Saturday just before noon Annie and Josh heard a knock at the door. Josh stood to go answer it, Annie was settled in the rocking chair feeding Ellie, her rocker had quickly become her favourite spot to sit.
"Dan," Josh greeted, "you didn't tell us you were coming."
"I didn't tell anyone," Dan said, "everyone thinks I'm picking up boat seats."
"Come in," Josh said.
"Who's here," Annie asked.
"Your dad," Josh replied.
"Can you guys sit outside until I come get you," Annie asked.
"We can," Josh agreed, "Dan, Annie is just feeding Ellie. Why don't we grab a seat on the porch."
"It's just a bottle," Dan said.
"Dan it's not," Annie called, she did not want him to see her like this with her shirt open and the baby attached to her. There was still some dignity to preserve. Josh she didn't care it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before and their baby, mama was just mama and understood and as Teddy had pointed out they had had plenty of conversations while Teddy fed Allison, somehow Annie was even okay with Meghan, another woman her favorite auntie who understood the creative side of her her mother didn't always fully get.
"Dan let's sit outside," Josh said, putting his flip flops on, "Annie really likes quiet for this. Both her and Ellie were half asleep in the rocking chair when you knocked. We were up almost every hour last night."
"Ellie doesn't sleep," Dan asked.
"Last night was rough and we don't know why," Josh said.
"I remember Annie didn't sleep for long as a baby," Dan said, "maybe two hours for the first couple months if we were lucky. She never slept much though."
"Annie still doesn't sleep a lot," Josh replied, "she's worn out and emotional."
Josh motioned for Dan to have a seat on one of the chairs.
"Dan I'm going to say it because I have to protect Annie and Ellie," Josh said, "if you're here it's because you support us 100% and want to be here. There is no more ignoring or not answering. Annie can't take it anymore you have no idea how much it hurts her. And I will not allow it to happen to my daughter."
"I want to be here," Dan said, "I need to fix this. We have a lot to work out at home."
"Jessica should almost be done with her IL2," Josh said, "she can get a job and move out."
"I'll tell Annie when I'm ready but I'm the one moving out," Dan said, "Leslie won't stand up to Jessica and won't give Annie a chance now as an adult. I'm staying with my parents."
"I'm sorry," Josh said, "if there's anything we can do."
"Give me a chance," Dan asked, "I want a fresh start with you and Annie."
"I have to talk to Annie but I think we can do that," Josh agreed, "Annie loves all of you. I know she really misses you."
"My parents come down tomorrow but I had to see my granddaughter first," Dan said, "Ellie needs her Granddude."
"That's what we're going with," Josh asked.
"It's good enough for Paul McCartney it's good enough for me," Dan smiled, "Annie and I used to listen to the Beatles when she was a kid driving to the mountain or working in the shop. We sang the Beatles and Elton John on the fishing boats."
"She still listens to them," Josh said, "her and Teddy went to see Elton John in London. Don't get those two started on music. They sing crocodile rock in the OR."
"Do you have favorite bands," Dan asked.
"I like classic rock," Josh replied, "some country the good stuff like Garth Brooks. Annie is the music lover, she's already singing to Ellie in French."
"My moms songs," Dan smiled, "she remembered."
"Ali and Leo call them Nees songs," Josh replied, "she sings them to them and her younger patients."
"She sings to patients," Dan looked surprised.
"They call her Mary Poppins at work," Josh replied, "no kid can resist her and they all do what she wants. It's magical to watch her with them. She can soothe drug babies with a song and a cuddle before she fixes their hearts. Parents trust her instantly. Our head of research doesn't get it but uses Annie as the buffer between Dr Christina Yang and the parents."
"I've met Christina Yang," Dan said, "prickly woman. But she liked Annie and Annie liked her."
"I've heard stories of dr Yang giving Annie tequila at 19 and 20. Calls her thing one," Josh said.
"Has Chris been down yet," Dan asked.
"He's still deployed, we FaceTimed again yesterday so he could talk to Ellie in French," Josh replied, "Annie alternates between the two. I've finally learned I love you, bed time and good night in French."
"Until she went to UBC Annie would switch between the two languages in the same sentence with me, my parents or Chris," Dan said, "more so when she was tired or stressed."
"French rants," Josh said, "how everyone knows she's pissed. She doesn't yell; she grumbles in French. She ranted at Chris over New Years in French for 45 minutes because he told a couple stories she didn't want told from when they were in high school."
"What stories," Dan asked, "she's my easy kid."
"Something to do with an octopus," Josh said, "and then Faroke got a couple others about her skiing. She was also really sensitive at that point and a little annoyed she couldn't ski and her snow gear didn't fit."
"The octopus is one of my favorites," Dan said, "get her to tell you about the baby otter in the kelp bed. She spent a whole day sitting on a rock watching it."
"Sorry about that," Annie said stepping on to the porch with Ellie held against her shoulder.
"Don't worry Annie," Dan said, "babies need to eat. Where were you? I didn't see you from the door."
"My rocking chair is over by the slider so I get sunshine," Annie said, "we were cozy and half asleep."
"Josh mentioned you were up most of the night," Dan said. He stood up and walked towards Annie and Ellie.
Annie held one hand protectively against Ellie's head supporting her daughter against her shoulder.
"Dan if you're here that means you're choosing to be in all three of our lives on our terms," Annie said, "I'm not the same girl who moved to Boston nine years ago. You need to accept me as an adult and for my choices. I've made some great ones."
"Dan," Dan looked shocked, "I've always been dad."
"Earn it," Annie challenged, "be here. Show up and try with your actions."
Dan paused and realized she was right he hadn't acted like her dad for years that honestly would go to Owen. He wondered if Annie was calling Owen dad.
"I'm here for you," Dan said, "I want to make this right. I'm tired of ultimatums and threats and being afraid of my daughter cut off from my family. Annie I moved out."
"Moved out of where," Annie asked.
"The house," Dan replied, "I'm in the basement suite with my parents. I moved out the day Ellie was born."
"Dan why would you do that," Annie asked, "what about Leslie."
Dan heard that Annie had made a decision whether consciously or not Teddy and Owen were her parents or parental figures and they no longer had a special name.
"She doesn't see it Annie," Dan said, "but I do now. I know I have to rebuild your trust and I want to. I know it's been ten years of pain for you and I'll work for twenty or fourty if it means you can trust me again. The time we spent here. Seeing you watching you with your family, friends, patients that's who I want to know. When I'm asked what my kids do it's always you I talk about first. My daughter is a heart surgeon. I was showing Ellie's pictures to my superintendent yesterday, telling Mark how excited I am to meet my granddaughter because you live and work in Seattle. He may call you about his granddaughter."
"I'm on maternity leave," Annie said, "send him to mama if it's medical."
"She wants to look into med school and has dual citizenship. She needs a mentor," Dan said, "do you still do that?"
"I have two teens right now," Annie smiled, "dad I want to trust you but it will take me time. I don't want to put a time limit on it. But you drove all this way, do you want to come in and meet Ellie?"
"Please Annie," Dan said holding out his arms.
"Inside when you've washed your hands," Annie said.
"Really," Dan asked.
"Two surgeons here," Josh replied, "we're all a little obsessive about clean hands."
Dan followed them inside, "which sink?"
He thought it was a bit much but it was their house and their baby. If he wanted back in Annie's life he had to play by her rules.
"There's soap and paper towels by the kitchen sink," Annie said.
"I should scrub two," Josh said following Dan into the kitchen.
When they returned Annie had settled back in her chair with Ellie. The baby's eyes were wide open looking at Annie.
"She's wide awake today," Annie smiled, "she usually sleeps after a long feed like that. "
Dan watched in awe as Annie snuggled her baby. The little girl waved her tiny fist and Annie slipped her finger into her daughter's grasp. The baby was alert but completely content. Dan came to stand behind the rocking chair looking over Annie's shoulder at the tiny baby.
"She has your eyes," Dan said, "I've only seen that clear green in one other baby."
"It's mama's mom's side," Annie said, "we met her mom's cousin just before Christmas and Theresa has the same green. So does Allison. I think Ellie has Josh's dimples."
Seeing his granddaughter wasn't enough Dan was waiting for Annie to invite him to hold her.
"Annie she's perfect," Dan praised, "she looks like you when we brought you home."
"Thank you," Annie whispered, "do you want to hold her?"
"Can I," Dan asked.
"Do you want to," Annie asked.
"I want to meet her," Dan said.
"Have a seat," Annie said, taking her feet off the foot stool.
Dan sat on the footstool in front of the rocking chair, it made him smile to see Annie in the chair that had been his peace offering to his oldest. She looked relaxed and comfortable with the sun streaming in the window behind them. Dan reached out one calloused hand and gently stroked Ellie's cheek with his finger. The baby was tiny and delicate in his daughter's arms. Tiny and perfect.
"Ellie do you want to go meet granddude," Annie asked the baby.
Dan held his arms out and took the precious baby from Annie. He looked down into the little face, the giant green eyes staring back at him. This was a new face for the baby, it didn't look like anyone she had seen before.
"Hi baby. Oh you are perfect," Dan whispered to the baby, "Annie, Josh she's perfect. So new, fresh and full of hope."
"Thank you," Josh said standing beside them, hovering anxiously prepared to protect the two most important people in his life.
"Dan, why did you really come," Annie asked again ,"you didn't come just to meet Ellie. You would have called before now."
"My boat seats are an excuse," Dan said, "I wanted to see you but was afraid if I said anything someone would stop me. I left your mom. I can't watch her and Jessica hurt you anymore, I can't have them control my life anymore. I want to be free. I want to make this right. I want you to trust me the way you trust Teddy and Owen."
"They spent time earning it," Annie replied, "years showing me that they would be there in my worst moments. Not just when things were good. They were there every time I fell apart, when I was scared and needed someone to show me I was okay they were there they never questioned."
"They knew what you were doing and where you were going," Dan said, "they understood that."
There was another knock on the door.
"We're popular today," Annie said.
"I'll get it," Josh replied.
Josh opened the door, "Owen come in."
"Who came from BC," Owen asked.
"Dan surprised us," Josh said, he dropped his voice to a whisper, "he moved out. He left Leslie. He's here, holding Ellie and actually talking to Annie."
"Is she okay," Owen whispered.
"I think so but she's exhausted," Josh replied.
"Annie, Ellie," Owen called.
"In here," Annie replied, "Dan's here."
"I was just dropping some brownies off from Mama," Owen said, "and I wanted to see Ellie."
"Dan you have to share," Annie said, "you'll get another turn."
"Really," Dan asked.
"Ellie has to be shared," Annie laughed, "she has lots of people who love her and want to hold her. She should have time with all of them."
"Dan," Owen said, "it's good to see you."
Dan passed Ellie back to Annie before standing , " Owen do you pop in often?"
"Some one comes by every day," Owen said, "usually me, Teddy or Meghan."
"It's good to see you," Dan said, shaking Owen's hand.
"It's a surprise," Owen agreed.
"I'll be around more I hope," Dan said , "if Annie wants me."
"Like I keep saying you have to show it," Annie said, "leaving Leslie is a step, coming today is a step. But there isn't a magic wand."
"You left Leslie," Owen said, his jaw dropping.
"She refuses to see the manipulation and control from Jessica," Dan said, "after the time we spent here and with your family I see it. I want all three of my kids, not just one. I want to know my son and daughter in law. I want to know my granddaughter."
"In time Dan," Josh said, "keep coming to visit but maybe text us first next time."
"I had to do it and knock before I lost my nerve," Dan said.
"I'm glad you came," Annie said. She stood up out of the chair, "this little one is nearly asleep. I'm going to try to put her in her bassinet. Then we can have lunch?"
"I'm not staying long Annie," Owen said, "David wants to go for a walk with Meg and I. He wants to talk to us. He says it's good news."
"Is he proposing to nana," Annie asked.
"Why would you think that," Owen chuckled.
"Hmmm we were on a chair lift and you said you had something to ask me and it was good news," Annie said, "the day you proposed to mama."
"You talked to Annie first," Dan asked, "why?"
"The kids always come first with Teddy," Owen explained, "at that time we had Allison coming in 4 weeks and Annie. From the day we met Annie she came first, then when we found out about Allison it was our girls that had to come first. Even if one hadn't been born yet and the other was 25."
"Do you think," Annie asked, "David and Nana looked pretty cozy at dinner on Sunday."
"I don't know," Owen said.
Meghan knocked and let herself in, " Josh, Annie, Ellie, how are we today?"
"Good auntie Meghan," Josh called.
Meghan came in and hugged Owen, "hi dum dum."
"What did I do now," Owen groaned.
"Nothing yet," Meghan laughed, "I'm sure by the time we all go home you will."
"Dum dum wasn't Annie calling Chris that," Dan said.
"She learned from Meg," Owen groaned.
"Where are Annie and Ellie," Meghan asked.
"Annie went to put Ellie down for a nap," Dan said, "I just popped in to say hi and should go pick up some boat seats. But I have a couple things in the truck for Ellie."
Annie came back carrying the baby monitor, "auntie Meg when did you get here?"
"Two minutes ago," Meghan replied, "I just need to use your washroom and kiss Ellie before Owen and I have to meet David."
"Ellie is asleep in our room," Annie said, "I just got her down. She was up every hour all night. I want her to sleep."
"Maybe when I pick up my car on the way back," Meghan smiled, "I'm going to use the washroom then we have to go dum dum."
"I'm going to bring a few things for you from the truck to open later," Dan said.
"Thanks Dan," Annie smiled.
Dan walked the bag in from the truck and told them to open it later. They all said goodbye and hugged on the driveway before Dan drove off and Meghan and Owen walked towards the beach.
Meghan and Owen walked along the beach with David making small talk.
David took a deep breath, " Owen, Meghan, this is a little different but I want to do this right. I love Evelyn. I didn't think I could feel this way about anyone ever again. I know you two are a bit old for a step father but I want you to know that I care about you."
"What are you asking," Meghan asked.
"Would the two of you be okay with it if I asked your mother to marry me," David asked, "I want to do this right."
"Yes," squealed Meghan leaping at David and hugging him."
"Owen," David asked.
"If mom is happy I am," Owen said.
"I know you two come first with Evelyn, her kids, grandkids and great granddaughter have to come first," David said, "Owen I know you have children and a grandchild you're too old to want a stepfather but maybe I could be your friend."
"I'd like that," Owen said, "I had the same conversation with Annie a few years ago before I proposed to Teddy."
"You do know there's a lot of us," Meghan said, "families only grow as we find more people to love."
"Meghan," Owen asked.
"Nate and I are on the list to adopt," Meghan beamed, "hopefully in the next year. Welcome to the family David."
"Thanks Meghan," David replied. He had learned that Meghan was the more vocal of the two about her feelings. Owen would show it through actions. David knew Owen was only soft with his wife, children and now granddaughter.
"It's good to have you," Owen smiled.