"Where is everyone going to sleep," Evelyn worried as her and David pulled into the cabin.
"What did you do last year," David asked.
"We have four bedrooms," Evelyn said, "i was in mine then the three couples."
"Like at Easter," David asked.
"Yes," Evelyn agreed, "Owen, Teddy and their little two in their room, Meghan and Nathan with Catrina, Annie and Josh with Ellie. Faroke in the loft. Chris used to go up there but he's with Jenna."
"What about Chris and Jenna on the pull out couch," David asked, "how does Chris fit. I know Jenna and Chris are dating and she's Annie's best friend."
"Chris is Annie's brother," Evelyn replied.
"Teddy is that open with her ex's family," David said.
"No," Evelyn replied, "remember Annie was adopted at birth because Teddy didn't feel prepared to care for her. Chris is the biological son of the parents that adopted Annie. Annie and Chris are just under 11 months apart. Annie is older."
"What happened exactly," David asked.
"It's Annie and Teddy's story but I know most of it," Evelyn replied, "when Teddy was in her last semester of college at 20 she got pregnant by accident. The boy didn't stick around. Teddy spent months figuring out what would be best for her and the baby before she decided adoption was the best bet. Teddy chose a Canadian couple Leslie and Dan McKellar you've met."
"Dan was a nice guy, something was off with Leslie," David interrupted.
"As I was saying they adopted Annie as an infant and named her Annabeth Grace. They had heard Teddy say goodbye to baby Grace so chose that as a middle name. Teddy went to medical school like she had planned, did her residency and fellowship, got an attending position at Columbia. Just after 9/11 Teddy enlisted. Annie would have been about 11 at that point. The whole time Dan and Leslie wrote to Teddy once a month about Annie. Teddy came home in the spring of 2009 and took a job here in Seattle to be near Owen and Annie. Owen was dating another woman but Teddy was still his best friend. That fall Annie turned 19 and like they had agreed Dan and Leslie gave Annie Teddy's information."
"We just celebrated Annie's 30th; they've only actually known each other 11 years," David said.
"When Annie turned 19 she emailed Teddy and they Skyped and texted for a couple months before Teddy went to a conference at UBC where Annie was in pre med. they met for the first time then. Teddy said she knew seeing Annie across the library that that was her baby. They bonded instantly. Teddy would go see Annie dance and would have her down for breaks and long weekends to visit and scrub in. That summer Annie got really hurt by Jessica. Annie could easily have died Owen said seeing the injuries it was 50/50. Annie only wanted Teddy around. That's when Teddy became mama. Annie started spending more of her time off here. She'd come skiing with us and if he was home Chris came with her. Teddy and Owen both married their first spouses. Owen and Christina lasted 4 years and Henry passed away about 18 months after Teddy married him. Teddy was devastated when Henry passed. She left her job here an took an amazing position running medical command in Europe and the Middle East from landstuhl Germany. Annie was at Harvard medical school with Josh, that's where they met. Teddy had been in Germany about three years when Owen finally realized he loved her. Her loved her for 12 or 13 years at this point but my son is stubborn. So Owen flew to Germany and showed up at Teddy's door. He spent the weekend with her they argued and he came home. Annie came back to Seattle and started her intern year, Meghan was found after being missing for 10 years a month later. Meghan came home weak, injured and sick. But I had my little girl back, my Meghan was home. I had prayed for her every night for years that she was out there alive and could come home to me. Meghan had been home 24 hours when Teddy appeared at the door to her hospital room. It came out a couple days later Teddy was expecting Allison. This was about 10 weeks after Owen went to Germany."
"So they weren't married and didn't plan Allison," David said.
"They did it all out of order," Evelyn chuckled, "get pregnant, buy house, get engaged, have baby, wedding, adopt another child."
"That's okay with you," David asked.
"Teddy was part of my family from the first time Owen and Meghan dragged her home with them on a leave," Evelyn replied.
"And Annie," David asked.
"She came to a Sunday dinner the February when she was 19. She was this shy little thing half hiding behind Teddy until we got her to talk about dance," Evelyn said, "Annie was the stronger of my two dancers. Meghan had some state championships and regional ones. Annie's won worlds. Ali is dancing now."
"Who pushed Annie that hard," David asked.
"Leslie McKellar wouldn't let that girl be less than perfect," Evelyn said, "having Ellie to focus on has really helped Annie see what's important. She's taking time off for her daughter, she's working reasonable hours and saying no to extras to be with Ellie."
"Chris and Jenna are they engaged," David asked.
"They have a lot to work out," Evelyn said, "huge religious differences. Annie and Chris were raised in an MB church, Jenna was raised Jewish. Chris is Canadian and still has military obligations. Jenna is about 3 months pregnant. She talks to Annie and Teddy."
David paused, "they have some work to do. They have to do it for the baby."
"We need more cabin space," Evelyn said, "Robert and I always planned on finishing the loft. Extending it over the kitchen and living room. But Owen and Meghan were young and we didn't need to. The extra room we used for guests became Annie and Josh's space."
"Finish the loft or add on," David said, "what if we closed in the back porch it could be another room or two."
"Faroke, a guest," Evelyn said, "makes room for Ali and Leo in the loft."
"Talk to your kids but do it in the spring," David said, "you never use the back porch, we only used the front one this summer."
"It makes total sense and already has a roof so it's just the two walls because it's connected to the house on two sides," Evelyn said.
They pulled into the cabin and unlocked the door, it would be a full house for new years, what they needed as much as more sleeping space was another bathroom."
"What happens when all the young ones ski," David asked.
"We babysit," Evelyn replied, "Jenna doesn't know how to ski so she'll stay, she can't anyway. I'm watching Catrina and Ellie."
"Two babies for the day," David said.
"Yes," Evelyn smiled, "and Ellie is close to crawling. If she does we don't tell Annie and Josh we let them think whatever they see it is the first time."
"Were you alone here last year," David asked.
"Annie couldn't ski," Evelyn replied, "she stayed with me for the two days."
David smiled, "thank you for sharing your family with me."
"They love you," Evelyn smiled, "you even won Owen over and he's the hard one."
"I missed the kids but I get to share your grandkids and great grandkids," David smiled.
"They love you," Evelyn agreed, "I loved raising Owen and Meghan but being Nana is more fun."
"You were on your own for so long after Robert," David said.
"So were you after Betty," Evelyn replied, "our wedding this spring are you okay to keep it small?"
"Your kids and grandkids, my nieces and nephews," David replied, "family."
"Perfect," Evelyn agreed.
They set their bags in their room and began to organize the house. David split kindling and started the fire to have it cozy when the others arrived. Evelyn rolled out the dough for cinnamon buns she had started that morning at home ready to have the family favourite for when everyone got there. The cabin would smell of cinnamon, wood smoke, coffee and hot cocoa all signaling that they were relaxed and loved in the embrace of the cabin.
"Nana," Allison called coming in the door, "can we build a snowman?"
"When your unpacked and settled Ali," Evelyn said.
"Mama does the unpacking," Allison argued.
"And you're old enough to help your mama make your bed," Evelyn declared.
"Can I stay in the loft," Leo asked.
"Faroke isn't bringing a friend," Evelyn said, "I don't see why not."
"Go ahead," Owen said, "I'll help bring your stuff up."
"Where is everyone sleeping," Teddy asked, "Jenna and Chris complicate it."
"We talked about that," David said, "Chris and Jenna will take the sofa bed in the living room."
"Then we're going to do an extension of the cabin to add two more bedrooms," Evelyn said.
"Where," Owen asked.
"Closing in the back porch that we don't use," Evelyn said, "it only needs two walls because it joins the house on two sides and already has a roof that goes out past it. It would make two smaller rooms. One for Faroke and another for guests. Move Ali and Leo to the loft, maybe add a couple more beds up there in a few years for Ellie and Catrina. Our family is only going to grow."
"Chris and Jenna's baby," Teddy said, "I could see Annie and Josh maybe going for one more but Ellie was so hard on her that she's going to wait a while."
"A less stressful work year would have helped," Evelyn said, "she was working 80-100 hour weeks while pregnant with Ellie."
"She was really sick," Teddy said, "like fluid IV sick."
"I didn't know," Evelyn said.
"Me and Josh," Teddy said.
"All the McKellar stuff didn't help," Evelyn replied.
"It didn't," Teddy agreed, "she leaned on Josh, you and I."
"She needed her nana," Evelyn agreed.
"Something smells good," Teddy hinted.
"I have cinnamon buns doing their second rise," Evelyn smiled.
"I brought all the stuff for brownies," Teddy said, "Jenna was begging for them."
"Are they ours now," Evelyn asked.
"Chris has been family for years but Jenna needs some one," Teddy said, "her mom is having a hard time."
"She'll come around," Evelyn said, "you can't see that grandbaby and not."
"What are you saying," Teddy asked, as she cut up vegetables.
"Nothing," Evelyn said, "I know both you and Owen hurt each other over the years. And it took way longer than I would have wanted for you to be together. But the moment I saw miss Allison it was like seeing my own babies all over again. So new and perfect you can't help but fall in love.
"Ellie," Teddy smiled, "I saw her hours before the rest of the family. She was maybe 45 minutes old. She was in Annie's arms and Josh was sitting on the edge of the bed with them. Holding her, knowing she was safe. Picking her up for the first time. That was as amazing as holding my own kids for the first time."
"Being nana is fun," Evelyn smiled.
"Doing all the things I don't let them do," Teddy smiled, "Ellie is still too little for that. Other than ice cream. I've given her a taste. At the same time it makes me feel old. I'm only 51."
"Teddy sweetheart," Evelyn began, "it's a number. You're still young. You happened to be very young with your first. It's hard having kids at such different ends of the spectrum."
Teddy interrupted, "I'm dealing with kindergarten for one, pre K for another and a surgical fellowship. It's hard to balance somedays. Add in being grandma and helping Annie figure out motherhood."
"You have a big stretch," Evelyn agreed, "Teddy you are the glue that holds us together. Owen, is who he is because of you and your influence. Annie has been shaped by you more than you think, her and Josh look to you for guidance. You're Meghan's best friend and have been for as long as she's known you. Teddy you are the one everyone comes to. Chris and Jenna turned to you for your guidance."
"It's a big role," Teddy said, "I'm the chief at work it's a lot. I'm the leader and the guide there. It's very different from when I ran hospitals before. When I was in Germany I had one child in medical school, she was pretty independant. She dealt with most things on her own, I booked flights, bought occasional groceries or treats but she could do all her day to day things. I had protocol and military hierarchy that helped. I'm looking forward to Meghan coming back."
"I'm glad she took the time to enjoy Catrina," Evelyn said.
"She needed it," Teddy agreed, "she waited so long for that."
"She always wanted a baby," Evelyn agreed, "once she met Nathan she knew she would be with him."
"I dreamed of it when I first met Owen," Teddy admitted, "but life had other plans for us."
"I knew the first time I met you," Evelyn admitted, "you both were so stubborn."
"Can you blame us," Teddy joked.
"I can," Evelyn replied, "thanks for doing the veggies."
"I'm looking forward to a snow walk and cinnamon buns," Teddy said.
"Let everyone get here," Evelyn reminded, "you worked overnight, go relax."
"I'm fine," Teddy said, "I'm better to keep moving. I'll fall asleep if I sit."
"Your at the cabin," Evelyn said, "Owen, David and I can watch Ali and Leo. Go get your book and sit on the couch."
"Yes mom," Teddy smiled giving Evelyn a quick hug.
Teddy grabbed her book from her purse and curled up in the chair closest to the fire.
Allison got her colouring book and sat at the coffee table with her markers to colour.
"Daddy can I play with your phone," Leo begged.
"You can colour, draw, read, you have puzzles or lego you can do in the loft," Owen said.
"Lego downstairs," Leo said.
"Lego has to stay upstairs to keep it away from the babies," Owen said, "it could really hurt Ellie and Catrina."
"Puzzle in the kitchen" Leo asked.
"Yes," Owen agreed, "can I do it with you?"
"Yes please," Leo replied.
"I have a new one," Owen said, "a hard one for us."
Owen grabbed the puzzle and walked towards the kitchen, he noticed Teddy almost asleep in her chair and took the book from her lap and placed it on the coffee table. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head and walked to the kitchen. At the table Owen opened the puzzle box and sat with Leo to do it, they worked from the edges in.
"Daddy," Leo asked, "why do some kids get born and some get adopted?"
"All babies are born," Owen said, "sometimes moms and dads make a choice that they want a baby and for a few reasons they may not be able to have one of their own."
"Where do adopted babies come from," Leo asked.
"Every baby has their own story," Owen said, "the biggest thing you have to remember is that every grownup in an adoption wants the same thing. We want to see the kids like you, Faroke, Catrina, Annie happy, healthy and loved. It is all done because we love you so much and we want you."
"Where did I come from," Leo asked.
"We met you at the hospital," Owen said, "you were two. You were Annie's patient first. Her and Josh had just gotten engaged and she was sitting with you all night. I went to sit with Annie in your room to talk. She went to see Josh and checked on another kid and you started to cry, so I picked you up, got you cleaned up and held you. I knew that night holding you that you're my son. We wanted you Leo, we chose you. The moment mama and I held you we knew you were ours."
"Really," Leo asked, "Blake at school said adopted kids were thrown away."
"Mama and I chose you," Owen said, "Auntie Meghan and Uncle Nathan chose Faroke and Catrina."
"What about my other mama," Leo asked.
"We don't know much about her," Owen said, "we can look for more information when you're older. We have to wait until you're 18. Those are just the rules."
"Mama gave Annie away," Leo said.
"That's mama's story to tell," Owen said, "I wasn't there. I know mama made the choice she did because she loved Annie with her whole heart and she thought it was the very best thing for Annie. Mama never stopped loving Annie. Mama will never stop loving the three of you. I don't know what I would do without my kids. I waited so long to have all of you. I love all of you so much. I will never let you go and never stop loving you."
"Can we finish the puzzle now," Leo asked.
"Of course buddy," Owen agreed, ruffling Leo's hair.
As they drove up the mountain road Jenna asked, "how do family cabin weekends work? I know Annie loves them."
"It's very relaxed," Chris said, "Auntie Teddy stops being chief of surgery and is just Auntie Teddy. Nana will make cinnamon buns. We'll hang out, we play a lot of board games and card games. Lot's of skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and sledding. Everyone stops being doctors there's really no medical talk."
"A normal family," Jenna asked.
"They come up here to be a normal family," Chris said.
"Did I pack the right stuff," Jenna asked.
"Annie, Auntie Teddy and Meghan will be in leggings and hoodies," Chris said, "or those soft plaid shirts."
"Annie likes her plaid flannel shirts," Jenna said, "I'm starting to get it. It's cute and she can just have a more comfortable t-shirt or tank top under it. Annie is so much shorter and slimmer than me she can pull that off though."
"My sister is too small," Chris said.
"She's doing better," Jenna said, "but seriously it's that relaxed."
"Totally," Chris said, "read, eat, play games, walk in the snow. You're not a neurosurgeon up here. It's just Jenna. We're at the cabin with our family. Play with our niece."
"I'm babysitting so Annie and Josh can ski," Jenna said, "I haven't babysat before. I spend tons of time with Annie and Ellie but Annie only lets Auntie Teddy and Meghan babysit."
"Nana," Chris said, "you won't be alone with Ellie. Feed, play, change, cuddle."
"Annie will leave me baby food," Jenna asked.
"I'm sure she will and bottles," Chris promised, "it's my sister she over prepares for life."
"I've given Ellie bottles when Josh was working a 36 and Annie was frantic," Jenna said, "Ellie was about 10 weeks. Annie was totally overwhelmed and desperate for a shower so I gave Ellie her bottle and let Annie nap and shower."
"How will we do it," Chris asked.
"Annie said she would help," Jenna said, "but we don't have other family in seattle. I can't ask Teddy, she's still my boss and my best friend's mom. When our baby comes I think I want another woman there someone whos done it before."
"I thought I would be there," Chris said looking confused.
"You'll be there," Jenna said, "but I asked Annie if she would come if I wanted her."
"What did my Ann say," Chris asked.
"She said she would come if I wanted," Jenna said, "that she had Teddy in and out at the hospital. She said she would be there when I wanted her and leave if I didn't. She said Ellie took 30 hours."
"I got a look at your niece text," Chris said, "that she was here and some pictures."
"She had Ellie early in the morning and none of our friends knew until the afternoon," Jenna said.
"I was in the Ukraine and I checked how long with Josh and he said that she was 45 minutes old," Chris said, "they were already home from the hospital before I got to face time with Annie."
"I was in the hospital when they texted so as soon as I scrubbed out I went to cuddle Ellie," Jenna said.
"Annie will be the first to see ours," Chris said.
"Auntie Annie, Uncle Josh and cousin Ellie," Jenna said.
"Ellie will be a year," Chris said, "I'm always behind."
"You're a year younger," Jenna said.
"10 and a half months," Chris said.
"Thats it," Jenna said.
"It is then I skipped kindergarten," Chris said, "so we were always in the same classes from grade one up. We were more twins than siblings."
"And you're with me," Jenna smiled, "your big sister's best friend."
"Annie is happy for us," Chris said, "Jenna you have to believe that my sister is the most accepting loving family member."
"I know," Jenna agreed, "her response was to hug me and tell me it was exciting."
"Jen I want to do this right," Chris said, "I know we started a bit out of order but I'm going to be there not just for our baby. I will be there for you. We will do this together and the three of us will be a family. I passed my civilian exams as a medical pilot. I can work anywhere in north america. I just need a job in the Seattle area and with my skills I'll find one."
"What about trauma nursing," Jenna asked, "you want to do that. That's your dream."
"No," Chris said, "you and our baby, that's what matters. I can do traumas this way, I can do my paramedic course. I'll work shifts but I'll be around for you and our baby."
"I can take my six months," Jenna said, "delay the second half of my fellowship if we need to."
"No," Chris said, "you've dreamed of being a neurosurgeon since highschool. You're not giving that up. I know how hard you fight to get to this point, to get the fellowship stage to build a name for yourself in a specialty. Jen you're not giving that up. Being a pilot was my dream. I can fly wherever you are."
"Don't stop flying," Jenna said, "you love to fly."
"Helicopter pilots with my skill set are always needed," Chris said, "I have an interview with a company that needs a pilot to go from their main yard to some offshore locations and run people and gear into the mountains."
"Not medevac," Jenna asked.
"I can start in February," Chris said, "as soon as they get my immigation papers together. They'll sponsor it all. I just need to find a place to live."
"You'll live with me," Jenna said, "Chris move in with me. Make it our home."
"Do you want me to," Chris asked, "that's your place. Your dream."
"I want you there," Jenna insisted, "the three of us. Our family and our home."
"Our life," Chris agreed.
They pulled into the cabin's drive way.
"Where are Annie and Josh," Jenna asked.
"I don't know," Chris said, "they have to be on their way."
A black truck pulled in behind them.
"Where did you come from," Chris asked.
"We just ran for a couple things nana wanted," Annie replied, "first family cabin trip Jenna."
"I'm nervous," Jenna admitted.
"Don't be," Annie said, "come in. put your stuff in our room and change to leggings. We're comfy and cozy up here. Mama is just herself not the chief. Let nana fuss and spoil, it's just what she does."
"Where's my Ellie girl," Jenna asked.
"Inside with mama," Annie replied, "we were only going for half an hour and Ellie was napping. She should be up in a few minutes and will be hungry."
"You go in, we'll get the gear," Chris said.
"Good to see you C," Annie said.
"You'll be seeing more of me. I have one more interview and then I have a job in Seattle, just a final formality," Chris said.
"When does that start," Annie asked.
"February," Chris replied, "some immigration things to deal with. And I'm moving in with Jenna."
"This is exciting," Annie said.
"Dad will be down again soon," Chris said.
"We'll see," Annie replied, "I'm going to see Ellie."
Annie and Jenna walked inside whispering about something.
"Congrats man," Josh said.
"Just doing what's right," Chris replied, "I can't leave Jenna anymore than you could leave Annie. It's fast but I love Jenna and want to be with her forever."
"I knew with Annie after knowing her a couple months," Josh admitted, "we were just both shy. We're glad you'll be around more."
"Raise our kids together," Chris said, "family dinners, big christmases, beach days."
"When do you find out what your having," Josh asked.
"March," Chris replied, "her doctor seems good."
"Which one are you seeing," Josh asked.
"Department head, italian woman," Chris said.
"Carina DeLuca," Josh replied, "she's Annie's doctor as well. Excellent doctor."
"Annie Ellie is crying," Allison declared as Annie came in the door.
"I know what she wants," Annie replied, "Auntie Jenna come sit with me?"
"Are you sure," Jenna asked, "you'll be doing this soon enough."
Annie and Jenna walked towards Annie and Josh's room closing the door behind them.
When Ellie was happy they rejoined the family in the living room.
"Mama," Ellie babbled.
"Yes baby girl," Annie said, "I'm mommy."
"Mamamamamama," Ellie kept babbling.
"Yes sweetie," Annie said holding Ellie close, "do you want to play with Allison?"
Annie set Ellie on the floor beside Allison and gave them a few toys.
"Thanks for doing that," Evelyn said, "I can't believe I forgot icing sugar."
"We were happy to go get it," Annie said, "the drive just the two of us was nice."
"Where are the guys," Jenna asked.
"Josh is chopping wood," Teddy said, "the rest are drinking beer and talking about it."
"How can I help nana," Annie asked.
"You sit back, relax, and chat with us," Evelyn said, "you're working too hard again."
"Can I do anything," Jenna offered.
"Same as I just told Annie," Evelyn commanded.
"Jenna it's your first family weekend up here," Meghan said, "your one of us now."
"Just like that," Jenna asked.
"Just like that," Teddy agreed, "once Meg decides your family we don't let you go."
"Why Dr. Hunt," Jenna asked.
"It's Meghan, Auntie Meghan or Meg," Meghan declared, "family uses first names Jenna."
"Jenna will you go sledding with us," Allison asked.
"I'll come watch," Jenna said, "I can't fall off the sled."
"Why not," Allison asked.
"I'm having a baby in June," Jenna said, "I have to be careful."
"Like Annie couldn't play with us last winter," Allison said.
"Jenna is being careful like I was last year," Annie said, "but dad got your baby sled out of the shed so we can take Ellie out in the snow and pull her."
"Can we," Allison said, "I love the snow."
"I know you do bean," Annie smiled, "so do I. Do you think Ellie will like it?"
"I think that's genetic," Meghan laughed, "the strange Altman snow obsession it goes with the eyes."
"Hey," Teddy yelled.
"Let's bundle up and head out," Annie suggested, "I've sat too much today."
They called the guys inside and bundled up to head out in the snow. Annie put Ellie in her snowsuit. It was a bit big on the 7 month old baby but she would grow into it for the rest of the winter. Annie was already counting down until Ellie could go skiing, she would probably start Ellie on skis at 3.
Josh took the handle of the baby sled and began to pull Ellie along the deep snow. Walking beside the baby Annie heard her giggle as snow flakes began to fall.
"Your first snow Ellie bug," Annie smiled.
"Her first snow," Josh smiled over his shoulder.
"She likes it, she's giggling," Annie said.
"Of course she likes snow," Teddy smiled, "she's half Altman."
"She is," Annie smiled, "she got the snow gene."
"That's an important one," Teddy agreed.