Christmas Eve

"Do I need to get up?" she moans rolling over and snuggling closer to her husband.

"We have a house full of kids. They will want breakfast," he says.

"It's still early, and they're old enough, they can take care of themselves," she whispers, running her hand down his torso towards his waistband.

"They won't want you cooking anyways," he teases, kissing her between each word.

"True. I could be in charge of the coffee pot," she replies, slipping her hands into his boxers.

"If this is continuing you will need to be quiet," he says, capturing her lips, his body reacting to her explorations. Thoughts of getting up left their conscience as they slipped into a world of their own.

Eventually they heard movement around them in the house and decided they should get up. "Shower time. Kids are up," Cormac says.

"Wow! We slept in until 8," she says.

"Wasn't all sleep. But it was nice not to have to race out this morning," he replies. They shower together with the purpose of getting clean and out to the kids. Cormac headed downstairs first while Meredith dried her hair. As she was drying her hair, Zola arrived in her room with a cup of coffee and sat down on the bed to chat while she finished with makeup and styling her hair.

"Did you bring me a coffee?" she asked Zola.

"Sorry, we were waiting on the next pot. Liam got the last cup," Zola answers.

"Guess I'll get a fresh cup then. Ready to head downstairs," she replies, putting away her makeup and blow dryer. By the time she's downstairs, Cormac had finished prepping the french toast and Bailey pulled out yogurt and fruit toppings.

"Where's Ellie?" Kayleigh asks.

"She stayed over at Harriet's last night," Cormac answers.

"How come she got to stay with friends, and we had to come home?" Alexa whines.

"First, she had dinner there last night with Richard and Catherine. Second, she hasn't seen Harriet in a while," Meredith replies, shooting Liam a look to keep his mouth shut.

"But we haven't seen her much," Alexa continues.

"They'll be here for lunch. No whining, Alexa," Cormac says.

"But…," Alexa continues.

"You might want to stop now, because we have lots of chores to complete today, and if you keep that up, you will get all the nasty ones," Cormac replies sternly. Of their seven kids, Alexa, their youngest loved to whine and complain. She was only minutes younger than Kayleigh but sometimes she seemed so much younger due to her attitude.

"Breakfast is ready and on the table," Bailey bellows, providing a distraction of the conversation between Alexa and Cormac. They sit down as a family and enjoy breakfast and discuss the schedule over the next few days. Meredith and Cormac were unable to get the Christmas break off, but had volunteered to work Christmas morning so those surgeons with younger families could be home with them. Amelia and Link had volunteered to cover the evening at Grey-Sloan, so the cousins would be together all day and would have one set of parents during each part of the day with an hour in the middle where neither set of parents would be home during shift change.

"Which one of you will come to the store with me?" Cormac says, looking at the twins.

"I'll come, dad," says Alexa. If he'd had to guess which twin would volunteer it would be her. Kayleigh was more likely to volunteer to cook or bake, while Alexa took every chance to get out of the house.

"I'm going to make móraí's Soda bread. And some butter tarts," Kayleigh states.

"Ok, Alexa be ready in 15 minutes," he says, grabbing the grocery list and sitting down beside his wife. "Can you think of anything to add to this list?"

"Lots of food! We are feeding 9 of us this week. And probably more coffee beans," she says.

"Dinner tonight is at Jackson's and is fully catered," he says.

"So a case of sparkling apple juice or sparkling lemon Amelia likes?" she suggests, knowing with two recovering addicts they always ensured there was a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks over the holidays.

"I'll grab a case of each so we have extras here," he says.

"Thanks," she says.

"Will Ellie be home soon?" he asks.

"They said they'd be here for lunch, so you two had better get going so you are home with the food for lunch," she says.

"You don't need to go into the hospital today?"

"No, it's covered today," she answers.

"I'm glad we are both on the same schedule," he says kissing her before getting up to find his shoes.


Lunch at the Grey-Hayes household is busy, as everyone pitches in to put the food out. Settling for an informal meal, they filled their plates and headed to the living room to eat. Liam and Arianna cuddle at one end of the sectional, while Meredith and Cormac sit on the loveseat. The twins grab a spot on the floor, Zola and Bailey sit on the sectional and Ellis and Harriet settle on the oversized bean bag. Discussion through the meal is touching base with each kid and how they are doing. Kayleigh and Harriet start talking dance and music while Alexa is enthralled by Bailey's practice schedule and his engineering courses. Ellis, Zola, Liam and Arianna discuss medical school and options for residency. After they finish eating, Liam and Arianna share their exciting news with the family.

"Dad, Mer, we have some news to share. We're expecting," Liam says.

"Congratulations, when are you due?" Cormac says getting up to head over and hug his son and fiancée. Everyone else gets up and gives them big hugs. The other kids head off to clean up, or hang out elsewhere while Liam and Arianna chat with his parents.

"Early August. Only 8 weeks so far," Arianna says.

"How are you feeling?" Meredith asks Arianna.

"Not too bad, hardly any morning sickness. Only trigger so far is coffee," she answers.

"Lucky you. Although it might get worse over the next few weeks. The worst was my pregnancy with the twins," Meredith says.

"That wasn't an easy pregnancy," Liam says.

"Definitely not. Twin pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum, twin pregnancy, gestational diabetes, my oldest heading to Ireland for school," Meredith says.

"And then twins born on two different days," Cormac adds.

"How?" Arianna asks.

"Kayleigh was born at 11:45PM and Alexa wasn't born until 12:22AM," Cormac explains.

"Hey, it wasn't my fault, you wouldn't let me push. Kayleigh was born on the way to the OR, in the elevator. So they didn't have an ultrasound to check on Alexa's position, and they didn't have equipment for two newborns in the elevator, so they tried to stall labour," Meredith says.

"Guessing that wasn't fun," Arianna says.

"Definitely not. Delivered Kayleigh with just Cormac, an Intern and a Resident in the elevator. But she wasn't waiting," Meredith adds.

"She still likes to be first," Liam says laughing.

"Was that what made you choose your field?" Arianna turns to her financé and asks.

"Definitely sent me in that direction. I did lots of research to help Mer with a diet for both the HG and GD, especially once I was in Ireland and couldn't help at home," Liam admitted.

"His diet tips really helped. Are you publishing anything on that?" Meredith asks.

"I've published in Ireland. My research for my fellowship is promising, and our trials are going well," he replies.

"Arianna, why did you choose midwifery?" Meredith asks.

"Mom and dad's family practice had an OB/Gyn practice they shared before they added a group of CNMs to the practice, and then referring any high risks to Auntie Nancy. I liked working with the CNMs. I studied Auntie Nancy's and Auntie Addison's research, but I was more interested in the delivery and newborns, not the surgery, or other work. So I decided to just go straight to midwifery, especially since New York has a great program," she answers.

"Definitely a good choice if that is the scope of practice you are interested in," Cormac answers.

"Healthy babies to cuddle. They are making us grandparents," Meredith says.

"Let's hope for a healthy mom and baby," Cormac replies, thinking to his Level 4 NICU and all those babies fighting hard.

"Liam, when are your specialty exams?" Meredith asks.

"I plan to apply to do the early exams in May here in Seattle. The later exams are in July in Texas, so I'd rather not travel then," he says.

"Will you have enough prep time?" Cormac asks.

"I've already gotten approval. And because of my work in Ireland, I have enough cases that qualify," he says.

"So wedding at Easter, exams in May and baby by August. A busy year."

After chatting with Liam and Arianna, Cormac and Meredith head off to find the other couple hanging around their house. The search for Ellis and Harriet is simple, they are in the attic listening to music, chatting, kissing, wrapped in one another's arms. They did follow the house rules and the door was open but given the extra set of stairs they are pushing the limits allowing their hands to wander to sensitive skin.

Meredith knocks on the door as they ascend the steps to the attic. She can hear them scamper apart, and as she gets to the top of the stairs she sees them adjusting their clothing. Meredith asks, "Might be pushing the rules a little?"

"Sorry mom," Ellis says as Harriet turns red and tries to hide her face into Ellis' shoulder. Cormac and Meredith quickly find seats in the girls bedroom, Cormac sitting at the desk and Meredith on Zola's bed.

"Harriet, how was talking to your dad?" Cormac says.

"Good. I felt much better after talking to him."

"Have you talked to your mom since you've been home?" Meredith asks.

"No. I had last week with her. That's enough," Harriet says.

"We can't talk to her," Ellis says.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. I think she should hear it from you Harriet. It'll be better than if she hears through the rumour mill."

"I guess so," Harriet sighs.

"What about calling Arizona? She might help you with ideas?"

"That's a good idea. Mom, you said she was friends with April, correct?" Ellis confirms still holding onto Harriet's hand.

"Yes. They were good friends when Arizona worked in Seattle," Meredith says.

"OK. We can call her. But not until after Christmas," Harriet agrees.

"Have you told your siblings, El?" Cormac asks.

"Liam knows. I think Zola suspects. We weren't wanting to tell anyone else until all our parents knew."

"If you are going to cuddle like this in the open, you may want to tell your siblings. Otherwise keep your hands to yourself," Cormac suggests.

"Sorry dad," Ellis says.

"I have no problem with this, but if you are still keeping it quiet and appear as best friends to the world, then you need to be a little more careful," he replies.

"And tonight you each need to sleep at your own houses," Meredith says.

"So Santa can come," Ellis jokes.

"If you believe, he'll come," replies Cormac. They still filled stockings from Santa for all the kids, and although all of there's now suspected that their parents helped Santa with the stockings the house rules meant those that outwardly made negative jokes about his existence didn't get a stocking. Austin lost his stocking privilege when he was 14 as he refused to play along, and spent two years without a stocking. He quickly realized that by believing in the magic, and keeping the younger kids believing he benefitted and by the time he was 16, he'd matured enough to get his stocking filled. Zola, Bailey and Ellis had all been taken aside by Austin as they became "a grumpy teenager", according to Austin, and were quickly reminded of the years he didn't believe.


"Everyone it's time to go! Dinner at Jackson's," Cormac yells up the stairs.

"Dad, I'm here," Bailey says.

"Of course you are, you aren't primping and changing 14 times like your sisters," he teases back.

"What about Liam? He's usually first with me," Bailey asks.

"Harriet and Ellie were going to get them and take them over. Something about New Yorkers sticking together according to Ellie," Cormac says.

"We are taking 2 cars?" Bailey asks.

"Yes, because we need to bring the 3 that went with Harriet home. Want to drive?" Cormac says.

"Can I drive the Tesla?" Bailey responds questioningly, knowing Cormac is unlikely to let him drive it.

"Nope, that's mine to drive. If you want to drive you can drive the SUV," he says.

"Not as fun! Not as fun. Mom, Cormac won't let me drive the Tesla," Bailey responds as Meredith comes down the stairs.

"I'm not getting in that argument. You didn't win it when you were 18, you won't win that now. Sorry Bay," Meredith responds.

"But Mommy," he pretends to whine.

"You want those extra chores your sister didn't get this morning?" Meredith asks.

"OK, I'll behave. Do I need to go grab the girls?" he asks.

"Zo was getting them. The twins were fighting over the blow dryer. Can you put some sparkling juice and water in the car?" Meredith responds thinking to how she had sent Kayleigh to use hers.

"It's already there," Cormac says.

"And the gift for Catherine and Richard?" Meredith asks.

"Yes, but what did you get them? They can buy whatever they want," Cormac replies.

"I picked up a few local specialty items for Catherine at Pike Place. Things I know she's enjoyed in the past, but isn't getting out to get herself these days. And everything is consumable.

"Smart idea," Cormac replied.


Finally everyone arrived at the Avery penthouse. Most of the kids headed off towards the theatre room to watch the series of adaptations of Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas while everyone else congregated in the large living room.

"Your place looks wonderful," Meredith says to Jackson.

"Mom and Oliana did everything. Oliana is amazing," Jackson says.

"I'd say you need to share her, but she's amazing with your mom and Richard and keeping them in line," Meredith says.

"Yes. And her son is now travelling with Mom and Richard when they go for meetings. He's acting as chauffeur, flight attendant, concierge, etc."

"That's great. Guessing he helped with the tree too? Richard can't do that anymore," Meredith asks.

"Hopefully Richard's knee surgeries will help his mobility," Link says joining the conversation.

"Hey, Link. You finally got your crowd out of the house," Meredith teases giving Link a hug.

"Couldn't get Scout or Marcus away from the video games," Link says.

"After dinner, they can play in my living room. I set up the system in the living room because Harriet wanted to run Christmas movies in the theatre," Jackson says.

"Jackson, thanks for inviting us," Maggie says as she enters the kitchen.

"Glad you could make it this year," he says knowing in the past years they've often headed to Boston to Winston's family and Bill, Maggie's adoptive father. Bill passed away this past year, Winston's grandmother had passed away a few years ago and so they had fewer reasons to head back to Boston.

"Where's Spencer and Winston?" Meredith asks.

"Winston took him over to find his cousins," Maggie says.

"I think they are all watching Grinch," Link says.

"The nice thing with that it entertains all ages," replies Meredith, knowing the four families had kids from the youngest Spencer at 5, to Liam, the oldest, at 30.

"So we are 21 for dinner?" Jackson asks, thinking back to the task of helping Oliana and her son setup the table earlier.

"We have 9, Amelia's 5, Maggie's is 3, and four here…, so sounds right. Do you have enough places put out?" Meredith asks.

"Yes, thanks to Oliana and her organization. She'll have the food out on the island in the kitchen and we will eat in the dining room," Jackson says.

After an amazing dinner, Catherine gathered the kids around the living room, she had her traditional gift for Christmas Eve. All beautifully wrapped and addressed were packages for each kid. Spencer was the only one still getting a full set of PJs and a book, while the rest of the grandkids all received Christmas tshirts. While they were still unwrapping the gifts, Cormac's phone rang. Seeing it was Austin he picked up the phone, and after confirming he was calling to say Merry Christmas and thank you, Austin was put on speaker phone.

"Thanks Catherine and Richard. Merry Christmas everyone. Wish I was there," Austin was home from dinner and church with his grandparents, Abigail's parents, and was now headed to bed as he had to be at the hospital for 7AM.

"Love you, Austin. Wish you could be here too. Hopefully tomorrow is uneventful," Cormac says.

"Agree, you too," Austin said, knowing they were both working in paediatrics in the morning. The last thing you wanted was an emergency in paediatrics on Christmas or Easter morning.

The kids all scattered to Jackson's apartment while Maggie and Winston decided it was time to take their little one home. "Night Spencer," everyone said as he came around for hugs. Jackson, Meredith, Cormac, Amelia, Link finally decided at 10pm to pack up their kids and head home.