"Josh," Annie called, "I need your help."

"What do you need," Josh said walking into the nursery.

"Ali, Leo and Ellie all need baths and to be in bed on time. Everyone has to be down by 7:30. Ellie needs to be fed," Annie said her voice rising in panic.

"You take Ellie and feed her," Josh said, "Leo can have a shower and so can Allison. I'll supervise them while you feed Ellie. If Ellie goes down late it's okay."

"It's seven she should have been fed by now," Annie said.

"She's not fussing yet," Josh said looking at their four month old daughter.

"She's pulling on and sucking at my shirt," Annie said.

"Take Ellie into our room let's skip her bath tonight,"

Josh suggested, "feed and put Ellie in her pajamas then read to all of them. I'll deal with Allison and Leo."

"She's four months," Annie said.

"Tomorrow I know," Josh replied.

"I'm finally starting to feel settled into a routine with her," Annie said, "I feel like I can do this now. I'm going to feed her. Your in baths for the other two."

"Feed her then what if we put all three in the tub," Josh suggested.

"Not until Ellie has more strength," Annie said, "you bathe Ali and Leo."

"Why can't Annie do my bath," Allison asked.

"I have to feed Ellie," Annie said, "Josh will do your bath. He knows to make sure you don't get soap in your eyes. He's had more practice now."

"Why did mama and daddy go to the army party," Leo asked.

"Because they haven't seen their friends in a few years," Annie said, "and they thought we could all have a fun weekend here."

"Do we get to do something special," Allison asked.

"Tomorrow Josh and I go to work, Leo you have school and nana will pick you up, Allison you have preschool and day care, Ellie has daycare," Annie explained, "I'm done work at 4 and will pick everybody up. We're going to come home to build your own pizza and build your own ice cream Sunday night with a blanket fort camp out in the living room for all of us. Saturday we're going to get up, put away our fort then go to the science center, Sunday is church and mama and dad will be back around dinner time and will meet us at Meghans where we get to cuddle Catrina."

"Does daddy know you're calling him dad," Leo asked with his hands on his hips.

"We talked about it," Annie said, "sometimes I use dad, sometimes it's still uncle Owen and it's all good."

"Why did you change," Leo asked.

"It just felt like time to change it," Annie replied, "but I'm going to go give Ellie a snack before she starts screaming."

"Josh doesn't do bubbles," Allison pouted.

"Allison now," Annie directed. She walked towards her bedroom and closed the door. She knew Ellie was close to rolling over and her nights in the bassinet were numbered. Annie wasn't ready to give that up yet. She still liked having Ellie right next to her. But she was looking forward to having some space again with Ellie in another room she felt like she could reconnect with the physical side of her relationship with Josh. She was close to losing the last of the baby weight and had with help come to terms with that she would probably never be an A cup again, she thought she could live with the current Cs.

In LA Teddy stretched out on the hotel room bed.

"Quiet, no kids," Teddy said.

"You and me alone for three nights," Owen winked, stretching out beside her.

"I wonder how they're doing," Teddy asked.

"Annie will call if there's a problem. She is good with the kids," Owen replied.

"But she hasn't taken them overnight since Ellie was born," Teddy replied, "Ellie is still nursing every three and a half or four hours."

"So did Allison at that age," Owen said, "but no kid talk. All three are together. Faroke was going to join them tomorrow for the cousin night."

"Were Meg and Catrina going," Teddy said, "it's the first cousin night Annie's felt up to hosting."

"Meg was keeping Catrina home," Owen replied, "Sunday night with the two babies together for the first time will be fun."

"What's our plan Hunt," Teddy asked rolling on top of him.

"I think you know for tonight," Owen chuckled, "tomorrow we explore Hollywood and then I made dinner plans. Saturday is the reunion."

"Three nights just us has this ever happened," Teddy asked.

"We've had two but never three," Owen said.

Teddy kissed him, "I love you."

"I love you more," Owen groaned rolling so he was on top of her.

Friday morning Annie and Josh were struggling.

"Annie I need help with breakfast," Josh called.

"Ellie needs a bath, her diaper exploded and I need to throw her bedding in the washer," Annie replied.

"What are you doing now," Josh asked.

"Getting her bath ready," Annie replied, "then she needs to eat. I need to make a bottle if there's enough time left."

"What about the freezer stash," Josh asked.

"Grab it," Annie said, "l'll try to find time later. Miss Ellie bug has been using me as a human soother since her shots on Wednesday."

"Give her the pacifier," Josh suggested.

"After her breakfast if she's still looking for something to suck on," Annie replied.

"What am I making for breakfast," Josh asked.

"Just make toast with a choice of toppings," Annie said, "I want avocado on mine."

"Goat cheese," Josh asked.

"Please," Annie replied.

Josh was relieved that she was eating real food again. There had been a few weeks where she had struggled with fighting her eating disorder. It was hard for him to see her relapse after Leslie's comments on Annie's weight. Josh and Teddy had supported Annie along with dr Wyatt to remember why she needed to eat. Her appetite was slowly coming back when she remembered to eat. He also knew having Leo and Allison around she had to eat and would model healthy eating for them.

Josh's phone buzzed with a text from Chris.

Chris, "coming down for the weekend to see Jenna you guys free?"

Josh, "Teddy and Owen are out of town we have Ali and Leo. Could use reinforcements."

Chris, "what does Annie have planned?"

Josh, "science center tomorrow want to join us for that?"

Chris, "tonight?"

Josh, "blanket fort, pizza and ice cream."

Chris, "is she doing okay?"

Josh, "tired, but she's good."

Chris, "Ellie is still keeping her up?"

Josh, "she is. Where are you staying?"

Chris, "Jenna offered."

Josh, "you have to tell Annie before Jenna does.

Chris, "I will today? Is she around?"

Josh, "getting Ellie ready for the day."

Annie finished bathing Ellie and got Allison and Leo dressed for school.

"Nee can you do the pretty braids," Allison asked.

"I don't have time to do french braids now," Annie replied, "I can do two braids or pigtails."

"Can you do my hair like yours," Allison asked.

"Half up I can do now," Annie smiled, she grabbed the brush and a hair elastic and pulled the front half of Allison's hair into a ponytail letting the rest fall loose. She knew mama wouldn't like it but Annie was in charge today. Allison's red hair now brushed her shoulders with loose waves.

"Breakfast," Josh said, putting a plate in front of Annie with a cup of her favourite tea.

"Thanks," Annie said, "where's yours?"

"I ate with Leo," Josh replied.

"Can you brush his teeth," Annie asked.

"I can do it," Leo said.

"Josh is going to make sure you do it properly," Annie replied, "and wash your face you have peanut butter on your nose."

"You're not mama," Leo whined.

"I'm not," Annie said, "but her and dad are away so I'm going to make sure you're ready for school before Nana comes to drive you."

Annie was walking into the locker room when Jenna grabbed her.

"Annie did Chris get a hold of you," Jenna asked.

"I have a text from him I haven't read," Annie said, "it was a crazy morning. Mama and uncle Owen are out of town, we have Ali and Leo, Ellie is being really clingy and needed a bath this morning because her diaper exploded."

"You okay," Jenna asked.

"Need coffee but Ellie is way too sensitive to caffeine for me to have one," Annie said.

"Can we talk about Chris," Jenna asked.

"What is going on with my brother," Annie asked.

"I like him," Jenna said, "I really like him. Never felt this way about anyone before like."

"That's not news," Annie replied.

"He's coming this weekend," Jenna said.

"That is news," Annie said, "he didn't say a word to me."

"We decided last night since I'm off," Jenna said, "he's going to stay at my place."

"Jenna this is my brother," Annie said, "are you sure both of you are ready for a sleepover?"

"I am," Jenna said.

"I'm going to say it once," Annie teased, "you break his heart I know how to stop yours."

"Annie," Jenna gasped, "is that a threat."

"A promise," Annie laughed, "tonight why don't the two of you come over? It's just pizza and ice cream night. Ellie hasn't seen Chris in a few weeks."

"Do you mind," Jenna asked, "I don't want to intrude. I knew he would go see you at some point."

"I always want family around," Annie smiled, "come for dinner. We can have a glass of wine and let the guys have a beer."

"You can drink again," Jenna asked.

"One glass is okay," Annie replied, "I've had maybe three drinks total since she was born."

"I want that life," Jenna admitted.

"What life," Annie asked.

"Loving husband, a sweet baby," Jenna said, "a home."

"Your condo is gorgeous," Annie replied, "perfectly decorated. No baby toys scattered in your living room. Your place looks like it's right off pinterest. Your place is always perfect."

"But it's not a home," Jenna said, "your house is full of people and love. I love the baby blankets on the couch, toys on the floor. Your house feels like home. Everyone has always been able to come home to your house."

"You're always welcome in my chaos," Annie said, "you're family. The sister I chose for myself."

"We'll come tonight," Jenna promised, "if I date Chris do I have to learn that weird language you two speak?"

"Quebecois french," Annie laughed, "when things get more serious, have him take you to Grandmere for lessons. We speak franglais between ourselves."

"Can you teach me the important words now," Jenna asked.

"We started with food words," Annie laughed, "you have to eat. Food is huge in that family. With Chris around tonight I'll teach Ali and Leo their pizza words. I sing to Ellie in french before she sleeps."

After a lazy morning Teddy and Owen were walking hand in hand down the main street of Hollywood.

"We need to do this more," Teddy sighed giving Owen a kiss on the cheek.

"We do," Owen replied, "just you and I."

"I know," Teddy smiled, "we did things a bit out of order."

"Friends, sleep together," Owen said.

"Get pregnant at 45," Teddy replied, "date for like 3 weeks buy a house, move in."

"Propose, have a baby," Owen said, "get married."

"Adopt another," Teddy said.

"We did it," Owen said, "what we used to say we wanted in the sand. You, me, three kids, a grandchild."

"Being grandma makes me feel old," Teddy replied, "Annie turns 30 in a week."

"You weren't much older when we met," Owen replied.

"I was 33," Teddy replied, "I was an attending."

"Annie will still be doing fellowships at that point," Owen said.

"Because I just did the two year cardio one," Teddy replied, "I got my trauma one while I was in the army. Cardio is two years, her peds is one but the way we combined them it's 3 all together. And she wants to add the two year fetal and neonatal."

"I've heard some drama around the peds cardio one," Owen said.

"Colton Walters," Teddy replied, "he wanted it but I put him in cardio not the peds slot. He had done research with his attending and is a good surgeon but he didn't do the above and beyond peds needed. Alex wasn't impressed with his resume or interview. Peds didn't like him. I'd like to suggest that Walters work on his skill working with children and parents this year and then he can move into the role for the next cycle."

"Was their other competition," Owen said.

"Three others I could have taken," Teddy said, "but I created that fellowship to keep Annie close. Owen, we have to keep her close. I have so much to make up for still."

"Teddy she's good, she's happy," Owen said.

"She's been struggling," Teddy said, "new mom things but some stuff has come out about Leslie being a narcissist. And I've done my own reading about children of narcissistic parents and Annie shows a lot of those behaviours still. I need to get her to see that she is lovable just for being her. She has a lot of work to do and it's all my fault. Owen I chose them and they broke her."

"Teddy you couldn't have known," Owen said, " Annie is learning and is strong."

"It's not enough," Teddy said, "she doesn't believe she can be loved unless she is perfect. She works to the point of killing herself to prove that she has value. Anything less than perfect she's still in tears. So yes I hold her a bit tighter then maybe I need to. She's telling me more about it and seeing Dr. Wyatt again."

"Teddy we have a name for what's happening we can see the root of what you've been trying to help her with for 10 years," Owen said, "we can't do anything from here. We can call and check in with our kids later. Our three are together."

"It's the first time they've been the three of them since Ellie was born," Teddy replied.

"For now everyone is at school or work," Owen said, "call around dinner time and say hi. Should we walk back to the car and head out to the beach?"

"I'd like that," Teddy smiled.

Annie walked into her cardio fellows meeting , "sorry I'm a couple minutes late."

"Where were you," Colton asked.

"Ellie needed lunch," Annie replied, "and some time with her mommy."

"With your kid again," Colton grumbelled.

"It's not your business," James replied.

"Why does everyone seem to think it's okay that she doesn't pull her weight," Colton asked.

"I'm not getting into this," Annie replied, "Dr. Pierce, Dr. Yang and the chief have approved my schedule and plan. I am accountable to them."

"But your the chief's daughter," Colton said, "you got the peds cardio spot. Did you even have to interview?"

"I did the panel with Pierce, Yang, Karev and Robbins," Annie replied, "the same panel all 20 applicants had. The 30 page application. She is harder on me than any other staff member. She will accept mistakes from you I will never get away with."

"It's your mother," Colton grumbelled.

"And we have a firm separation of home and hospital policy. We have since I was an intern. The last time we crossed the boundary during work time my daughter had just been born. So yes she stopped being chief to come see her family."

"Not like she hasn't been grooming you your whole life," Colton said.

"I didn't meet her until I was 19," Annie said, "I grew up in British Columbia."

"I didn't know," Colton said.

"You don't know," Annie replied.

"Can we get down to business people," Maggie asked.

"Please," Annie replied.

"We're going to do final distribution of projects now that Dr. Altman has been back for three weeks," Maggie replied, "we have the HLH work with Dr. Yang, the childhood obesity and heart disease project, my rechargeable hearts, the Altman method for peds applications, the work on large blood clots with Dr. Riggs. I have a request for Dr. Altman on the HLH work from Dr. Yang."

"I'm good to continue the HLH work for research in addition to my regular peds cardio patients," Annie said, "I love the neonatal and nicu side."

"I would be interested in the Altman method in peds," Colton said, "if the chief will have me."

"I will let her know," Maggie replied.

"Blood clots," James replied.

"Childhood obesity," Samantha said.

"I'm with you then," Carter replied.

"You also need to choose one of you as the chief cardio fellow for hospital committees," Maggie said.

"I can't take that on right now," Annie replied, "I have enough on my plate with research, my picture book project, expanding our kid kits and my family. Colton you wanted to show that you can take on more, it would be a good thing for you to take on."

"I want it," Samantha replied, "scheduling the five of us, connecting with the chief, board meetings. I like all of that."

"Sam should take it," James replied.

"I agree," Carter replied.

"Grace, how do you vote," Maggie asked.

"Both would do a good job," Annie replied, "Samantha seems to really want it."

"Grace I need a name," Maggie commanded, "just make a choice."

"Samantha," Annie replied, "she volunteered."

"Samatha it is," Maggie replied, "Grace will you let the chief know."

"Sam can," Annie replied.

"I don't have her cell number and she's not here," Samantha said.

"I'll give it to you," Annie smiled, "Sam can we talk later about my call schedule?"

"You want a routine," Samantha said.

"I would," Annie replied, "I actually love early mornings. I am totally okay with being in the OR at 6:30 for the first scheduled slot of the day."

"What about your daughter," Samantha asked.

"Ellie is another early bird she wakes up around 5," Annie said, "if she's up at 5 I can feed her and get her dressed, off to daycare and still be ready for 6. I've just realized none of us know each other. I'm babysitting my little siblings this weekend so this weekend is out. Next weekend why doesn't everyone come over for dinner at my place? Get to know each other, dinner, board games?"

"Sounds great," James replied, "are spouses included?"

"Of course," Annie replied, "Josh will be there. I need to go do an LVAD revision on my long term patient. We'll work out details next week. Significant others are invited, so are kids."

"I think you're the only one with kids," Carter replied, "but I do want to meet your daughter."

"Ellie is here today," Annie replied, "maybe on my way out. I'll grab her then come get my stuff from the office"

"Is your daughter not here every day you are," Carter asked.

"My husband is a trauma surgery fellow," Annie replied, "if Josh is home Ellie stays with him. Daycare is a last resort, if one of us is home so is she. She's happiest at home."

"Night's if one of you is here and the other is called in how does that work," asked Samantha.

"Daycare is open 24/7," Annie said, "skeleton staff at night for watching sleeping kids but there's always someone. It happened last week where Josh was here but not in the OR and I got called in so he met me and Ellie went with him."

"Josh Riggs, the hot trauma fellow," Samantha asked.

"We've been together since medical school," Annie replied, "married 2 years."

"Any of the fellows single or attendings," Samantha asked.

"I don't know the new fellows," Annie replied, "attendings the single ones I wouldn't date.

Saturday Night Teddy and Owen walked into the ballroom where the reunion was being held.

"I love that dress," Owen commented.

"It's the one I wore for Annie and Josh's wedding," Teddy replied.

"I loved it then and I love it now," Owen replied.

"Thanks," Teddy smiled kissing his cheek.

A couple guys around them did a double take, it was Hunt and Altman, they were holding hands and she kissed him.

"Major Altman, Major Hunt," a man greeted.

"Johnson," Teddy replied, "it's Teddy please."

"Yes mam," Johnson replied, "I'm Robbie. Is Lieutenant Hunt coming?"

"She's not," Teddy replied, "her and Dr. Riggs adopted a baby girl three weeks ago."

"They have a daughter," Johnson asked.

"Catrina," Owen replied, "and a son. Faroke is 15, she adopted him 10 or 12 years ago."

"Do you have children sir," Johnson asked.

"We have three," Teddy beamed.

"Three," Johnson said, "I haven't seen you in a few years."

"My oldest Grace turns 30 next week," Teddy smiled, "Leo is 5 and Allison is 4. Do you have children?"

Owen did a double take, Teddy was using Annie's professional name tonight in a room full of doctors.

"My wife and I haven't been that lucky," Johnson replied, "if your oldest is 30 where was she when we were in the sand pit?"

"With her dad," Owen replied for Teddy, while Dan wasn't Annie's biological father, she was legally her father even if Annie still wasn't talking to Dan after her revelation about Leslie's abuse.

"Grace was in British Columbia," Teddy said, "we had as much contact as we could. Owen and I are very close to Grace. Our younger two are with their sister while we are away. What are you doing now?"

"I'm the head of ortho at Portland general," Johnson said, "are you still practicing?"

"I'm Chief of trauma at Grey Sloan in Seattle," Owen said, "Teddy is chief of surgery there."

"We should make our rounds," Teddy smiled.

"I need a drink," Owen whispered.

"White," Teddy smiled.

"I'll get it," Owen replied.

They spent the night making their rounds of the room catching up with old friends. Always staying together , holding hands, an arm around the other. Many were happy to see that the two were finally together and happy as a couple. It was the first time many had seen a true smile from Owen, he was happy.

Leaving the party Teddy smiled, "thanks for making me do that Hunt."

"Any time Altman," Owen smiled, "so back to our room?"

"Yes," Teddy smiled, "one more night of just us then back to reality tomorrow."

"We should do this more," Owen said, "time just the two of us."

"Talk to your mom and Annie but maybe a couple times a year a weekend just us," Teddy smiled.

"Offer Annie and Josh to take Ellie overnight so they can have time," Owen suggested.

"I've tried," Teddy said, "she's not ready to be away from Ellie like that yet. The one night we took Ellie was hard for Annie. There was a reason Annie was there to pick her up at 7am. Annie thinks she has to be the most doting loving mom to make up for what Leslie did to break the cycle."

"We're still going to take a couple nights just us once in a while," Owen said.

"We will take it," Teddy agreed, "I like this just you and I."

"How am I more in love with you now than ever," Owen asked.

"I don't know," Teddy laughed, "maybe I'm getting better with age."

"Like a fine wine," Owen teased.

"Exactly," Teddy smiled, "Owen I love you. I seriously don't know what I would do without you."

"I don't know," Owen said, "I don't know how I could do anything without you."

"All these years and you're still my person, my rock, my first call," Teddy said, "I love waking up beside you and falling asleep in your arms."

"I love falling asleep with you in my arms and waking up with you," Owen smiled, "even when your hair ends up in my mouth."

"That doesn't happen often," Teddy said.

"Most days," Owen replied.

They walked into their hotel room, closing the door behind them Teddy pushed Owen against the wall kissing him passionately.

"We have that huge tub we haven't used yet," Teddy purred.

"And half the bottle of white from last night," Owen whispered.

"I'll meet you in the tub," Teddy giggled.

Back at Annie's the doorbell rang.

"Nee who was coming over," Allison asked.

"Chris and Jenna," Annie smiled, shifting Ellie from one hip to the other, "do you want to get the door?"

Allison ran ahead of Annie.

"Chris," Allison yelled, opening the door.

"Hi Allison," Jenna greeted.

"C," Annie said, "thought you could come down and not see your big sister."

"Ann," Chris said, "the border was a nightmare last night. I didn't make it to Jenna's until 10."

"Ya we were in bed," Annie replied.

"Bed at 10," Jenna teased.

"We built a fort in the living room and all 5 of us camped out in it," Annie replied.

"This is why you can be a mom and I can't," Jenna said.

"You can," Annie said, "Ellie wants to see uncle Chris and auntie Jenna."

"Mine," Jenna said, snatching the baby.

Chris switched to french, "Annie are you okay with me and Jenna?"

"I am," Annie replied, keeping the conversation going in french, "are you happy?

"I am," Chris replied, "this feels right. Are you doing okay? Dad told me about the blow out with mom."

"She's toxic," Annie said, "she cast us in the roles she wanted us to play and we bought it hook line and sinker. I've joined an online group. I'll send you the info."

"Honestly Ann," Chris pressed, "are you okay? You look tired?"

"I'm a mom whose baby is still up every three and a half hours overnight and keeping up a full surgical fellowship schedule," Annie replied, "don't push it. I'm going to go finish dinner. I want to eat at six."

"What's for dinner," Chris asked, switching back to english.

"Build your own burrito," Annie replied, "most of it is ready. I just need to set up the stuff on the counter. Can you take Ellie from Jenna and play with the kids? Josh is on his way home."

"Have you been alone with all three all day," Jenna asked.

"We're good," Annie replied, "I can do this. Ali and Leo are good helpers. Jen can you help me with dinner?"

"What do you need," Jenna asked.

"I need to disappear into my room for 20 minutes," Annie said, "I need to feed Ellie soon. Can you deal with cooking ground turkey? It's in the fridge."

"Why do you torture yourself with that," Jenna asked.

"Feeding my child," Annie asked, "it's totally normal and good for her. It's not a big deal."

"That's why they invented baby formula," Jenna said.

"Going to her birthday," Annie said, "what did you guys do last night?"

"Couple drinks and a movie," Jenna said, "you know how it is when you get home late. Netflix and Chill."

"That is still my brother," Annie groaned, "you're getting along?"

"We are," Jenna said, "I heard some of his conversation with your dad today are you okay?"

"I have no contact with Leslie and Jessica; they have no reason to be in my life," Annie said, "Dan is on my terms."

"Do you always have intense family discussions half in french," Jenna asked.

"Dan, Chris and I, yes," Annie replied, "part of it is for privacy."

"I thought I heard you call Hunt dad this week what was that about," Jenna asked.

"I needed his attention, Hunt, Owen, and Uncle Owen were not working," Annie said, "bellowing dad did. If that didn't work I was moving on to major bossy pants or major pain in the ass."

"He's cool with it," Jenna asked.

"Ya," Annie replied, "I sort of slipped and called him dad when Ellie was born and they came to meet her. We're going with whatever I call him as long as it's not dum dum. Don't tell Chris, it can't get back to Dan."

"How do you get away with it," Jenna asked.

"The one thing I get away with," Annie replied, "but not usually with mama. It's not mama when we're working she's chief at work and that's very clear."

"You do that well," Jenna agreed, "how's it going with the cardio fellows?"

"I'm trying," Annie replied, "Colton Walters hates me, Carter and James I'm not sure how to read. Samantha McKay seems alright."

"She's your lead fellow isn't she," Jenna said.

"She is your neuro lead," Annie asked.

"I am," Jenna replied, "you didn't want it?"

"Hell no," Annie replied, "I have enough on my plate. I don't need the extra duties. I'm putting my books on hold. Ellie, Josh, work in that order."

"Annie your baby looks like she's going to cry," Chris said, "I laid her on her tummy and she was happy now she's about to cry."

"She's hungry," Annie replied.

"How can we help," Chris asked.

"Can you and Jenna finish dinner," Annie asked, "Allison and Leo can set the table. I'll be in my room yell if you need me."

Josh came through the door, "what can I do?"

"I'm feeding Ellie," Annie replied, "finish dinner? So our guests don't have to."

I'm in need of ideas again. I don't want to end the family's story here but have hit a wall after Halloween and a first Christmas for the two babies. Two babies at Christmas could be precious.