"Zola! Bailey!" Ellis yells as she walks into the house.
"Hi Ellis," Bailey says as he comes running out of the once again office that had been their playroom for many years. As the kids all got older the room changed to a study room with a pullout bed for when one of the older kids visited home. Liam had already left for Ireland when the twins were born, so there hadn't been a time when all seven of the kids had lived in the house together. Now only the twins lived at home, it was so much quieter unless everyone was visiting.
Cormac and Meredith's oldest five kids are all out of the house, living on the east coast. Cormac is happy that Liam was back in North America, although it did mean a few more trips to Ireland to visit his parents. He'd visited them frequently when Liam was in med school and residency in Dublin and they'd managed a trip there this fall as his father isn't doing well. His parents are hoping to come to Liam's wedding in New York in April, but Cormac figures it would be his father's last trip to North America.
"Dad, do we have any food?" Ellis asks.
"Help yourself to anything except your mom's pizza in the fridge."
"Don't worry, I value my life. I know not to eat her pizza!"
"No one eats Mom's pizza," Bailey says.
"There's a veggie platter and hummus left over from last night unless the athlete over there has already eaten them," he says knowing that is her idea of snacking.
"No I haven't, but we could probably cut up some more cucumbers," Bailey says heading to the fridge for more veggies. Cormac is always amazed at how healthy all the kids eat, but how Meredith doesn't willingly eat veggies. As the kids got older, they all teased Meredith, and the kids would order pizzas with more veggies than meat. They always ordered her a pepperoni or cheese pizza even if she was at the hospital.
"Thanks, this looks good. Where's Zola?" Ellis asks.
"Probably sleeping," he said.
"I'm trying to decide if I should go for a run before mom gets home. There's no snow here," Ellis says.
"I'll go with you," Zola responds running down the stairs and giving her sister a big hug.
"Dad, Bailey, are you joining us?"
"Sorry, I'm not back to running at your pace," Cormac responds, knowing his physiotherapist would be so mad if he ran with his kids. He is nearly back to speed after injuring his MCL this past summer.
"I already did 10 miles today."
"Brat," Ellis says to Bailey, swatting at him.
"Let's get the Christmas lights up and then go for our run," Zola suggests as they put the extra food away. Cormac thinks he's going to need to buy some more vegetables as they'd just polished off a cucumber, two peppers and a pound of carrots.
Over at Amelia and Link's house, Liam finds a note from Link telling them to help themselves and that Amelia would be home with their two kids about 4pm. He makes them both smoothies and then they settle on the couch watching some mindless TV. Liam and Arianna forgot to keep track of the time and were surprised when the door opened.
"Liam, you are in the living room!" Amelia gasps as Liam and Arianna struggle to cover themselves up quickly as Amelia, Mayella and Marcus arrive home.
"Sorry Aunt Amelia." "Sorry, Amelia." They both reply embarrassed.
"Mayella, Marcus, please go upstairs and get showered and changed. Liam, Arianne, I know you two are living together and engaged, but please keep your clothes ON in the common rooms. I'm going into the kitchen, so I suggest you two get changed too."
"Yes Amelia. Sorry we got a little carried away earlier and fell asleep."
"Just use the same rules that you had when you were a teen, I have kids living here. Clothes on, and no undressing one another in common areas, and lock your bedroom door," she states.
"We are sorry, Auntie Amelia," Arianna says.
"I'm not mad. Mostly teasing you two. Have Liam tell you about getting caught the summer before he went to Ireland, or if you really want a good story ask Maggie or Meredith about when Owen and I were caught on her couch," Amelia says.
Meredith arrives home just in time for dinner. She loves having her family around her. OK today dinner is still missing Austin and the twins. She is upset that Austin wouldn't make it home this year, but maybe next year if they used a similar schedule to the one she had implemented at Grey-Sloan that allows residents and interns time to travel home every two to three years. And the twins were at school preparing for tonight's show.
She notices that Liam and Bailey must have gotten the large table upstairs as there was space for everyone at the table. Ellis notices her and runs over for a hug. "Mommy, you're home."
"El, how was your flight?"
"Good. Auntie Lizzie and Arianna picked me up so I didn't need to take the subway and shuttle. Unfortunately she remembered Liam," Ellis says teasing her brother.
"How was surgery today?" Liam asks, slipping in for a hug from Meredith.
"No just supervising, but no one screwed up, so I'll take that as a victory."
"Hi Aunt Meredith," Arianna comes up and Liam pulls her into a group hug with Meredith.
"Welcome. Hope it wasn't too much trouble for your mom to drive everyone today."
"She'd taken today off to drive us and bake with Grandma. Grandma still wants to do all the baking and hosting but she's slowing down a little."
"I can't imagine Carolyn slowing down. She's a force. Have you heard about our first meeting?"
A chorus of nos were heard around the room. "How about we serve dinner and then you can tell the story?" Cormac adds, slipping his hands around her waist. Liam, Arianna, the 3 Grey-Shepherd children, and Scout all quickly plated their dinners and sat at the table followed by Meredith, Maggie, Amelia, Link and Cormac.
"Before I begin my story, I'm just so happy nearly everyone has made it home for Christmas. It was my third year in Seattle. Neither Derek nor Mark had been home in nearly three years, so she scheduled her vacation cruise to stop through Seattle before flying home. Carolyn couldn't figure out why her boys wouldn't fly home for any Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving holidays. We had our hospital family here, and with Lexie and myself in our first years of internships and residencies we couldn't travel. She arrived at the hospital by bus and was determined to visit with us while we were at work. As a 3rd year, I spent my day trying to avoid her, which was easy as Derek had back to back surgeries which he had me scrub in on. Derek and I had lunch with her which I found very awkward. She also met my sister Lexie, Mark's love. After she left we realized that Mark probably got the toughest words thrown at him, while she was nicest with Derek. She told Mark that he was the problem and he had to grow up. Thankfully she approved of both Lexie and I," Meredith told everyone.
"Derek was the golden boy," Amelia adds.
"Mom says that Grandma doted on her boys," Arianna says.
"She did. She loved those two trouble makers," Amelia replies.
"Auntie Amy, they weren't trouble makers," Zola says.
"Oh they were. They were both my older brothers."
"But they played princess party with us," Zola says
"We need to clean up from dinner and head to the school," Cormac says.
"I think we'll need to take 4 cars so we have room for Mayella, Marcus, Kay and Alexa to come home," Maggie says.
"Sounds about right. Link, guess we can't take your Porsche?" Cormac says.
"That wouldn't bring any kids home. Definitely trouble, not enough seats, summer tires," Link responds thinking of his classic Porsche 911 sitting in his garage, summer tires installed and not winterized.
"We don't want to be late, let's go!" Cormac throws the SUV keys to Liam, grabbing his Tesla keys before heading to the door.
The school's musical production of The Polar Express involves the whole school. Kayleigh and Alexa, as grade 7 students, have cast roles and are members of the senior choir, while Mayella in grade 6 and Marcus in grade 5 are both with their classes and the senior choir. They have been working hard on the show since Hallowe'en, the school was lucky to have an amazing music teacher. Mrs Chan teaches music to every student in the school and involves every class in the Christmas production, from the Kindergarteners through the Grade 7s. She has so many kids in the optional choir they had recently started splitting into sections, Junior (grades 2-4) and Senior (grades 5-7). The show is held in the highschool's theatre and the stagecraft class built the sets used for the show.
As usual it was an amazing production and Kayleigh and Alexa were super excited to see their family in the third row. After the show, Zola, Bailey and Ellis headed off to find their siblings and get hugs from some of the teaching staff that had been around since they were in Elementary School. Once the cleanup was done, they all gathered and ensured everyone had a space in a car to get home.
"Mom, can we talk alone?" Ellis says as she walks into the kitchen.
"Go up to our room, El. I'll bring you two ice cream. Fresh berries and pineapple?" Cormac asks as he pulls the supplies out of the fridge and freezer.
"Thanks, Dad," she says.
"I'll be up shortly," Meredith says. She looks at her husband wondering if he knows what is bothering Ellis as usually Ellis would turn to Cormac or Liam.
"I think Harriet had a hard week with April. She just arrived at Jackson's house," Cormac whispers in her ear wrapping his arms around his wife's small waist.
"Oh! Relationship drama," Meredith says quietly before kissing Cormac and heading upstairs. He prepares dessert for the rest of the clan including Amelia's three kids. Wow they were noisy, and with ten kids in the house he could understand why Ellis needed to escape.
"Link, Amelia, do you want any before I send this out to the masses?" Cormac asks assembling a tray to send to the living room.
"Yes please. Did Liam tell you about this afternoon?" Amelia asked, putting some fruit on both their plates.
"Yes. Quite the story about you and Owen on the couch. Glad Kay & Alexa weren't here."
"I'm sure he wouldn't have asked if any of the younger kids were around. They were quite embarrassed."
"They've been living in the attic suite of Liz's house, they have it to themselves. They forget about living with others."
"So true."
"Link, can you take this into the kids, I'm just going to run this tray up to Ellis and Mer," Cormac says as he heads for the stairs. Link grabs the large tray of fruit and ice cream and a chorus of 'thank yous' is immediately heard. He knocks quietly on his bedroom door and walks in noticing the two of them cuddled together. Ellie, the cuddle bug, and her mom. Tears streaming down Ellis's face, he hands her a handkerchief and kisses the top of her head before he slips back out of the room to join everyone else downstairs.
Cormac heads up to bed after the kids start to skatter to their rooms. Ellis is still cuddled on their bed and he pulls Meredith into the bathroom so they can have a quiet word together. Putting the shower on, they step into the shower chatting about their kids while soaping one another down and enjoying the feeling of touching one another. They have finished many days hiding in the shower from their kids, taking time at the end of the day to connect.
"So El is in our bed?" he asks as they shut off the shower and she hands him a towel.
"She passed out after crying, the full house didn't help her anxiety. Harriet hadn't told her how bad it was in Ohio until she was on her way to Seattle as she didn't want to upset El while she was writing exams. April's mom was pushing her to leave New York, find a guy and get married and preaching about the church and very traditional values."
"Jackson will support both of them. What about April?" Cormac asks. He didn't really know April as she had left Grey-Sloan before he'd arrived in Seattle.
"April should be fine with it. She was best friends with Arizona Robbins and in each other's wedding parties But she let her mom preach all week," Meredith replies as she slips on her nightie. Cormac knew Arizona from a number of the conferences they had attended through the years as she was a notable Neonatal surgeon and teacher, and the neonatal and peds conferences were often jointly held.
"So how do we get her out of our bed? I can't carry her anymore. I can't carry any of them," he says thinking back to the days when their kids were little. Ellis was petite like her mom and grandmother Ellis, but with his knees and being in his late fifties that was no longer an option.
"No you can't carry her, especially up to the attic. We either wake her, or get Bailey in here. He's the athlete," she says tidying up the bathroom from their shower.
"I'll go ask Bailey. Want to get her a water bottle and some advil for when she wakes?" he says.
"Oh, good plan. You know her well," she says as they head through the bedroom to get Ellis settled for the evening.
Meredith heads downstairs for the water and is impressed the kids had cleaned up the living room and turned on the dishwasher. She followed Bailey up to the attic and where they settled Ellis into her bed. Bailey and Zola ask about why Ellis disappeared for the evening, and she quietly replies, "Your sister is overwhelmed and just needed some mommy time. Thanks Bay for carrying her up."
Meredith heads back to their room and slips into bed with her husband, cuddling herself next to him. "Kids are exhausting," she says.
"True, especially with our crowd," he replies, kissing the top of her head and pulling her close.
"Only two with issues today. Liam was definitely embarrassed about being caught half dressed," she teases.
"Well imagine being in your thirties and being caught like an irresponsible teen," he laughs.
"He was much better at being secretive before he left for Ireland," she replies thinking back to the few times they knew he'd crossed the house rules in Grade 12 but had hidden his transgressions well.
"Yes teenage antics. We both work tomorrow, time for sleep, my love," he says kissing her.
Breakfast, ok more like brunch, is only the kids as Meredith, Cormac, Link and Amelia are all at Grey-Sloan. They decided to make waffles, hash browns and sausages and all start working on breakfast. The youngest 5 kids all head off to the video games while the oldest ones tackle breakfast.
"Should we put on another pot of coffee?" Bailey asks.
"I'm going to make tea," Arianna says.
"I'm good with tea," Liam replies.
"I'm good, no more coffee for me. And those kids don't need caffeine," Zola says referring to the twins and her cousins.
"Are there any more berries?" Ellis asks Liam as he's digging in the fridge for sausages and onions.
"No, I have some apples. Want them?"
"Sure. We need fruit for eleven of us!"
"Eleven? There's only ten here," Zola responds.
"Harriet is on her way over."
"Cool. Haven't seen her in ages. Notice that the younger kids disappeared." Bailey says.
"No worries, they can do the dishes," Liam replies.
"Good plan! We got the better deal. I can get to the mall earlier then," Ellis says.
Harriet arrives with three dozen bagels, an extra large tub of cream cheese and locally caught smoked salmon. And walking in she says, "Grandma and Grandpa sent us snacks."
"Oh! This looks amazing," Zola says.
"How are Catherine and Richard?" Liam asks.
"They're slowing down, still on the foundation board, but have passed off most of the duties to Dad and Maggie."
"And you," Ellis adds, silently slipping her hand to the small of Harriet's back pulling her so she was leaning back onto Ellis. Zola noticed the interaction between the two of them, wondering if Harriet was the reason for Ellis' worry the night before.
"I don't have much responsibility, but I attend quarterly board meetings. And attending some of the east coast hospital meetings if they don't conflict with classes," Harriet responds, playing down her role in the foundation.
"Making your presence known?" Liam says.
"Basically."
"Should we get everyone in here for brunch?" Bailey says.
"Will do," Zola says heading to the basement calling for her younger siblings and cousins. Brunch was a noisy affair with everyone chatting and enjoying their day off.
"Mer, have time for a coffee?" Jackson says as he walks up to the ICU nurses station where she was updating some charts.
"Sure, I just need to check on a couple of patients here. 30 minutes?"
"Sounds good. Meet outside at the coffee cart?"
"See you there," Meredith says heading off to check on her patients. She figures it's personal so probably questions about Harriet as Jackson suggested a location outside of the hospital. Meredith texts Cormac to let him know she's headed out to chat with Jackson so he didn't come looking for her with a coffee in hand.
Outside Jackson handed her a latte and they wandered over to the garden bench that so many years ago Richard had brought her out to after she was attacked.
"I don't think Harriet will ever go back to Ohio with April," Jackson states.
"First she's eighteen now, if she doesn't want to go, she shouldn't have to. What happened?" Meredith replies.
"She wouldn't talk about it. She's hated going since she was thirteen, but this is the angriest she's ever been. She's refusing to go see April and Matthew while she's in Seattle. Mom couldn't even calm her down."
"Give her time, let her hang out with the friends and family she wants to. Remember April's family is very religious, which isn't how we raised our kids."
After seeing him nod, Meredith continues, "You know how overwhelming Karen can be. I'm sure she hasn't gotten any easier to deal with."
"True. Mom texted that she had coffee with Harriet this morning before heading to your house."
"Hanging with my kids will brighten her day," Meredith says, knowing that Ellis had planned to spend the day with Harriet.
"What do I do about April and Matthew?"
"Tell April that Harriet is eighteen and can make her own decisions. And be there and support Harriet, she needs her dad through this," Meredith says, knowing it's more than just visits with April's side of the family that Harriet is struggling with. Meredith didn't want to betray the conversation she'd had the previous night with Ellis but needed to support both Jackson and Harriet.
"Thanks Mer, I needed this talk," he says as they walk back towards the hospital. Jackson is single, he'd had a few relationships over the years, but never found a person he was willing to commit to long term. He committed his life first to his family, Harriet, Catherine and Richard, Meredith and family, and then to the Foundation and Grey-Sloan hospital.
"No problems, boss," she teases as they walk towards his office, the Chief of Surgery office. He'd taken over from Dr Miranda Bailey a few years ago when she decided to focus only on her research.
"You could have this job," he says.
"No thanks, I'm quite happy being Richard's replacement heading the Interns and Residents."
"Just don't turn back into Medusa," he whispers, giving her a hug before stepping into his office. Walking towards her office she thinks of all the years they've been here, in this hospital, working together, raising their families.
"Harriet, let's go shopping," Ellis says after breakfast is done and the younger children finish cleaning up the kitchen.
"Sure, Zola do you want to come to?" Harriet asks.
"I'd love to," she says.
"Can we hitch a ride, El?" Alexa asks standing with Kayleigh and Mayella.
"I don't have room for everyone in dad's car," Harriet replies.
"I have the SUV keys. I could take you three," Liam says knowing Arianna wants to pick up a few items.
"Zola, your choice. You can go in either vehicle," Ellis says.
"I'll come with you, and probably catch a ride back here with Liam later," Zola says knowing that Harriet and Ellis may wish to ditch her later. She isn't quite sure what is going on between Harriet and Ellis, but they have been best friends forever and they were often inseparable, although she thinks they look closer than ever before.
"Bailey will you watch Marcus and Scout?" Liam says, taking charge in his role as the big brother. He would go over rules with Alexa, Kayleigh and Mayella on the drive.
"I don't need babysitting," Scout grumbled.
"How about some basketball?" Bailey deflects knowing they would gladly hang out with him on the basketball court in their backyard.
"Two on One? Us against you?" Marcus challenges.
"I'll go get changed, meet you out there in ten," he says running up the stairs. Bailey played hoops with his cousins for nearly two hours before they were too cold and wanted to head inside. The younger boys headed to their house saying they would be playing video games saying they would be fine without him. "Mom should be home shortly so we are good there by ourselves," Scout says.
"OK. But if you need me, I'll be inside reading," Bailey replies.
"Reading? Like homework?" Marcus asks.
"Yes for my research project. I have work to complete over the break so I can finish my big project and graduate."
"Wow! I don't want to do homework over the break," Marcus states.
"It is different when you find your passion. This is a great project looking at prosthetics and nerve issues. I'm working with a team of orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center," Bailey says.
"Wow! You could work with our mom. She's a neurosurgeon," Marcus says.
"Yes, Auntie Amy is. The work I'm doing is similar to some my dad, your Uncle Derek, started with Dr Torres before he went to DC. I'm working on the prosthetic and electronics in them," Bailey describes.
"Cool! Mom says Uncle Derek was a good neurosurgeon," Scout says.
"He was. You go have a snack and play video games, I'll go study," Bailey says heading into his kitchen.
After finishing their Christmas shopping Harriet and Ellis head to the Avery penthouse. They hope their first stop is tea with Catherine and Richard.
Walking into their suite, Harriet says "Grandma, Grandpa? Ellis and I are back from shopping. Do you want to join us for tea?"
"We'd love to join you for tea in the living room," replies Richard.
"We'll be out in a few minutes. There's a fruit tray in the fridge and Oliana left us some fresh baked Christmas cookies," Catherine says. Oliana is their live-in help, she does the shopping, meal prep, cleaning and all the tasks that Catherine and Richard are finding more difficult to do now they are in their late seventies and early eighties.
"Did she make the pineapple coconut cookies?" Harriet asks before heading towards the large kitchen. The penthouse was divided in two suites with Catherine and Richard being in the more formal and larger suite with a large living room, dining room and professional kitchen while Jackson and Harriet shared a slightly smaller suite with an open kitchen and living area. Catherine and Richard had a large master bedroom suite, office, private sitting room, a full suite for Oliana and guest suite. Jackson and Harriett each had their bedrooms and ensuites, an office, a theatre room and exercise room.
"Of course, she knows they are your favourite," Catherine says, offering her hand to Richard. Richard's mobility was declining, and he would soon be heading back to Grey-Sloan as a patient for knee replacements. His cobalt-free hip, replaced in 2020, had recovered nicely, but in the last 5 years his knees had started bothering him. He was waiting until after Christmas for his surgery, one of the benefits as the past Chief of Surgery is he was able to choose his surgery date. He wanted to enjoy Christmas with Harriet and the rest of the Grey-Sloan family.
Harriet heads to the kitchen where Ellis has already turned on the kettle and pulled out plates and mugs for tea. "Grandma says Oliana already prepped us fruit."
"She knows you are home. Remember when we used to come home from school and she would have a special snack ready for us?"
"Yes. And look at these cookies," Harriet says finding a plate of cookies with a note, "For Harriet - Special for you. Please enjoy - O"
"Oh! She has my favourite ones too," Ellis says spotting the gingersnaps.
"Is black tea ok? Or would you prefer herbal?" Harriet asks, pulling out the teapot and teas.
"Black is fine, Oliana will have cream in the fridge," Ellis says.
"I miss Oliana stocking my fridge," Harriet replies.
"You are living in the dorms and have a meal plan," Ellis says.
"Yes, but I love the treats Oliana grabs for me that I never think of when I buy snacks for my room."
"I'll have to remember that and bring you some surprises when I come to Princeton," Ellis whispers in her ear and kisses her neck quickly before heading into the living room to greet Richard and Catherine. Gently pulling him into a hug, she says, "Grandpa Richard, you're moving slower."
"Just a little. Ellie, it's good to see you," Richard says as he makes his way to his favourite chair. Ellis hugs Catherine once Richard is seated before heading back to help Harriet with the trays. The four of them sit around enjoying tea, talking about their courses and life on the east coast. Richard ends tea by saying, "You two go enjoy yourselves, you don't need to entertain us all afternoon."
After work Jackson arrives home, the girls come bounding out of Harriet's bedroom to greet him. Jackson replies hugging each girl, "Wow! I missed both of you here. What a great reception."
"Hi Uncle Jackson," Ellis says.
"Dad, can we talk before going to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa?" Harriet says.
"Definitely. Is Oliana cooking tonight?" he asks.
"Yes, she's made my favourite meal," Harriet replies.
"She spoils you. I'll just let her know we'll be half an hour," he says walking through the door between the suites. He met Harriet and Ellis back in his unit and sat down with them on the couch.
"Dad…," Harriet starts cautiously.
"What's up sweetie?"
"Ummm…," she stumbles.
Grabbing Harriet's hand, Ellis asks her, "Do you want me to start?"
"Please," Harriet replies.
Taking a deep breath, Ellis says, "Uncle Jackson, you know that I'm a lesbian. Well, Harriet likes both boys and girls. This semester we started dating."
"Dad, Ellis and I are now together as girlfriends," Harriet adds.
"Are you both happy?" he asks holding onto both their hands.
"Yes." "Dad, she's amazing." They answer at the same time.
"Then I'm happy for both of you. Now how about a hug for me?" he says pulling the girls to him.
"Is this what was bothering you so much?" he continues.
"Yes. After last week…,"
"It would be tough staying with the Kepner's keeping this secret. Have you told your mom?" he says holding Harriet close.
"No I can't. They're too judgemental."
"Your mom is very good friends with Sophia's mothers, Callie and Arizona. She was a bridesmaid for Arizona and Callie's weddings. When you are ready to talk to your mom, if you want I will be there with you."
"Thanks, dad," Harriet says resting her head on her dad's shoulder.
"Ellis, do your parents know?"
"Yes, and they are supportive. Liam and Austin know, and I think Zola suspects after today."
"I'm glad both of you felt you could share this with me, now do you want a few minutes to clean up and then we'll go have that amazing dinner?"
"Thanks. We'll see you over there in 10?" Ellis says.
"Love you kiddo," Jackson says as he gives Harriet one last hug before handing her to Ellis. Before turning to his room, he squeezes Ellis' shoulder saying, "Thanks for looking after her."
Ellis pulls Harriet into a tight hug and holds her until her breathing settles back down. She can feel the tension leave her girlfriends body.
"Come let's go wash our faces." They head to the bathroom and clean their faces and apply fresh makeup.
"Damn, I forgot my lipstick. Do you have any I can use?" Ellis asks, as she digs through her small makeup bag.
"Pink? Red? Black?" Harriet asks.
"Just pink. Don't think I need Red for dinner with your grandparents. And black isn't appropriate," she jokes taking the pink lipstick that Harriet hands her.
"Can we tell Grandpa at dessert?" Harriet asks.
"Yes. Catherine knows?"
"Well... I had to tell someone after our first date. It's hard dating your best friend, no one to call after an amazing date," she says kissing Ellis.
"It's OK. I've talked to both my mom and Liam. Now lets go before your dad sends out the search party!"
Oliana serves them Grilled Hawaiian Chicken and Salmon With Coconut Rice. The chicken and salmon is marinated in a flavourful soy and pineapple juice sauce, and grilled with pineapple slices. Dinner is served with steamed veggies and mango-pineapple salsa and dessert is a simple coconut chai ice cream with italian waffle cookies. Both girls thank Oliana and offer to clean the kitchen. Oliana tries to protest, but Catherine says, "Take the night off, let them help."
"Thank you Miss Harriet, Miss Ellis. I'm glad you are home for the Christmas break," Oliana says.
"Oliana, thank you for preparing my favourites today," Harriet says.
Harriet grabs Ellis hand and pulls it above the table and says to Catherine and Richard, "We just want you to know we are dating."
"That's wonderful girls," Catherine says.
"Oh my babies are dating. Come give Grandpa a hug," Richard says.
"Grandpa, we aren't babies," Harriet protests.
"You'll always be my baby, little miss Harriet. And you too Ellie. You make me happy. Now off and do your chores," Richard says.
"You knew, didn't you mom?" Jackson asks.
"I knew they had gone on a few dates. Harriet called me after one of them wanting advice."
"I can't believe you kept it secret."
"She wasn't ready to share," Catherine protests.
"Your granddaughter is the only one you'd keep the secret for," Richard remarks.
"Oh you two stop teasing me."
"On keeping secrets, she hasn't told April or anyone in April's family. Last week was hard for her at the Kepner's, and now she doesn't want to spend time with April or Matthew over Christmas. I support her with her decisions, but this may be a tough week," Jackson told his parents.
Meredith's phone rings and seeing Ellis face, she answers the call as she slips out of the kitchen into the laundry room for some privacy. She had received a few texts today from Ellis keeping her updated on the day. Of her 7 kids, Ellis was the one that always reached out to chat and update on her day. When Ellis first went to New York she'd had to remind Ellis of the time difference and to only call or text after 10am in New York unless it was an emergency. 4am or 5am calls had sent Meredith into a panic more than once the first month Ellis was away.
"El, how was tonight?" she says as she leans against the washing machine.
"It went well. Uncle Jackson is so supportive."
"I'm glad. How's Harriet?"
"Much better now she knows she has her dad's support. Can I stay here tonight?" she asks.
"If it's OK with Uncle Jackson, his house rules please," Meredith replies.
"We're not going to do anything, we just want to cuddle," Ellis pleads.
"Just talk to Uncle Jackson, you don't want to upset him by breaking any house rules. Remember the rules here if its someone you are in a relationship with,"
"Yes, mom," Ellis sighs.
"El, I love you and want you two happy. You both need Jackson's support with April and her family. She was good friends with Auntie Callie and Auntie Arizona, but I know her mom won't be supportive and I don't know Matthew's views. You have our support, and ask Grandpa Richard about going to gay bars as Arizona's wingman."
"Really? Grandpa helped Auntie 'Zona find girls?"
"Yes. I'm sure you have their love and support."
"We do. They were very supportive at dinner."
"Glad to hear. We'll see them tomorrow for dinner."
"Thanks mom. I love you."
"Love you too El. Pass my love onto Harriet, I haven't seen her yet."
"We'll come over tomorrow, and yes we will follow Uncle Jackson's house rules."
Just as Meredith and Cormac head to bed, both Meredith and Cormac's phone buzz with a message from Jackson. He'd sent a photo of the girls cuddled on the circular sofa in Harriet's room with a caption, "Both look so peaceful and beautiful. Ellis asked me about house rules, I asked about the rules at your house and we set them the same. But we need a whiskey night."
Cormac to Jackson: "I'll bring the whiskey tomorrow."
Mer to JA: "Are you OK?"
JA to Mer: "Fine. It doesn't surprise me, but after last week I can see why Harriet came home a mess. You knew already?"
Mer to JA: "Ellis doesn't keep much secret from me, but I promised not to tell you."
JA to Mer: "Harriet had told mom, she'd even kept it from Richard."
Mer to JA: "Your mom kept a secret? Is she ok?"
JA to Mer: "For her granddaughter, she'll do anything."
Mer to JA: "So true."
Cormac to Jackson: "Just because you don't have someone to cuddle with doesn't mean you can chat with my wife all night. It's bedtime here."
JA to Mer: "Your husband wants to cuddle, good night."
Mer to JA: "Good night. You are an amazing Dad."
Mer to JA: "And I suggested that Ellis ask Richard about when he was Arizona's wingman. I'm sure it'll be a great breakfast conversation."
Meredith puts down her phone as Cormac pulls her into his arms. "We don't have any kids in our bed tonight…," he teases, capturing her lips.
