Ellie was 12 weeks old and Annie was running about the house getting ready for the christening party the next day. Josh was snuggling the baby on the couch, he had just finished a 36 hour shift and had missed his girls. Ellie was only really happy when she was being held. It made for long days and late nights for Annie and Josh.

"Did we do the right thing inviting our parents," Annie asked.

"We invited, I'm surprised Leslie is coming but my parents, I'm shocked," Josh replied.

Annie said, "I think Jessica might come. I don't want her to but I can't tell Leslie not to bring Jessica or Leslie won't come. Will our parents be okay with us just having our Seattle parents up there with us?"

"My parents don't care," Josh said, "they don't do the church thing like we do."

Annie replied, "Leslie hasn't even met Ellie yet. I want mama and Owen, Meg and Nathan up there . That's our family."

"Tell them," Josh said, "take control. You do it in the OR do it here."

"Ten days and I'm back at work," Annie said.

"Come on babe you miss cutting," Josh teased.

"I do want blood on my hands again," Annie laughed, "to hold a beating heart again. If we weren't both surgeons this would sound very wrong."

Josh laughed.

"I go back as a fellow, navy scrubs," Annie said, "and my own cap."

"Bringing back the starfish," Josh asked.

"My otters then the starfish," Annie replied, "I'm not in the OR my first day back. Mama wants me to start with consults. I get to boss residents around and terrify new interns who haven't met me yet."

"You're okay with Ellie going to daycare," Josh asked.

Annie shook her head, "she's not big enough. She's still our tiny baby. She's already growing too fast. I don't want to miss anything."

"She'll only be on the peds floor," Josh said, "you can see her whenever you want. You spend half your time in peds anyway."

"I'll go feed her," Annie said.

"Feeding the baby good excuse to go steal cuddles," Josh teased.

"Not like you can," Annie replied, "she hates the bottle no matter what we do. Even when I'm not there she won't take it. She was screaming yesterday when I picked her up from Mama, I just went to a yoga class. I was gone for 90 minutes. She was stubborn and wouldn't eat."

"You gave in and fed her how she wanted," Josh said.

"Yep," Annie replied, "I can't handle hearing her scream like that."

"Annie she won't learn," Josh said, "if you give in every time."

"It physically hurts me not to give in," Annie said, " I have a full on physical reaction that leads to my clothes being a mess. It's better for both of us to give her what she wants."

"Then call Jenna and go out for the day when she's off. Jenna and I are on the same rotation so I'll stay with Ellie and try to make her take the bottle," Josh said, "maybe with no option she will."

"Mama tried," Annie said, "she asked if next time I could leave one of my sweaters to wrap Ellie in or lay Ellie on. Something about it smelling enough like me to calm Ellie."

"We could try it," Josh replied.

Annie replied, "couldn't hurt."

Josh asked, "what do you need to get ready for tomorrow?"

"Happy baby," Annie said, "guarantee that Leslie and Jessica will behave."

"I can't promise you that," Josh said, "but I will ask them to leave if they don't behave."

The next day their family and friends gathered in the church.

Annie stood greeting people near the door in a beautiful emerald green dress and black heels. Josh stood beside her holding Ellie who was in a white dress and tights.

Leslie walked in and noticed how cute the little family looked with Annie's stunning dress and Josh's black suit with his tie matching her dress. She had seen pictures of Ellie but she was even cuter in person.

"Where's Annie," Jessica asked.

Leslie pointed, "there with her husband. You know them, they were both at the hospital when you were there."

"That's not Annie," Jessica said, "and she can't be married to him. They live in scrubs or jeans."

Dan had parked his truck and met them. While him and Leslie were in the process of figuring out their separation they had decided to at least be civil today for Annie's sake.

Dan replied, "that's Annie and Josh with baby Ellie."

Chris said, "I promise you that's Annie and Josh. Baby Ellie has grown since I saw her a few weeks ago. But she loves her uncle Chris."

Dan added, "I was down 10 days ago and that is 100% them. Ellie loves Granddude."

"Annie doesn't look like that," Jessica said, "surgeons and doctors are messy and frumpy and have no style. She has style. Annie was getting fat when I was at the hospital."

"Your sister is gorgeous," Leslie said, " she was 6 or 8 months pregnant when you were there. But she doesn't look like she's had a baby at all."

Dan said, "remember there are a lot of her coworkers here. She doesn't use Annie McKellar anymore. She's Dr. Grace Altman, a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon."

Annie took Ellie from Josh and walked down the church steps.

"Leslie, you made it," Annie smiled, "Jessica it's been a while thanks for coming."

Leslie stepped towards Annie and Ellie, "thanks for inviting us. Ellie is gorgeous. She looks just like you."

"thank you," Annie replied.

"You look amazing," Leslie said, "no one would know you only had her 12 weeks ago."

"Thanks," Annie replied blushing. Annie still felt puffy in her dress, she thought her stomach was still a bit rounded. She wanted her old body back, the lean athletic dancer's form that she had always worked hard to maintain. She had only been running again for the last couple weeks and was starting to feel more like herself. She knew she needed more time and more exercise to get back where she was.

"When do you go back to work," Dan asked.

"Ten days," Annie replied, "we were hoping to get 16 weeks leave but the hospital needed me to start my fellowship or give up my spot by Sept 1."

"That's not long," Leslie said.

"I'd like more time with her," Annie said, "but the daycare is in the hospital so I can see her as much as possible."

"Ellie do you want to see granddude," Dan asked the baby.

"A quick hug," Annie agreed, "but she has guests to greet."

"Hi baby bug," Dan cooed, "did you miss me? Don't worry uncle Chris and I are staying tonight so are Grandmere and Papa. Has mommy been singing to you?"

"Did she miss you," Jessica sneared, "you only just met her."

"I'm down about every ten to 14 days right now," Dan said, "I've spent lots of time with Ellie Bug."

Dan gave Ellie a kiss on the cheek and passed her back to Annie.

Annie saw Teddy's family walking up.

Alison ran ahead, "Annie, Annie is Ellie awake."

"She is Ali bean," Annie said, "do you want Josh to pick you up so you can see her?"

Alison jumped on Josh. He picked her up balancing the little girl on his hip. Alison reached her hand out to touch Ellie's hand.

Dan and Leslie made their way inside Jessica followed. Dan and Leslie were doing a good job being civil for the christening. Leslie wasn't aware Annie knew of their separation and impending divorce. Chris stayed back to hug his

"Annie when will she give me a high five," Alison asked.

"Not for a while yet but you can make her smile when you tickle her," Annie replied.

Teddy joined them quickly hugging Annie, "hi sweetheart. I love the dress."

"Thanks mama," Annie replied.

"Fits perfectly," Teddy said, "I wish I looked that good at 12 weeks after either of mine."

Annie leaned into Teddy and whispered , "spanks and a good bra can do a lot."

Teddy laughed.

Leslie looked on with jealousy. In the last few years Annie looked more like Teddy then she had before, their deep connection was evident. The two women were whispering about something and sharing a laugh. She watched as Meghan approached with Evelyn. They looked like a family the four women clustered around baby Ellie. Leslie realized then that these were the women who had stood with Annie when she had let her down. This was who put Annie back together after Jessica broke her. For the first time Leslie saw who Annie had become she was confident and poised, driven and brilliant. Yet the sweetness and compassion remained. There was a lightness they had never seen. Annie was quick to laugh with her family and enthralled with her daughter. There was also an easy connection between Annie and Josh from a distance you could see how in love the couple was.

Annie and Josh entered the church with a cluster of friends. The David began the service then called Annie and Josh to the front. He also asked the families to join them.

Chris put his arm out to block Jessica, "you haven't known Annie for 10 years this isn't your place."

Leslie and Dan took the hint as well. But noticed that Chris went to stand with the people gathered on stage. The Dacid prayed for the baby and her parents. The service was beautiful and the music included a couple of Annie's childhood favorites.

Standing at the door after the service Annie asked Leslie and Dan, "are you joining us at our house for lunch?"

"You have a house," Jessica looked shocked.

"We bought it 2 months ago," Annie replied.

"Moving and a newborn must have been hard," Leslie said.

"We had been renting it from Teddy since we were interns," Josh replied, "it's our favorite place either of us has ever lived so we bought it. It was a lot of paperwork but no physical moving."

Dan added, "it's a perfect house for the three of you."

Annie replied, "it's home. Come join us for lunch."

"I remember the views were spectacular," Leslie said.

"They still are, the trees have grown a lot since you were there last though," Annie replied, "but we should get going."

Annie and Josh walked back to the car hand in hand with Ellie tucked against Annie's shoulder. The baby was a total mommy's girl.

In the car Jessica asked, "how could they have bought a house?"

"Teddy must have given them a deal," Leslie said, "they'd have huge student loans. There's no way Annie made it on just her scholarships unless Teddy helped her. We didn't send her any money. I don't know how much Teddy helped Annie along the way."

Jessica asked, "aren't surgeons loaded?"

"I wouldn't think at their level having just finished residency. But they would be okay," Leslie said, "I've heard of hospitals in the states offering housing allowances or student loan forgiveness to doctors they really want."

Annie stood with Teddy in the backyard. She watched as Teddy bounced the baby gently. With her own littles at home Teddy didn't get as much time with Ellie as she wanted.

"I can't believe she's 12 weeks already and I go back to work in ten days," Annie said.

Teddy nodded, "it's hard to come back. Have you been getting ready?"

"I left her for 90 minutes with Meghan so I could take a yoga class," Annie replied, "she was really fussy when I came back."

Teddy replied, "it's confusing for her. She's been with you or Josh her whole life and even though she knows and likes Meghan you weren't there."

Annie asked, "would you take her for a bit Friday night?"

"What's Friday," Teddy asked.

"The anniversary of the day we met," Annie said, "we'd like to go out for dinner. And I'd like a romantic baby free dinner."

Teddy offered, "I can keep her overnight if you want. She may be more settled with me than with Meghan."

"She still fights the bottle," Annie said, "I can't ask you to do that. She screams until I feed her. She won't even take a bottle when I hold her."

Teddy put her hand on Annie's arm, "sweetheart you need a romantic night with Josh. Enjoy being a couple. Wear a pretty dress, go somewhere nice, go dance, find a beach and watch the stars. If she really won't eat or settle, we'll call. You didn't take it for your anniversary. You took Ellie with you for your dinner."

"You have two of your own," Annie said, "I can't ask you to take my baby who's up every few hours. It's not fair to you and uncle Owen."

"That's what grandmas do. Allison will love helping and playing with Ellie," Teddy said, "it's Friday night Owen will be at work. We owe you. How many times have you taken your siblings so Owen and I could have time to ourselves."

"I'll talk to Josh," Annie said.

"You do that," Teddy said, "now take your baby and go see your friends."

Annie took Ellie back from Teddy and walked towards a group of her friends.

Jenna reached for Ellie, "Ellie come to auntie Jenna."

Annie passed the baby over, "you're her favorite aunt Jenna."

Jenna laughed.

"You want to come shopping with her and I one day this week," Annie asked.

"What's the occasion you hate shopping," Jenna asked.

"Friday will be the day we met nine years ago and mama said she'd take Ellie so we could go out," Annie replied.

"So you need my help to find something that makes you look hot," Jenna asked.

Annie nodded, "exactly the perfect dress. I'm thinking manicure, pedicure the whole nine yards. One night to not be mommy and daddy and just be us. I've been promised dinner and dancing."

"Leaving Ellie bug overnight," Jenna asked.

"I don't know if she's ready," Annie said.

"Grace Altman you're the one that won't let your baby out of your sight," Jenna scolded.

"I do," Annie laughed, "I left her with Dr Baby hog when we went to yoga."

"And you went right home after," Jenna said, "tomorrow after yoga you need to come for coffee."

"Ellie needs me," Annie said.

"Half an hour of coffee," Jenna said, "two weeks and you have to put her in daycare. Build up to it. Who is she with Meghan?"

"Uncle Owen," Annie replied.

"She's fine with him, that's basically your dad," Jenna said.

"Speaking of dads," Annie said, " Dan came today and was corralling Leslie and Jessica. I knew Dan was coming but Jessica is a bit much."

"Your crazy sister," Jenna asked, "is she doing okay?"

"She's still getting IL2 but felt up to coming," Annie said, "she's in a low cut red top, don't leave me alone with her."

"Does Josh know," Jenna asked.

"He does," Annie said, "he's worried. But he's over there with Duncan, Jeremy, Andrew and some of the guys."

"You and Josh, okay," Jenna asked.

"We're great," Annie smiled, "he's never been more attentive. He can't keep his hands off me."

"Then leave your baby with your mama on Friday and have fun with your husband," Jenna said.

"What are we doing Friday," Josh asked.

"You promised dinner and dancing," Annie said, "mama offered to keep Ellie over night but I'm not sure."

"It's your mama," Josh said, "she can handle our daughter for one night. Right Ellie bug you want a sleepover with grandma?"

"Is your very hot brother here," Jenna asked.

"Chris is on McKellar patrol," Annie said, " but he's single if you wanted to make your move. He's coming back to Vancouver for school for a few years."

"I'm going to see him," Jenna said, "hot man in uniform I'm all over that."

Annie laughed, "then give my baby back. She doesn't need to see your horrible flirting."

"Just because your a married mother doesn't mean you can judge my flirting," Jenna laughed.

"My best friend and my brother," Annie said, "I get an opinion. Go flirt with him but either of you hurts the other I will be pissed. I'm very attached to both of you and want both of you to be happy."

Chris had met the rest of the McKellar family in the driveway, "they have a lot of friends here today. This is important to them. Jenna, Ellie's godmother is Annie's best friend, she's a neurosurgeon and amazing. Sweet, kind, funny I really like her. Jenna and Annie are an amazing team, they get called the sunshine twins at the hospital. Jenna was Annie's maid of honor at the wedding. When I've been down before I've seen them run an OR and a major trauma together while Teddy and the neurosurgeon stood back. If I lived closer I'd try to get to know Jenna better. "

"Speaking of the wedding who walked her down the aisle," asked Leslie.

"Owen," Chris said, "it's what Annie wanted. You knew that."

They went in. Leslie noticed how cozy and comfortably the house was, Annie had chosen muted greys and accented in lively blues. The house was cheerful and welcoming; it felt like a home. She paused in the living room where Annie had hung a photo from her wedding, it showed her and Josh surrounded by Chris, Teddy and Owen's family, Josh's parents, Meghan and Nathan.

"She was a stunning bride," Leslie said.

"She was over the moon," Chris said, "the only other time I've seen her that happy was when Ellie was born. This is the life she wants. Husband, daughter, career. She's worked hard and fought for it all. She's strong but she's still Annie. The sweetness isn't going anywhere. "

Jessica quipped, "so she gets it all?"

Chris replied, "you have no idea what she's been through and how hard she worked. She would be open to having you all back in her life in some way if you do the work and earn her trust."

"We tried," Leslie said, "she wouldn't flex."

"Try again," Chris said, "Annie knows what she's willing to accept. She just wants you to see her for who she is now. She's not the same Annie. I'd actually start by making nice with Josh. Show her you want to know him. Dad is making an effort and spends time with them."

Dan noticed the crowd in the backyard and went to talk with Owen, Nathan or David who he was getting to know and deeply respected. He saw Nathan talking to a tall slim man Dan had yet to meet, but that looked a lot like Nathan.

"Nathan," Dan said entering the yard.

Nathan smiled, "Ian this is Dan McKellar Annie's dad. Dan, this is my brother Ian and Josh's dad."

"You came all the way from Canada for this," Ian said, "I was told they don't see you often because of the border."

"I've been coming down a lot lately to see them," Dan replied, "it's just under three hours. Do you see them often?"

"It's been a couple months," Ian admitted, "the day of their surgeon exams was the only time I saw Ellie. I saw them at the beginning of February. I work shifts so coordinating schedules with Josh and Annie is hard."

"It's been easier with her on leave," Dan agreed.

"We didn't see you at the wedding," Ian said.

"Our youngest is ill and we weren't able to go," Dan said, "I wish we could have been."

"Our youngest," Ian said, "you remarried after Teddy."

"My ex Leslie and I have another son and daughter," Dan said, "Annie's older pair of siblings. You might know my son Chris."

Both Dan and Nathan chose to ignore Ian's assumption that he had once been with Teddy. Dan didn't know what Ian knew and Nathan didn't feel like the scene today.

"I've met Chris a few times. Annie is my favourite daughter in law," Ian said.

"Only one Ian," Annie replied, walking past with Ellie.

"Still my favourite Annie," Ian teased.

"I'm still getting to know Josh but I really like him," Dan said.

"Can I see Ellie," Ian asked.

"After her diaper change she can be passed around," Annie said.

"I want to see her," Nathan said.

"You three work it out," Annie said, "I don't referee fights over Ellie cuddles."

"It's my last chance," Nathan said.

"No because I'm going to want to see that little one when she comes home," Annie smiled.

"What's going on," Ian asked.

"Meg and I are adopting a baby girl," Nathan beamed, "she's due tomorrow so any day now."

"Congratulations," Dan said.

"We're excited," Nathan beamed, "just have to wait. Meg keeps checking her phone."

"We waited an extra 12 days for Miss Ellie," Annie laughed, "I need to feed and change her before she's cranky."

Annie walked away leaving the three men to chat.

Teddy came into the family room, "Leslie, I'm surprised to see you."

"We were surprised when Annie invited us," Leslie said.

"She's trying," Teddy said, "it's not easy for her after everything that happened."

Leslie asked, "is she happy?"

"She is," Teddy said, "she's amazing. Get to know her all over again. Start from the beginning."

"What do you mean beginning," Leslie asked.

"Go meet Grace Altman," Teddy said, "she's not our little girl anymore. You saw that in the spring. There's a lot of that girl still in there but get to know the woman. She's kind, gentle, driven, upbeat and brilliant. She's a great mom, Ellie is a calm happy baby. She hasn't been Annabeth McKellar in almost 10 years. There's a few hold outs like me, Josh and Owen who still use Annie at home or in private."

Annie walked into the house carrying a squirming fussing Ellie.

"Leslie, Jessica," Annie said, "can you give me a little bit to feed Ellie then I'll come find you and you can finally meet her?"

Jessica said, "can I give her a bottle?"

Annie shook her head, " Jessica we don't do bottles yet. I'm just going to pop into my room and feed her. I'll be right back. Mama can you help me with something?"

Teddy nodded, "of course."

Teddy followed Annie to her room.

"I didn't think my dress though," Annie said, "can you unzip the back?"

Teddy unzipped the back, "you okay sweetheart?"

Annie replied, "it's a lot and seeing them in my house. Leslie is one thing but Jessica I don't know. She wanted to feed my baby."

Teddy said, "I think she's trying to make things right."

Annie sat on her bed and helped Ellie to latch. Annie looked at the infant who was greedily eating.

"That's the longest she's gone between feeds," Annie said, "she must be starving."

Teddy replied, "they do that slowly stretch it out."

"The jump from 3.5 hours to almost 5 today I felt," Annie said, "this is not comfortable."

"You've always been so aware of your body it's something I've never been able to do," Teddy said.

"Dance," Annie replied, "you don't dance like I did and not learn to listen to and understand your body. Can you grab the brown basket that's sitting on the dresser in the nursery and bring it here. I think I'll need it."

Teddy replied, "of course I'll be right back."

Teddy grabbed the basket and noticed what was in it.

Teddy asked, "are you okay sweetheart?"

Annie said, "I'm going to feed Ellie and then decide what to do. She's starving from the looks of it. I don't know how she went that long."

Teddy smiled, "there was a lot going on. She's used to the calm and quiet of your usual day."

"I like our quiet days," Annie said, "but I'm okay here. I actually need some space to think and this is a good excuse. Do you mind making sure everything is okay out there?"

"I will," Teddy said, "what about your dress?"

Annie said, "I'm going to change. I have a blue dress that buttons down the front I bought to go back to work. That will be good."

"Come find me when you're ready I'll talk to Leslie with you," Teddy said.

Half an hour later Annie left her room with a full happy baby and a bottle to put in the fridge. She found Leslie talking to Meghan.

"Leslie," Annie asked, "would you like to meet Ellie?"

Leslie turned, "I thought you'd never ask. May I hold her?"

Annie nodded, "Ellie this is," Annie paused she hadn't thought about this part.

"Granny," Leslie said, "hi baby Ellie I'm granny."

"Ellie, go to granny baby bug," Annie cooed.

Leslie asked, "is Teddy grandma?"

Annie nodded, "her and Owen are grandma and grandpa. Evelyn is nana, Josh's parents are papa and Oma. "

Dan said, "I'm Grandude. If it's good enough for Paul McCartney it's good enough for me."

Annie giggled, "okay grandude."

Leslie decided to keep the conversation focused on the baby, new moms always wanted to talk about their babies, "how's she sleeping?"

Annie replied, "we're up a few times at night but it's slowly stretching out. We did 4 hours a few nights ago. It felt like an 8 hour sleep."

"Your first sleep of 5 or 6 will feel like you slept for 12," Leslie said.

"I'm used to short sleeps and being woken up at all hours," Annie said, "we do it at work. It's just that she's mine and I have the emotional piece."

"Where does she sleep," Dan asked.

"She's still in our room," Josh answered.

"Can I see your house," Leslie asked.

"Of course," Annie replied, "you've been here before."

Leslie nodded, "after your shower when you were still redecorating."

Annie replied, "I'm slowly redoing the house back to its original craftsman style with some modern touches. We've been here for five years and it's home."

"You've been here that long," Jessica asked.

"We rented it from mama," Annie explained, "Josh and I moved in about a week before we started residency."

"You two have been in the house the two of you for that long," Leslie asked, looking shocked.

"Mama was here for a few months when we first got back. But other than that until April we had a roommate," Annie replied, "you would have seen Duncan today. He's Ellie's godfather."

"This is your home," Leslie said.

"It is," Annie said, "this is home. We have a few renovations to do but aren't going to rush."

Annie walked them through the house showing them the nursery but hesitating before opening the door to the master bedroom. The room was tidy as always but it had been Annie's sanctuary for so long that she wasn't sure if she wanted Leslie and Jessica in her room.

Josh came to her rescue, "people are wondering where you and Ellie are. Richard and Catherine want to see her."

Annie nodded, "I was just showing Leslie and Jessica around."

"When did you change," asked Josh.

"After I fed her," Annie replied, "I didn't think the zipper through."

"She ate," Josh asked.

"She did. She was starving after almost 5 hours," Annie said.

Jessica pushed in, "I'm Jessica. You knocked up my sister."

"Josh and I were married a year before we even started talking about a baby," Annie said, "Josh this is my other sister Jessica. You treated her when she first came in."

They all knew Jessica was finding it a challenge to make new memories and retain information.

"Other sister," Jessica asked.

"The two little red heads running around are mama and uncle Owens' kids," Annie said, "my half siblings. Leo and Allison."

"They had two kids," Jessica asked, "and you have real siblings now. That you actually share blood with. That's why you left us you had a real blood family."

"Allison is the only sibling I share DNA with. Leo is also adopted but he looks so much like Owen it's uncanny," Annie smiled.

Hearing their names the little ones ran up to Annie

"Annie can I hold Ellie," Allison asked.

"Leslie is holding her for the first time," Annie said, "you can have a turn later."

"Can I have a hug then," Allison pleaded.

Annie picked up the little girl, "I can do that. "

"Ellie is bigger, can we have one of our sister days soon," Allison begged.

"She comes with us," Annie said, "she needs me still. Maybe you, mama, Ellie and I can have a girls day before I go back to work."

"Can we go swimming," Allison asked.

"Ellie isn't big enough yet," Annie replied, "give her a few more months to grow before she goes swimming. And if I take her I can't go down the slide with you. She can't go on the slide yet and I have to hold her the entire time."

"Mama can hold her so you can play with me," Allison retorted.

"She's my baby," Annie said, "it's not fair to mama to ask her to."

"I play with nana," Allison said, "I stay with you so mama and daddy can work. I don't like it when Ellie cries all night."

"She's still little bean," Annie, "you cried all the time as a baby. You were a lot louder then Ellie and you cried more."

Leslie asked, "do you spend a lot of time with Teddy's kids?"

"We spend a lot of time with Teddy and Owens' family as well as Nathan and Meghan," Josh replied, "Nathan helped raise me. I wouldn't have gotten through college let alone med school without him."

"How long have you been together," Jessica asked.

"We met our first day at Harvard," Annie said.

"So you've been together since medical school," Jessica said, looking shocked.

"We have," Annie replied.

"You've been gone ten years," Jessica said.

"Almost. I was 20 almost 21 when I moved to Boston. I turn 30 this year. So I've been gone 9 years," Annie said, "but were going to BC next weekend to see Grandmere and Papa and we got Ellie's passports this week so we can."

"Are you going to Wendy and Jim's dinner," Dan asked, he had seen Leslie and Jessica swarming Annie and Josh and decided to intervene. Chris has promised to fill that role but he was sitting in the hammock laughing with one of Annie's friends.

"We are," Annie said, "at least making an appearance. It's been a long time since I was at a McKellar hoopla. We do need to go visit with our other guests. Ellie is popular today."

Walking back outside Annie smiled seeing Jenna and Chris sitting side by side in the hammock. They looked very cozy and her brother was laughing. Annie wondered about that pairing, she knew Jenna found Chris attractive but she wasn't sure about the personalities Jenna wanted someone around day to day and Chris lived in another country and travelled a lot.

The rest of the afternoon went smoothly. Leslie and Jessica left soon after their conversation with Annie. They looked defeated when they left, realizing that they would never get Annie to cave into their demands. Ellie was passed from person to person each taking time to hold and cuddle the social baby. Finally the last guests departed leaving Annie, Josh and Ellie to tidy up the yard and enjoy the time the three of them.