Annie parked in front of Evelyn's house and grabbed her backpack off her front seat. After grabbing the grocery bags on the back seat she knocked on the door. Meghan let her in.
"Go easy on me Annie," Meghan said, "I haven't run in months."
Annie said, "I will this time. I should say hi to your mom before we go. And I have the stuff mama asked me to pick up."
"We're going to help mom get the turkey and stuffing in the oven first," Meghan said, "what time is Teddy coming?"
"She said around one or two it's only 9:30," Annie replied, "she didn't leave the hospital until almost midnight she's exhausted. She had to go in and check a patient and do some paperwork Uncle Owen was going with her."
"What time did you leave then," Meghan asked.
"1:30 ish," Annie said, "I made sure the patient was stable in the ICU before I left."
"You got to leave," Meghan asked.
"Bailey sent me home. I was at 105 hours," Annie said, "she watches my hours closely still."
"Still doing over 100," Meghan said.
"I don't mind," Annie said, "I have to prove myself. They expect a lot of me."
Annie had hung her winter coat in the hall closet.
"Thunderbirds," Meghan said, "what school uses thunderbirds as their mascot?"
Annie had worn her old UBC dance team warm up jacket with a pair of black leggings and a blue athletic top for their run.
"UBC," Annie said, "I was on the dance team."
"Nice looking jacket," Meghan said.
"Thanks it's one of the few UBC things I still have. I kept it because it moves like a second skin," Annie said.
"Why UBC," Meghan asked.
"I did my undergrad there," Annie said, "it's the only medical school in BC and that was my original plan for Med school. There's provincial residency requirements to apply in Canada. It was my only choice until mama helped me look into other options."
"How different is education there," Meghan asked.
"No middle school, elementary was k-7 and secondary is 8-12. I didn't have to do the SATs," Annie said.
"How do they do college admissions without the SAT," Meghan asked.
"Most of my grade 10, 11 and 12 courses had provincial exams," Annie said, "I took math, English and science 10, math, English and socials in grade 11 plus my French 12. Then physics, chemistry, biology, math, calculus, English, and geography in grade 12."
"They test by subject," Meghan said.
"Yes," Annie said, "it was a lot to study for. They all happen in the last two weeks of June."
"Better to get you ready for college," Meghan said.
"Annie, how are you," Evelyn asked.
"I'm good," Annie said, "ready to go for a run."
"Rip up the bread for the stuffing and peel the sweet potatoes first," Evelyn said.
"You gave her my jobs," Meghan said.
"You have Owen's," Evelyn laughed.
"Okay," Meghan said.
Annie asked, "can I put music on?"
"Yes please," Evelyn said.
Annie took her phone out of her pocket and pressed play on a play list she had built with Teddy in the summer.
"It's one of the play lists mama and I made," Annie explained, "more my music then hers though."
They helped Evelyn get the turkey in the oven and all of the potatoes peeled.
"It's not raining," Meghan said, "let's go run now."
"Just need my shoes," Annie said, "do you usually run with music?"
"I used to," Meghan said, "but we're going slow, we can talk."
"Time or distance," Annie asked.
"There's a good park not far from here. I was thinking walk to the park run around it then walk back," Meghan said.
"Let's go then," Annie called.
"I'm ready," Meghan said.
They let Evelyn know they were going and headed outside. They headed towards the park happily chatting.
Evelyn was watching from the front window, she smiled seeing the growing confidence in Annie and how happy and healthy Meghan was. Owen and Teddy were at the hospital, Nathan and Josh were off and had taken Faroke for a hike, under the excuse of needing guy time.
At the hospital Teddy walked out of her patients room and leaned on the wall one hand instinctively going to her stomach. Something felt wrong, she was in pain and didn't know what was happening. As suddenly as the pain hit it let go. Teddy panicked and sent Owen a 911 message to meet her at the nurses station.
Seeing Teddy doubled over holding onto the counter Owen grabbed a wheelchair and helped her to sit in it.
"She's coming," Teddy cried, "it's too soon."
Owen soothed, "you don't know that Teddy. Let's go get it checked out."
Owen sent a message to Carina that they were on their way up.
Carina met them in an exam room where Owen helped Teddy to sit on an exam table.
Carina preformed the exam on a very anxious Teddy. Owen was desperately trying to calm Teddy down.
Carina told them what was going on and that teddy would need more rest.
Teddy ranted, "insufficiency I've never been insufficient in my life."
Carina adjusted the bed so Teddy's feet were elevated and Owen slipped a few pillows under her head to try to make her more comfortably. He took off her shoes and gently massaged her feet. He grabbed another gurney and put it in the same position so he could sit with Teddy.
"This isn't how I pictured Thanksgiving," Teddy cried.
"Teds it's okay," Owen said, "you're going to rest and the squirrel will be okay. Just talk to her."
"I feel silly talking to her when you're here," Teddy said, "I only talk to her when I'm alone."
"Do you want me to talk to her," Owen asked.
Teddy replied, "not if you do the silly voices. You'll scare her into never coming out."
"I'll try," Owen said.
Teddy whined, "this isn't how today was supposed to go. I was supposed to go to your moms around 2 and help with dinner. Annie is already there. Annie and Meghan were going to help Evelyn get started then go for a run. Your mom sent me a cute picture of them heading up the road."
"Relax," Owen said, "I'm right here with you. See we're in this together. Try talking to her, tell her she's safe and loved."
Teddy sounded hesitant, "hi baby girl it's your mom. You're giving daddy and I a bit of a scare right now. We love you and we want to meet you but you need to grow a little more first. We need you to stay right where you are."
Owen added, "we love you little squirrel but it's not time for you to come yet. You have two more months to grow."
"She's calming down," Teddy said, rubbing her stomach.
"Do you need anything Teds," Owen asked.
"I wouldn't say no to ice cream," Teddy said, "or a glass of water."
"Ice cream may have to wait but I can get water," Owen said.
Owen came back with a glass of water and a straw.
"Thank you," Teddy said.
Owen held the glass so she could drink. Owen's other hand joined Teddy's on her stomach letting their little girl know they were there.
"How are you feeling," Owen asked.
"A bit better," Teddy said.
"Do you want me to call Carina and get her to check," Owen asked.
"We could," Teddy said.
Owen messaged Carina to come check in with Teddy.
"That's looking better," Carina said, "I'd still like you to rest here a bit more then stay off your feet for a few days."
"Can I go to Owen's mom's for Thanksgiving tonight," Teddy asked.
"I don't see why you can't," Carina said, "let's give you another 90 minutes or so here and recheck. I want to observe you for another 3 or 4 hours. But I don't see a problem with you going to dinner tonight if you sit on the couch or just sit at the table. You have to stay off your feet."
"We have to tell your mom I'll be late," Teddy said.
"I'll call," Owen said.
Owen stepped into the hall to call Evelyn. He heard lively celtic music in the background.
"Mom what's going on," Owen asked.
"You sister decided she wanted to try dancing again," Evelyn said, "she has a very enthusiastic accomplice in this."
"Annie," Owen asked.
"Yes," Evelyn said, "they're doing the fling in my living room, they've already done the sword and the lilt. You should see the smiles, Annie is laughing."
"I'll tell Teddy," Owen said, "but we're going to be late tonight."
"Has one of you been called into surgery," Evelyn asked.
"No," Owen said, "Teddy was having some contractions but they've stopped now. Her doctor wants her to rest here for a couple more hours then stay off her feet. Everything should be fine. She's just over doing it."
"Do you two want to just go home so Teddy can rest," Evelyn said, "we won't be offended."
"Teddy really wants to come and see everyone," Owen said, "it's our first Thanksgiving as a family."
"I have an idea," Evelyn said, "does Annie have a key to your house?"
"She does," Owen said, "Teddy insisted that she had keys and could always come whenever she wants."
"Let me ask Meghan and Annie something, " Evelyn said.
Evelyn put her hand over the phone to muffle the sound and motioned for the music to be turned off.
Meghan saw the worried look one Evelyn's face, "Mom what's wrong?"
"Teddy had a few contractions, they've stopped and everything is fine. Teddy needs to rest and stay off her feet for a few days. Annie has a key to Owen's house, can you two help me move dinner there," Evelyn asked.
"Is mama okay," Annie asked.
"She is. She just needs to rest and go home," Evelyn said, "but she really wanted to do our first Thanksgiving as a family."
"We can move everything," Annie said, "it's just like catering."
"I need to shower first but we'll move everything," Meghan said.
Evelyn uncovered the phone, "we're going to make a change. Thanksgiving dinner will be waiting at your house when you come home."
"Thanks mom we really appreciate it," Owen said, "we won't be out of here until 6:30 so home around 7."
"What do we need to do," Annie asked Evelyn.
"They won't be home until 7ish," Evelyn said, "it's only 1 we have time. You have enough time to do another fling or two."
"I'm done," Meghan said, "but we will do that again."
"ST or JL next time," Annie said.
"Lets try a Flora first," Meghan said, "I'd like to see your JL."
"One JL," Evelyn said, "then we'll get organized."
"Okay," Annie said.
Annie did her favourite version of the JL.
"I've never seen that version of the 4th step before," Meghan said, "I tried it years ago in a workshop with a Mrs. Granger but I've never seen it performed."
"Laura Granger was my teacher," Annie said, "I like the turning version, it's fun. I always did it onstage because no one else does it."
"One day you have to teach me that version," Meghan said.
"I will," Annie replied.
Owen went back into Teddy's room , "they're worried about you Teds."
"They don't need to worry about me," Teddy said, "are they okay that we'll only make it for desert."
"Mom has a different plan," Owen said, "they know how much today meant to you. They're going to move dinner to our house. Mom, Meg and Annie have it under control."
"I said I would go help and do the pies," Teddy said.
"Annie will do them," Owen said, "but she has texted me a couple questions for measurements."
"Of course she has," Teddy said, "she knows them but doesn't trust herself."
"My mom also sent a video," Owen said, "I haven't seen it but there was a dance party in their living room."
"I missed it," Teddy groaned, "I knew Meghan was going to try to get Annie to help her remember some of the highland dances."
"Here," Owen said showing Teddy the video.
"They're having fun," Teddy said, "look at Annie's smile."
"Meg looks happy two," Owen said, "mom said they were laughing."
"Good," Teddy said, "I'm so happy your mom and sister have accepted Annie as part of the family."
"Mom has since she met Annie," Owen said, "Meghan loved her after that first ambulance ride. It was getting Annie to trust Meghan. She's starting to."
"She's gradually starting to trust Meg," Teddy agreed, "it's Annie she's slow to trust. Are you sure they're okay with moving dinner to our house?"
"My mom offered," Owen said.
"I'm ruining it," Teddy said, "I'm supposed to be there helping cook and hanging out with them."
"Teddy breath," Owen said, "you're not helping Allison when you get worked up."
"Are you sure she's going to be okay," Teddy asked.
"She will be," Owen said, "do we want to ask Carina or Arizona to bring the ultrasound in?"
"Can we see her," Teddy asked, "I need to see that she's okay."
"I'll send Carina a message," Owen said.
Carina came back in, "you have a question Teddy?"
"Can you bring the ultrasound in," Owen asked, "she's getting anxious and we'd like to see that the baby is okay."
"Of course," Carina said. She went to get the portable ultrasound.
"Owen can you help me with my top," Teddy asked.
"I can," Owen replied. He helped slide Teddy's top over her bump. He pulled a chair beside Teddy's head.
Teddy turned her head to look at him, "how did I get so lucky to be having this baby with you?"
"I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else," Owen said, " I love you."
"I love you more," Teddy said.
"Let's take a look at your baby," Carina said, she turned the screen so Teddy and Owen could see it.
"She looks good," Teddy said.
"She's head down," Carina said, "her size is on track."
"Can I hear her heart beat," Teddy asked.
"Of course," Carina said.
Carina turned on the sound. Teddy closed her eyes and listened.
"It sounds good," Teddy said, "the rhythm is good, all the sounds are right."
"Teddy enough of your party trick," Owen said, "we all know you can hear things others don't see on scans or charts."
"She's very healthy," Carina said, "I have no concerns."
"What happened today then," Teddy asked.
"Stress, tired, dehydration," Carina said, "it could be many things."
"My age," Teddy asked.
"That could be a factor," Carina agreed.
"How do we keep the baby safe," Owen asked.
"Teddy you need to take a few days off," Carina said, " I'll recheck you on Tuesday and see. But I'm going to say no more long surgeries. 4 hours maximum."
"I'll talk to Pierce," Teddy said, "maybe I can take over all of the teaching for cardio and just do routine short surgeries."
"Teddy," Owen said, "is that what you want?"
"This was a sign to slow down Owen," Teddy said, "I'll teach and do minor procedures then after she's born I'll do more."
"I'm going to move the bed so your lying flat Teddy," Carina said.
"Can I go to the washroom," Teddy asked.
"You're only up to use the washroom or to move from your bed to the couch until Monday," Carina said.
"I'll carry you up the stairs," Owen said.
"I can get up now by myself," Teddy said.
At Evelyn's, Annie sat at the kitchen table helping plan to move the dinner.
"We need more containers, bigger ones," Meghan said.
"I have a few," Annie said, "I can run home shower and get them."
"That takes too long," Evelyn said, "I thought our plan was for you to get ready here."
"I need to shower and dry my hair, I'm not taking the hour to straighten it," Annie said.
"Call Josh and Nathan to get what you need from your place," Meghan said.
"Josh isn't driving," Annie said.
"Call him, then shower your hair will take longer to dry than mine," Meghan said.
"I should cut it," Annie said, "it's been 2 years since I took any length off. It used to be down to my hips when I left it curly. Then two weeks into third year I cut it to my shoulder blades."
"Would you cut it again," Evelyn asked.
"I want to trim the dead ends," Annie said, "but I'll keep it this length."
"Call boyfriend, go shower," Meghan directed, "don't use all the hot water."
"I grew up with two siblings. I'm fast," Annie said.
"Then you're on pies Annie," Evelyn said.
"I've done the crusts with mama enough I know how to do it and can do the apple filling," Annie said, "but I've never done the pumpkin."
"I have a recipe," Evelyn said, "and you brought all the ingredients."
"I did," Annie said.
"You've watched," Meghan said, "think of it like a surgery."
"I think I can do it," Annie said, "I'm going to go get ready."
"You remember where everything is," Evelyn asked.
"I do," Annie said, "thank you."
Annie grabbed her back pack from the hall and texted Josh about the change of plans as she went up the stairs.
Annie, "mama needs to do dinner tonight at home. Moving from Evelyns to mama's"
Josh, "everything okay?"
Annie, "will explain when I see you. Not sure of details and hard to text."
Josh, "how was your run?"
Annie, "slow but we did fling, sword and lilt when we got back. That was fun. How was your hike?"
Josh, "good. Faroke doesn't like the rain."
Annie, "he'll get used to it. I need your help with a couple things for tonight can you ask Nathan to stop at home?"
Josh, "he's dropping me off so I can shower then come. What time do you need me?"
Annie, "5:30 at mama and Uncle Owen's. Can you come to Evelyn's first?"
Josh, "why?"
Annie, "I want to see you and I need you to bring a couple things here."
Josh, "what do you need?"
Annie, "big tupperware containers, the ones I usually put the big salads in, candles. Can you feed Milo his dinner?"
Josh, "I'll grab that stuff. Milo gets the stuff in a can for dinner?"
Annie, "he does. Thank you so much."
Josh, "see you in an hour?"
Annie, "see you soon. Love you."
Josh, "love you more."
Annie quickly showered and dried her hair. She ran downstairs to help get the rest of dinner going.
"Should we move stuff once Meghan has showered," Annie asked, "maybe her and I take the veggies over and get them in and you bring the turkey and stuffing when it's ready?"
"That would work," Evelyn said and less containers to move, "why don't you go now and start setting the table."
"Josh is coming here in about 30 minutes," Annie replied, "I'll wait for him and he'll come with me."
"That works," Evelyn replied.
They finished preparing what they could and with help from Josh, Nathan and Faroke packed up what they could to take to Owen and Teddy's. Annie let them all into the house and they set the table and finished preparing dinner.
"Can some one get a fire going," Annie asked.
"Where is the stuff," Josh asked.
"There's some wood there and there's an axe and chopping block just off the back deck if you need more kindling," Annie said.
"There's newspaper in the recycling bin here," Meghan said.
"I'll do it," Josh said, "can Faroke help with the kindling?"
"I'll supervise," Nathan said.
"He knows how," Meghan added, "I taught him. One of you just needs to stand with him."
"Lets go buddy," Josh said.
They came in and built a fire in the fire place, Annie was setting the table while Nathan helped Meghan and Evelyn with final touches in the kitchen.
Just before 7 Owen carried Teddy into the house.
"You didn't have to move everything and hold dinner for us," Teddy said.
"It wouldn't be thanksgiving without the whole family," Evelyn said, "we're almost ready to eat. Owen put her down at the table please."
Annie came over to the table, "mama are you okay?"
Teddy nodded, "I'm off my feet until Tuesday. Then I need to talk to Maggie about doing all of the teaching for the cardio department. And reducing my OR time."
"Is the baby okay," Annie asked.
"She's good," Teddy said, "healthy and growing."
"How much longer," asked Evelyn.
"7 weeks," Teddy said.
"Not long," Meghan said, "can you tell us her name?"
Teddy and Owen looked at each other.
"We'll share the middle and last name," Owen said, "her first name when she arrives."
"What is it," asked Annie.
"We're doing Altman - Hunt as the last name," Owen said, "she should have both of our names."
"The middle name," Evelyn asked.
"Elosie," Teddy smiled.
"My middle name," Meghan shouted.
"Yes," Teddy said, "we want her to have her Auntie Meghan's strength."
"Thank you," Meghan said, she hugged Teddy first then Owen.
"You kept Altman," Annie said.
"She has to match us sweetheart," Teddy said.
"She does," Annie agreed.
"My girls need to be connected," Teddy said.
"I can't wait to meet her," Annie said, "when she's fully grown."
"Soon," Teddy said.
As they sat down to dinner every one shared what they were thankful for that year and it all had the same sentiment that they were together. The family may be unconventional but they were together and had each other.