Chapter 165
4 months later
Tegan was woken up by soft cooing sounds coming from the crib next to their bed. They haven't had the heart to move the babies into their own room yet. Lindsey was still snoring away next to her. Tegan yawned and slowly got up. "Hey guys! Merry Christmas! Where's my little elves!" she said looking at her two dark haired angels. Both Casey and Ryan kicked their legs around and laughed at their mom. "Let's check those diapers" sighed Tegan and put the babies down on the bed. Both babies were doing exceptionally well and either met or exceeded all their milestones. After the diaper change with the babies blabbering away, Tegan put Ryan down on his stomach on the pillows next to Lindsey's head. Ryan held his head and neck up and straightened his arms. "Mommy" said Tegan softly. Lindsey opened her eyes and snapped up startled. "Man that was weird, seeing this little drooling face right in front of me" said Lindsey. Ryan laughed as Lindsey picked him up. "Morning kiddos" she said. "Oh, and Merry Christmas" she smiled and winked at Tegan. Lindsey and Tegan had a long conversation leading up to Christmas. They decided that the kids should experience it because the Quins celebrated it. Kate, Alex and Erin were very much into Christmas and they wanted their kids to experience the fun, joy and love surrounding Christmas. Lindsey wasn't too worried about the Jewish holidays anyway.
Tegan was like a five year old. "Come on mommy Linds… time to open some presents" exclaimed Tegan and picked up Casey. "Hang on guys… coffee for Moms and breakfast for babies first" said Lindsey. "Come oooon!" moaned Tegan. "Put them in their seats I'll be there in two minutes" said Lindsey before kissing Tegan playfully. "Just give them a snack or something they can have their milk after presents" said Tegan. Both babies started getting quite fussy after a minute in their baby seats. "Somebody's hungry" said Lindsey holding two little bowls of baby cereal. "Go make your coffee I'll feed them" said Tegan, eager to get this out of the way. She started feeding the babies in turn. It was a messy business. Both babies have only been eating for a few weeks. It was chaos but they seemed to love it. Lindsey walked out of the kitchen with some coffee. "Oh my gosh… what a mess" she laughed as Casey spat out a mouthful and Ryan made some kind of chewing movement with his mouth before sticking his fist in his mouth. "Hey smartie pants…. Are you chewing? This doesn't need chewing, besides you don't have any teeth yet silly… and this is a hand not food" said Tegan before wiping his hand. "Have you heard from Jeremy?" asked Lindsey taking one of the bowls and spoons from Tegan. "No… we invited him for Christmas dinner but he didn't reply. Not holding my breath, who knows what's going on in that boy's head" said Tegan looking at her babies. They reminded her of Jeremy every single day. Something in the way they smiled, their dark hair, dark eyes, the dimple in Ryan's chin. She missed Jeremy so much and every day she hoped that today would be the day that Jeremy came back into her life. She had email contact with him but it was usually quite brief. Tegan sighed and tried to put it out of her mind. "By the way, Sara offered to go pick up Mom and the Dads from the airport. Hopefully that will give us more time to clean these two little messy monkey's up" said Tegan playfully and kissed both babies. This made them giggle. Tegan kissed them again and they giggled even louder. Tegan was giggling too now. "You guys are the cutest" said Lindsey. "But let's eat now so we can open those presents" lifting her eyebrows.
"Morning babe…. Merry Christmas" said Kate cheerfully as she entered the bedroom still wearing her scrubs. She jumped playfully onto the bed next to Sara and started tickling her. "Wakey wakey" she giggled. "Stop it! It's early, I want to sleeeep" moaned Sara. "Oh come on, I made your favourite breakfast and I have some presents waiting" said Kate excitedly. Sara opened her eyes and pulled Kate's face closer. "You… are such an overachiever. Merry Christmas baby" she giggled and kissed her love. "No… just still on a work high" said Kate. "How was your shift? Why are you still wearing scrubs?" asked Sara getting up. "Good… challenging... but good. Kid puked all over my clothes so... scrubs. Just sad to see kids in hospital over Christmas" smiled Kate and followed Sara into the kitchen. "Did you get some work done?" asked Kate. "Well… spent Christmas eve at Tegan's. We did a bit of tinkering around with some of the new material" said Sara. "Oh yeah? How does it sound?" asked Kate. "Ummmm… good I think. Tegan's got some amazing, amazing stuff there. It's ground breaking. I think what she went through this year just put he on another level emotionally and creatively" said Sara. "So is yours! Your stuff is mind blowing" said Kate proudly. "Hope so… because this is pretty much final. Erin wants the movie out in time for awards season" said Sara.
"Go get some rest for a few hours before we need to go over to Erin's place" said Sara after breakfast and opening their gifts. "I wish we could stay right here today" said Kate seductively. "Me too… I guess Christmas is family time but sometimes I want my sexy surgeon all to myself" said Sara and sat down on Kate's lap folding her legs around her waist. She kissed her softly on her lips before moving down to her neck. Kate gave a massive yawn. Sara stopped and took Kate's face in her hands. "Am I boring you?" she said jokingly. "Sorry baby… I'm just hitting the wall suddenly" said Kate. "Go take a shower and get some rest. I have to go pick up the parental units from the airport anyway. I'll meet you at Erin's. Everybody will understand if you're an hour or two late" said Sara. "Today's going to be interesting" said Kate. "Why?" asked Sara. "Well… the parents, all together you know" said Kate. "Well…. It's not as if they've never met or anything" said Sara. "Yeah but it's one thing meeting your kid's friend's parents and meeting your kid's life partner's parents" smiled Kate. "It will be fine. They'll get along like a house on fire" said Sara and gave Kate a quick kiss before getting up. "Now go get some rest! I don't want you falling asleep at the lunch table" said Sara laughing.
Tegan walked into Erin's house looking like a pack mule with baby bags over her shoulders and blankets under her arms. "Hi Teegs... Merry Christmas! Let me give you a hand there" said Alex and took the bags from Tegan. "Hey Merry Christmas guys... I'll be back in a sec have to go get the kids from the car" said Tegan. "Why didn't you guys just walk up?" laughed Sara. "Have you seen the amount of shit we have to carry around? Anyway the trunk's full of gifts" said Tegan shrugging. "Oooooo I'll go help" said Sara jumping up. "Where's Kate?" asked Sara. "She'll be here in an hour or so, had an all night shift. Poor thing's finished. She's just getting a few hours of sleep" said Sara. "Don't know how she does it" said Tegan. "Heeeey there's my little elves" said Sara loudly. "Shhhh we just got them to fall asleep, had to drive around the block five times" said Lindsey. Tegan smiled knowing that "little elves" was exactly what she called them that morning. "Sorry!" whispered Sara and lifted one of the seats out of the car. "Did you guys have a fun Christmas morning?" asked Sara. "Yeah, Casey ate some wrapping paper and Ryan pooped all over his new plush toy" laughed Tegan. "Well why didn't you keep the toy out of the firing line Tegan!" said Sara. Tegan just rolled her eyes and shook her head smiling. "Don't worry Ryan, plenty more gifts for you under the tree" whispered Sara. "You can put them down in the first spare room Tegan, there's a crib set up for them" smiled Erin holding her gorgeous little girl. "Thanks, how's your first Christmas so far little Leah?" asked Tegan touching the baby's face. "Loving it. Refuses to fall asleep though. Scared she's going to miss all the action" said Erin bouncing the baby up and down.
Tegan walked back into the living room and plonked down on the couch after greeting the other guests. "Man this is hard work" she laughed. "Tell me about it" laughed Erin sitting down next to Tegan. "Hey mom! Come look at the amazing photos Lindsey took this morning of the gift opening ceremony" said Tegan and started showing her mom photos. "Oh my gosh this is cute! Please send me some, I got some beautiful photo frames for Christmas" said Sonia. "Me too!" said Stephen. "Yeah me three" chimed Bruce. "Okay there's enough for everybody" laughed Tegan. "How long before they wake up? I want to hold my grandkids" said Sonia. "Never wake a sleeping baby mom" said Tegan. The doorbell rang. "Who could that be I thought we're all here?" said Erin. "I'll get it" said Tegan getting up.
Tegan opened the door and stared in disbelief. "Surprise" smiled Jeremy and dropped a large bag of gifts on the floor. "Oh my god... Jeremy" said Tegan hugging Jeremy tight. "It's so good to see you... fuck I've missed you so much" said Tegan still hugging tight with her eyes closed. "I've missed you too Tee" said Jeremy. He took Tegan's face in his hands. "You look amazing Tegan! How are you doing?" said Jeremy. "I'm good as new! Can you imagine how great I would look if I wasn't sleep deprived" joked Tegan. Jeremy laughed with Tegan's face still in his hands.
"How are the babies?" asked Jeremy. "They... they're amazing Jer... they're so good" said Tegan as tears started spilling from her eyes. "Can't wait to see them! Hey hey... no tears... happy day!" said Jeremy. "Sorry it's just so good to see you" mumbled Tegan. "Is there room for two more at the table?" asked Jeremy. "Sure! Hang on... two more? I mean you've put on a bit of weight but you don't qualify as two yet" said Tegan. "I've met someone Tee... He's amazing. I'm so happy" said Jeremy. "Wow, that's awesome Jer... I'm so happy for you! Where'd you meet him? Who is he? Details!" said Tegan. "Met him up in Vancouver. He's an architect... well actually he's a sculptor right now. He's... well let me introduce you" said Jeremy and waved over at the car. Tegan swallowed hard. She didn't know what to do with the emotion building up inside of her. A good looking guy with short, sandy hair got out of the car. "This is Jonathan, and Jon, this is my best friend Tegan" smiled Jeremy. "It's great to finally meet you. Jeremy talks about you so much" said Jonathan. "You too! Welcome, please come in" said Tegan and led them into the living room.
Jeremy had to face about a million questions but everybody was so happy to have him back. "Somebody's awake" said Tegan and got up when she heard a cry from the monitor. "Can I come with you?" asked Jeremy tentatively while getting up. "Of course you can" said Tegan with a smile. Lindsey let Tegan and Jeremy go to the bedroom alone. "Here they are... Casey and Ryan" said Tegan. She picked up Casey and handed her to a flustered looking Jeremy. Casey cooed and kicked in Jeremy's arms. "She's so beautiful Tee" said Jeremy through his tears. "You okay there buddy?" asked Tegan. "Yeah, I am Tee. I've worked through everything. I really am fine. Jonathan has a lot to do with that. He makes me so happy Tee. It's kind of early but I think he may be the one" said Jeremy sitting down on the bed. "I'm so happy for you Jer" said Tegan and picked up Ryan. "And here's big boy Ryan" said Tegan tickling Ryan's feet. "Hey big guy" smiled Jeremy. "Are they doing okay now Tegan?" asked Jeremy. "Yeah, they're doing great in fact. They had about 9 weeks in the NICU but since then they've been happy and healthy. They've met all their milestones. They're such super stars, aren't you my monkeys" said Tegan. "That's great Tee" said Jeremy smiling. "Hey, do you want to change a diaper?" asked Tegan. "Um... well want to is a strong statement, but sure, I'll change a diaper" said Jeremy smiling and shrugging.
Jeremy spent the next hour bottle feeding and playing with the babies while Jonathan got to know everybody better. The parents were all hitting it off and Tegan smiled contently looking at the scenes in front of her. "Hey you" said Lindsey putting her arms around Tegan from behind and leaning her chin on Tegan's shoulder. "Hey gorgeous" smiled Tegan. "This is great isn't it" said Lindsey. "It's amazing... It's been a rough year but wow... look at this... everything is just so perfect in this moment" said Tegan. "Sure is" whispered Lindsey. Tegan turned around and kissed Lindsey. "I love you" she whispered. "Love you more" Lindsey whispered back.
"Leah's awake, gift time" said Alex excitedly. Kate put on a red Christmas hat and threw one to Sara. "No no, I thought you're Santa?" said Sara. "Santa needs a little helper you know" said Kate and kissed Sara's on the cheek. "Tradition, the youngest is Santa and these three might have a problem handling the gifts" said Alex. Kate was like a little kid and excitedly started handing out gifts. Lindsey was snapping away as everybody started opening presents. The babies of course didn't have a clue what was going on but Casey played excitedly with some gift wrap and Ryan banged his hands on the box holding his new firetruck while sucking his bottom lip. "To Jeremy, with love from Tegan, Lindsey, Casey and Ryan" read Sara. "You got me a gift?" asked Jeremy confused. "Every day I was hoping that this is the day I get to see you again. I got you the gift in good faith Jer. Looks like my Christmas wish came true" winked Tegan. Jeremy unwrapped the gift. He didn't even look at the fancy gadget that formed part of the gift but immediately picked up the beautiful frame with an amazing picture of Tegan, Lindsey and the babies. "It's awesome guys... thank you" said Jeremy through his tears. Jonathan put his hand on Jeremy's back and smiled.
"I'm so stuffed... If I put anything more into my mouth I'm going to explode" said Tegan rubbing her belly after a late afternoon lunch. "Please don't, I'm not on duty today" laughed Kate. "A toast, to friendship and family, to life and love" said Tegan. Everybody held their glasses up and repeated the toast. Sara put the full glass down without drinking anything. "And to our kids' first Christmas" smiled Alex. "Guys... um... Sara and I have an announcement to make" said Kate suddenly looking nervous. Everybody stopped mid sentence and turned their heads to Kate. Kate took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Well?" blurted Tegan. "Next Christmas is going to cost you even more..." said Kate. Tegan frowned and looked at Sara. "Oh just spill it... I'm pregnant" said Sara. "That's great Sar... congratulations" said Tegan and hugged her sister. "Thank you" said Sara looking a bit spooked. "How far along?" asked Tegan while people were congratulating Sara and Kate. "Ten weeks" said Sara. Tegan felt nerves make her food rise up in her throat. "I'm going to put some coffee on" said Tegan getting up. "Give me a minute" said Sara turning to Kate. Kate nodded knowingly.
"Let me help you" said Sara. "No it's fine, go have a seat... relax" said Tegan. "Tee... I'm okay I promise. Addison is very happy. Everything is perfect so far" said Sara. "That's good news" said Tegan putting the coffee machine on. "I thought Kate would do it this time" said Tegan. She knew what losing the first baby did to Sara and she never wanted her to go through that again. "She wanted to, but I begged her to let me have another go Tee" said Sara. "And the doctors... did they give you the all clear to do it?" asked Tegan folding her arms, sounding defensive. "Of course they did" said Sara. "Sara... I'm so happy for you" said Tegan and hugged her twin tight. "I had a feeling something was up, just didn't expect it to be this" said Tegan. Sara shrugged. "You take good care of yourself Sara... please" said Tegan. "I will... and Kate's treating me like a porcelain doll" said Sara. "May I ask who the sperm donor is this time? Ted again?" asked Tegan. "No... I didn't want him to go through it again. And I saw what... anyway um" said Sara. "You saw what it did to Jeremy" said Tegan with a sad smile. Sara sighed and nodded looking down. "But he seems okay now right... he seems really happy" said Sara fast. "He does" said Tegan. "I had a long talk to Ted and he understands" said Sara. "I'm guessing that's part of why he went to Canada for Christmas" said Tegan. "Yeah... I guess. We had to do what felt right for us Tee... Not what would or wouldn't hurt Ted's feelings" said Sara. "I get that... believe me. I get it" said Tegan. "We chose an anonymous sperm donor but let me tell you, those places let you pick and choose what you want in a baby daddy. We chose a medical student, dark hair, athletic, musical talent" said Sara. "Ahh a male Kate" said Tegan raising her eyebrows. Sara laughed and nodded. "Yeah I guess... a male Kate" she said. "It's going to be one beautiful, special baby Sara" said Tegan smiling. "Teetee... do you want to know a secret" smiled Sara. "No... well d'uh... of course I do" said Tegan. "It's twins... identical by the looks of it because there's only one amniotic sack. Don't know if it's boys or girls yet" smiled Sara. "Holy shit Sar! That's great" said Tegan hugging Sara again. "Well... I guess it does run in the family" said Tegan shaking her head in disbelief. "Guess I should go break the second round of news" laughed Sara.
"We have another announcement" said Sara. "You're getting married?" joked Alex. "It's twins guys" said Sara. Everybody erupted with joy. "Well... actually... now that you mention it" said Kate once the congratulations and questions had died down. She took Sara's hands in hers and went down on one knee. Sara looked at her with an utterly confused expression on her face. "Sara... you have made me the happiest woman in the world. You're my best friend, my partner... my one and only true love. My soul sings when I'm with you. Nothing would make me happier than to make you my wife. I love you so much. Sara Quin, in front of our family and friends... I want to ask if you would marry me" said Kate and pulled out a box with a ring.
Sara was pale and looked completely spooked. She stayed quiet for a minute. You could hear a pin drop. Thoughts raced through Sara's mind as she looked into Kate's green eyes. The beaming smile on Kate's face slowly started disappearing and she slowly looked down, despondent. Everybody in the room awkwardly looked away. Kate let go of Sara's hand and snapped the box closed. She got up looking hurt. "That's okay... Had to try" she mumbled and turned around. "Hey not so fast" said Sara and put her hand on Kate's shoulder. Kate turned around looking wounded. "Of course I'll marry you" said Sara and a smile erupted on her face. The friends and family whooped and cheered. Sara pulled Kate closer and kissed her passionately in front of everybody for at least a minute. "I love you... I'll marry you a million times over" she said softly with Kate's face in her hands. "You sure made me sweat there for a minute" said Kate with an awkward smile. "Sorry angel, you caught me off guard" joked Sara and kissed Kate again.
"Oh great, the three musketeers seems to all be awake from your commotion" said Tegan shaking her head. "I've got it" said Lindsey. "You take good care of my little girl Kate" said Stephen hugging Kate. "Always sir" said Kate. "And you take good care of mine!" said Kate's dad hugging Sara. "Congratulations Sara... I'm going to ask you exactly what you asked me when I got engaged... Are you sure about this?" said Tegan looking serious. "And I'm going to tell you exactly what you told me when you got engaged... I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life. I know I said I never want to get married but I was wrong. Kate changed all that. I want to share the rest of my life with her. She's my everything" said Sara. "That's what I want to hear" said Tegan and hugged Sara tight. She turned to Kate. "Congratulations bud! And... good luck! Rather you than me putting up with Sara's shit day in and day out" she giggled. "Fuck off Tee" joked Kate and pulled Tegan in for a hug. "But seriously Kate... I couldn't have hand picked a better wife for Sara myself. I'm so happy for you guys" said Tegan.
"How long have you been planning this?" asked Sara after a lengthy make out session with Kate outside next to the pool. "It took me a while to work up the courage... I wanted to do it at the lake a few weeks ago but with all the emotions surrounding those early weeks of pregnancy I decided against it. Then... this morning when I woke up from my nap... I reached over and you weren't there. And I imagined my life without you and... and I just started weeping uncontrollably. And I knew in that moment that I never want to be without you. I guess this wasn't the most romantic setting to ask for your hand in marriage but it just felt so right. It felt right having all these people we love most with us share the moment with us. And I'm sorry Sar if that wasn't the best proposal ever but..." said Kate before being cut off by Sara. "Katy... it was perfect. I'm sorry for not immediately jumping into your arms and screaming yes at the top of my lungs. I guess my brain just froze for a minute, trying to comprehend what just happened" said Sara. She put her arms around Kate's neck. "But I want you to know... that I've never been happier. There's nothing I want more than to marry you... and to have two healthy babies" said Sara through her tears. "Me too" smiled Kate. "God you're gorgeous... and so, so sweet" smiled Sara and kissed Kate again. "Hey lovers, either get a room or come in for dessert" shouted Tegan.
A/N: Ahhh a happy chapter for a change. Please review!