Owen was trying to decide what to do for Teddy's birthday at the end of August. He wanted to make the first one as a couple special. He wanted to take her away somewhere for the weekend and they both had the time off but thought she would want to be with their family. It was around the time Meghan was to be released from the hospital and him and Teddy had been helping Nathan care for Meghan's son. Although Annie seemed to be the favourite babysitter when she had time off. Teddy was in surgery and Owen was sitting in the attendings lounge with Richard, Alex and Jackson.

"Teddy's birthday is in a couple of weeks and I want to do something special for her," Owen thought out loud.

"Would she go for a little getaway just the two of you," asked Jackson, "it might be nice before the baby comes."

"Surprise her with the getaway," Richard suggested, "Catherine likes that."

"Something not too far," Jackson advised, "so you don't spend all your time driving."

"I want a nice hotel or a little airbnb," Owen said, "quiet and romantic."

"I know of a place just off the beach in Cannon Beach," Jackson suggested, "max 4 hours drive. Is she up to that?"

"With a couple stops to stretch and walk around she will be. Teddy hates sitting," Owen said, "this place is quiet, cozy and romantic?"

"Little cabins facing the ocean," Jackson said, "April loved it."

"What's it called," Owen said.

"Something by the sea," Jackson said.

"Thanks," Owen replied. Going online on his phone he saw that the dates he wanted were available, they could go Thursday and come back Sunday afternoon. Her actual birthday was Sunday so he could still do a family dinner.

He emailed Bailey asking her to take them both of the schedule for those dates and not to tell Teddy why.

"Have you guys found a place yet," Richard asked.

"We've narrowed it down to two," Owen replied, "we're going to look again on Saturday. Both are empty so we could hopefully move in right away."

'Are you going to ask Teddy to marry you," Alex asked.

"I want to," Owen said, "but she's wanting to go slow. That would not be slow. I will oneday."

"Focus on this weekend," Richard suggested, "make it special for her."

"I know we just went to Germany but that wasn't a getaway. We packed. Well I packed she sorted through stuff. But it was good to be just the two of us and to talk," Owen said.

Two weeks later

Teddy was reading a baby book in the hammock when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She smiled seeing Owen's name.

Owen, "we're both off for a few days so I booked a little getaway for us."

Teddy, "where are we going?"

Owen, "it's a surprise. I'll pick you up in the morning."

Teddy, "what do I need."

Owen, "mostly casual clothes, maybe one dress, I'm bringing a bathing suit."

Teddy, "the squirrel is starting to show. I'll need a new bathing suit."

Owen, "squirrel really?"

Teddy, "Annie was a gremlin. What else do I need? What are we doing?"

Owen, "it's a few days just you and I. We're going away. And I have everything except your clothes."

Teddy, "where are we going?"

Owen, "that's a surprise for you."

Teddy, "tell me."

Owen, "nope."

Teddy, "who knows so I can pack."

Owen, "Annie."

Teddy, "you told Annie?"

Owen, "so I could get a few things from your place. This would be so much easier if we were in the house."

Teddy, "so my daughter knows we're going for a weekend away."

Owen, "just where we're going. Some one should know where you are and when you'll be back."

Teddy, "she's off today."

Teddy got out of the hammock, "okay squirrel daddy is taking us away for the weekend. Let's go see your big sister, she knows where we're going."

Owen, "do you want to come for dinner tonight?"

Teddy, "come here. Annie and Josh are going out."

Owen, "why don't you come here. It's just us. Then we can leave from here in the morning."

Teddy, "I'll see you once I'm packed."

Teddy walked into the house, "Annie!"

"Mama," Annie replied from the couch.

"You okay," Teddy asked.

"Reading a very boring article for Pierce ," Annie replied.

"I need your help," Teddy said.

"With what," Annie asked, "summarizing, proofreading, checking post ops so you can go away this weekend with your boyfriend?"

"Packing," Teddy said, "Owen says you know where we're going. Tell me where I'm going."

"I'm not telling, that would ruin the surprise ," Annie said, "but I will help you pack."

"Grace Annabeth Altman," Teddy scolded, "you tell me where I'm going right now."

"Middle name doesn't work on me," Annie said, "I will help you pack or I can keep studying."

"Help me," Teddy said, "please."

"Shorts, tops, a couple cute dresses, bathing suit, cute pjs, sandals, a sweater or two," Annie said.

"Can I get a hint," Teddy asked.

"I gave you a hint," Annie said, "bathing suit."

"Bathing suit really," asked Teddy.

"Just take it," Annie said, "you don't have to wear it but take it with you."

"I don't know if it fits," Teddy said, "I'm starting to show."

"It's Owen," Annie said, "he loves you and it's his baby. I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you."

"Just help me," Teddy said, "then I'm only here another 2 weeks after this trip you'll have your space back."

"I'm coming," Annie said.

They walked into Teddy's room and opened the closet. Annie sat on the bed and watched as Teddy sorted through the clothes.

"Casual," Annie said, "jeans, shorts, cute tops. Sundresses."

"Date outfits," Teddy asked.

"One or two," Annie replied, "comfy shoes, flats and sandals, don't take heels."

"Are we camping," Teddy asked.

Annie laughed, "no. Owen wouldn't do that to you now. But you'll be outside a lot. Grab my sunscreen and take a jean jacket and a couple sweaters."

"I don't need it," Teddy said, "I steal it for Owen."

"Just take it," Annie said, "I'm at the hospital all weekend, not like I'm seeing the sun."

Annie and Teddy chatted as Teddy packed.

"I wish we had more of these days," Teddy said, looking at Annie sitting cross legged on the foot of her bed.

"This is the longest we've lived together," Annie said, "you wouldn't have wanted to live with me as a teenager."

"Don't mention the idea of a teenager," Teddy said.

"At least you've been through college and med school with one kid," Annie said.

"What are you doing while we're away ," Teddy asked.

"Working tomorrow, 5-11 Thursday, then I have a 36 Friday at 7pm to Sunday, " Annie said.

"How many hours are you at this week," Teddy asked.

"I'm at 100 now," Annie said, "that's why they sent me home. So I have 24 hours between shifts and it resets."

"Who built the call schedule," Teddy asked.

"I don't know," Annie said, "but I don't ask. I do what I'm told."

"You're legally only allowed 80 hours a week," Teddy said, " are you picking up shifts when people don't show?"

"Some coverage," Annie said, "but only maybe 12 hours of that this week. It's okay, I'm learning lots."

"I'm going to ask Webber to check all of the interns' schedules when I get back," Teddy said.

"Don't make a fuss," Annie said, "it's fine. You did it. The attendings all did it. It's just what I have to do to be a surgeon."

"The laws were different for me," Teddy said, "it's not just you. I want to see all of the schedules. It's dangerous for your patients. We learned from it. You're over tired, you make mistakes that can cost lives. You don't even get 8 hours between some shifts. Are you going to sleep in an on-call room?"

"Probably the gurneys in the basement like the rest of my group. Senior residents and attendings get the on call rooms. I'm fine," Annie said, "I've never needed much sleep. You're not going to Webber or the chief. They'll know where the issue came from. It's hard enough with you being an attending and all of the gossip about you and Owen. Don't pull me into the middle of it."

"I won't this time," Teddy said, "but you need to know that it's illegal and you can say no."

"Saying no leaves patients without care," Annie said, "I have to do what is best for my patients and care for them."

"You're becoming a good doctor," Teddy said, "you have a talent for cardio. But you can't be a good doctor if you don't sleep or eat. You won't make rational decisions. This is what gets young doctors burned out and going to easier programs."

"I want cardio," Annie said, "but I also really like when I'm in the pit and doing trauma. Neuro isn't my thing, I didn't like that last week. I'm looking forward to trying ortho next week."

"We have an attendings meeting on Tuesday about the educational program," Teddy said, "I would like to ask about scheduling of residents and interns. I'm noticing that the same people keep getting weekends and over nights so you're only seeing emergency procedures but not scheduled ones. And I never see you"

"They schedule me opposite to you most of the time or not in cardio when you're there," Annie said.

"I see why they do that," Teddy said, "It's okay for you. I want to teach you soon though, not hear from Maggie and Nathan how you're doing."

"It's okay," Annie said, "feel's a bit more normal to come home and tell you about my day."

"I'm only living here another week," Teddy said, "how many nights am I packing for?"

"You're coming back Sunday," Annie replied, "I know check on Meghan and Evelyn while you're gone."

"Ask Josh," Teddy said.

"Working," Annie said.

"How many hours is he at," Teddy asked.

"I don't know," Annie said, "we've only been home the same night once in the last two weeks. I actually got to talk to him yesterday and have lunch with him which was the first time in like 3 days."

"Text him and get a count," Teddy said, "get your whole group to count."

"Mama, we're dropping this and you're not going to say a word to anyone," Annie said.

"I'm going to ask about how scheduling is done," Teddy said, "I haven't met all of the residents and interns yet. I should have by now I've been back a month."

"Stop and go enjoy your getaway," Annie said.

"Will both you and Josh be home Sunday," Teddy asked.

"We are," Annie said, "I traded some shifts to get it, I was supposed to work 48 hours and not be done till 7pm but Robert was able to trade his 15 tomorrow for my last 12 hours."

"You took an extra 3 hours to get time on my birthday," Teddy asked.

"How many times have you done 48 or 72 before I came to visit so you could have a couple extra days off with me," Annie asked, "what about when you did 4 days straight to come to my graduation."

"You have a point," Teddy said.

"We're dropping this now and you're not saying anything about it at the attendings meeting. It would embarrass me. Everyone watches Josh and I closer than any other interns," Annie said, "we have to be better than our whole class because of you and Nathan. We work longer schedules to prove ourselves. The senior residents expect us to be perfect, we don't have the choice to stand up and point out illegal schedules. Other interns speak up about being over 80 hours but there's not enough of us to keep it to 80 for everyone. Josh and I can't make mistakes. We can't say no. We can only trust each other. Attendings are harder on us. I have to be flawless everytime I step in that hospital. Jackson and Meriedth warned me about this when I changed my name, I didn't listen."

"I had no idea," Teddy said.

"I didn't say anything," Annie replied, "I come home and go straight to the office and study or to bed. There's no room for error, no room for a mistake, no second chance if I don't know the answer the moment I'm asked in rounds. I have to have every answer on the tip of my tongue for every patient at any moment. If I don't pick up the extra shifts I'll get kicked out of the program."

"Who said you would get kicked out," Teddy asked.

"Dr Edwards ," Annie replied.

"She's wrong," Teddy said, "is it just you?"

"Josh, Jenna and Duncan were told the same thing," Annie replied, "and her group of interns."

"I'm going to find out why," Teddy said, "they want to know who is dating who but can't manage intern schedules."

"I'm sure it's just a glitch and will work itself out," Annie said, "I didn't realize it until you pointed out how much I'm there."

"I thought I had just lost track of your schedule," Teddy said, "it'll be easier when you can specialize going into third year. The attending that is mentoring you will set a lot of your schedule."

"Can you be my attending," Annie asked.

"I don't know," Teddy said, "I want to but you might need two of us to teach you so either Nathan or Maggie because I can't be your reference."

"Are you excited to go this weekend," Annie asked, changing the subject.

"I want to know what he's planning," Teddy said.

"He wants to take you away for your birthday. Spend some time just the two of you with no work calls, no family bugging you. He wants to go be a couple," Annie said, "I think it's romantic."

"Romantic really," Teddy asked.

"Mystery weekend away, your boyfriend, most likely somewhere cozy and quiet," Annie said, "go have fun and don't worry about me."

"Am I missing anything," Teddy asked.

"You're asking me," Annie said, "the closest I've had to a romantic weekend was a camping trip with Kevin before med school."

"Josh isn't a romantic," Teddy said.

"He was in Boston," Annie said, "but we're surgical interns. We may get time just the two of us once a week. And that's time to catch up. But we're both home tonight. We need time with each other."

"I'll be out of your space soon," Teddy said.

"It's not you," Annie said, "we just go into our room and close the door if we need time, just us and you're home."

"I know you do," Teddy said, "you've been really respectful."

"I'm sorry, I know it's awkward for you," Annie said.

"You're 24, almost 25, you should have time with your boyfriend," Teddy said, "you're an adult I know that. If it bothered me I would go stay at Owen's when you're both home at night."

"Okay," Annie said, "what time is Owen picking you up?"

"He's coming in about an hour," Teddy said, "I'm going to go make sure my bathing suit fits."

"A two piece should be okay," Annie said, "you try it on I'm going to get some laundry done. We're both almost out of clean work clothes."

"You're doing his laundry," Teddy asked.

"Whoever is home does it," Annie said, "I'm just more aware of the laundry situation. But when have you seen me mow the lawn?"

"Has Josh done the lawn all summer," Teddy asked.

"He has," Annie replied.

"You two are such a couple," Teddy said.

"It's right," Annie said, "he's right. Are you excited to move to your new place?"

"I am," Teddy said, "the house is gorgeous. High ceilings, open floor plan, natural light, hardwood floors."

"I can't wait to see it," Annie said, "we're both supposed to be off so we'll help you move."

"Thank you," Teddy said.

Annie left the room and closed the door behind her. She grabbed the laundry basket from her room and started to sort the laundry, she put on the first load and went to the kitchen. She clicked on the kettle and grabbed two mugs for tea. She grabbed earl grey for herself and the herbal tea Teddy had been drinking.

Teddy came out of her room with her bag and put it in the entry.

"Do you have time for tea before you go," Annie asked.

"I do," Teddy said.

"Front porch," Annie asked.

"Sure," Teddy replied.

As they were drinking their tea and chatting about Teddy and Owen's new house. Owen pulled up and got out of the truck. Teddy rushed down the front steps to see him.

"Hi," Owen said, wrapping Teddy in a hug and kissing her, "ready to go?"

"I am," Teddy giggled, "now can I know where we're going?"

"When we get there," Owen said, "where's your stuff?"

"Inside," Teddy said, "I was just having tea with Annie."

"I'll grab it," Owen replied, "go say goodbye and we'll get going."

Annie gave Teddy a quick hug, "have fun mama."

"Thanks sweetheart," Teddy replied, "I'll see you Sunday."

"Have fun," Annie called as they got in the truck. She wondered if Owen was going to propose.

The next morning Owen put Teddy's bag and a few things for their weekend away in the box of the truck. As they drove Teddy began guessing where they were going, Owen followed the I-5 south then just after Portland turned out towards the coast.

"Where are we going," Teddy asked.

"Sand, ocean, beach," Owen said, "just the two of us."

"Where is this place," Teddy asked.

"We're in Oregon," Owen said, "you'll like it."

Teddy asked, "should we start thinking of baby names or wait until we know what it is?"

"You've always said your next girl would be Allison," Owen said, "so I thought that was our girls name."

Teddy smiled, "really you're okay with that?"

"I like it," Owen said, " Allison Altman-Hunt."

"My name first," Teddy asked.

"It's alphabetical and Hunt- Altman doesn't sound as good," Owen said.

"Allison Eloise Altman-Hunt," Teddy said, "our little girl."

"That's Meghan's middle name," Owen said.

"I know," Teddy said, "I think she'll love it."

"She will," Owen said, "have you thought of a boy's name?"

Teddy replied, "I like Daniel or Robert."

"Daniel? Like Dan Mooney," Owen asked.

Teddy nodded, "and Robert for both of our dads."

"Daniel Robert Altman- Hunt," Owen said.

Teddy nodded, "I like it. Once they're here we'll have to do a family picture."

"The four of us," Owen said.

"Annie might be a hard sell. She hates her picture being taken," Teddy said, "she told me in May I had my quota for the year from her graduation."

"Good thing you're due at the end of January," Owen said.

Teddy said, "please say this one isn't 10 days late and they don't threaten to induce me this time."

Owen replied, "it's your second they say it's the first that's usually late."

Teddy replied, "I hope you're right and my body hasn't forgotten what to do after 25 years. I'm not looking forward to 24 hours of labor again."

Owen replied, "I'll be there every second of it."

"Holding my hand, hugging me," Teddy said, "Your eyes on my face."

Owen said, "I'll hold your hand, and rub your back."

"Squirrel should start moving soon," Teddy said.

Owen asked, "have you felt anything?"

Teddy shook her head, "Not yet but I'll feel it before it'll be noticeable from the outside. Don't worry you'll see them play soccer with my organs. Annie was really active. It was hard to get good scans of her. I didn't know she was a girl until my last ultrasound."

Owen asked, "are you excited for our baby?"

Teddy nodded, "more than I can say. I can't wait until we can hold our baby. You're going to be an amazing dad. Are you?"

Owen replied, "I've wanted this baby for so long. I'm happy I'm sharing it with you. You're already an incredible mom. I can't wait to see our baby."

A while later they pulled into the parking lot behind the cabins and Owen checked in. He led Teddy to the one he had booked at the end of the row, it's front porch faced out onto the ocean and had steps leading down to the beach. Inside were two rooms, a living room with a cozy couch facing a wood burning fireplace and a bedroom with a king sized bed and a large en-suite with a tub big enough for the two of them. They carried their things in from the back of the truck and Owen sent Teddy to sit down as he unpacked the cooler in the kitchenette.

"This is amazing," Teddy said when he sat down with her.

"Do you want to go walk on the beach," Owen asked.

"I need my other shoes," Teddy said. She got up and went to put her sandals on.

Hand in hand they walked down the steps to the beach and along the sand. They walked for miles until they started to get hungry before making their way back. They found a little bistro near the water and ordered dinner before walking back. At the cabin Owen filled two glasses with sparkling apple juice and they sat in the deck chairs watching the sunset. Teddy felt relaxed in a way she hadn't in years. This was right, her and Owen with their baby coming. Leaning back in her chair she let her hand rest on her stomach holding Owens hand with her other one. When the sun had set he helped her up and guided her to the couch. They sat there for a while cuddling and kissing. Teddy straddling Owens legs, his hands under her shirt. Getting up she took his hand and led him into the bedroom. She began to unbutton her top before he took over. He unbuttoned her shorts and pushed them gently off her hips. He shed his clothes as well. Kissing her lips, slowly he made his way down her neck and chest and lower to kiss where their baby was growing and then lower.

"Bed," Teddy moaned.

Owen guided her down onto the bed gently, caressing her whole body. Teddy reached for him and pulled him closer; she wanted him and she knew he wanted her.

Owen whispered, "your beautiful."

Teddy kissed him, "I love you. I need you."

Owen could feel her pressing against him and knowing what she wanted he began to take things further. Going beyond cuddles and kisses for the first time since he flew to Germany to tell her he loved her.

Teddy and Owen spent the weekend walking along the beach, sitting in the sand, walking along the water's edge, swimming in the pool and cuddling by the fire. They went to bed late and enjoyed slow lazy mornings in bed together. They reminisced about the past and planned for the future. Together they dreamed up a big life for their family.

Sunday afternoon they drove home. Owen had gotten Annie and Josh to help him with the surprise birthday party. Teddy thought something was going on when she saw Evelyn and Nathan's cars in the driveway as they pulled in.

"What is everybody doing here," Teddy asked.

"I don't know," Owen said, trying to keep a straight face.

Teddy said, "we just went away for my birthday."

"Let's go inside and see," Owen said.

They walked inside and Teddy's eyes filled with tears. The living room had been decorated with balloons in her favorite colors and the table was set for a family dinner.

"Happy Birthday mama," Annie said as they came into the living room.

"Did you do this," Teddy asked.

"We all did," Annie said.

"All," Teddy asked.

Meghan came out of the kitchen, "all of us. Happy birthday Teddy."

"Meghan your home," Teddy said.

"They let me out on Friday," Meghan said.

Teddy smiled, "I'm glad your home. How are you feeling?"

Meghan smiled, "I'm good. Happy to be out of the hospital. Sorry I was going through your kitchen. Fraoke wanted a drink."

"Help yourself," Teddy said, "I've been gone a few nights. I don't know what we have. Annie usually deals with the groceries anyways, she's the better cook and picky eater."

"When she's not living at the hospital," Meghan said, "I've seen a ton of her there."

Teddy shook her head, "there's been a schedule error and she's way over her hours."

Annie cut them off, "Mama we're enjoying your birthday."

Teddy laughed, "what are you up to?"

Annie giggled, "I'm not the brains of the operation here. I do what I'm told. "

"Who," Teddy asked.

"Owen," Annie replied, "how was your trip?"

Teddy smiled, "excellent. We really needed that."

"Where did you go," Meghan asked.

"Cannon Beach," Teddy replied, "we walked along the beach and through the waves. Owen went swimming while I read on the beach, we both swam in the pool. Next summer I'll try to surf."

Annie replied, "I went there a few times as a kid. Do the dory boats still come right up on the sand?"

Teddy nodded, "they do. I liked watching them."

Meghan looked at Annie, "did you always wear glasses?"

Annie replied, "this pair is new but I've worn glasses since kindergarten."

Meghan said, "I haven't seen them."

Teddy said, "it's usually a just at home thing or when she's studying. It's the first time I've seen the new pair. I like them."

"Thanks mama. I wear contacts at work but I've had them in so much lately my eyes needed a rest and to breath," Annie explained.

Teddy said, "you can wear your glasses as long as you're not in surgery."

Annie said, "it's fine. Tell us more about your trip?"

"We had time just the two of us," Teddy said, "to talk and to dream and plan. We've hardly had time to be the two of us and a couple. We were just a couple, no hospital, no work just us. It was sweet and romantic, something I've never had before. Cuddling by a fire, walking on the beach, slow lazy mornings, late nights talking. We picked names."

Annie asked, "what are they?"

"We'll tell you when the baby gets here," Teddy said, "we don't even know which name we need yet."

"Last name," Meghan asked.

"Hyphenating both," Teddy said, "Altman-Hunt it's alphabetical, sounds better than the other way and matches better with Annie. I want some matching for both my kids."

"You match Annie," Meghan said, "even without the name it's obvious you're related. But didn't they change her name when she was adopted? It seems weird that she uses Altman if she was adopted."

"I changed it in medical school," Annie said, "after the second incident with my sister."

"Incidents," Meghan asked.

"One massive trauma surgery, I lost half my liver, the summer I was 19 and 35 sutures on my back the Christmas I was 21," Annie replied, "but it's all in the past. Annie McKellar doesn't exist anymore."

Teddy gave Meghan a look that said not to question any further. Teddy knew that going down that path would lead to Annie's nightmares returning and her retreating into her shell. Teddy couldn't take the stress of Annie melting down right now. Teddy also knew that Annie was close to her breaking point, she wasn't eating much or sleeping. There was still time to turn it around.

"I'm going to finish getting a couple things in the kitchen," Annie said, "go sit down."

"I've sat all day in the truck," Teddy said, "I need to at least stand."

"Then go stand in the living room with everyone else," Annie replied, "Josh and I have this."

"Bossy," Teddy teased.

"I was told to keep you out of the kitchen. Just following directions ," Annie laughed, "ask Owen. He's being major bossy pants."

"It's major diamond or major pain in the ass," Meghan corrected.

"Meghan," Owen called, "don't tell her those ones."

"Okay dum dum," Megan replied.

"Little sisters right," Annie joked.

"You're supposed to be on my side," Meghan said.

"I'm the oldest. I have two almost three little siblings.I side with the oldest," Annie replied.

"What do they do," Meghan asked.

"Jessica I have no contact with," Annie replied, "Chris is training as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force. I saw him in May and talked to him this morning, C and I are really close, people thought we were twins for years, we're only 11 months apart. We grew up just outside of Vancouver, BC."

"Chris was at your graduation wasn't he," Owen asked.

"He was," Annie confirmed, "he has about a week's leave around my birthday and if I have time off will come down for a couple days."

"I'd like to see him," Teddy said.

"He'll probably come stay here," Annie said.

"Make sure Owen and I get to see him," Teddy said.

"I'm going to finish dinner," Annie said, walking away and into the kitchen.

"Do you need help," Evelyn asked.

"Yes please," Annie replied.

Evelyn followed Annie into the kitchen. Josh joined them.

"Can you somehow get the chickens off the barbecue and into the kitchen without mama seeing," Annie asked.

"I'll go around the side," Josh said, "Nathan can help me hide it."

"What needs to be done," Evelyn asked.

"Most of it just needs to go to the table," Annie said, "the salad is in the fridge. I need to move the veggies and rice from the stove into serving bowls."

"I'll take things out, you put them in their dishes," Evelyn said.

"Do we carve the chicken here or at the table," Annie asked.

"Here is neater," Evelyn said.

"I'll get Josh to do it," Annie said.

"What am I doing now," Josh asked.

"Cutting the chicken," Annie replied.

They finished getting everything ready for the table and carried it out.

Owen led Teddy to the table. She teared up again.

"You did all of this for me," Teddy asked.

"Annie did it," Owen said.

"Evelyn, Josh and Nathan helped," Annie said.

Teddy hugged Annie, "thank you sweetheart."

"Your welcome," Annie said, "eat before it gets cold."

The family gathered around the table and enjoyed the meal. It made Teddy smile seeing the people she loved gathered around the table. Her daughter, the love of her life, and their family. She watched as Annie laughed at something Faroke told her. Annie had opened her heart to this new little cousin and it made her think that Annie would connect with the new baby. She hoped her kids would have some sort of bond, it wouldn't be typical siblings but she knew Annie would be a loving person in the child's life.

After dinner everyone made their way outside where Owen lit the fire pit. They enjoyed birthday cake and coffee around the fire.

Annie brought out the stuff for s'mores, "Faroke come try this."

"Mama can I," Faroke asked Meghan.

Meghan nodded, "go ahead. I want one."

"I'll make you one babe," Nathan said, smiling at Meghan

"I'll help," Josh said, sitting beside Faroke.

The little boy loved his first s'more. After his fifth Meghan cut him off.

The family all settled in to enjoy the fire. Someone had brought the basket of blankets out and each couple was wrapped up under a blanket. It was Evelyn's turn to smile at the gathering. Both her children were home and safe, Teddy and Nathan the two who had been family in her heart for years, Annie who was like a granddaughter, little Faroke her grandson, Josh who was finding his place in her family and soon Teddy and Owen's baby. This was their family gathered around the fire.

Teddy sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to Owen who held her tight, his hand with hers on her stomach under the blanket.

"Thank you for the perfect birthday," Teddy whispered.

"Your welcome," Owen replied in a whisper , "I love you."

Teddy whispered, "I love you too."