Why this way?"
Owen shrugged, "I don't know. But maybe it's finally our time. We can be happy together. Teddy, will you give me a chance? To be more than your best friend? To be a couple?"
"Are you asking me on a date," Teddy asked.
"We could start there if you wanted," Owen said, "can I pick you up tonight and we can go for dinner?"
"That would be wonderful," Teddy smiled, "what time?"
"Is six okay," Owen asked.
"Six is excellent," Teddy replied, "I'll be ready."
"I will pick you up tonight," Owen said, "any preferences?"
Teddy laughed, "right now I'm avoiding all seafood."
"I can do that," Owen replied.
"What do we tell your family," Teddy asked.
"The truth," Owen said.
"Evelyn will be so disappointed in us," Teddy groaned.
"Given our ages she can't say much," Owen said, "and it's you. She loves you like a daughter."
"We have to tell them about the squirrel soon," Teddy said, "I don't know how much longer I can hide it."
"How are you feeling," Owen asked.
"Better now," Teddy replied, "I was afraid of your reaction. But physically I'm fine everything looks good so far. The only concern is my age."
"So baby," Owen asked, he looked hopeful.
Teddy smiled, "growing and looks great. I feel good. Better then I remember feeling with Annie."
"Why didn't you tell me," Owen asked.
"I thought you'd be mad and hang up on me. We had that fight where I threw you out," Teddy said, "and you didn't call, you didn't reach out. Were you even going to tell me about Meghan? I knew about her being found and sent home but waited for you to call me and tell me. They wanted me to do her assessment myself but I didn't trust myself to see her. "
"I was scared," Owen said, "that I destroyed our friendship. That I ruined us. I called as soon as I saw Meghan. I knew 24 hours before. I need to process that my sister was back from the dead. Don't change the subject Teddy. When were you going to tell me?"
"Soon," Teddy said, "I was going to call you so many times then I would be about press call and my whole body would start shaking and I would drop the phone. I'm sorry Owen I should have called as soon as I knew."
"Why did you keep this to yourself," Owen asked.
"Fear," Teddy said, "of being abandoned and left on my own again. I've rebuilt my life so many times I can't do it again."
"I'm right here," Owen soothed, "together we can do this. Together we can build an amazing life for us. With our baby and Annie. You can come here or I can go to Germany you don't have to start over again here. I can easily find a job there. I'm sure medcom could use me in the hospital there."
"We could but I want to be here," Teddy said, "with our family. I want both my kids together."
"Then we will find something here," Owen said, "build our life together."
Teddy agreed, "we can start something new. I can't go from being your best friend to living together with a baby on the way. I need steps and to make small changes. We need to figure out how we can work as a couple. That's not an instant thing."
"We have a baby on the way," Owen said, "but we can go as fast or slow as you want. Start with our date tonight."
"I'm looking forward to it," Teddy smiled.
"Can I ask for one thing," Owen said.
"Ask me anything," Teddy said.
"Can I come to your appointments and be there when the baby comes," Owen asked.
"I want you there for that. No matter what happens with us our baby needs both their parents and I need my best friend. That's one reason I came home," Teddy said.
"Home," Owen asked.
"This is home," Teddy said, "your here, Annie's here, now Meghan is and our baby will be born here."
"Where are you going to live," Owen asked.
"My house," Teddy said, "for now. I'm looking for something permanent for me and the baby. I'm not going to push Annie out with our baby. Years ago I promised her that I would never push her out or replace her. Henry and I were trying and I promised Annie she would always have a place there."
"What if we found something together," Owen suggested, "my place is too small. I've been looking at selling the apartment and buying a house. Let's make it our house."
Teddy rolled her eyes, "what about that is slow Owen?"
"We both need somewhere new to live," Owen said.
"I need to process," Teddy said, "I want to try us but I'm afraid."
"I've known for years that you're the one for me," Owen said, "let's give it a shot. Tonight is our first date."
"Our first date," Teddy said, "how dressed up? I didn't bring much in the first date outfit category."
"It's a first date," Owen said, "I have the whole day off, let's just sit here and watch the waves."
He took her hand and led her to a log. Sitting down Owen pulled Teddy into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. He chuckled when her hair blew into his eyes. Teddy leaned back into Owen and let her head rest on his shoulder. He ran his hands up and down her arms.
"This feels good," Teddy whispered.
"It feels right," Owen whispered.
Teddy looked at him and he leaned his forehead against hers taking a breath she closed the gap and kissed him. Owen wove his hands through her curls and pulled her in closer. They spent a while cuddling and kissing on the log before Teddy announced she was hungry.
"It's almost 1," Teddy said, "I should go home, have lunch, check on Meghan and start getting ready."
"I'll walk you home," Owen said, "I should go check on Meghan then get ready for our date. Maybe I'll see you at the hospital."
They walked back holding hands in a comfortable silence, both of their minds whirling with new ideas and possibilities.
Owen walked into Megan's hospital room, "where's Annie?"
"My babysitter," Meghan asked.
"Your niece," Owen replied.
"A Dr. Pierce the head of cardio had her scrub in," Meghan said, "I told them I don't need a 24/7 personal intern. It's a waste of resources and her learning. But I did like getting to know her a bit today. Takes a lot to get personal information out of her."
"Annie is an introvert" Owen said, "Teddy told you she'd warm up."
"Speaking of Teddy, what's going on with you and her," Meghan asked.
"She finally agreed after how many years that we could date," Owen said, "I'm taking her to dinner tonight."
"She loves you," Meghan said, "has since Iraq."
"I've loved her for that long two," Owen admitted.
"Then why did you marry someone else," Meghan asked.
"I don't know," Owen said, "Christina was different. She was passionate and fiery but she only had one thought. Cardio."
"Mom told me about her today," Meghan said, "why Owen?"
"I don't know," Owen replied, "it was never easy; she never wanted to work with me or bend with me."
"We'll talk about your ex wife another day," Meghan said, "seriously what's happening with Teddy?"
"We're just starting to date," Owen said.
"There's been more for years," Meghan said, "there was in Iraq and that's why thank god you left Beth. But mom said you helped her take care of Annie one summer and Annie calls you uncle Owen. You don't let your kid that close to a guy you're just friends with."
"It's Teddy," Owen said, "she's family. They come skiing at the cabin most years for New Years."
"Owen this isn't just family," Meghan said, "mom says you spent a weekend in Germany with Teddy. What was that?"
Owen sighed, "I went we had a great time then I said something stupid about her running when things get hard and she threw me out."
"So you came home and didn't fight for her," Meghan said.
"I wanted to," Owen said, "but you know her temper."
"So you instead tried to get back on her good side by having her daughter as your intern and teaching Annie," Meghan said.
"Not at all," Owen said, "Annie had chosen here for residency before Germany."
"What did you finally sleep with Teddy," Meghan asked.
Owens' face went white and he gulped.
"I knew it," Meghan said, "that's why she's looking at you weird."
"She's just Teddy," Owen said, "yesterday was a bit intense for all of us. We went for a nice walk on the beach this morning. We talked it out now we're good."
"That's it you sleep with her and have a conversation and your friends again," Meghan asked
Owen replied, "I told her I love her and she feels the same. But she wants to go slow into this."
Meghan rolled her eyes, "it's time the two of you grow up and sort your shit out."
"Dr hunt," Annie said from the door.
"Your back mini Teddy," Meghan replied, "I'll keep calling you that until you give me a better name for you."
"Grace or I guess you could call me Annie. Your family uses Annie still," Annie replied, "I've been asked to take you to CT. Do you need anything before we go?"
"For my stupid brother to sort out what's going on with him and your mother," Meghan said.
"Can't help you with that. Mama and uncle Owen are just them, it always looks like it's something but it's not," Annie replied. She pushed the wheelchair forward.
"I can walk," Meghan said.
"Hospital policy," Annie said.
She wheeled Meghan out of the room.
I hated how Teddy hid from Owen and didn't tell him. So being my story I'm changing how she told him and time lines.