Saturday Asher met up with Jonah, Tyson and Blake.
"Any hot chicks," Blake asked.
"Eden," Jonah said.
"One at school," Tyson said.
"Just one," Blake said.
"One is enough," Tyson said.
"You still with Allison or did you give up on your baby mama," Blake asked Asher.
"We're good," Asher said, "we move to our own place tomorrow."
"Out of Teddy and Owen's," Jonah asked, "can you two afford that with her in school?"
"Their basement but our own suite," Asher said, "more independence. We'll move out when Allison finishes school."
"This Eden," Blake asked Jonah.
"Met her through Allie and Asher," Jonah said, "it's slow. I want more but she doesn't yet."
"Joshua should be one soon," Asher said, "he's 3 or 4 months older than Everly."
"February," Jonah said, "do I get him a Christmas gift? I have one for her?"
"I would," Asher said, "we went overboard for Everly."
"What did you get Allie," Jonah asked.
"I spent way too much," Asher said, "but a pair of earrings with Ev's birthstone. And a few other things she wants but won't buy herself. What did you get for Eden?"
"Necklace with a heart," Jonah said.
"I did that for Allie last christmas," Asher said.
"Joshua suggestions," Jonah asked.
"Books or toys," Asher said, "Everly loves when we stack the blocks and she can try to reach for them."
"You actually see your kid," Blake sneered.
"We're a family," Asher replied.
"Then where is your wife and daughter tonight," Blake teased.
"Allison and Everly are at home. Ava was going to hang out with them," Asher replied.
"Fat Ava," Blake asked.
"Why are you such an ass hole," Asher asked.
"Ava is fat," Blake said.
"She's bigger than Allie or Olivia but she's a good person," Asher said, "she's the only true friend who stuck with Allie through anything in the last year. Ava comes over at least once a week to see Ev and have tea with Allie. When our daughter had surgery and was in the hospital for 3 nights Ava was the only friend who came to see us. The only friend that asked if they could help. Sleeping with a different girl every night just makes you an ass."
"Says the guy who knocked up his girlfriend," Blake said.
"I stayed," Asher said, "I love them. I will always love her and our daughter. Have you even met my daughter?"
"No," Blake said, "I don't do kids."
"Kids are fun," Jonah tried, "we did the walk of lights with them last week. Eden, Joshua and I."
"That was good," Asher said, "Everly loved the lights."
"We need one of those reverse backpack things you have," Jonah said, "that looked easier than the stroller."
"The carrier is great in crowds," Asher agreed, "except we found the cinnamon from the mini doughnuts on Ev's head."
"You dropped cinnamon on your kid," Jonah laughed.
"What's with her legs there's always braces on them," another guy Micah asked.
"Everly had cerebral palsy," Asher said, "the braces keep her legs in the right position so her muscles don't get too tight. It'll help her walk one day."
"I'm sorry man," Micah said, "and surgery?"
"Hydrocephalus she had a shunt put in to take extra fluid from her brain and drain it to her abdomen," Asher explained, "that was in October. She's doing okay now. She started rolling over."
"Can I see her soon," Micah asked, "I haven't seen Allie either."
"Over the break," Asher agreed vaguely, "what are you doing?"
"I'm coming back to seattle," Micah said, "I thought I wanted to be in Portland and work with my dad but Seattle is home. I can do my apprenticeship here. You're doing your electrical one?"
"I am," Asher said, "still doing the Linesman one?"
"Yep got on with the local power company for my apprenticeship," Micah confirmed.
"Lame you should just stream," Blake said.
"Need a real job," Asher offered, "they're hiring sight labourers and pre apprentices at my company. I did the pre apprenticeship in 11th and made $31."
"What do you get now," Blake asked.
"$36 plus benefits and over time," Asher replied, "it's at least $60 once I finish my apprenticeship. Which will be just in time for Allie to go to medical school or do her physical therapist degree."
"Not bad," Jonah said.
"Her parents, the army surgeons, are okay with you being in trades," Blake snapped.
"The deal is we have to be working on careers and getting training," Asher said, "they've never said college they said training and having a piece of paper that proves we have a skill to support our family. My Red Seal is that."
Ava was helping Allison carry things from Everlys room to the basement.
"You okay," Ava asked.
"Her new born clothes," Allison shook her head at the bin, "she was so tiny."
"She was," Ava agreed, "what are we doing with them?"
"I have to sort through it and keep favorites if we want another one day," Allison said.
"Would you," Ava asked.
"Not until after college," Allison said, "I'm not ready at all. There's no way my body is. I don't even have my period back yet."
"No," Ava asked, "don't you get it right away?"
"No," Allison replied, "like a three or four week one when she was born then nothing. She's still breastfeeding so much that I haven't gotten it back yet. I'm okay with not dealing with it. I don't know how to explain it to Asher or what he knows. But I also feel PMSy today so."
"Don't get upset if you bite my head off," Ava laughed.
"No," Allison replied, "tell me if I'm a bitch."
"How did you lose the baby weight," Ava asked, "I saw you in a bathing suit last night. I think you're smaller than you were before Everly."
"Why," Allison asked.
"I think Luke isn't into me because of my weight," Ava said, "I get it wearing a size 14 isn't attractive but there's bigger girls than me. What are you?"
"Six," Allison said, "pre baby I was a 4 but I got used to comfy looser or stretchy pants and I'm not going to squeeze into pants that hardly do up."
"How did you lose it," Ava asked again.
"A lot of it was Everly she was 7 of it, the water, placenta, extra blood," Allison said, "but I walk every day with her we do an hour a day no matter what the weather, we eat pretty healthy at home but I always have and I don't drink soda or juice unless I'm with friends."
"That's it," Ava asked.
"Walks," Allison said, "every day. Then some days I also run. There's a couple workouts I do from YouTube."
"Can you help me," Ava asked, "I'm tired of being the fat one."
"We could work out together or you can come walk with us," Allison suggested.
"I don't eat any more than you," Ava whined.
"Have you ever asked your doctor," Allison asked.
"No why," Ava asked.
"Both Annie and I have hashimotos disease," Allison explained, "it's a thyroid issue. If we're not on top of medication, diet and exercise we gain weight really easily."
"But your sister," Ava said, "isn't she closer to my parents age?"
"Annie is 44," Allison said, "but my sister also has an eating disorder."
"You," Ava asked.
"It's hard," Allison said, "I want to look like our friends."
"So do I," Ava said, "after Christmas can the two of us work out together?"
"Like a New Year's resolution," Allison asked.
"Sure," Ava said.
"I'm in if you are but our school schedule is insane and we both have to work," Allison said, "I need time with my daughter and hus boyfriend."
"You almost said husband," Ava teased.
"I know it's not the first time," Allison replied, "we have our classes together. Carpool with me and we'll walk from the far parking lot."
"You do that every day," Ava asked.
"Can we get back to almost calling Asher your husband," Ava asked.
"He's more than a boyfriend, and baby daddy is gross," Allison said, "we live together, we're a family of three. I could not have done the last 18 months without him. You have no idea Ava. The days I was an absolute hormonal nightmare, he was there when I felt massive and slow, when i'm tired and overwhelmed he makes me smile. We go for walks and take Ev to do things. This morning I came out of the shower to find him on the floor with her and he was tickling her so she giggled. We cuddle and watch TV or play a game at night. Thats the good part of the relationship being together, knowing I have him even when we fight he's not going to walk away."
"Allison you have a crib and a pack and play," Teddy said, "you don't need to haul Ev up and down in the carrier doing this."
"We were going to Ikea in a few minutes we just wanted to carry more of Ev's stuff down," Allison said.
"Ava can you give us a moment," Teddy asked.
"I'll take this down," Ava agreed.
When Ava was out of earshot Teddy asked, "is she okay? I heard a few things about weight loss."
"I agreed to walk with her and work out with her," Allison said, "I shared our no juice and no soda thing unless we're out with friends."
"I don't want you pulled into anything dangerous," Teddy said.
"I still haven't lost all the baby weight around my hips," Allison said.
"I think your hips changed shape a bit," Teddy said, "part of that is also your age, your body isn't fully finished puberty even though you've had a baby."
"I still don't have my period back," Allison said.
"Soon," Teddy said, "have you asked anyone about it because it's the first time you've told me."
"I called dr Deluca and she said if I don't by the end of March to go see her," Allison said, "I have the IUD and we're being careful so it's not that."
"If you're worried, go see Carina," Teddy said.
"But I feel like I'm PMSing," Allison complained.
"That's life and it will change, it won't be the same as before," Teddy said, "let me know what your plan is with Ava."
"I'm not really changing anything," Allison said, "walking lots, veggies and proteins for most meals. I've been trying to do lower carb breakfasts and lunches and focusing on proteins and veggies then. I feel okay."
"Nothing stupid please baby," Teddy said, "you've been really good so far. I want you to keep up with what you're doing. You're healthy, you have energy, you haven't really gotten sick since you went back to school. You seem happier and more relaxed. Help Ava but don't undermine the good things you're doing for you."
"I don't know if Ava will have the support at home," Allison said, "her parents don't cook everything is out of a box or ordered."
"Have her cook with you," Teddy said.
"I almost called Ash my husband again," Allison groaned.
"It's just Ava," Teddy assured, "Ikea I heard you and Asher talking. I know you two have budgeted some money for the essential things. Allie, dad and I said we would help you furnish downstairs for your family, buy what you like and want using the visa. Do you know what you want?"
"Ash and I picked it out online but I want to look at new bedding for us. That's what I picked going into 11th when you and I redid my room," Allison said.
"Go look at target or bed bath and beyond," Teddy said, "dad and I have Ev so you can go with Ava."
"Ev is coming," Allison replied, "she's clingy today. She's okay to come. It's IKEA and we'll probably get pizza. It's only 4:30. I don't know what this guys day is other than paintball but I have the truck and Asher has the car."
"Have fun," Teddy smiled, "Allison make it your own that's why we asked you and Asher to pick the floors and the paint colours."
"We'll do it slowly," Allison said, "her room and the living room first."
"Buy the new bedding," Teddy said, "give up the pink stuff we chose. That's now your back up sheets for those days Ev is sick and in your bed with you and makes a mess of your bed."
"Did I ever," Allison asked.
"Many times over the years," Teddy said.
"When she's hurting or sick we can't put her down," Allison said, "but we got her first Santa pictures this morning. The three of us with Santa."
"Do I get a copy," Teddy asked.
"I sent them to get printed. I pick them up Monday," Allison said, "1 for you, 1 for us, 1 for Nana and Annie wanted one. So I got one for Auntie Meg so she won't feel left out and Asher's mom."
"It's going on the fridge," Teddy smiled.
"Okay we're going to go," Allison said, "Ev say bye bye to grandma."
Teddy smiled, "bye bye Everly see you later princess."
Allison met Ava back in the entry way.
"How can I help," Ava asked.
"Do you want to grab her diaper bag," Allison asked as she strapped Everly into the car seat.
"What's in here," Ava asked picking it up.
"Diapers, wipes, water bottle, diaper, clean clothes for both of us, toys, books, pouches of baby food, spoon, pacifiers, toys, my snacks," Allison said.
"You have snacks in the diaper bag," Ava asked.
"Why not," Allison said.
"Do you need it all," Ava asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "it needs to be cleaned out again. There's stuff she's outgrown or not into anymore and I think there's a half eaten granola bar."
"You always had those in your backpack," Ava laughed.
"It's my new backpack," Allison laughed.
"She's good in the car," Ava asked.
"She loves car rides," Allison said, "then I have the stroller in the truck already so one of us gets her stroller and the other gets the cart."
"Stroller," Ava said, "I want to push her please. More time with Auntie Ava."
"Okay," Allison agreed.
In the truck Ava was madly texting someone.
"Ava is that Luke," Allison asked.
"Yes," Ava giggled.
"What's he saying," Allison asked.
"He wants to know what I'm doing," Ava said.
"What are you telling him," Allison said, "going to Ikea with me and Ev isn't exciting."
"I said I was hanging out with you and Everly," Ava said, "he's asking who Everly is, what do I say?"
"The truth," Allison said, "my daughter, your niece."
Ava typed something then giggled at the response.
"Can he see a picture of Ev," Ava asked, "she was so cute when I got to your place in her Christmas dress."
"That one, yes," Allison agreed.
"He wants to hang out tomorrow," Ava said, "what do I say? What do I wear?"
"You say yes," Allison replied, "and I guess we'll stop at your house and go through your closet."
"Really," Ava asked.
"We could go shopping first for an out fit," Allison suggested.
"He's suggesting coffee," Ava looked disappointed.
"But just the two of you off campus," Allison said, "what are you thinking about wearing?"
"Jeans," Ava said.
"Okay jeans and a cute sweater," Allison suggested, "top?"
"Sweater," Ava said, "I'm always cold."
"Ross, Kholes, TJ Max," Allison asked,
TJ Max," Ava said, "or Burilington."
"Theres a Burlington 2 blocks away we're stopping," Allison said, 'new cute sweater for your coffee date."
"What do we talk about," Ava asked.
"Just talk," Allison said.
"When you and Asher actually started dating," Ava asked, "when he moved into your house. What did you talk about?"
"The baby, how I was feeling then we played board games," Allison said, "we'd talk about school, work, what we wanted to do that weekend. A lot about what we wanted to do with Ev. We discussed adoption for a while."
"You never said," Ava replied.
"Asher and I talked to my mom and to Annie, Faroke, Auntie Meg and Catrina," Allison replied.
"Your mom and Annie," Ava said, "I knew your cousins were adopted."
"Mom was 21 when she had Annie," Allison replied, "she gave Annie up for adoption. I talked to mom about what she went through and how she felt and heard Annie's side. How much mom loved Annie and missed her, the she grieved for Annie even though she was in BC and thriving. Annie's questions why she didn't look like her siblings then what would mom be like. Annie was 19 before they met. I'm 19 in a month and couldn't imagine never knowing my mom, not even having seen a picture or knowing her name."
"I had no idea they're so close," Ava said, "but it kinda explains why she calls your mom mama."
"It does because Leslie and Dan who raised her are mom and dad my parents are mama and uncle Owen," Allison said, "my parents weren't together until mom was pregnant with me. They were best friends until then so Annie had known him for years as mom's best friend and he chose to be her uncle Owen. Annie's dad is my uncle Dan. Leslie and Dan are divorced after my parents got married, Annie already had Ellie but they all want to be part of all of our lives. Uncle Dan is coming to help us move downstairs tomorrow and drop off something he built for Ev."
"When you decided to keep Ev," Ava asked.
"I couldn't go through that missing her every day, praying for her but never seeing her smile or hearing her giggle," Allison said, "it wasn't easy. If we didn't keep her Annie said they would have adopted her."
"Your sister," Ava asked.
"She would have then been mom and had me be mama like she does with our mom," Allison said, "she only told me last week that if we had chosen that her and Josh would have adopted and had 5 kids."
"Thier 4 seems insane," Ava said.
"Have you met my sister," Allison asked, "Annie loves kids. Adores them. "
Allison parked the truck.
"Stroller," Ava asked.
"Yes," Allison replied, "try to ignore people staring at me. I've gotten used to it but I know it bugs you. I get looked down on and made fun of yet Ash get's praised for sticking around and manning up."
"Double standard much," Ava asked.
"I know," Allison replied.
Allison lifted Everly out of the car seat and buckled her into the stroller. The two girls walked into the store.
"What about this," Allison asked holding up a green sweater.
"Not green," Ava said, "what about the black one?"
"Black is boring," Allison said, "like your hiding."
"I don't like colour," Ava said.
"The white," Allison tried.
"I'll try it on," Ava agreed.
"Try them all on and Ev and I get to see," Allison said.
"Okay," Ava agreed.
Ava tried on the sweaters and they agreed that the white one was perfect.
"Shoes," Ava asked.
"Your black boots," Allison replied.
"Hair," Ava asked.
"Do you want to come over first and I'll curl it," Allison offered.
"You're moving," Ava argued.
"Two thirds of it is already down stairs," Allison said, "tomorrow is just the furniture and putting things where we want them. We'll be done by noon. What time do you meet him?"
"7," Ava replied.
"Come at 5:30," Allison said, "dinner and I'll do your hair."
"Are you sure," Ava asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "then I want to know everything! You have to tell me everything!"
Asher sat in Tyson's basement.
"So Allie," Blake tried.
"I'm not going there," Asher said, "we're good. We're together."
"You're really happy with just one chick for the rest of your life," Blake teased.
"Not going there," Asher said, "Allie and I are happy."
"At least we know he's not making it all up," Micah said.
"Beer boys," Tyson offered.
"Driving," Asher said.
"What's the point if you can't get Allie to pick you up," Blake asked.
"We agreed we don't drink," Asher replied.
"One," Micah asked.
"Can I drive with one," Asher wondered out loud.
"I wouldn't," Jonah said, "and you're my ride."
"Why don't you drink," Micah asked.
"We haven't since we made Everly," Asher said, "I won't until Allie can again. Plus I'm pretty sure Owen would kick me out."
"Your parents," Jonah asked.
"It's better," Asher shrugged.
"Pizza or tacos," Tyson asked.
"Pizza," Jonah shouted.
"Pizza," Micah agreed.
"I'm good as long as I don't have to cook," Asher said.
"Does your kid eat real food yet," Blake asked.
"Everly gets some baby food," Asher said, "a bigger variety now but she's only 7 months and has physical delays."
Asher pulled his phone out and texted Allison, "the guys want to have a beer."
Allison, "do you want me to pick you up?"
Asher, "Ev?"
Allison, "mom and dad will listen for her for me to come get you. What about my car?"
Asher, "we'll get up early and come get it."
Allison, "I guess. Can you drive with one? It's only a few blocks."
Asher, "there's 0 tolerance for alcohol for any one and were under age."
Allison, "this once. I have to come before mom and dad go to bed."
Asher, "I know. 10?"
Allison, "I can do that. Please dont get drunk."
Asher, "just one."
Allison, "okay I'll be there at 10."
Allison walked upstairs and asked, "mom can you watch Ev for like 20 minutes around 10? Ash wants to have a beer with his buddies. He said just one so I'll go get him."
Teddy sighed, "I don't like you two drinking. Your not old enough I thought you learned last year."
Allison argued, "it's just one and I'm picking him up. I don't like it but I can't be that nagging girlfriend that says no. Blake is there and you know how things go with him."
"Did Ava leave," Teddy asked.
"She did just before I got Ev ready for bed but shes going to come tomorrow so I can do her hair for a date," Allison smiled.
"She has a date," Teddy asked.
"She does," Allison smiled, "i'm glad I don't have to do the will he or wont he text me game. But at the same time just once I'd like a real date. To go out with out Ev and I know that makes me sound like a bad mom but I want to go for dinner or something with Ash just the two of us."
"Tell him and I'll baby sit or you could ask Annie, Ava, Megan, Catrina or Ellie," Teddy suggested, "you have lot's of babysitters."
"I want to feel normal last night didn't really help," Allison said.
"Do you have the baby monitor," Teddy asked.
"I do," Allison said.
"Make some tea and come sit with me," Teddy smiled.
Allison made two cups of tea and sat with Teddy.
"So what's going on," Teddy asked.
"I went last night and except for Ava I feel like I have nothing in common with them anymore," Allison said.
"You and Ava are closer than ever," Teddy said, "you've both made the effort. Hows Liv?"
"She's not great," Allison said, "mom she had a pot vape and was pushing everyone to drink. I didn't and I drove Ava and Brooke home. When she came to Thanksgiving, her boyfriend is a lot older, like 23 and he was drinking a lot then they went outside and came back smelling like smoke and she brought cannabis gummies on thanksgiving. I don't want to be around that or have it around Everly but it's Olivia and she's been my friend for so long."
"What else happened last night," Teddy asked, waiting for Allison to keep talking. She had learned that her daughter sometimes just needed to hear her thoughts out loud.
"All the other girls go on dates, and go out and I can't," Allison said, "some days I feel like life's passing me by while I take care of Ev."
"I remember that when I was pregnant with Annie," Teddy said, "my friends could do things that I couldn't."
"But you gave her up and were normal," Allison whined.
"Yes and no," Teddy said, "I was a mom who didn't have my baby. She was always my baby and my first baby. Allison how can dad and I help? What do you need?"
"Time just Asher and I for a real date and then to figure out how to fit in with my friends," Allison said.
"We will babysit for date night this week," Teddy said, 'friends what can we do? What would you like to do? You see a lot of Ava. didn't you go do something with Eden, Jonah and Joshua last weekend."
"The walk of lights," Allison said, "that was fun and Ev loved it."
"Allison, your first semester out of high school is always an adjustment for anyone," Teddy said, "Leo had a hard time. Annie struggled with staying connected to her friends and making new friends when she went to med school. Transitions are hard. This is a huge and expected transition."
"I don't feel normal," Allison said, "I hear about sorority events, dates, parties."
"This is a choice you made when you chose to keep Ev," Teddy replied, "we knew it would be a hard choice. And she's a good girl but she hasn't been an easy baby."
"She's not," Allison said, "that wouldn't have changed if she was with me or not and she needs me. She needs her mommy. Nee and I talked about it last week again. She was going to offer to adopt Ev."
"I know," Teddy said, "she bounded the idea off me. Her and Josh would have."
"Then I would have been mama," Allison said.
"She would have had you in Ev's life as much or as little as you wanted to be. She didn't want your baby to go through what her and Leo have," Teddy replied.
Allison put her tea on the coffee table and leaned against Teddy.
"Do you just need a hug," Teddy asked.
Allison nodded.
"It's okay baby girl," Teddy soothed, "I'm here. I'm always here. Three weeks of no school you can just enjoy Asher and Everly. She's doing so well. Allison, you've been so strong."
"I don't want to be strong all the time," Allison complained.
"It's hard," Teddy said, "I did it for years for your dad, your sister, Megan. You don't have to you can choose to let us in. Allison tell me how your feeling, Asher. We're here baby girl. We love you. You don't have to hold all this in."
"I can't do it," Allison whispered.
"Let us help you," Teddy said, "tell me what's going on. How can we help?"
"I want to ski at the cabin at least one of the days but," Allison said.
"Asher doesn't or you can't afford it," Teddy asked.
"Both," Allison said.
"Dad and I are paying for Leo to ski," Teddy said, "we'll pay for yours ski both days."
"But Asher," Allison said.
"Ev can have a couple days with him," Teddy said, "and Nana."
"I feel bad," Allison said.
"Ski one and stay one," Teddy suggested, "then take Ev out for a walk in the forest. Bundle her up in snow gear and take her for a snowshoe, there's a baby sled in the shed at the cabin. Annie bought it and used it for all 4 of hers. You'll have fun. You love the cabin."
"I need to go," Allison said, "everything makes sense there."
"Then come and stay the whole time," Teddy said.
"It's just relaxed and safe," Allison said.
"We're going. Two weeks," Teddy said, "two weeks and we get a whole week up there."
"Is being a mom supposed to be this hard," Allison asked.
Teddy squeezed Allison tighter, "it is. I know you're tired. You're exhausted. It will get better. You'll sleep more. Your daughter has special needs and I know how much I worry and know you're worrying 1000 times more. When was the last time you let yourself cry?"
Allison shrugged, "I don't remember."
"Would it help," Teddy asked.
"Not tonight," Allison said, "can we watch a Christmas movie? One of the silly old ones."
"We can," Teddy said, "cocoa or more tea?"
"Tea," Allison said, "and a cookie."
"We will do that," Teddy smiled.
"Mom I feel like it's my fault," Allison said, "like I did something wrong and hurt Everly. And I'm scared one day Asher will see it and hate me for it two. Because I hate myself for it."
"Allison no never," Teddy said, "there's nothing anyone could have done."
"The cord," Allison said.
"Sweetheart no one and I mean no one could have seen that coming until Carina saw the cord there," Teddy said, "there is nothing you could do to change any of this."
"But that doesn't help," Allison said.
"I know," Teddy said, "Allison you have to let this guilt go. I've blamed myself for 44 years for a lot with your sister and I'm just realizing now that there was nothing I could change. I did the most loving thing, the best thing I could have done for her. You have done the most loving things and the best things you can do for Everly. This guilt is eating you alive. How can we help you let it out. You need to let at least some of it out."
"My journal doesn't help anymore," Allison said, "can I go back to therapy?"
"Yes," Teddy said, "we'll call on Monday."
"It was my job to make her safe and healthy," Allison said, "and it's not getting better."
"She is," Teddy said, "she's rolling and sitting, she's so social and smart. Allison, she is doing fine. She's on her own path just like you."
"Half the time physio makes her cry," Allison whined, "I know we have to do it 4 times a day but when she cries I feel like I'm hurting her."
"It would hurt her more not to," Teddy promised, "doing her therapy is the best thing for her. She's getting stronger."
"But she doesn't like it," Allison complained.
"And she didn't like having her diaper changed or baths as a newborn and you did them anyway because it's best for her," Teddy replied, "it's the worst part of being a parent. Doing something you know is best for your baby but they don't want. I've done it with both you and Leo in the last year and a bit."
"Ever with Annie," Allison asked.
"Many times," Teddy said, "her first surgery. The days you were so dehydrated and sick I put Iv's in you to rehydrate you."
"But you sat with me," Allison said.
"I did," Teddy said, "and all those hard, painful medical things you and Asher are right with Everly. She knows you're there and you love her. Allison, you are doing it right."
"It doesn't feel like enough," Allison whispered.
"It is," Teddy promised, "I've questioned two. The best parenting advice I ever heard was from Grandmere the first summer we went to Rivers Inlet. Annie was struggling and we were sitting with her. Grandmere told her that the most important thing was to be present, to be there and involved with your kids. That being there and listening was the best gift you could ever give them."
"I wish Grandmere and papa had met Everly," Allison said.
"So do I," Teddy agreed, "they would have loved her. They see her from heaven."
"I know they were Annie's grandparents but she made me feel special," Allison said.
"She was good at that," Teddy agreed, "Marie saw everyone for themselves and only saw the good in them."
"She did," Allison said, "I sing Everly her songs."
"Good," Teddy agreed, "she should know those songs."
"I like singing them and I want her to know french," Allison said.
"Then keep speaking it with her ask Annie, Chris and their kids to," Teddy said, "Dan does when he's around."
"They all do," Allison said.
"She'll learn and you're still taking french courses," Teddy said.
"I think I'll minor in it," Allison said.
"Do it, you love it and are good at it," Teddy replied.
"I am," Allison said.
"Movie so you have time before you pick up Asher," Teddy said.
"Yes," Allison agreed.