Allison sat on a barstool at the island watching Teddy decorate Everly's birthday cake.
"How is she one," Allison asked.
"It's gone fast," Teddy agreed.
"It's been a hard year or two," Allison said.
"It has been," Teddy said as she piped icing around the base of the cake, "you're doing well."
"Its hard," Allison said.
"Being a mom is," Teddy agreed, "worth it though."
"It is," Allison said, "she's scooting on her bottom across the floor now."
"I saw that today," Teddy smiled, "it was cute."
"She can move herself around now," Allison smiled, "I was starting to wonder if she ever would."
"You do the physio and help her," Teddy said, "she might be slow to learn to crawl and to walk but I think she'll get there. She will move. She has such a determined mom and dad. You both fight for her every day."
"She's one," Allison said.
"Tomorrow and she'll always be your baby," Teddy assured, "I have three babies."
"Mom," Allison groaned.
"My babies are just 44, 20 and 19," Teddy said, "its different when as she grows up but she's always your daughter."
"I was such a pain in the ass last year at this time," Allison said.
"Well exactly a year ago you were in labour and none of us recognized it," Teddy said, "you were entitled to that."
"I was so ready to meet her," Allison said, scrolling through photos on her phone, "mom look I was huge!"
"It was all Ev," Teddy said.
"I know but still," Allison said.
"You were cute," Teddy said, "I like that picture of you and Asher. It's so natural."
"We were just at the park with Ava and Liv," Allison said.
"They're coming tomorrow," Teddy confirmed.
"Ava for sure and Liv is a maybe," Allison said, "but for sure our family, Eden, Jonah, Joshua, Carmen, Taylor, Kristen, Asher's family."
"You invited them," Teddy asked.
"We haven't seen them since February," Allison said, "we can't not invite them. We didn't expect them to want to come."
"Mom, do we have any wrapping paper," Leo yelled down the stairs.
"Check the hall closet," Teddy called, "or go get some."
"Mom, can you help me," Leo yelled again.
"No I'm finishing the cake," Teddy called back, "ask your dad he's in the yard."
"What's dad doing in the yard," Allison asked.
"Asher asked him to help with the pool," Teddy replied.
"Does the yard look okay," Allison asked, "half of my flowers aren't blooming yet."
"It looks good and it's the end of May," Teddy said, "you have some blooming but people don't expect them to be all in full bloom yet."
"It looks like your strawberries might be ready soon," Allison said.
"I don't usually eat them it's dad and Leo," Teddy said, "I can have one or two but more then that upsets my stomach now and with both you and your sister being allergic."
"Could Ev try one," Allison asked.
"You always could but I would want to be home and watch for signs of a reaction," Teddy said, "has she had any?"
"No and nothing with sesame or nuts," Allison said, "Ash is allergic to cashews and almonds."
"I wouldn't yet," Teddy said, "not without dad or I and a peds epi pen."
"Ash just gets hives," Allison replied.
"Just be careful," Teddy said, "we don't want her to react and you not be prepared."
"I've eaten peanut butter the whole time so would that expose her to it," Allison asked.
"Maybe," Teddy said, "tomorrow are you ready?"
"We have to set up for her party tomorrow," Allison said, "she's not my tiny baby. And it's not how I pictured her first year."
"You thought she'd be walking by now," Teddy said.
"Crawling at least," Allison said, "she's just starting to scoot around."
"She'll get there," Teddy promised, "she's doing so much better since her casts. Her legs are moving so much better."
"She's putting weight on her feet and is starting to like the jolly jumper," Allison beamed.
"See that's getting better and stronger," Teddy smiled, "and she's meeting her milestones?"
"She is," Allison said, "she talks a lot, her fine motor skills and communication skills are ahead. She's 18 pounds now which is about average, on the thin side but Dr Hayes isn't worried."
"You're slim so is Asher," Teddy said, "I'm not very big neither is your sister. Hayes will consider that. She's growing consistently."
"She just doesn't look like my baby," Allison shook her head.
"She's changed a lot this year," Teddy said, "the first couple they change the fastest."
"I'm so thankful Ash stayed," Allison said, "I haven't been exactly easy to live with."
"He understands," Teddy said, "are you sure he's still THE ONE?"
"Always," Allison said, "I don't question that. Mom, I love him. I know you and dad would have preferred me to be a bit older and have dated a bit but I think this was the plan for me. You said you had to do the hard things to be you. Maybe I'm doing them early?"
"Your doing your own thing," Teddy said, "I never wanted any of your stories to look like mine or dads. You have to be you."
"The first Allison," Allison asked.
"Would love you," Teddy said.
"Did she ever meet," Allison started to ask.
"No," Teddy said, "she saw pictures and put a school picture up on the fridge one time."
"Let's not think about school," Allison said.
"You have a few years," Teddy agreed, "daycare next school year?"
"We're deciding," Allison said, "we have an early intervention assessment next week with the school district. If services are offered there it's free."
"You get physio from the Fox Foundation," Teddy said.
"We do and all of her medical care, braces and mobility aids when it's time for those," Allison said, "but the early intervention program will look at speech and occupational therapy as well. They'll come up with a plan for us that they help us until she turns three then the fall she's three she'll be eligible for the preschool program and it will start her IEP."
"How did you," Teddy asked.
"Uncle Dan," Allison said, "he's good at this."
"He is," Teddy agreed.
Leo came down with a stack of gifts in his laundry basket and the rolls of wrapping paper under his arms, "mom I can't do this."
"Youtube," Teddy said.
"Mom," Leo whined.
"My hands are full of icing," Teddy said, "Allie is good at it."
"But it's for Everly," Leo said.
"She won't tell," Teddy promised.
"Leo why do you have a full laundry basket," Allison asked.
"It's princess Everly's first birthday," Leo said.
"Did you go as crazy as you did at Christmas," Allison asked.
"Maybe," Leo teased.
"Leo," Allison groaned.
"It's for Ev," Leo said.
"I know but don't spoil her," Allison replied.
"Thats what the cool uncle is for," Leo said.
"How's Ciena," Allison asked.
"She broke it off today," Leo said, "she wants me to go back to LA now. She doesn't want to do being apart over the summer."
"I'd hate being away from Asher I understand," Allison said, "it really sucks for you. You liked her."
"It was hard," Leo said.
"I bet," Teddy said, "for both of you. It took a lot of negotiating with Henry and planning before he met Annie."
"What about dad," Leo asked.
"By the time dad and I were a couple she had known dad for years," Teddy said, "they already liked and knew each other well. She went to a couple conferences when she was still in school and dad and I would be there and for a few days we acted like a family. Her classmates knew me as her mama and most assumed he was her step dad."
Owen walked in, "Boston conferences?"
"Yes," Teddy smiled.
"Dad can you help me wrap," Leo asked.
"I can," Owen agreed, "after a shower."
"What was it," Teddy asked.
"MVC 2 new parents and a baby," Owen said, "all are in intensive care."
"The baby," Allison asked.
"In the NICU but she'll be okay," Owen said.
"Leo what did you buy," Teddy asked looking towards the laundry basket.
"A few things," Leo said.
"Leo," Teddy asked.
"I work," Leo replied, "if I want to spoil my niece I can."
"Can we keep it fair with your other nieces and nephews," Teddy asked.
"Annie's kids I bought them all birthday presents," Leo said, "I have Ellie's upstairs."
"What did you buy Ellie," Teddy asked.
"The next two books in a series her and I have been talking about," Leo said, "they just came out and she was complaining Annie wouldn't buy them for her."
"Do you know why," Teddy asked.
"They want Ellie to get a job," Allison said, "so they're refusing to buy her stuff."
"And her birthday is in a week," Teddy replied, "but yes Annie wants Ellie to get a part time job once a week."
"But Ellie is only 15," Leo said.
"Annie had her first job working for Leslie's dad at 12 I think and Josh had his first job at 14," Teddy said, "they want that for their kids."
"Where's Asher," Leo asked.
"Video game night at Jonah's," Allison said, "I went to Ava's last weekend it's fair."
"Ev," Owen asked.
"Asleep," Allison replied, "the monitor is on the table."
Leo glanced at it, "peacefully sleeping."
"She doesn't wake up at night unless shes in pain now," Allison said.
"Then what do you do," Leo asked.
"Massage first then try these little warm rice bags another mom showed us and if those don't work tylenol," Allison said, "then if she's still fussing I'm not above feeding her to calm her down."
"If it works and comforts her," Teddy agreed.
"It does,"Allison said, "I'm so used to it now."
"Time to stop," Teddy asked.
"I talked to Annie," Allison replied, "we're going to let Ev take the lead she said it's worked for 3 of her 4."
"Did she say who it didn't," Teddy asked.
"Matt," Allison replied, "but she only has 18 months between the boys. She said it was just too much for her."
"It was," Teddy agreed, "if you're still feeling good don't rush."
"I'm good," Allison agreed, "she was cute on the swings today."
"She was," Leo agreed, "she really talks now."
"She does," Teddy agreed.
"I love hearing mama first thing in the morning," Allison beamed.
"That is a good sound," Teddy agreed.
"The best wake up call," Allison replied.
"I don't hear her this year," Leo said.
"We're in the basement and she's on a good schedule now," Allison said, "next Saturday can you babysit Leo?"
"Sure," Leo said, "big date?"
"Kristen's birthday party," Allison replied.
"We can," Teddy offered.
"I want to," Leo said, "I can give her real milk now right?"
"I'll leave you bottles for bed time and a sippy cup for dinner but she can have water now," Allison said.
"Can I take her to the park," Leo asked.
"We'll leave you the stroller," Allison agreed.
They family hung out together with Owen taking over wrapping from Leo after watching his son make a mess of wrapping gifts.
"We have to work on this," Owen said, "how can you be a surgeon if you can't even wrap a gift?"
"Are the two skills related," Leo rolled his eyes.
"Manual dexterity," Teddy replied, "Allie what colour do you want her name?"
"Pink," Allison smiled.
Teddy wrote Everly's name on the cake.
"Mom I think that's your most impressive cake yet," Allison said looking at the castle with "happy first birthday princess Everly" written on it.
"Do you like it," Teddy asked.
"Mom it's perfect," Allison answered, "I love it thank you."
The next morning Allison stretched out in bed beside Asher before curling back into his side.
"She's one," Allison whispered.
"She is," Asher replied, "we made it a year."
"We survived her first year," Allison agreed, "it'll get better now won't it?"
"It will," Asher promised, "she's so close to crawling."
"She is," Allison agreed, "and she'll sleep a while yet."
"She will," Asher agreed, kissing Allison. He slipped his hand under her tank top.
"If you start that," Allison whispered.
"I want to," Asher whispered back, moving to kiss Allison's neck and shoulders before moving to the tops of her breasts.
"Ash," Allison moaned, "keep going."
Allison slipped her hand into Asher's boxers stroking and teasing him.
"Mama, dada," Everly yelled.
"No," Allison groaned.
"Tonight," Asher whispered.
"I'll go and you're going to try to calm down," Allison said.
"She just wants you first thing anyway," Asher said.
"She does," Allison agreed.
Allison walked into the nursery to find Everly sitting up in the crib.
"Mama up," Everly siad.
Allison picked up her daughter, "happy birthday princess."
"Brr ay," Everly said.
"Yes it's your birthday," Allison said, "let's change your bum then we'll have your milk."
"ilk," Everly said.
"Diaper and braces first," Allison said.
"Ilk," Everly demanded.
"Diaper first," Allison said laying the baby on the change table.
"Ilk," Everly demanded again.
"Let's do this first," Allison said she quickly changed Everly amazed at how quick she had gotten at changing her daughter in the last year.
"You're quick," Asher commented.
"We've had a lot of practice," Allison said.
"We have," Asher agreed.
Allison carried Everly to the rocking chair to feed her.
"Is she okay," Asher asked.
"We're good," Allison said.
"She's a year," Asher said, "you said we'd discuss it when she was one if you want to continue breastfeeding."
"I think with her physical delays we should continue," Allison said, "it's healthy for her and I talked it through with Annie, she suggested letting Ev take the lead, she did it with most of her kids and said most were done by 2 or 2 and a half."
"If you want to," Asher said, "if you've had enough though."
"It's only a few times a day now and we can start giving her cows milk slowly when I'm not around," Allison said, "but I'm not there yet."
"It's a lot for you physically," Asher replied.
"I'm good Ash stop worrying about me," Allison said, "if you wanted to help you could make us breakfast."
"Did you take your synthroid," Asher asked.
"On my way to get her," Allison said, "so how long have I been here?"
"15," Asher said, "so you can eat when I'm done breakfast. What do we have?"
"Turkey bacon, eggs and toast," Allison asked.
"Sure," Asher agreed, "where are Ev's braces?"
"She was demanding milk so I'll do them after I'm still holding her," Allison said.
"Today," Asher said.
"We finish getting ready and her party is at 3," Allison said.
"Did you see the cake," Asher asked.
"Mom out did herself it's a princess castle," Allison said, "it's perfect for princess Everly."
"Her princess party," Asher said.
"She's a princess," Allison beamed.
"Our princess," Asher said.
Finished eating, Everly smiled at Asher, "dada."
"Good morning princess," Asher smiled.
"Dada up," Everly said.
"Guess your on breakfast now babe," Asher smiled at Allison.
"I know," Allison said passing him their daughter.
Upstairs Teddy asked Owen, "do you remember Allison's first birthday?"
"We did the mini mouse theme," Owen said.
"And Annie got the wagon for her," Teddy said.
"We still have it at the cabin," Owen said.
"I know we used it last summer," Teddy said, "our baby is 19 and a mom to a 1 year old."
"A year ago she was waking us up to tell us she was in labour," Owen said, "she was so scared."
"You saw when she was still home," Teddy replied, "it was bad. She's still saying she'll never have another."
"This year has been hard for them," Owen said, "I still can't believe how much she's grown up this year. How much maturity she's shown."
"She's grown up too fast this year," Teddy agreed, "we knew when she got pregnant and when she decided to keep Ev she would have to grow up faster than her peers but with everything else sometimes she acts way older than 19."
"Then there's her and Leo throwing pretzels at each other last night," Owen said.
"We needed that the four of us," Teddy said.
"We did," Owen agreed.
"We have 5 grandkids," Teddy said.
"We do," Owen agreed, "we have for a year. No more for a while though."
"Allison won't for a long time, maybe not ever," Teddy replied, "Annie and Josh are done. She couldn't handle another one. Physically or mentally."
"She has her hands full," Owen agreed, "they all come today?"
"All six of them," Teddy said.
That afternoon Allison woke Everly up from her nap and put her in her party dress.
"You look like a princess," Allison beamed, kissing the top of her daughter's head.
"Are you ready," Asher asked.
"We are," Allison smiled, "Ash we did it. She's been here a year."
"She has," Asher said, "we've been parents for a year."
"Longer than that," Allison said.
"But I've been able to help for a year," Asher said.
"True," Allison replied, "she's really getting a personality now."
"She is," Asher said, "her favourite word is no."
"Dada," Allison countered.
"Mama," Asher said, "she calls you when your not home."
"She calls you," Allison said.
They carried Everly up to the back yard.
"Theres our princess," Owen smiled.
"Pa," Everly said.
"Grandpa," Owen said slowly.
"Pa," Everly echoed.
"We'll work on it," Owen agreed.
"Can you say hi to grandma," Teddy asked.
"Ma," Everly said reaching to Teddy.
Teddy took Everly from Owen, "happy birthday princess."
"Mom," Allison said, "it's too fast."
"You think it's too fast," Teddy said, "how are you 19?"
"Annie is 44," Allison said.
"Don't tell me that," Teddy said, "I'm 66 this summer."
"Retiring," Asher asked.
"No," Teddy said, "I'm young and healthy I'd be bored and the two of you would be begging me to get out."
"Never," Allison said.
Ava joined them moments later with Allison slipping to a corner of the yard to chat with her friend keeping the baby on her hip.
"There's my favourite niece," Ava said taking Everly from Allison.
"Good to see you two," Allison teased.
"Sorry about Luke," Ava said.
"No," Allison said, "you two had a fight I get it."
"I'm going to dump him," Ava declared.
"Ava," Allison asked.
"He's a jerk," Ava said.
"What did you fight about," Allison asked.
"His sister commented on my weight and he didn't say a word," Ava said.
"No," Allison said, "you've lost weight though."
"I don't look like you," Ava said.
"No you're you," Allison said, "what else went on?"
"He's pushing me and I'm not ready," Ava said.
"What is he trying to do," Allison asked.
"He wants to have you know," Ava said.
"Don't if you're not ready," Allison said.
"But you," Ava said.
"I have but only with Ash and I love and trust him," Allison said, "it was over a year between creating her and when I was ready to again."
"You do," Ava said.
"Our relationship is different," Allison said, "it's not easy especially when some one starts yelling for mama."
"In the middle," Ava asked.
"It's happened," Allison said, "she comes first. She did it this morning."
"It's her birthday," Ava said.
"I know she's one," Allison groaned, "Ava I feel old. My baby isn't a baby now."
In the driveway Mitch refused to get out of the Blouin's van.
"Mitchel you will get out of this van right now," Mark demanded.
"Ellie is there," Mitch said.
"It's your ex girlfriend," Jacob said, "get over it. Do you really want to be involved with her? She'll mess up your life like Allison ruined Ashers."
"Jacob," Mark snapped, "it's comments like that that mean we don't see them."
"It's true," Jacob argued.
"Jacob," Michelle said, "you will be kind and polite. If you can't be nice you can just be quiet."
"Really," Jacob asked.
"Yes," Michelle said.
"Why don't Mitch and I walk home," Jacob said.
"No you will go in and be polite," Mark said, "it's only a couple hours. We have to do this for Asher."
"He walked out on us," Renee argued.
"He's protecting his family," Michelle said, "just try to be nice today please."
"I guess," Jacob said.
"You will be or you will be grounded young man," Mark threatened.
"The older sister did things properly why couldn't Allison," Renee said.
"Your brother is as much a part of this as she is," Michelle said, "Renee stop slut shaming Allison."
"But," Renee said.
"Ellie's mom is 25 years older than Allison," Mitch said, "Teddy was in the army when Annie was in highschool until she finished med school. Annie lived with her dad."
"So Teddy didn't raise the older sister," Jacob said.
"She was in and out from what I understand," Michelle said, "her and Annie always talked and emailed but because she was in the army following 9/11 she couldn't be there day to day. I don't know the full story. I do know Asher really likes Annie and her husband Josh and their kids. Theres an older cousin named Faroke and his girlfriend Nisha they spend a bit of time with."
Chris and his family walked into the back yard.
"Who is that," Mark asked.
"Ellie's uncle Chris, auntie Jenna, Tyler and Dillon," Mitch said.
"Allison has 3 siblings," Jacob said, "Chris and Jenna look like parent age."
"Annie and Chris are about a year apart," Michelle said, "I hadn't seen him before. We're going to get out of the van and go be nice."
Asher stood in the backyard chatting with Jonah.
"So Everly," Jonah said.
"She's one," Asher said, "she's doing good."
"She looks happy with Ava," Jonah said.
"She likes auntie Ava," Asher agreed, "and Joshua is really walking now."
"He is and talking," Jonah said, "I want to take things further with Eden but I don't know how."
"What about Joshua," Asher asked.
"I don't know if I could like the little guy any more," Jonah said the toddler walked into Jonah's legs.
"Hey little man," Jonah said picking the toddler up.
"Ohna," Joshua said.
"Jonah," Jonah repeated, "where's your mom?"
Joshua pointed to where Eden was standing with Allison, Ava and Carmen.
"Mom's with her friends," Jonah said.
"Cookie," Joshua said.
"Not until you have your lunch," Jonah said.
"Okay dad," Asher teased.
"What am I to him," Jonah said, "mom's boyfriend."
"Yes," Asher said, "how often do you see him?"
"5 or 6 days a week," Jonah said, "I'm hanging out with him on Saturday's when Eden works."
"It's Ev and I on Saturdays," Asher said.
"We could do something," Jonah said.
"We should," Asher said, "check with Eden first."
"You don't need to talk to Allie," Jonah asked.
"My kid," Asher said, "I tell Allie we're going out but we don't have to ask each other. It's a heads up."
"I should ask Eden," Jonah said, "what do you and Everly usually do when Allison works on the weekend?"
"Saturday mornings we go to an adapted parent and tot swimming lesson," Asher said, "Allie takes her Tuesday and Thursday, I do Saturdays."
"Could we take the kids swimming," Jonah asked.
"Twice in a day is too much for Everly," Asher said, "and her morning lesson is part of the physio plan."
"Is she doing better," Jonah asked.
"Slowly getting some mobility," Asher said.
"How are they all one now," Carmen asked.
"It's too fast," Eden agreed.
"So Jonah," Carmen asked.
"He's good," Eden said, "and Joshua loves him."
"I can see that," Allison agreed, "he looks comfortable."
"He is and he's starting to take Joshua on Saturdays when we work," Eden said.
"That's good," Allison smiled.
"Asher," Carmen asked.
"Is a great dad," Allison smiled, "I couldn't do it with out him"
"How about when you work,"Carmen asked.
"Summer jobs," Ava asked.
"Staying at safeway," Eden said, "I have 40 hours a week right now."
"I'm doing full time at the grocery store," Allison agreed, "Tuesday to Saturday."
"I have Wednesday to Sunday," Eden added, "you have later shifts than me?"
"Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I start at noon and work till 8," Allison said, "it lets me take Ev to physio and swimming."
"Swimming lessons already," Carmen asked isn't that 18 months?"
"Adapted through the CP association it's part of her physio," Allison explained, "she loves swimming lessons and she moves better in the water. Ava summer job?"
"Monday to friday 7:30-3:30 doing daycamp," Ava said, "I'm looking forward to it. Carmen?"
"I just got on at starbucks," Carmen said, "once I'm there 6 months I get medical and can put Taylor on it."
"That's huge," Allison said, "you both need medical."
"What about you how do you work it out with everything Everly needs," Carmen asked.
"Asher has great coverage through his union," Allison said, "then her CP stuff is part of the Fox Foundation's children with disabilities initiative. You?"
"Just what I can get through UW," Eden said, "luckily I qualify for medicaid. We're really lucky the worst he's had was an ear infection then we were here and your mom did the prescription."
"Next year what are you taking," Carmen asked.
"Still pre-med," Allison said, "going to 5 courses, 3 in person and 2 online. Online is just easier for time with Ev. Ava has good news."
"I got into nursing school," Ava beamed, "I'm going to be a nurse!"
Olivia walked in.
"Liv," Ava smiled, "I didn't think you were coming."
"Last minute change of plans is it okay," Olivia asked.
Allison hugged her friend, "I'm happy your here."
"Everly has gotten so big," Olivia commented.
"She's one," Allison said.
Asher walked over to his family, "you all came?"
"She's one today," Michelle said.
"She is," Asher agreed, "Jacob, Renee you'll be nice to Allison?"
"I guess," Renee said, "she's with a bunch of other girls."
"Ava, Carmen, our friend Eden and Olivia," Asher said, "her closest friends."
"Your friends," Michelle asked.
"Jonah is here he just went to change Joshua, Eden's son," Asher said, "Tyson is on his way."
"Jonah and Eden," Jacob asked, "she has a kid."
"They met hanging out with us about a year ago and he likes Eden it's working," Asher said, "he even babysits now."
"Does," Michelle asked.
"What about the kid's dad," Mark asked.
"Not around," Asher said, "Carmen and Eden both have kids, Allison met them in her family studies program last year their kids dad's arent around but the three of them support and help each other. Ava helps as much as she can two she's auntie Ava."
"How's Allison doing," Michelle asked as Asher's siblings wandered away.
"Better," Asher said, "she's working and has 2 online classes right now."
"Why is she doing classes," Michelle asked, "she needed a break."
"She wants to do college in 4 years so needs to take a couple classes," Asher replied, "she has psychology and a literature class. It's going well; she does it when she wants to or has time."
"She's happier than the last time we saw her," Michelle asked.
"She is," Asher said.
"Ash should we get lunch on the BBQ," Allison asked.
"I guess," Asher agreed.
After lunch they all gathered back to watch Everly have her first slice of cake. Allison set the slice of cake on the tray of the high chair.
"Bean she should be in a diaper only for this," Annie suggested.
Allison said, "she knows where her mouth is."
"Trust me," Annie said, "you don't want to ruin that dress."
"Sweetheart it would be a good idea," Teddy said.
"Okay," Allison agreed she slid Everly's dress over her head then picked up the spoon and gave her her first bite of cake. Everly immediately reached for the piece of cake and grabbed at it bringing handfuls to her mouth.
"She likes it," Asher said.
"She does," Allison said trying to give Everly another spoon full but the baby wanted to feed herself.
"It's in her hair," Allison groaned.
"That's why we have bath tubs," Michelle said.
"She's a mess," Allison said.
"Baby wipes for now and then a bath before bed," Teddy said.
"She's doing well," Michelle observed.
"Wipe her off and let her play," Teddy said.
"Come here miss mess," Allison said picking Everly up, "you're all sticky."
"But she's so cute," Ava said.
"She is," Olivia said, "is Allie okay?"
"She is," Ava lied, she wasn't sure if Allison was actually okay after her breakdown a couple months before but she seemed better. Maybe not okay but better.
"Your BF," Olivia asked.
"I'm going to dump him," Ava said, "he's not right. He just wants to have me sleep over."
"You could," Olivia said, "it's kinda fun."
"Allie said it can be but I don't know if Luke is really into me," Ava said, "where's your BF?"
"He can't come here with Teddy and Owen," Olivia said, "but Allison looks happier then she did at Christmas."
"She is," Ava agreed, "Ev is getting a lot stronger."
"Will Allie's whole life always revolve around Everly," Olivia asked.
"She's a mom," Ava said, "she's good with it now. She's with Carmen and Eden it's their little mom's club."
"How do you fit," Olivia asked.
"I'm her time not to be mommy," Ava said, "but I spend a lot of time with them and their kids. It's fun. We miss having you around."
"We're travelling for a few months leaving next week," Olivia said, "Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, India."
"Sounds exciting," Ava said, "did you tell Allie?"
"She won't notice," Olivia said.
"She does," Ava said, "you don't keep your coffee dates with her or flake on walks after she's found a babysitter."
"She takes hours to text back,"Olivia complained.
"She does when Ev is cranky," Ava agreed, "her daughter comes first. She's trying to be patient with you. You have to be patient with her. I see both sides."
"I'm travelling," Olivia said, "I want to be a travel influencer. I'll work a few months then travel."
"Good luck with that," Ava snapped.
Allison and Asher were making their rounds of the party talking to everyone and showing Everly off.
"Will she always have braces on her legs," Renee asked.
"For now," Asher said, "her doctors will decide."
"Is she okay," Mitch asked.
"Happy," Allison said, "did you talk to Ellie?"
"I'm avoiding her," Mitch said.
"She wants to be friends just not date," Allison said.
"How do you know," Mitch asked.
"She talks to me a lot and comes over a lot," Allison said.
"Your summer sweetheart," Michelle asked Allison.
"Working full time, being mom, two courses and going to observe at the hospital with my parents when I can," Allison said.
"Hospital," Mark asked.
"I want to be an orthopedic surgeon so I'm observing in the OR and on the OR floor," Allison said.
"Big dreams," Mark said.
"I'll do it," Allison said, "the three of us can do it together."
"You will," Mark agreed, "you're working hard."
That night Allison collapsed into their bed, "that went well."
"It did," Asher said, "everyone got along."
"They did," Allison said, "but she's asleep."
"She is," Asher agreed.
Allison rolled on top of Asher and kissed him.
"This is a good idea," Asher smiled, pulling her in closer.