Annie was curled up on the couch at the cabin reading she wasn't used to laying around the cabin on their winter trips she missed skiing but it wasn't worth the risk. She was enjoying being cozy by the fire and watching the snowfall softly.
"Do you want to start thinking about lunch," Evelyn asked, breaking the silence.
Annie looked up from her novel," I'm starting to get hungry. We could eat soon."
Evelyn agreed, "let's eat then we can get ready for tonight."
Annie pushed the blanket off her legs, "other than the fact I'm really cozy right now it sounds like a plan."
"Are you feeling okay darling," Evelyn asked.
Annie laughed, "hungry but good. Baby's really starting to grow. Not many people have said much yet."
Evelyn smiled at the young woman, "it's cute Annie. We only notice because we know to look for it. People who don't know you won't really know yet. Give it a couple more weeks. "
Annie stood sliding her feet back into her slippers and smoothing her blue sweater down. Today she had gone for comfort in leggings and an oversized sweater. She hadn't even gotten up until after the skiers had left and was spending the day quietly at the cabin with Evelyn. She knew her body needed the rest and down time. This year the cabin felt busier Allison and Leo ran around and played leaving toys in their wake while Faroke had brought a friend for the first time. Annie was thankful that they had cleaned out the old storage room a couple years before and put a bed in there. She wasn't sure if she could go back to the loft with her husband, the loft was now the domain of teenage boys.
"Thanks nana ," Annie said, "it feels different though. Watching my activity. But I like knowing it's growing."
"It's fun for all of us to see it grow," Evelyn smiled.
Annie giggled, "I haven't been able to get Josh to feel it yet but the baby moves now. It tickles."
Evelyn smiled, "he'll feel it soon. You react every time they move. You get a little smile and your hand goes to your stomach."
"I can't help it," Annie said, "I like them moving."
"It is special sweetheart," Evelyn agreed.
"And that it started on Christmas Day," Annie beamed, "it's like their little Christmas gift."
"With how much you and Teddy love Christmas it is perfect," Evelyn agreed, "you'll have to let me feel soon."
"When they're bigger and stronger," Annie agreed.
"A few weeks," Evelyn said.
Annie nodded, "it seems so weird that Allison is big enough to ski this year."
Evelyn replied, "I've gotten used to having someone stay with me while the rest ski. The first year you came home Teddy stayed because she was pregnant with Ali and close to her due date.I'm still surprised that Teddy and Owen came up at all. I think they did it for you Teddy told me that trip you probably wouldn't have gone without her. Then I had three years of Allison and a year of Leo to keep me company. You'll stay with me this year and next year I'll watch your baby so you can go."
"We can't ask you to do that," Annie said, "one of us will stay with them."
"No you'll go with Josh and ski and I'll do what great grandmas do and spoil the baby," Evelyn said.
Annie smiled, "thank you for taking me in as one of your own."
"I remember the first time you came to Sunday dinner," Evelyn said, "your mama brought you over it was the first time you came to stay with her."
"I remember that night," Annie said, "I was 19."
"You looked younger if your mama hadn't told me I would have said you were about 15," Evelyn said, "the moment you came in and tried to hide behind Teddy knew you were part of the family. I hadn't believed Owen when he said it looked like someone had put Teddy in the dryer to shrink until I saw you. I saw a whole different side of Teddy that night for the first time. There was a gentleness and a softness I didn't know she had. You let her show her soft side and gave her somewhere to put all of the softness and love that she walled off for years. Owen started to soften then two. A part of him I thought was gone somewhere in the desert returned the more time he spent with you and Teddy. You say they saved you. Never doubt how much you saved them. They never would have trusted each other or wanted the family we have without you. You're the first child and the family wouldn't be the same without you having come first."
"My first Highland games with mama," Annie smiled, "you came with uncle Owen."
"You had the national. I know. Doing up the back and pining it all for you," Evelyn said.
"You took my vest that night and added my name," Annie smiled.
"One day you have to make sure the next owners name is in it," Evelyn said, "I've told Meg the same thing. Promise me that will stay in the family. Two of my girls have worn it already."
"I will," Annie promised.
"Your sub internship you lived with me for the month. I finally got to know you on your own away from Teddy. I was so lonely that year. When you called and asked to stay I was so lonely and in such a dark place you turned that around by just being my Annie. For the first time in years my house was full of life," Evelyn smiled.
"How do you just embrace us as family," Annie asked, "mama and I, Josh, Nathan. How do you just call us all yours?"
"Because there is always enough love for each of you. I'm a mom sweetheart and we always have enough love for one more. Family isn't who gave birth to you or who raised you. Family is the people that love you and stand by you. Family love you for simply for being you," Evelyn said,"we love you for just being you. I love all of you just for being you."
Annie had tears in her eyes when she hugged Evelyn, "stop making me cry."
Evelyn hugged Annie tight, "let yourself cry on Nana's shoulder. I know your emotions are all over the place."
Annie nodded, "I don't like this part."
Evelyn agreed, "it's okay it's just you and I. Let's have lunch. it's snowing."
Annie perked up, "do you want to go for a walk with me? Snow walks are the best."
Evelyn smiled, "a walk would be good for both of us. Are you sure you're up to it you and Josh swam with everyone last night."
Annie laughed, "I floated on a pool noodle most of it. I'm still swimming laps a few times a week ."
Evelyn smiled, "I don't want to wear you out."
Annie laughed, "I'm up for a walk then to help you get things ready for tonight."
"You put the pulled pork on earlier," Evelyn said, "but we'll get what we can ready now."
"Shortbread," Annie asked.
"I have some for tonight but I hid it in my room for you," Evelyn said.
"Thank you because someone is drinking my juice," Annie said.
"I have more apple and cranberry juice put away as well," Evelyn said, "I don't think Dillon took us seriously about your juice."
"He also didn't believe Josh and I are married and having a baby," Annie said, "I'm taking the sharpie and putting my name on my juice."
"Like I would let an unmarried couple share a bed," Evelyn said, feigning shock.
"Mama and Owen, Nathan and Meghan, me and Josh," Annie laughed.
"You and Josh weren't in a bed room until after you were engaged," Evelyn said, "that was always my rule. Couples can share a room once they are engaged. I used it with Owen and Beth then Meghan and Nathan."
"Mama and uncle Owen weren't engaged the first family New Years," Annie pointed out.
"She was pregnant with Allison," Evelyn said, "plus he proposed that trip. I knew he was planning to propose over the holidays. I had expected Christmas."
"He talked to me about that on the chair lift that day," Annie said, "to make sure I was okay with it."
Evelyn nodded, "he always knew you came first with Teddy. That's one reason he waited as long as he did after Christina left for good. He knew they had to make sure you were okay."
"I'm tougher than they give me credit for," Annie said.
"I know," Evelyn smiled, "but they're your parents and will always worry. Just like I get to fuss and worry about you because I'm your nana."
"I don't need all the fuss," Annie said, "I don't like it. I'm happy with a quiet day and a walk with you. No fussing."
"I can't even make you lunch," Evelyn teased.
"Maybe a grilled cheese and there's still some of your tomato soup left from last night," Annie said.
"Protein," Evelyn asked, "I'm under strict orders from Josh to make sure you eat protein."
"The leftover chicken bites," Annie said, "I really just want soup and a grilled cheese."
"Big bowl of soup then," Evelyn smiled.
"I'm starting to feel like I'm always hungry," Annie said, "I've never eaten this much in my life."
"Listen to what your body and the baby want," Evelyn said, "will you find out what you're having?"
"The anatomy scan is in 3 weeks," Annie replied, "it would be fun to be surprised but we both know how to read them so as soon as we look we'll know and I want to see our baby. I just want it to be healthy."
Evelyn nodded, "it will be. You're taking care of yourself."
"If I could get Josh to stop hovering that would be great," Annie said, "I know he's excited but I can do things. I'm not a china doll. Mama was on her own with me then moved across the globe with Allison."
"Owen went with her to help her move," Evelyn reminded, "the moment she came home to see you and Meghan he wasn't going to let her walk away from him again."
"I was the excuse to come home," Annie said, "I was the excuse because she wasn't sure how he would react so making sure Owen and Meghan hadn't tortured me worked."
"Owen never planned to torture you," Evelyn laughed, "why do you think he went to every conference in Boston while you were in medical school?"
"To check on me," Annie replied, "I knew what he was doing but it was nice to have family come see me. Uncle Owen and mama have been my parents since my first year of med school. It felt normal to have mama and my favorite uncle come see me. I knew he would tell mama how he thought I was doing. He'd come to the conference a day early and take me for dinner. Then would meet up with me between classes when the schedule worked."
"He also told me and sounded like a proud dad when he did," Evelyn added, "as soon as we knew you were doing the three week rotation here he called me about you staying with me."
"I asked him to," Annie said, "I wanted him to make sure it was okay before I called. I texted with him and mama while I was at school. I thought I could stay with you and if you said no I was going to beg uncle Owen or ask him to help me find something. He probably would have sent me to Grey's house or asked Robbins or Torres."
"I loved having you that month and getting to know you," Evelyn said, "I hadn't seen you in a couple years and you had matured so much."
"Then I surprised you with who my best friend was," Annie laughed.
"I knew you were friends with Josh but didn't realize how close until he came to pick you up and you hugged him," Evelyn said, "it was almost like watching your mama and Owen when they first met."
"That was fun the night we had a family dinner with Josh and Nathan," Annie smiled.
"To have my boys home felt right," Evelyn said, "and you had Teddy on your iPad to talk to us."
"Her and I did that at least once a week," Annie said.
"You still do something once a week don't you," Evelyn asked.
"Most weeks unless our schedules are really crazy," Annie replied, "usually we go for a run. Lately it's been a walk. She doesn't want me running."
"She's been busy with the new position," Evelyn agreed, "running wouldn't be the best right now."
"She's the best chief I've had," Annie smiled, "she actually listens to her doctors and gets things done."
"She's a good leader," Evelyn agreed, "she's better under pressure than Owen."
"Owens OR and trauma rooms are usually pretty calm and organized," Annie said, "mamas OR is more fun. When it's just her and I we put music on and work. We have a heart reconstruction next week. It's my 8th she thinks I might be ready to do one of the ventricles. We're trying to have each of us do half the heart. Similar to what they did on Ian."
"I remember that was an 18 hour surgery," Evelyn said, "are you up to it?"
Annie nodded, "I'll scrub out to use the washroom or eat if I have to. I'm feeling really good. I'm almost halfway now and most of the hospital doesn't know. People are figuring it out. It's been fun to leave people guessing."
"Are you sure," Evelyn asked.
"We have a plan," Annie replied, "plus I'm doing it with mama and uncle Owen. The only attendings I can tell exactly what's going on so if I need a break I'll tell them. Carina isn't worried as long as I eat and hydrate."
Evelyn asked, "does the patient know that you're a family?"
Annie nodded, "they realized with mama and I right away. Then mama introduced Owen as her husband. She never hides the relationship; it often puts people at ease. Especially when we're working on little kids. Moms settle when they see her and I as a team."
"It's another mom," Evelyn smiled, "they'll recognize it with you soon enough."
Annie laughed, "soon. It's visible in normal clothes but today's big cozy sweater hides it better. Scrubs are still iffy if you can tell."
Evelyn shook her head, "why are you hiding it?"
"It looks like I'm just getting fat," Annie said.
"Show it off," Evelyn encouraged, "your what 18 weeks?"
"19," Annie said, " almost half way. This is the best I've felt since the fall."
"Lunch is ready," Evelyn said, "let's eat and go for our walk."
After lunch Annie and Evelyn went for a long walk in the snow. Annie happily took Meghan's German Shepherd on the leash; the dog was a good excuse to be outside longer and off the plowed road and the cleared path.
After their walk they went in and prepared what they could for the evening, Annie stretched out on the couch with her book and the blanket again. The dog hopped up on her feet, she knew Meghan didn't normally allow the dog on the couch but it was just the end of the sectional and it was cozy so Annie let him be. Evelyn sat in the other corner of the couch with her knitting and turned an old movie on low.
Teddy and Owens' group returned first, the little two being worn out from a long day on the mountain and Owen almost out of patience with them. Josh came down with them not wanting to leave Annie on her own much longer. He felt bad skiing without her knowing how much she loved the mountain. When the door opened Evelyn put her finger to her lips and mimed sleeping, pointing to Annie who was dozing on the couch. Teddy smiled and nodded, this was good Annie had slowed down and was letting herself have the rest she needed. Sliding out of his snow gear Josh sat beside Annie and kissed her cheek.
Annie smiled when she saw him, "how was your ski day?"
Josh replied, "I spent the morning with Nate and the teenagers and then helped get these two going after lunch. They need you to teach Allison."
"Next winter," Annie replied, "we can try having Evelyn babysit and you and I could even do a half day."
Josh smiled, "I missed you up there today."
"I missed skiing," Annie replied, "I'd like to skate with everyone tonight. "
"If you don't fall," Josh said, "I'll hold your hand."
"You will," Annie asked.
"The whole time," Josh promised.
"I'm starting to feel a bit cabin bound. But we took Oakley for a long walk," Annie replied.
"Why don't we both bundle up and we can take the dog for another walk," Josh suggested, "if you're up to it."
"A walk sounds great," Annie said, "maybe down to the meadow and along the river."
"Where we got married," Josh smiled.
"Then we'll get cleaned up when we come back," Annie replied.
Seeing they were alone in the living room Josh asked, "how's our monkey today."
"Wiggly," Annie smiled. She placed his hand on her bump.
"Thick sweater that's not fair," Josh said.
Seeing they were alone Annie pushed her sweater out of the way and tried again.
"I still can't feel it," Josh whined.
"Everything I've read said I'll feel it first and it could be a few weeks after that before you do. I've only really felt it the last few days," Annie said.
"I'm kinda jealous. I want to feel it move and play with it," Josh said.
"Soon," Annie said, "I think it's happy."
"You're feeling okay," Josh asked.
"I've laid around too much today and actually took a nap on the couch until you woke me up," Annie replied, "I feel good. You need to stop worrying. I'll tell you if I'm not okay."
"I just want you both to be healthy," Josh said.
"That means not stressing me out by asking if I'm okay a thousand times a day," Annie said.
"I'll try," Josh said, "I worry about you."
"Then I won't tell you about the surgery mama and I have planned for next week," Annie laughed.
"What are you doing," Josh asked.
Teddy joined the conversation, "a full heart reconstruction on a thirteen year old. Their from Belize it's untreated HLH but now he needs a full reconstruction."
Josh's face went white, "isn't that a minimum of twelve hours?"
"I think we can do it in nine," Teddy said, "we know this time and have a plan. Annie, Owen and I. I want to record it carefully and publish if it's any good."
"We'll make sure she scrubs out to eat and use the washroom," Owen promised.
"Stop fussing I'm fine," Annie declared.
Meghan and Nathan were preparing to head down the mountain. When Farokes friend Dillon began asking questions.
"Are your cousins really married," Dillon asked, "it's weird that cousins got married."
Meghan answered, "Annie and Josh have been married a year and a half. They are not related to each other. Nathan is Josh's uncle, his brother is Josh's dad. Teddy is Annie's mother. Teddy had another relationship before medical school that created Annie. Owen is my older brother and is married to Teddy. It's confusing but they're connected through family."
Nathan added, "Josh and Annie have been together since medical school and are just finishing their surgical residencies. They didn't know I was friends with Teddy when they met."
"So they're actually married and having a kid," Dillon said, looking shocked.
"They are," Meghan confirmed, "and when we get back I would stay away from Annie's cranberry and apple juices. You don't get in between a pregnant woman and what she's craving. Annie is pretty laid back and soft spoken but she'll notice and not be happy about it. She'll make Josh go get her more."
"I thought she was joking," Dillon said.
"Normally Annie would be," Faroke said, "she's probably the coolest one of all the adults. It was weird not skiing with her. She's the only one of us who can do the tight moguls on the steep stuff she was going to teach me to hop turn though it all."
"She hop turns," Dillon said, "that's what racers do."
"Her dad raced and taught her. Annie is really fast on her skis," Meghan said, "she's an amazing athlete but she's being cautious right now. She might skate with us later."
"If we showed her the GoPro footage could she help us," Faroke suggested.
"Not this year mate," Nathan replied, "Josh said she's pretty upset she can't ski."
Meghan nodded, "it's not like her to sleep in like that. She didn't get up with us. Or she was pouting in their room."
Nathan agreed, "she was awake. I know Josh took her a cup of tea in bed and her book. He's still trying to get her to slow down. They almost didn't come up but then she'd try to work and they really need the days off. Cardio is finding it hard to have her not pick up extra shifts."
"She finally has a reason to say no to doing extra," Meghan replied, "she's only been doing 80 hours for a couple months. It's good. There's been a couple weeks she only had 60 and she accepted that. She still has lots of hours banked but she's saving them for later."
"She's the best cardio resident I've ever seen," Nathan said, "Teddy says skills wise it's a tie between Annie and Christina Yang but Annie has more of the soft skills."
"It's her peds training," Meghan said, "she's amazing with kids coming in for trauma."
"That's when you steal her," Nathan asked.
"Annie gets the kids calm. She's in charge but she's quiet and gentle about it. She's calm and everyone feeds off it," Meghan said, "at work not much ruffles her."
"Are there different types of surgeons," asked Dillon.
"There are," Meghan said, "our family you get two types. Owen, Josh and I are trauma surgeons and deal with massive injuries in life or death situations. Nathan, Teddy and Annie are cardiothoracic surgeons; they work mainly with the heart and lungs but help with anything related to the circulatory system. All of us are transplant certified. Our hospital has a lot of different surgical specialties that we all work with. Cardiothoracic is the heart and lungs, general is all of the stuff in your abdomen, ortho is bones, plastics is skin and appearance, neuro is your brain, ent deals with ears nose and throat, obgyn is women's health and having babies, peds is kids, urology is men's health, kidneys and bladders."
"Do you learn all of it," Dillon asked.
"Trauma surgeons do a lot of general, ortho and cardio," Meghan explained, "but we call for the experts when we need them. So if a kid comes in with broken ribs and damage to his heart and lungs I would call Teddy, Nathan or Annie to help me. They would deal with what's inside the rib cage while I deal with the abdomen."
"What's it like," Dillon asked.
"If you want to come see before you go back to school talk to your parents and I'll set it up," Meghan offered, "Teddy is the chief of surgery. She's in charge of all the surgeons I just have to tell her. I know she used to bring Annie into the OR with her when Annie was younger and not a doctor yet."
"I would bring Josh in when I could," Nathan said, "we'll talk to your parents."
"That would be great Mr Riggs," Dillon beamed.
"It's Nathan," Nathan reminded.
"All of the adults around here except Nana use doctor," Faroke said.
"Don't you have a few with the same last name then," Dillon asked.
"We do," Meghan said, "Owen and I both use Hunt, Nathan and Josh are Riggs, Annie and Teddy are Altman. We have nicknames in the hospital."
"Dad is Annie's brother Chris coming down tonight," Faroke asked.
"Chris is coming tonight and staying a few days," Meghan said, "why?"
"Chris is as good of a skier as Annie and he's faster," Faroke said, "would he teach us to hop turn."
"You can ask him," Nathan replied, "he's like uncle Owen, his bark is worse than his bite."
"He might want some time with Annie and Josh. Josh isn't skiing tomorrow," Meghan said, "she twisted his arm into going today."
"Who's Chris," Dillon asked.
"Annie's half brother," Nathan explained, "same dad. They grew up together."
"Why don't they see their dad," Faroke asked.
"Chris does a couple times a year but Annie has her reasons not to," Meghan said, "only auntie Teddy, Josh and Annie know the whole story."
"Was their dad at Annie and Josh's wedding," asked Faroke.
"He couldn't make it," Nathan replied, "that's why uncle Owen who is Annie's step dad walked her down the aisle."
Back at the cabin Josh helped Annie with her snow gear.
"Snow pants don't do up any more," Annie laughed as she slid the straps over her shoulders, "my coat is tight on my stomach."
"Don't worry about it," Teddy called, "just do up what you can."
"Tell Meghan we took Oakley," Josh called as they went outside.
"I will," Owen promised.
Josh took the leash and Annie's hand as they went outside. They followed the trail towards the community center and turned into the meadow. Josh pulled the tennis ball from his pocket and threw it for the dog. Annie looped her arm around Josh's waist. He pulled her in close.
"I missed you today," Annie said.
"So did I," Josh answered, "it was weird being up there without you. I'm going to stay back tomorrow and spend the day with you."
"You don't have to do that," Annie replied.
"I was thinking we could have a quiet morning here maybe go snowshoeing if you're up to it then drive up with Evelyn and join everyone for lunch in the lodge," Josh suggested.
"Bring Allison and Leo back if they're tired so mama and uncle Owen can get some good runs in," Annie suggested.
"We can offer," Josh said.
Annie nodded. They stood in silence for a while taking turns to throw the ball for the dog who galloped through the snow.
"Next time we're here we'll have our baby," Annie said.
"We will," Josh agreed.
"I can't believe how much it's growing," Annie smiled.
"It is," Josh smiled, "I like seeing it."
"It feels so different," Annie said.
"It's cute," Josh said, "you're glowing."
"It's cold and my cheeks are rosy. They've always done that," Annie laughed.
"This is different," Josh smiled.
"I wonder who they'll look like," Annie said.
"She'll be as beautiful as her mommy," Josh beamed.
"Or as handsome as his daddy," Annie smiled.
Josh pulled Annie close and kissed her. As they kissed the snow started to fall again.
"Let's head inside," Josh said, "before you get cold."
"I'm okay," Annie said, "let's walk the edge of the meadow first."
"Where do you want to go," Josh asked.
"Just to the spot where we said our vows over by the cedars," Annie said, "I'm just being silly and sentimental."
"We'll go then we should go in so we can get ready for skating," Josh replied.
Annie nodded and took his hand. Josh called the dog over and clipped the leash on. They walked towards where they said their vows just over a year earlier.
Josh knelt in the snow and started talking to Annie's bump, "hi baby it's daddy. I think you can hear me now. I know mommy is taking really good care of you, she's even stopped drinking real coffee and mommy loves coffee. I know you can't see where we are but we're in a very special spot. This is where mommy and daddy got married. Right now it's covered in snow and cold out but your mommy loves the snow. She'd be out here all day if she could but we can't have you getting cold. We're so excited to meet you little monkey. You have the best mommy. She's kind, beautiful, brilliant and passionate."
Annie was wiping tears from her eyes with the end of her scarf, "Josh stop it you're making me cry."
Josh stood up after planting a kiss on her stomach.
"That works better when I'm not in my snow gear," Annie laughed.
"But your parents are at the cabin," Josh complained.
"And your aunt and uncle," Annie laughed.
"Our family is weird," Josh agreed, "but seriously I meant all of it."
"Stop it you'll make me cry again and Nana already did that today," Annie said.
"How did Evelyn make you cry," Josh asked.
"Just reminiscing about my very first visit to her house and my first trip to the cabin," Annie explained.
They walked back hand in hand laughing and teasing each other.
Josh went to shower when they went inside and Annie sat on the couch with Teddy.
"How was your day," Teddy asked.
"Quiet. I needed that," Annie replied, "how was skiing?"
"Good but we missed you," Teddy said, "next year we need you to teach the little two."
"I will," Annie replied, "we may drive up to meet everyone for lunch tomorrow. I can stand at the edge of the baby slope and watch her."
"If you want to and it's not too much for you," Teddy said.
"It won't be," Annie said, "Josh and I were going to drive Evelyn up. Maybe a short snowshoe."
"That will be a good day for you," Teddy said, "you feeling okay?"
"I'd be better if people stopped asking me that," Annie replied, "it's started kicking. Josh can't feel it yet though."
"The first soft tickles," Teddy smiled, "a little secret just for you."
"It tickles. I only notice it if I'm perfectly still," Annie smiled.
"It does," Teddy agreed, "it'll get more noticeable soon. Can I feel it when it does."
"Maybe," Annie said, "I still don't love being touched."
"Just your husband," Teddy teased.
"Just Josh," Annie agreed, "but when I'm ready you can feel. Just don't randomly try to pet my stomach."
"I know you like your bubble and will tell me if it's okay you always do," Teddy reassured.
"I need you for this mama," Annie admitted , "I don't know what I'm doing or what's going on in my body half the time. I know I'm a surgeon and I've read a lot and worked with pregnant moms but it's different when it's happening to you."
Teddy nodded, "I'm here every step of the way sweetheart. You can always talk to me. I know this is hard. I leaned on my mom a lot with you."
"I need you to tell me what to do and how to be a mom," Annie said.
"I'm always here baby girl," Teddy promised, "you sure you're okay?"
"Just nervous and worried everything will be okay ," Annie said, "it's growing fast."
"It is," Teddy agreed, "it will all be fine. You've been healthy once we got your iron up. But you've always been anemic."
"I think we're goin to have to keep watching my iron," Annie said.
"We always have. You've been this low before and a couple infusions brought it up ten years ago. But your showing," Teddy said.
Annie pulled her sweater tight, "it's a baby now."
"It is. Stop hiding it sweetheart your very cute with your little bump," Teddy smiled.
"I'm going to get cleaned up and at least deal with my hair," Annie said.
"It's casual tonight," Teddy said.
"Jeans, cute top and a sweater," Annie replied, "I just want to brush my hair and fix my makeup."
"You don't need much makeup," Teddy said, "you're all rosy."
"Just mascara and eyeliner," Annie said.
"Okay," Teddy replied, "I think your sister is looking for you."
"Story time," Annie asked, "I have a special snow story for them. One of my favorites as a kid. Maybe they can come cuddle on my bed to read with me."
"They'll like that," Teddy said.
Annie called Allison and Leo over and motioned for them to climb up on her bed for a story. She put the pillows behind her back and leaned against them before pulling the throw blanket over her legs tucking Allison and Leo in with her. They snuggled on either side leaning against her while she read. Josh stood in the doorway smiling. He could picture Annie doing this with their baby in her lap next year and her siblings on either side. One day they would have a couple kids of their own snuggled up for a story. He knew Annie would make a special ritual of story time for their baby. One of her favorite parts of her childhood was story time. The collection of children's books on the window seat in their bedroom was growing rapidly as Annie picked up books for the baby.
Do you think Annie and Josh are having a boy or a girl?