"Megan no," Teddy hissed.
"What else can we do," Megan asked, "it's not like we have room elsewhere for them both to sleep."
"Absolutely not," Teddy replied, "I don't want that pressure on her or to set that precedent."
"Teddy she can't get pregnant a second time right now," Megan tried, "give her a choice. She probably just wants to sleep and maybe let him hold her."
"Leo," Teddy said, "Faroke."
"My kids," Annie said, joining the conversation.
"Are all in the loft," Teddy replied.
"Heather is in our room," Annie replied, "what if Asher was in the loft with the boys and we put the three teenage girls in one room. We have an air mattress that Ellie and Cat could use to give Allie the bed."
"Allie is up and down all night," Teddy responded.
"Okay," Annie said, "the other two need to use some compassion. Ellie is Josh's kid, she sleeps through anything.
"Where is Allison anyway," Teddy asked.
"I sent them all outside," Annie replied, "just in the yard. She looked like she wanted to play so I sent her out. "
"She still needs to," Teddy agreed.
"She's looking good," Annie said, "she can go play with the other kids. Her energy seems great."
"She's good," Teddy agreed.
"Mama what's this about not having her share with Asher," Annie asked.
"I don't want her to feel like she has to do things with him in bed," Teddy said.
"It's her choice if she wants to," Megan said.
"I want it to be her choice if and when she does anything with him or another boy," Teddy answered.
"Josh and I hadn't been together much longer and you were okay with it," Annie said.
"You were 25," Teddy said
"Mama if she wants to be with him it's good," Annie said, "she should lean on him. How many times during my pregnancies have you told me to lean on Josh? Told me that you were there but I had to go to my husband first."
"You were in your 30s and married," Teddy said.
"She still needs his support," Annie said.
"If we let it happen here," Teddy said.
"You can let them for the three nights we're here or put the three teenage girls together," Megan said.
"Three teens," Teddy said.
"They love that," Annie smiled.
"They do," Teddy agreed.
"So boys in the loft girls in the room," Megan confirmed.
"At New Years she told me she wanted to be in our room," Teddy said.
"I know," Annie said
"She's so clingy with him at night," Teddy said, "she likes to be right with him when he's home. I'm sending her up to her own room to sleep and I know she sneaks down then comes back up before Owen and I wake up. But I don't like giving her permission."
"Their relationship is growing," Megan said, "let her. Teddy let her grow up. I know it's hard because she's 18."
"Just," Teddy said, "his 18th tomorrow. I brought the cake and his favorite dinner."
"What are we having," Annie asked.
"Burgers," Teddy replied, "salad and fries. I have turkey and beef."
"His family," Megan asked.
"We can't get them on board," Teddy sighed, "we've tried."
"Poor kid," Annie said, "that really sucks when your parents just won't support you. I know their situation is different but still he needs his parents."
"They want a wedding in the next 6 weeks," Teddy said, "she's adamant that it's not what she wants."
"Then don't force it," Megan said, "they have enough to figure out."
"I know they created a baby account at the bank," Teddy said, "for baby things."
"That's mature of them," Annie said.
"Each is putting half of their pay check in," Teddy said, "baby things."
"Half can't be even," Megan said.
"No," Teddy agreed, "but it's how they want to do it. They don't have a ton of spending money."
"Who did at 18," Annie replied.
"I didn't," Megan agreed.
"I was living on campus at UBC," Annie said, "I had no spending money."
"You used to go for coffees or cinnamon buns," Teddy said.
"I would do treats when you were around but not day to day," Annie said.
"You did treats when I was buying," Teddy said.
"Yes," Annie admitted, "the best grocery trips in med school were when you or Steph's parents were around. Owen would see our fridge or cupboards were pretty empty and just go grocery shopping and show up with it."
"Because you didn't let me take you," Owen said joining them, "I couldn't bully you into letting me buy groceries for you so I would just show up with it and you couldn't say no."
"It was weird," Annie said, "you were mama's best friend."
"If Teddy and I had been together," Owen asked.
"If you were my step dad then yes," Annie said, "but how the situation was then no. You already bought groceries and we'd have dinner."
"You two co parented Annie for years didn't you," Megan said.
"Longer than they admitted," Annie said, "I liked when my all time favourite uncle came to school."
"I was at a conference one time and ran into you drunk at a bar," Owen teased.
"And Steph," Annie said.
"Yes," Owen said, "I drove you both home. You were funny."
"I was 21," Annie said.
"You had just changed your name," Owen said.
"Again I was 21," Annie replied.
"Teddy, did we work out the sleeping arrangements," Owen asked.
"Adults in their rooms," Teddy said, " the three teenage girls in the open room, Cat and Ellie on the air mattress and Allison in the bed. Boys in the loft."
"Heather," Owen asked.
"With us," Annie said.
"Allison and Asher wanted to stay together if they could," Owen said, "Teddy you know she's sneaking down most nights."
"I know," Teddy said, "do we?"
"She asked me," Owen said, "I think just up here and making it clear not at home."
"I would," Megan said, "we've been up here with Faroke and Nisha and they've been in the open room."
"They're in med school," Teddy said, "Allison hasn't finished highschool yet."
"Mama just let them," Annie encouraged, "I'm thinking how much better I slept at that point when Josh was home. I doubt it's physical. Emotionally she needs him."
"I don't want the pressure on her," Teddy said, "the idea of her feeling like she has to."
"Mama," Annie sighed.
"Don't mama me," Teddy groaned.
"Teddy," Owen said, "we know it's happened at least once because she's due in 6 weeks."
"Give her a choice Teddy," Megan said, "let her decide."
"Owen," Teddy asked.
"We could," Owen agreed.
"I'll talk to her," Teddy said. Teddy walked out to the porch and called Allison.
"Mom," Allison asked, "what's wrong?"
"Come in for a minute you can go back out," Teddy said.
Teddy led Allison to Teddy and Owen's room.
"Should I not be playing catch," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "if it's feeling okay you should play. We're trying to figure out where everyone will sleep. You and Asher are making it tricky. We could have all boys under 20 in the loft and the three teenage girls in the open room. Or you and Asher can take the open room, Leo in the main room, cat and Annie's kids in the loft."
"You'll let Asher and I stay together," Allison asked.
"Only up here ," Teddy said, "and if you do I don't want to hear anything neither does the rest of the family."
"What would you hear," Allison asked.
Teddy groaned, "I can't stop you two from having sex. I'm sure it's happened more than the once you want us to believe. None of us need to know."
"Mom," Allison gasped, "no. I'm not ready and I'm too fat. It's only happened once. We're not ready."
"Ellie and Cat or Asher," Teddy said.
"Ash," Allison declared.
"Go put your bags in the room," Teddy said, "and Allison I'm serious. Your dad and I are next door. We don't want to hear anything."
"Yes mom," Allison agreed.
Allison walked out to the porch , "ash can you come help me?"
"What's going on," Asher asked, joining her on the porch.
"We're in a room," Allison said, "the two of us. I need your help to make the bed."
"Your dad," Asher asked.
"Mom isn't thrilled but I can't share with Ellie and Cat," Allison said.
"So," Asher asked as they walked into the bedroom.
"They said this weekend only," Allison said, "and they don't want to hear anything."
"Just you getting up a million times," Asher said.
"I know," Allison said.
"Are you okay with this," Asher asked.
"I sleep better with you," Allison said, "I'm hoping they'll be okay with it at home."
"Ask," Asher said.
"Mom was pretty clear just this weekend," Allison shrugged, "but I don't like lying to them."
They worked together to make the bed and roll out their sleeping bags.
"You okay," Asher asked.
"Sore," Allison admitted.
"Relax here for a bit," Asher suggested.
"Where did we put my book," Allison asked.
"English or French," Asher asked, holding up two.
"English ," Allison said.
Asher passed her the book, "snacks, a drink?"
"My water bottle is in my backpack," Allison said, "I honestly may take a nap."
"You're not sleeping at night," Asher replied, "Can I sit with you?"
"Can we just sit here and read," Allison asked.
"We can," Asher agreed as he grabbed his book and sat beside Allison.
"Can you hold me," Allison asked shyly.
"I can," Asher said leaning against the wall. Allison scooted so she was sitting with his legs on either side of her and her back against his chest. She propped her book on her bump and tried to read. Asher's hands cradled her bump feeling the active baby twist and kick.
"Slow deep breaths," Asher whispered in Allison's ear.
Allison yawned in response.
"I've got you," Asher assured, "close your eyes and fall asleep."
"When does uncle Nate get back," Matt asked in the main room.
"July," Megan responded, "why?"
"I wanted him to tell me a story," Matt replied.
"I can tell you a story," Megan offered.
"About saving people in a jungle," Matt asked.
"I only have desert stories," Megan replied, "I was in a desert for 15 years helping people."
"Okay," Matt agreed.
"Come sit with me," Megan said sitting on the couch.
Matt sat with Megan and listened as she told stories of soldiers and brave people.
"Meg, mama should we go for that walk," Annie asked when Megan finished the story.
"Let's go," Megan said, "Ellie and Cat?"
"Too suspicious," Annie replied.
"I walked past their room. Allison is sound asleep," Teddy said.
"Good," Megan smiled, "she looked worn out earlier."
"She can't be comfortable ," Annie said.
"She's ready to be done," Teddy agreed, "it's keeping her up at night and she's only really calm when she's with him."
"Leave them then," Megan said, "he might be for now and not forever but if she feels safe."
They got ready for their walk and the three women started down the trail.
"Have you heard from him," Teddy asked.
"He's agreed to counselling and couples therapy when he gets back," Megan said, "nates going to sleep in the guest room."
Annie looked puzzled.
"Nate and I are fighting," Megan said, refusing to give details. Nathan was Josh's only blood relative and she wouldn't tell Nathan's only nephew's wife about the cheating. "
"Or your step niece. What can we do," Annie asked.
"Nothing," Megan said, "I don't know what's going to happen. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. We've had rough patches before but this is new, this is different."
"Do you think," Annie started, "Stephanie's ex cheated because of how much we work."
"Yes," Megan said, "it's possible. Physically no but emotionally."
"Megan," Annie sighed.
"I'm okay," Megan replied, "I'm seeing a counselor. I'm trying to move forward. I don't know what that looks like yet but that's okay, I'll figure it out."
"When he comes home," Teddy asked.
"One of us will move to the spare room and we'll work it out from there," Megan said.
"He should he's gone half the time anyway," Teddy replied.
"I miss him and I still love him," Megan said, "I always will."
"I know," Teddy said.
Annie saw that Megan didn't want to talk about it and changed the subject, "Allison's shower?"
"She doesn't want one," Teddy replied, "but they need so much. I've been putting it off."
"They're coming next weekend to get the stuff we have," Annie said.
"And what Owen and I ordered arrives on Wednesday," Teddy replied, "she doesn't need what you have we bought new stuff for her baby."
"What if we used Ava and Olivia to our advantage," Annie asked.
"What do you mean," Teddy asked.
"See if they could get her out for a few hours then come home and we have the nursery set up," Annie suggested, "she's telling me she wants to put the stuff in her room and doesn't think she can do a nursery."
"We could just set up the furniture and give her the decor pieces to put where she wants," Megan suggested.
"Who would we invite," Annie asked.
"You two, Catrina, Ellie, Evelyn, would Jenna come," Teddy asked.
"Jenna would," Annie said, "Olivia and Ava? What about their moms?"
"Amanda would," Teddy said, "Jillian would come with Ava."
"Let's do that," Megan said.
"We have some clothes and books for her," Annie said, what do they need?"
"Owen and I ordered the nursery furniture," Teddy said.
"Dad is almost done her chair," Annie said, "it's light cherry."
"Isn't yours cherry," Teddy asked.
"Dark cherry," Annie said, "she's always loved it and told dad and I to pick. So we went with light cherry for her."
"Have you seen it," Megan asked.
"I have," Annie said, "C and I helped sand."
"How are you doing," Teddy asked looking at Annie, "I feel like we never actually talk these days."
"I'm good," Annie said, "I found greys which I am not happy about."
"Perk of being blonde, it fades nicely," Teddy said, "you'll get blonder."
"You're still not fully grey," Annie said.
"No," Teddy agreed, "I didn't have more than a few until a couple years ago."
"You just get more highlights," Megan complained, "I keep dying mine."
"Mama makes it look dignified," Annie said.
"You still look young sweetheart," Teddy said, "most people don't know you're in your 40s."
"Four kids and my oldest is almost 14," Annie said, "they should."
"How's Ellie doing at school," Teddy asked.
"She's had a hard time making friends," Annie said, "she does better with her dance and youth groups. There was some gossip and the last name thing. And we had a run in a few weeks ago with a senior boy named Blake."
"Blake Charmichle," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Annie said, "he was harassing Ellie on the way out of school he didn't stop until she got in the van. And what he was saying."
"He's been around for years in that same group with Allison," Teddy said, "mostly they're good kids. They drink sometimes and stay out late. Blake has a mean streak."
"I've told Ellie to stay away from the seniors," Annie said, "but when people found out about Allie, Bean started hanging out with Ellie a bit to avoid the gossip and bullying."
"I know you drove Allie home a few times," Teddy said.
"I'm not going to say no," Annie said, "she just needs family and love."
"So does Cat," Megan agreed.
"They all do," Annie said, "those three will be close when they get older. Let them all finish high school."
"What does Allison need," Megan asked.
"Everything," Teddy said, "they've been pretty responsible and bought diapers and clothes. They don't have toys yet so I told her to wait until closer to."
"I have the stroller and car seat," Megan said.
"She knows that's taken care of," Teddy replied.
"We have the carrier and a high chair. Jenna has the bath stuff," Annie said, "books, clothes. But her for Allie?"
"I don't know," Teddy said.
"Jenna, Steph and I have talked that maybe a gift card to her favorite store or brand for clothes would be nice," Annie said, "get some new things she loves and feels good in."
"That would be nice," Teddy agreed, "she's mentioned worrying about losing the baby weight."
"She's so young," Annie said, "tell her not to worry. I've always lost it, no problems."
"Annie," Teddy raised her eyebrows.
"Eat healthy and move," Annie said, "I didn't fully lose it between the boys and it was harder after Heather because I was older and she was my fourth. I know I did stupid things after Ellie. I'll always fight my eating disorder it will never be fully gone. I do a lot better now and know how to ask for help, I have my online support group and I'm active in that I keep a good diary to make sure I eat enough. I have strategies. But I don't want to lead Allie down my path. I do stupid things when sleep deprived and hormonal. I calculate bare minimums for me and the baby and don't deviate. I don't want her to learn those habits or to internalize that she has to look a certain way to be acceptable. Ellie is already crying that she doesn't have boobs."
"You hardly do," Megan said.
"And this is after nursing 4 babies," Annie said, "at her age I only wore a bra because it was socially required. I don't think I really had anything until med school and I stopped dancing 10+ hours a week."
"Girls go through a phase at ellies age," Teddy said, "Allison did."
"I did," Annie agreed, "keeping them in a healthy mindset is hard. Ellie compares to Catrina."
"Catrina does the same," Megan replied, "she's taller than allie and Ellie."
"She's tall," Teddy agreed, "it's hard being the tallest girl in middle school I was called a griaffe."
"Being short is hard two," Annie said, "I was a shrimp or a midget."
"Cat is tall and it looks like she'll be curvy," Megan said, "and we know what her birth mom looks like but not her bio dad."
"I grew up with no clue," Annie replied, "the genetics section of science 10 was hard. Dan has brown eyes and Leslie's are blue. All the family trait things I couldn't do. Even the blood type lab. I remember doing that and sitting beside C and he got B+ and I got O- our teacher yelled at us for messing that one two Mrs Stea didn't know I was adopted. So all I knew was my bio parents had to both be O- and one or both had green eyes."
"One," Teddy said, "I was going to give you a heads up. Your bio father is coming in. Christina is treating him she let me know because he asked that no Altman's be allowed near him."
"Can I go by the room introduce myself as Riggs and see," Annie asked.
"Your married name," Teddy said.
"It's 44 years ago he can put it together if he wants but I want to put a face to the name," Annie explained, "I know to physically keep my distance. I'm Grace Altman-Riggs legally anyway."
"I know you just keep Altman for work," Megan replied, li did the same with Hunt."
"Allison was almost just Hunt," Teddy said.
"Why didn't you," Annie asked, "ours were almost just Riggs as well."
"You," Teddy said, "I wanted my kids to match."
"I would have been fine," Annie said, "I can't believe she's almost a mom. I remember meeting her for the first time."
"Our first surgery together," Megan said, "it was my first day at Grey Sloan. You were so anxious in the scrub room. And it's the first time you hugged me on your own."
"I had already messed up my first appy and with uncle Owen the day before. I didn't know if you would bark like he does," Annie replied, "you talked the whole time
"I talk to my residents." Megan said.
"I know I learned it from you two," Annie replied, "but Allies shower?"
"I'll call Amanda and she can have Olivia put it out to a couple other girls. Ideas," Teddy asked.
"Should we tell his mom," Megan asked, "I'd be pissed if it was Farokes baby and I wasn't invited."
"I'll text and tell her but she won't come," Teddy said.
"Why don't Annie and I go in and do lunch for the heard of children and you call Amanda," Meghan suggested.
Teddy nodded in agreement and watched as the other two turned down the short path to the cabin.
Amanda answered on the second ring, "Teddy I thought you guys were away this weekend."
"We are," Teddy said, "I'm doing some sneaky shower planning."
"Olivia and Ava want to do something soon for Allison," Amanda said, "they're here talking about it."
"We have a bit of a plan if they're interested," Teddy suggested.
"I'll put you on speaker," Amanda replied.
"Hi girls," Teddy said.
"Teddy, can we do a baby shower for Allison? She wants one but doesn't want to tell you," Olivia said.
"Megan, Annie and I are planning something and I need your help," Teddy said.
"What can we do," Ava asked.
"Can you get her out of our house for a couple hours then bring her back for the shower," Teddy asked.
"I can," Ava said.
"Okay and I need you to invite the girls who are still nice to Allison," Teddy said, "I know things with Belle have been rough."
"She can't talk now," Olivia said.
"Olivia," Amanda scolded.
"She was telling me that she did what she thinks Allie should have done," Olivia said.
"Everyone chooses what is best for them," Teddy tried.
"On topic girls we don't gossip," Amanda scolded.
"Is there a theme," Ava asked.
"We hadn't got there," Teddy said.
"Farm animals," Olivia said, "or puppies. Allison loves puppies."
"Baby animals," Ava yelled.
"We can do that," Teddy agreed.
"Teddy what does she need," Amanda asked, "anything she really wants?"
"Our family has most of the big things for them," Teddy said, "the one thing on the list I can think of that she might like is a baby carrier. She's talking about using the one my oldest still has but I think all of Annie's kids used it."
"Something new for her," Amanda said, "Liv and I can do that. What else?"
"If the other girls could do some diapers and clothes," Teddy said, "she hasn't bought a lot of clothes because they don't know the gender and you always need diapers."
"When are we doing this," Ava asked.
"Next weekend," Teddy said, "the furniture should arrive this week. Owen and I ordered the set she kept looking at online."
"Car seat," Amanda asked.
"We have one," Teddy said.
"I'll reach out to the other moms," Amanda said, "most will come with their girls. I don't think we let Belle and Morgan know."
"My mom's been asking," Ava said.
"What about Michelle Blouin," Amanda asked.
"We're going to let her know," Teddy said, "I'll call."
"Do you want to," Amanda asked.
"I can handle that," Teddy said.
"Food for the shower," Amanda asked.
"Just snacks and a cake," Teddy said, "we'll keep it simple. Too many people is overwhelming for her right now."
"The girls are trying to figure out decorations and games," Amanda said.
"Can you do games," Teddy asked. "I have food, decor and a couple other surprises."
"We can," Amanda said, "Teddy I want to ask you a couple things. I'm going to take my phone back and go to another room."
"Of course," Teddy agreed.
Amanda took her phone back and went to her room.
"Allison is avoiding the topic when I've asked," Amanda said, "does she have a birth plan?"
"She's working with Carina Deluca on that," Teddy said, "she wants me and Annie with her. We'll let her take the lead for what she wants. Amanda I appreciate your concern."
"I have a couple teenagers on my patient list right now," Amanda said, "a few due close to Allison's due date. I'm doing a birthing class if she hasn't been to one. For the young girls and their support people however that looks."
"She's been refusing to go to the one at the hospital," Teddy said, "I'd rather them not get blindsided but it has to be her choice to go. Can you email me the info and I'll give it to her. She only has 6 weeks."
"I'm doing the next 3 tuesday nights," Amanda said.
"Teens," Teddy asked.
"15-19," Amanda said, "5 others, some have a boyfriend involved, others have a friend or relative."
"All I can do is tell her," Teddy said, "it has to be Allison's choice."
"It does," Amanda said, "when she was here with Liv the other day it looks like shes doing well."
"She is," Teddy said, "the long puppy walks need to stop. She won't tell Olivia when it's too much she's afraid of looking weak. "
"She was happy the other day and she loves Mila," Amanda said.
"She does and fetch in your yard a short walk but the 6-8 miles," Teddy said, "she's happy when she comes home and she smiles but her body can't do it. Allison is 18 she doesn't know how to say it, she's young."
"She is," Amanda said, "I'll mention it to Liv before Allie comes over this week."
"Thank you," Teddy replied, "and we know walking and exercise is good for her but not the length they're doing."
"Liv says it gets Allie talking," Amanda said.
"It does," Teddy agreed, "her and I go after dinner most nights."
Teddy finished her call and walked back into the cabin finding Allison talking to Annie in the living room.
"Annie, can you get Heather to leave me alone," Allison asked.
"Nope," Annie laughed.
"Please I just wanted to relax but Heather wants me to go for a bike ride and play on the playground," Allison whined, "she fully crawled into bed with me."
"I could but I'm not sure if I should," Annie smiled, " it might be payback time. I remember another little girl who just wanted my attention one Easter when I was pregnant with Ellie."
"I didn't," Allison said.
"You did," Teddy replied, "you cried, oh did you cry when Annie told you she needed to just relax."
"I think you also walked into our room," Annie teased.
"I remember that," Allison said, "you were half naked."
"I nearly killed you," Annie said.
"I had to hold her back," Josh agreed, "then she almost cried."
"Mom, Annie can we talk later, the three of us," Allison asked.
"When the others go swimming," Teddy said.
"I promised my kids I would swim," Annie said, "before the weekend is over let's go for a walk."
"Not a walk," Allison complained.
"Yes," Annie said, "just us we'll go at your pace. Walking is good, it's exercise and will help get the baby into the right position."
"Nee," Allison whined.
"I love how your baby name for me has come back," Annie smiled, "listen to your big sister. Who has done this double the amount of times mama has?"
"I know," Allison said.
"I'm going to get my kids ready to swim," Annie said, "three is a lot for Josh in the pool. Later I promise."
Annie walked away and Allison found Teddy.
"Even Annie is too busy for me," Allison whined.
"You can sit here by yourself and pout or you can go swimming with everyone," Teddy said, "dad and I need to make a grocery run and talk to Leo."
"Can I come," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "we really need to sort a couple things out with Leo on his own."
"What groceries Annie brought everything," Allison said.
"We forgot ice cream for tomorrow," Teddy said, "I didn't tell her."
"If I go swimming," Allison said, "everyone will laugh at me."
"We wont bean," Annie promised, "I took you swimming for a sister day a couple weeks before I had Ellie."
"Will we do those again," Allison asked.
"Of course," Annie replied, "we always will."
"What about," Allison asked.
"Baby comes with us," Annie said, "or they stay with mama or Asher."
"Do you think I can do it all," Allison asked.
"I know you can," Annie beamed.
"Feeding them," Allison asked.
"You can," Annie said, "and you call me any time day or night as ask me your questions."
"Nee will you be there when it's born," Allison asked.
"You don't want Asher," Annie asked.
"I don't know were not really there and it's going to be gross and I don't want him to see me like that," Allison said, "he'll never think I'm pretty or kiss me again if he watches that."
"Where did he go," Annie asked.
"The boys went to shoot hoops," Allison said.
"He doesn't have to watch the exit," Annie said, "Josh hasn't for any of ours. I needed him holding me up, holding my hands, he's always by my head. Tell Carina you want to be covered as much as possible."
"The baby," Allison asked.
"The two of you should meet them together," Annie said, she froze she had almost revealed the gender.
"Are you sure their heart is okay," Allison asked.
"It's looking the same," Annie said, "the valve is there but it's not hurting them. I saw the scans Kevin showed me. It's looking okay, size and heart movements look right. Allie, we would have a plan for surgery immediately if I thought it was needed. This is a monitor as they grow. 95% of the time it's not a problem until they're my age."
"Promise," Allison asked.
"I promise," Annie agreed, "stop stressing baby bean. You're good. Your baby is good. Go get ready to swim. You can just float. It'll feel good, the buoyancy of the pool."
"Really," Allison looked skeptical.
"Yes," Annie said, "it'll help your back and hips. I've seen you rubbing them and the way Asher had his hands on your back and bump earlier."
"How did you," Allison asked.
"Josh did the same for me," Annie smiled, "bean your in love with him."
"I am," Allison blushed.
"Let him in," Annie said, "let him in fully. What can't you tell him."
"Nothing but I feel silly," Allison whispered.
"Talk to him," Annie said, "Allison, he's your partner, you have to be open and honest about everything."
"I'm trying but it's scary," Allison whispered.
"I know it is," Annie said, "you're like me and mama you bottle it up so you don't let anyone down. Let people in. Let him in."
"I'll try," Allison said.
"That's all you need to do," Annie agreed.