"Did Allie go shopping," Owen asked.
"I took her," Teddy said, "for her not Everly for once. I went with her and bought the stuff she picked up, checked the price tags and put back so I bought them. It's taken my three years to convince her she can have things she likes and feels good in, that it doesn't all have to be about Everly all the time. She needs it Owen. She needs to be young and have the clothes she likes and feels good in. She buys from the clearance rack for herself because she feels bad spending money on herself. So I bought what she liked."
"Why wasn't she," Owen asked, "she hasn't asked."
"She's proud," Teddy said, "she wants so desperately to be independent and they do so good but it means denying herself things. She dances once a week because we pay for it and she can't afford it."
"I know," he said, "it's hard to see her deny herself and not have things."
"I know," Teddy said, "but I have to remember that I did the same in college and med school. Annie did and learning to pick and choose what they spend on is good for them. But she goes without more than Annie did or Leo does. So yes I bought her some clothes and make up. She appreciates it."
"When Annie was in school," Owen asked.
"Birthday and Christmas," Teddy said, "Easter would be spring and summer clothes. She wore the same winter coat through all of Med school. Allison needs a new one this year."
"Didn't they just buy Asher one," Owen asked.
"After his accident his was destroyed in the fall," Teddy said, "I know that not having things and going through that is part of learning to appreciate it but she should be able to feel good two."
"She should," Owen said.
"Her and Ev are getting a ride with us," Teddy said, "Allie was packing."
"He's surprising them," Owen said, "he just texted me to confirm."
"Good," Teddy smiled, "he didn't want to tell her in case the time off didn't come through."
"I think he'll beat us there," Owen said, "I'm going to get her moving."
"Just bellow down the stairs," Teddy teased, "you haven't been a crazed sea lion in a while."
Owen chuckled and went to call for Allison down the stairs.
"We're ready," Allison said, "I just need to take our back pack to the truck. I already put her bin and my suitcase by the truck."
"Walker," Teddy asked, "crutches?"
"It's all by the truck," Allison said, "she's antsy. I've got her pacified with my ipad for now. Did someone move her car seat?"
"Already done," Owen said, "I took the spare from the garage. I'll throw your stuff in the truck then can we go?"
"We can," Allison said. She ran down and got Everly making sure her outside door was locked before leaving for the weekend.
As they drove Everly pointed to things out the window, "cow mooo cow."
"Yes the cow says moo," Allison replied, "princess can you try to nap so we can go swimming in the river when we get there?"
"No nap," Everly whined.
"You have to nap so we can go swimming," Allison repeated.
"No," Everly said, "moo cow."
"Allie, leave her," Teddy said, "she'll fall asleep on her own in a couple minutes."
"She needs to nap is already 20 minutes after nap time," Allison said.
"Allie," Teddy sighed.
"Mom just help me," Allison said.
"She's out of sorts," Teddy said.
"Princess can you just close your eyes," Allison asked.
"No," Everly said, "I want daddy."
"We'll see daddy in 3 weeks," Allison said, "you can call him when we get to the cabin."
"I want daddy," Everly sobbed.
"I miss him too," Allison agreed, "I miss daddy."
"I need daddy," Everly sobbed.
"Dad can you pull over," Allison asked.
"Why," Owen asked.
"I need to get her out of her seat," Allison said.
"There's a rest stop in two miles," Owen said.
Owen pulled into the rest stop and Allison jumped out of the truck she rushed to the passenger side and threw the door open and lifted Everly out.
"Shh," Allison whispered, "shh Ev it's okay. We're okay. I know you miss daddy. I miss him too and I know he misses us."
"Why daddy go," Everly asked through her tears.
"Daddy has to work," Allison said, "he's working lots right now so mommy can be home more with you and go to school. If daddy works all summer away mommy only has to go to work once a week in the fall."
Owen looked at Teddy surprised. Teddy nodded, Allison had told her this plan.
"Daddy come home," Everly asked.
"Three weeks," Allison promised, "daddy always comes home. Daddy will always come home to us."
"Daddy," Everly sniffled.
"Soon," Allison soothed.
"Daddy," Everly whined again.
"Soon," Allison said, "we'll call him when we get to the cabin he'll be off work."
"Daddy," Everly whined again.
"Let's try this," Allison whispered, "you try to sleep in the truck and when you wake up we'll be at the cabin and we can facetime daddy."
"See daddy," Everly asked.
"We'll see and talk to daddy," Allison promised, "nap in the truck then we will call daddy."
"Promise," Everly whimpered.
"I promise," Allison soothed.
Owen and Teddy looked on as Allison soothed her daughter. Holding the little one in her arms so they were nose to nose. Allison shifted Everly so her head rested on her moms shoulder and Allison bounced her and rubbed her back.
"She's good," Teddy whispered to Owen.
"She is," Owen said, "she's a natural with Everly. She's a good mom."
"She works hard at it," Teddy said.
"She's had good examples," Owen said, "you."
"Your mom, Annie, Megan, Jenna," Teddy said, "she's had moms. She's doing good. This being appart is hell for them."
"It's what destroyed Beth and I," Owen said, "she couldn't take it."
"She couldn't take a lot of things," Teddy said, "but us being deployed didn't help at all."
"It's still hard to believe we have 5 grand kids," Owen said.
"Three kids who want their own," Teddy said, "we're not done with grand kids yet. Leo will one day and his kids will be the youngest then I bet Allie has one more."
"Really," Owen asked.
"She's asked me a few questions they're thinking of it after med school," Teddy said, "let her start her residency."
"They're all adults," Owen said, "living with spouses."
"Engaged, married and moving in with his girl friend," Teddy commented, "they flew the nest."
"Have they fully," Owen asked.
"Annie 22 years ago," Teddy said, "Allie is 75% and Leo 50%."
"I like Charlotte," Owen said.
"She's nice and I like her but I worry it will be a Beth situation," Teddy said, "that she won't support his dreams fully. Medical school, surgery but he wants to serve. And I can't see Charlotte supporting that."
"But Duncan is her step dad," Owen said, "he was a lieutenant he'll help her understand. We had to help Annie learn and understand."
"We did," Teddy agreed, "she used to hate when Chris was in the field. She got so upset and stressed about it."
"He was her security blanket," Owen said, "her parents didn't support her so she clung to her brother."
"Is Allie okay," Teddy asked.
"They miss Asher," Owen said, "she's wound up about it and it's rubbing off on Ev."
"A couple hours," Teddy smiled.
"Should we," he asked.
"He wants to surprise," Teddy replied.
With Everly neary asleep Allison walked back to the truck and buckled her sleepy daughter into her car seat tucking her teddy bear into her arms.
"You good munchkin," Owen asked.
"This is hard," Allison said.
"I know baby girl," Teddy said, "your doing good."
"I'm tired," Allison whined.
"Nap," Teddy said, "it's just us. Close your eyes and you'll feel better when we get to the cabin."
Allison nodded and stared out the window. Everlys hand flopped out of her car seat and Allison took her daughter's hand in her own.
Asher parked his truck in front of the cabin and bounded up the steps.
"Asher," Annie greeted with a hug.
"Annie," Asher replied, "how are you?"
"Good," Annie smiled, "Allie is going to be happy to see you."
"Is she okay," Asher asked.
"Over whelmed," Annie stated, "she's been working 10-12 hour shifts because they're short staffed. Ellie did 14 with Allie yesterday."
"She's tired," Asher said, "I can tell when we face time."
"She is," Annie said, "but it's good for you to miss eachother."
"Have you and Josh," Asher asked.
"We have," Annie said, "he went for 2 months for a fellowship opportunity when Henry was 6 months old. I had three little kids, 6 months 19 months and 5. It was stressful. I was working full time. We had just come out of the pandemic. It was insane. But I was 35. I can't imagine doing it at 21."
"Can I ask you something," Asher asked.
"Anything," Annie answered, "let's sit."
"Sure," Asher replied.
"Is everything okay," Annie asked.
"I think you grew up a lot like me," Asher said, "the oldest and a lot of expectations."
"Very involved in the church," Annie added.
"Yes," Asher said, "how did you decide to give it up and walk away?"
"I was in med school," Annie said, "and I was struggling with it. I didn't understand why the church I grew up in taught me my role was at home having babies and supporting my husbands ambition. I could teach or be a nurse if I wanted but nothing beyond that. I didn't understand why the same god that wanted that to be my role that all I could be was a wife and mom would also give me the gift and the skills to be a doctor."
"But you have a lot of kids," Asher said.
"We do," Annie said, "and I love being a mom and my family being a partnership with Josh. But that's not all I am. I would never be happy if that's all I am."
"How did you tell your parents you didn't want to be involved in the church anymore,"he asked.
"I moved to Boston then stopped going," she admitted, "I never told them and I never stopped believing I just stopped doing it their way. I discovered my own voice and what is right for me and my family. I was baptised at 12, none of my kids have been yet. I know my dad would like them to but it has to be their choice. I didn't choose fully and I didn't understand what it meant. How old were you?"
"13 summer before 9th grade," Asher replied.
"I turned 13 that October and the summer before grade 8 when I started high school," Annie said, "Asher think for yourself. It took me a lot of years and being away from dad and mom to learn it. To have my ideas and opinions. I was a resident before I said no to a parent."
"Really," Asher asked.
"The first time I put my foot down with a parent I was 29," Annie said, "and I was Owen."
"So it should be hard," Asher asked.
"No it shouldn't," Annie said, "my mom who you never met."
"Why not," Asher asked, "we know your dad."
"I chose for my mom not to be in my life for a few reasons," Annie said, "the relationship wasn't healthy for me, my kids or my marriage. I made decisions to keep my kids as healthy as possible. I always had some contact but never alone and always with an escape plan. Calling her from my office was great, i could get someone to fake page me."
"But how did you tell them," Asher asked.
"I changed my name," Annie said, "I disappeared. They named me Annabeth Grace McKellar when I was adopted. I was 21 when I changed my name to Grace Annabeth Altman."
"So Annie isn't your name," Asher asked.
"It's always been a nickname," Annie said, " I chose to change my name and I'm not getting into all the reasons behind it. Allison doesn't know the full story neither do my kids. Josh, Mama and Uncle Owen and Dad do. Mama and Uncle Owen asked if they could still call me Annie when I changed it and it stuck as a family thing. They use Grace at work with me around patients or people who don't know us well but a lot of our co workers know. Many knew me when I first met Mama at 19. Yang was the first person I met."
"Yang, she's scary," Asher said.
"She can be," Annie replied, "but we have a healthy respect for eachother. Asher what are you thinking of doing?"
"I need space from my family," Asher said, "they keep putting Allison and I down for our choices. I know they don't agree with us but they don't have to put her down or us. I can't take them disrespecting our choices."
"You've fought this for a couple years why now," Annie asked.
"My brother's bachelor party is next weekend," Asher said, "I'm not going because I work 21 days straight starting Tuesday then I'm home. I'll be at his wedding."
"With my moms side I've only done the big things," Annie said, "weddings, funerals, baptism, christenings. But I get away with it when they're in BC and I'm in Seattle. I use my physical location to keep my distance. Dad's side they come down and stay with us, I've had all my McKellar cousins at the cabin for a ladies weekend. I learned the hard way that breaking off contact can cause irrparible damage to the relationship. I was your age, Mama tried to talk me out of it."
"Using her last name," Asher said.
"A few things but she wanted me to consider all sides, I used Altman socially for a few months before I made a legal change. What do you want to do?"
"I want to spend less time with them," Asher said, "I need them to stop trying to take over."
"Have you told them," Annie asked.
"I've tried they don't listen," Asher said.
"Is there one parent that listens better," Annie asked.
"What do you mean," Asher asked.
"Does your mom or dad listen better," Annie asked, "my dad was always more open to how I felt and what I needed."
"My mom," Asher said, "but my dad is in control."
"My mom was," Annie said, "talk to her. Ask her to go for coffee or a walk and be honest. What's the biggest thing bugging you?"
"They blame us not being married for Ev's CP," Asher said, "and they don't want Allie to go on with her education. Then Mitch and Sienna."
"I know," Annie said, "Ellie got invited."
"They invited most of their class," Asher shrugged, "it's a BBQ after at dad's church. Is Ellie going."
"She is," Annie said, "you and Allie can hang out with her."
"I have to be the pastor's oldest son," Asher said, "I hate that role. Being the oldest, having to be perfect all the time, setting the example. And I know I failed."
"How," Annie asked.
"I got Allison," Asher started.
"No," Annie said, "that's not failing. Asher failure would have been turning your back on them. You didn't just stay for Everly. You manned up, you grew together. You're doing this together. You have not failed. Look at me."
Asher looked at Annie.
"I'm going to tell you something a counsellor told me," Annie said, "I need you to look at me."
"Okay," Asher said.
"Your success does not depend on others opinion of you," Annie said, "the only person that decides that is you. You are a good person."
"But," Asher said.
"No," Annie said, "stop being so hard on yourself, it's an oldest kid thing we think we have to be perfect and the example but that's not our job. Our job is not the set the example or help our parents. Our job is to build our lives in a way that makes us happy."
"How," Asher asked.
"You decide what is best for you and your family," Annie said, "what's best for the three of you?"
"To be together," he said, "us to finish our education. I know she has 5 more years and it's going to get worse before it gets better."
"Med school is a lot," Annie remembered, "living situation?"
"If we stay in Seattle we'll stay where we are," he said, "we'd like more independence but."
"When Faroke and Nisha move out of the cottage we can talk with Allie and Josh," Annie replied.
"Rent," Asher said.
"We'll do what Mama did with Josh and I when we rented it from her," Annie said, "you'll give us enough to cover the mortgage. We don't have a huge mortgage on it, it's almost paid off."
"What," Asher said.
"We were 29 when we bought it," Annie said, "and we paid Mama what she had paid for it 10 years before. We will be fair with you."
"Not now," he said, "and she's not attached to that house. There's too many stairs. We need a flat entry to the house and from the garage."
"You do," Annie agreed, "your parents?"
"Can I just see them for big things," Asher asked.
"You can," Annie said, "what's really bugging you?"
"Mitch," Asher answered, "he hardly knows the girl. They've never been alone and it's weird."
"I grew up with people who did the same," Annie said, "I don't think it leads to happiness long term. I think you need to live together and get to really know each other. A few hours and every day is different."
"Did you and Josh," Asher asked.
"Ya," Annie said, "once we finished med school and started our intern year. Mama was surprised how fast we lived together but he didn't want to live with Nathan and I needed a roommate at the cottage so it worked. What are they saying?"
"How Mitch has done everything right and I've done nothing right," Asher said.
"No," Annie said, "you have done everything right. That's the order they think things should happen. You have done the right thing."
"Your parents," Asher said, "she must be more honest with you then us."
"She talks about what worries her but she would tell you two directly," Annie assured, "she doesn't lie to us or hide things from us."
"Him," Asher asked.
"He would say it if he had a problem with it," Annie assured, "Asher stop stressing. You are fine, you and Allie have made decisions together for your family. You will be okay. It's hard right now but it will work out how it's meant to."
"Will it," Asher asked.
"It will," Annie replied.
"If you have time to sit with me like this where are your kids," Asher asked.
"Ellie is inside and the others took their bikes out," Annie replied, "Josh isn't coming, he's working this weekend."
"Does it get easier," Asher asked.
"It changes," Annie answered, "easier in the sense that I don't have to watch them every minute. Heather is almost 8."
"When does it stop," Asher asked.
"Slowly," Annie said, "you get less worried about them in the next room or in the yard for a few minutes and it gets easier."
"When," Asher asked.
"Soon," Annie replied, "they're all on their own schedule. I hovered most with Ellie and it's gotten less with every kid."
"Your parents," Asher asked.
"I never rebuilt my relationship with Leslie fully," Annie said, "I had some contact with her always. We would text and I would keep it surface level. The kids are good, Josh is good, we're busy. My dad and I put in the work to rebuild a relationship after Ellie was born. Dad was willing to compromise and meet me halfway. It's give and take and you have to decide those things that are not negotiable with them and where you can have flexibility. Know what those core boundaries are."
"What were yours," he asked.
"I wasn't going back to BC," Annie said, "they came to me more then I went up but they were retired and I was just starting and had kids. Zero put downs, no comments on my body. What are you thinking?"
"No putting Everly down," Asher said.
"Good," Annie replied, "that ones important. What else?"
"Stop demanding we go to their church," Asher said, "we will go if and when it works for us."
"Tell them," Annie said.
"That Allie gets to have a voice," Asher said.
"All good,' Annie smiled, "you know what you want. Talk it though with Bean and tell your parents."
"Are you sure," Asher asked.
"I am," Annie replied.
"Thanks Annie," Asher said.
"We're family it's what we do," Annie smiled.
"How can you just do that," Asher asked.
"Family is the people who love you and stand by you no matter what," Annie said, "and I'm the oldest of 5."
"Five," Asher asked, "Allie, Chris, Leo, who did I miss?"
"Jessica passed away 14 years ago," Annie replied, "she's in heaven but she's still my little sister. She had cancer."
"I'm sorry," Asher said, "do you miss her?"
"I miss the sister I grew up with before she got sick," Annie replied, "I'll see her one day. She was 27 and she never got to live."
"I'm sorry," Asher said.
"Thank you," Annie replied, "now surprising my baby sister. Do you have a plan?"
"Can you go inside so she just sees me," Asher asked.
"I can," Annie agreed, "do you want lunch?"
"I'll wait for Allie and Ev," Asher replied.
"I'm going to go make my kids lunch," Annie said, "we'll make you some."
Owen pulled into the driveway at the cabin.
Allison got out and unbuckled Everly who was still asleep. As she rounded the corner by the porch she saw Asher.
"Ash," Allison yelled startling Everly who immediately began to cry.
"Allie," he yelled running to meet them.
"Ev," Allison said, "look who's here."
"Daddy," Everly cheered.
Asher threw his arms around both of them holding them close.
"You're supposed to be working," Allison said.
"I found out Wednesday night I get today, Saturday, Sunday and Monday off," Asher said, "and the cabin is closer to site than home so I came."
"You didn't tell me," Allison said.
"I wanted to surprise my girls," Asher smiled, "there was a chance right up until I left that I couldn't get the time so I didn't want to let you down."
Asher took Everly from Allison and carried her into the cabin with his free arm around Allison's waist. She leaned into him.
"Wow," Owen said, "the change in Allie."
"She's so much more relaxed with him," Teddy agreed, "but so is Annie with Josh and I know I am with you."
"Daddy play," Everly asked once they were in their room.
"You made the bed," Allison smiled.
"I did," Asher said, "I've been waiting a couple hours. But I got to spend time with Annie."
"You've never really had time with just her," Allison said.
"Because you hog your big sister," Asher said, "she made us lunch. It's in the fridge to heat when we're ready."
"I missed you," Allison said.
"I miss you too," he said.
"Go play," Everly demanded.
"We will have to catch up later," Asher whispered.
"Sneakily," Allison whispered in his ear, "is Ev ready to go to the loft with Heather?"
"We'll find a way," he replied.
"I do it," Everly said trying to walk to the door.
"I left her walker and crutches in the car," Allison said.
"Lets go get them and go for a walk," Asher said, "Ev do you want your walker or crutches."
"Crutches," Everly answered.
"She's not going as far on the crutches, maybe across the room," Allison said, "and we haven't tried outside yet."
"Let's practice later," Asher said, "I want to see it."
"Ev should we show daddy your crutches then we can walk to the pool," Allison suggested.
"Ya," Everly replied.
"Swimming," Asher asked.
"Do you have a bathing suit," Allison asked.
"I have one," he confirmed, "but I don't want to be with everyone."
"We'll go the three of us," Allison replied.
"Daddy hug," Everly demanded from where she was standing by the porch steps.
"Let's walk to Grandpa's truck," Asher said taking Everly's hand.
Allison took her daughter's other hand and they guided her down the steps. Stairs were new for Everly and even the two off the cabin porch would be hard.
"Come on," Allison coaxed.
"No," Everly whined, "hard."
"It is hard but you can do it," Asher said, "mommy sent me the video of you doing this with Miss Casey."
"No," Everly whined, "daddy up."
"Do you want me to carry you," Asher asked.
"Yes," Everly said.
"This once," Asher agreed, "you won't get better at it if you don't do it."
"No carry me," Everly whined.
"Today," Asher agreed.
"Asher," Owen greeted as they approached the truck.
"Have you been hiding here," Asher asked.
"You needed a moment," Teddy said.
"Should we help unload," Asher asked.
"Go be the three of you," Teddy said, "Allie we'll put your bag and Ev's in your room."
"Thank you," Allison smiled.
They grabbed Everly's crutches and she showed Asher that she could take 6 or 7 steps using the crutches before getting tired.
"Good job," Asher beamed.
"Hard," Everly said.
"It is," Allison said, "but like walking we can practice and you'll get better."
"Tired," Everly said.
"Too tired for swimming," Asher asked.
"No," Everly said.
"Then walk back to mommy," Asher directed.
"Come her princess," Allison said.
Everly walked back to Allison who picked her up.
"No daddy," Everly whined.
"I'll take the crutches," Allison said, passing their daughter to Asher. They went inside and got ready to go swimming.
"Have fun," Annie called.
"We will," Allison smiled.
That night Annie asked, "does Ev want to have a sleepover in Megan's room with Heather and Ellie ?"
"Allie," Asher asked.
"She could," Allison agreed, "but Megan's room?"
"I asked her if my girls could use it," Annie said.
"If she'll go down there," Allison agreed.
"She's three," Annie said, "she'll be okay."
"What time does Heather go to bed," Allison asked.
"Now 8 ish for the summer," Annie said, "I'll take her back to 7:30 for the school year. I like my kids in bed early."
"Ev is 7:30," Allison said.
"Do 8 tonight babe," Asher suggested.
"Will she sleep or play with Heather," Allison asked, "she's never had a sleep over before."
"She'll be tired," Annie said, "your daughter tires out in a way my kids never have."
"The CP," Teddy said, "she's grown again though."
"I know," Allison sighed, "I don't like it. Her first summer."
"You sat on the porch swing with nana," Teddy said, "and cried."
"I was overwhelmed," Allison said, "I had no clue what I was doing."
"And now," Annie asked.
"I know my daughter," Allison said.
"It's easier when you know them," Teddy said.
"Which one of us was easiest to know," Annie asked.
"All of you in different ways," Teddy said, "your kids?"
"I don't know," Annie said, "I think Ellie is most like me and Heather reminds me of grandmere. Matt is most like Josh and I think Henry is like our Henry."
"I can see that," Teddy smiled, "it's the same sense of humour."
"And the love of baseball," Annie smiled, "he's getting good."
"He is," Teddy agreed.
"What would Henry have said about the name," Annie asked, "I never thought to ask you about that. I know we talked about wanting to use it and making sure you were okay with it."
"I think he would be honoured," Teddy smiled, "you were the closest he ever got to kids."
"Henry," Asher asked.
"My first husband," Teddy said, "we were married a year and a half before he passed suddenly."
"Have we ever seen pictures," Allison asked.
"Here," Annie said pointing to a picture on the wall above her head, "that's me and Chris were 20 and 19 just before I went to Med school, them mama and Henry and Uncle Owen and Christina."
"Why does Nana still have the picture up," Allison asked.
"Because she likes how happy Mama and I look," Annie said, "I asked. I love the walls up here. Uncle Owen and Auntie Meg growing up. All of us with our family. Ev and Asher are up now and have been for a while."
"Will we run out of walls," Allison asked.
"Then we go down the halls," Teddy said, "we add on."
"Dad's dad is up," Allison said.
Annie stood and pointed to one, "that's one of my favourites."
"Your wedding day," Teddy said.
"Yes," Annie smiled, "just you Allie and I before the ceremony."
"Why is Annie's the only wedding photo up here," Allison asked.
"All of the pictures were taken up here," Teddy pointed out.
"How was swimming," Owen asked.
"Fun," Everly cheered, "I hungry."
"Dinner is soon princess," Owen said, "can you help me with burgers?"
"I help," everly agreed.
"Come on," Owen smiled watching Everly use her walker to move to the kitchen.
After dinner Allison and Annie tucked the youngest girls in to bed in Megan's room grateful for the extra room to spread out. Ellie had decided to take Leo's room with permission from her uncle. The little girls giggled after their mom's left the room and turned off the light.
Allison stood up to go calm them.
"Leave it," Annie said, "they'll giggle themselves out soon."
"Nee," Allison said.
"It's normal and healthy," Annie said, "let her. You're just down the hall and I'm next door."
"Okay," Allison agreed, "15 minutes."
"30," Annie countered.
"20," Allison said, "if Ev doesn't sleep she will be a mess tomorrow."
"Let her have fun," Asher said.
"You deal with our grumpy girl tomorrow then," Allison replied.
"She'll be happy," Asher said, "were all here."
After a couple drinks and a few board games the adults made their way to their rooms.
"Can you be quiet," Asher whispered in Allison's ear.
"I can," Allison said, "I missed you."
"I missed you more," Asher said, "you okay?"
"Tired and worn out," Allison said, "I need to be with you. I don't like being a single mom."
"I know it's hard for you," Asher said, "what do you want to do?"
"I have an idea," Allison whispered, "then snuggle."
"I like how you think," Asher grinned, kissing her.
"I love you," Allison smiled.
"I love you too," Asher beamed.