Allison's family went to pick Leo and his girlfriend up at the airport for Thanksgiving weekend.
"Uncle Leo," Everly shouted, seeing her favorite uncle.
"Hi princess," Leo said, taking the toddler from Allison.
Allison quickly introduced herself to Leo's girlfriend, "I'm Allie, this is Asher and our daughter Everly."
"I'm Charlotte," she replied, "it's good to finally meet you."
"You as well," Allison smiled.
"Down," Everly demanded.
Asher shook his head, "too many people here Ev."
"How are you doing," Leo asked Asher.
"Bored and ready for this cast to come off so I can go back to work," Asher replied.
"How did that happen," Charlotte asked.
"I fell at work," Asher replied.
"Almost into the ocean," Allison snapped.
"Me being in a harness wiring 150 feet up is a sore spot with her right now," Asher replied.
"You could have died," Allison grumbelled.
"But I didn't," Asher replied, "and as soon as I'm cleared I'll go up again."
"No," Allison argued.
"Allie I have to," Asher replied, "my harness did its job."
"What do you do," Charlotte asked.
"Industrial electrical," Asher replied, "third year apprentice. You?"
"I'm in geography now but will go into elementary education," Charlotte replied.
"Everly that hurts," Leo said.
"Ev don't kick uncle Leo," Allison scolded taking her daughter back.
"How old," Charlotte asked.
"Two and a half," Asher replied.
"Can I help," Charlotte asked.
"She loves people," Allison said, "I'll show you a couple things when we get home."
"Leo mentioned that she has Cerebral Palsy," Charlotte said, "my little brother has it."
"We're meeting more and more people who have it in their families," Allison said.
"How's her mobility," Charlotte asked.
"She can walk with support," Asher said, "it's too big and crowded for her."
"What sort of aids," Charlotte asked.
"We have a walker and gait trainer," Allison said, "her braces are on unless she's sleeping or in the bath. She has spastic CP and it's from about her waist down. We're hopeful she'll walk unaided one day. Your brother?"
"Uses a wheelchair but can take a few steps with support," Charlotte said, "will she toilet train?"
"We're trying," Allison said, "it's not easy, she's not ready. She goes to early intervention 2 mornings a week and it's making a huge difference. With her confidence and mobility."
"Why did you guys come," Leo asked Asher.
"Your parents are trapped in the OR," Asher replied, "I don't know how you guys dealt with it."
"Nana, Nee, Josh, Uncle Dan," Leo replied, " Chris and Jenna. They can't leave when they have someone open on a table."
"Why don't they say no if they know they have to leave soon," Asher replied, "almost four years and I still don't get it."
"Because you save the life or give it everything you have," Leo said, "you give a patient everything you have. Allie and I had each other, Annie's kids get it."
"My step dad is a peds surgeon and he sometimes gets stuck," Charlotte said, "but it doesn't mean that Duncan doesn't care. The best Duncan treats are from when he gets stuck really long and he feels bad he missed a game so he brings home ice cream cake. Or he missed my brother's grade 5 graduation and we got a puppy."
"I worry if Allie becomes a surgeon," Asher said.
"But you'll be home," Leo replied.
"I work a lot of overtime," Asher said.
"So Allie can go to school," Leo said.
"I work more so she can study," Asher agreed, "she has to go to school and med school."
"She will," Leo replied.
"Both of you," Asher replied, "what will Teddy and Owen say?"
"Three of us, they'll be happy with it," Leo replied, "mom isn't good at saying it though. She's easier now that I'm not in the house."
"We don't see them every day," Asher replied, "Allie and Ev more than me. Ev has to see grandma and grandpa every day."
"How long have you been with your," Charlotte started.
"Fiance," Allison said, "three years."
"But your daughter," Charlotte said.
"Our senior year," Allison said, "we were friends when I got pregnant. Asher and I slowly got closer before Ev was born but we didn't live together until she was here."
"I thought both of his sisters were older than Leo," Charlotte said.
"No, I'm 11 months younger. He's February of 2014 and I'm January 2015. Our older sister is 46."
"The one with four kids," Charlotte said.
"Yes," Allison said, "Annie and her husband Josh."
"How is that with her so much older," Charlotte said, "10 years with my brother is a lot."
"Different," Allison agreed, "she's pretty supportive most of the time. But will act like our parent sometimes"
They drove home making small talk.
"Mom, Dad," Leo bellowed, walking through the front door seeing that both cars were in the driveway.
"Hi buddy," Owen greeted.
"Leo," Teddy smiled, hugging him.
"Mom, dad this is Charlotte," Leo introduced, "these are my parents Teddy and Owen."
"It's nice to meet you," Teddy said, "get settled then we'll have dinner."
"Can I help with something dr," Charlotte started.
"Teddy," Teddy smiled.
"Allison and I will have it done in a couple minutes," Teddy smiled, "it's simple tonight. No allergies?"
"None," Charlotte confirmed.
"We have a couple choices for sleeping arrangements," Teddy said, "I'll show you both and you decide."
"What choices," Charlotte said.
"There is the guest room," Teddy said, "and Leo's room. I'll let you two decide what works for you."
Charlotte looked shocked.
"What would you like," Teddy asked.
"I don't want to put you out, it's your house," Charlotte replied.
"I'll let you and Leo choose together and don't worry about Owen and I," Teddy answered, "we know our kids are adults."
Charlotte still looked confused.
"You be comfortable," Teddy said, "Charlotte you are allowed to have a voice and thoughts. We encourage it."
"My mom," Charlotte said.
"It's your choice," Teddy said, "you decide what is right for you. You don't have to decide right now."
"Everything okay," Leo asked, coming up with Everly and Charlotte's bag.
"Only Charlotte's bag," Teddy asked.
"Well the popsicle princess takes an arm," Leo replied.
"Your sister is going to kill you," Teddy said, seeing Everly with a full sized popsicle.
"She asked nicely," Leo said, "peas and thank you. She didn't ram my legs until I gave her one."
"But now she won't eat dinner," Teddy replied.
"Do you help raise her," Charlotte asked.
"We help a lot but Allie and Asher are her parents," Teddy replied, "they have the final say."
"It's a popsicle," Leo argued.
"She has her little ones and Allison is trying to do it after she eats her meat and veggies," Teddy replied, "popsicles are rewards when physio is done. It's Allie and Asher's choice, we have to respect it."
"I wish my grandparents had been like that with my mom and I," Charlotte said.
"What do you mean," Leo asked.
"You know my mom was 16 when I was born, her junior year," Charlotte said, "but my grandparents raised me until I was 6 or 7 they wouldn't let my mom do it."
"We helped more when Ev was a newborn," Teddy replied, "and it goes in waves. We are Allison's parents not Everly's."
"Really," Charlotte asked.
"Yes. You two make a decision and I'll take Ev down," Teddy replied.
Teddy took Everly and held the little girl on her hip.
"Gama," Everly said trying to put her popsicle in Teddy's mouth.
"No thank you," Teddy said, "you eat your popsicle."
"Gama eat," Everly smiled waving the popsicle in Teddy's face.
"You eat it," Teddy said.
"Gama," Everly whined.
"One lick," Teddy agreed.
"Mom," Allison groaned, "she won't eat dinner now."
"I told Leo," Teddy replied.
"Then no popsicle after dinner," Allison said.
"What are you having," Teddy asked.
"Uncle Dan and Chris gave us some moose from their hunting trip," Allison said, "I made stew with some. We like stew. I'll make grandmeres bannock with it."
"Save your brother some bannock," Teddy said.
"With jam," Allison smiled, "my homemade raspberry."
"Your so good at all the domestic stuff," Teddy smiled.
"You, Nana, Annie, grandmere, uncle Dan," Allison laughed, "I like being able to do it all for Ev and Asher. I still can't bake like you."
"Time," Teddy said, "are you okay if I use the last couple pumpkins for pie?"
"That's why I grew extra," Allison said, "we're using my carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes."
"Your apples and jam," Teddy said.
"I grew a lot of it," Allison beamed, "Annie was bringing the smoked salmon she made. I'll come up tonight after bed time and we'll do the pies?"
"We will," Teddy smiled, "time for you to learn to do pastry."
Upstairs Charlotte asked Leo, "what do you want to do?"
"We've shared before when you sleep over," Leo said, "but at reading break your mom had me on the couch."
"Do your parents really not care," Charlotte asked.
"My sister got pregnant in high school and they moved Asher into the house," Leo said, "they built them the basement suite and they only got engaged last summer. Char, what do you want to do?"
"I want to stay with you but I want your parents to like me," Charlotte replied.
"Either way they won't care," Leo said, "they wouldn't have given you a choice if they wanted you in the guest room and us not together."
"Okay," Charlotte replied, "it's not a test?"
"Not a test," Leo said, "that's not my parents."
"I want your mom to like me," Charlotte replied.
"Just be yourself," Leo assured, "mom and Annie have no patience for games and fakeness. My sister especially."
"Who do I have to worry about," Charlotte asked.
"No one," Leo said, "you've met Josh already when he came down to do that surgery."
"He's Annie's husband," Charlotte confirmed.
"He is," Leo replied, "they have four kids because Annie is nuts."
"You don't want kids," Charlotte asked.
"One or two not four," Leo replied, "where am I putting your bag?"
"Is your room okay," Charlotte asked.
"It's great," Leo smiled.
They put Charlotte's bag in Leo's room then went down stairs.
"Burgers okay tonight bud," Owen asked.
"Sure," Leo replied.
"Charlotte we have chicken, beef or veggie, what do you like," Owen asked.
"Beef please," Charlotte replied, seeing Teddy in the kitchen she asked, "how can I help?"
"I'm good, it's just salad," Teddy said, "but wouldn't mind company so you two come talk to me."
"Sure," Leo said, "water?"
"That would be good," Charlotte agreed.
They both sat at the island opposite Teddy.
"Charlotte, what are you studying," Teddy asked.
"Geography and child development I want to teach elementary," Charlotte replied.
"What drew you to teaching," Teddy asked.
"My little brother," Charlotte replied, "he's 12. I help a lot with his physio and tutoring him."
"Physio," Teddy asked.
"He has CP and is in a wheelchair," Charlotte said, "he loves school and people and is an awesome artist and singer but school work isn't easy for him. Or making friends."
"We worry about the social piece with Everly," Teddy agreed, "are you close to your brother? I didn't catch his name."
"Liam," Charlotte said, "and we're as close as we can be. He loved Leo on reading break."
"We played Mario," Leo chuckled, "it was like hanging out with Matt and Henry with better conversation."
"You're sure your mom is okay with this," Teddy asked.
"She is," Charlotte said, "her and my step dad are moving to Seattle in a couple weeks."
"Why," Teddy asked.
"Duncan my step dad got an offer to be the head of peds surgery at Seattle Preysbatarin hospital."
"Duncan Jones," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Charlotte said, "you know him?"
"He was a resident with my oldest and her husband," Teddy replied, "he was their roommate through all of residency."
"Mom, I thought I told you," Leo said.
"No you imagined that conversation," Teddy laughed.
"Again," Leo groaned.
"It's okay," Teddy replied, "tell him major Altman and major Hunt say hi. He always used our military titles with us."
"He's the closest thing I have to a dad," Charlotte said.
"He was a nice guy and good friend when he worked for me," Teddy replied, "so good with teenagers. If we had known he was interested in Seattle I would have told Megan to get him to do adolescent surgery in the new peds building."
"Nee wouldn't be happy," Leo laughed.
"Her and Duncan worked well together," Teddy replied, "she just got sick of him being in the cottage."
"Who is Nee," Charlotte asked.
"It's Allison and Leo's nickname for their older sister," Teddy replied.
Charlotte texted her mom and step dad where she was and that Teddy said hi.
Duncan, "proof kiddo?"
Charlotte, "how?"
Duncan, "pic of one of them."
Charlotte explained the situation and Teddy and Owen quickly agreed to a selfie with her.
"Now Charlotte I have a very important question," Owen said, "no cheese, cheddar, Swiss, provolone?"
"Cheddar," Charlotte smiled.
"Swiss," Leo yelled.
"Double," Owen checked.
"Always," Leo answered.
"Cheese monster," Charlotte teased.
"You do it at school two," Leo said.
"Do you want double cheese," Owen asked.
"Please," Charlotte blushed.
"Eat what you like," Teddy said, "our fridge and pantry are fair game. Stay out of my pies for tomorrow but that's it."
"You did it without us," Leo complained.
"I haven't started yet. I came straight home and started dinner . My surgery went long," Teddy complained.
"Allie told us," Charlotte said, "I got used to it with Duncan but both parents would be hard."
"It can be," Teddy agreed, "that we can't walk away from an emergency."
"Duncan has been in private practice so he knows when he has surgeries," Charlotte said.
"I like hospital practice," Teddy said, "I get to help more people and anyone who needs my help."
"What type of surgeon," Charlotte asked.
"Cardiothoracic," Teddy answered, "and cardiac trauma. Have you thought of a grade to teach?"
"I like first or second," Charlotte replied, "I'm teaching piano to a bunch of kids and my first and second graders are my favorite."
"Is piano your only instrument," Teddy asked.
"No," Leo said, "she brought her violin."
"I like to play," Charlotte smiled.
"We listen to a lot of music here," Teddy said, "Owen and Leo can play guitar. Annie took piano but hasn't played since high school. Allison tried cello but didn't stick with it. The girls both dance."
"Still," Charlotte asked.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "Scottish Highland then they've both had ballet. Annie's kids dance as well."
"Annie is Leo's older sister," Charlotte said.
"My oldest," Teddy said, "she's 46. I was 21."
"Is she coming tomorrow for dinner," Charlotte asked.
"Her and her girls will come around 10," Teddy replied, "so will my sister in law and nieces. Leo's nana will come later. She's pretty frail. We all hang out and cook together."
"How many," Charlotte asked.
Teddy counted on her fingers, "me, Annie, Ellie, Heather, Allie, Ev, Megan, Catrina, Nisha, Khitam. So 10 for sure then you're welcome to join us. Then guys join us for dinner and they clean up."
"Any prep I can help with tonight," Charlotte asked, "I love to cook."
"I'll do the pies," Teddy said, "Allie will come up once Everly is in bed to help. Two pumpkin and two apple."
"They don't eat with us," Charlotte asked.
"No," Teddy replied, "I did dinner for them last night."
"But you live in the same house," Charlotte said.
"They have a full suite," Teddy replied, "they like their space to be a family."
"I asked Allie," Leo said, "she said that she would come up later. I checked like three times."
"She really likes her space," Teddy replied, "she comes up when she wants to or asks us to come down."
"Really," Leo asked.
"You've grown up and so has she," Teddy replied, "it's easier for Everly on one level."
That night Allison came back upstairs after Everly was in bed.
"You didn't want to eat with us," Charlotte asked.
"We do sometimes but I don't like burgers and Everly goes to bed when mom and dad like to eat," Allison replied, "we eat at 5:30 so Ev can be in bed by 7."
"Is it weird being home but not," Charlotte asked.
"When we first moved down it was an adjustment," Allison said, "but it was my same bedroom furniture and the same nursery furniture for Ev. We did dinner together 3 nights a week at first then we're down to Thursday and Sunday now. Asher and I like being a couple. Leo he's down there gaming."
"Does he want a beer," Leo asked.
"Leo we don't drink," Allison replied.
"BS you were in Europe," Leo said.
"He can't his surgery was only 5 weeks ago and Dr Kepner said 8 weeks," Allison replied.
"Do you have snacks," Leo asked.
"Some," Allison replied, "mom and I went to Costco again yesterday and she bought all your favorites."
"Raiding the pantry," Leo said, "but you had bannock and jam."
"It's on my counter," Allison said, "jam in the fridge."
"Char," Leo asked.
"Pie with your mom and sister or video games," Charlotte said, "I'll bake."
"Do you want me to bring up some bannock," Leo asked.
"Bannock," Charlotte asked.
"It's a Canadian aboriginal fried bread," Allison explained, "Annie's dad is Metis and his mom taught Annie and I to make it."
"What's Métis," Charlotte asked.
"A Canadian indigenous group," Teddy replied, "Annie's dad, who you'll meet tomorrow, is Canadian. His mom's family is Métis. What I understand is the Métis are the descendants of European men in the fur trade and early colonial period and aboriginal women that became their own distinct group. Dan's family is connected to one of their first leaders that fought for Métis rights."
"So your ex comes," Charlotte asked.
"Dan and I have always done what is best for Annie," Teddy replied, "when your a parent you do that for your kid no matter how old they are. Annie lived with Dan until she went to college. I was in school and the army Dan and his ex wife Leslie were the best place for Annie. She calls me Mama and Leslie mom. And Dan isn't my ex. I gave Annie up for adoption. Dan and Leslie adopted her."
"But," Charlotte said.
"We had the agreement that on Annie's 19th birthday they would give her my information and she could decide what she wanted to do," Teddy said, "then her and I got really close."
"I can't remember life with out Annie," Leo said.
"You must have been young," Charlotte said, suddenly understanding a bit more about Leo's family.
"21," Teddy replied, "I wasn't ready or brave enough."
"But Annie's dad comes tomorrow," Charlotte asked.
"And her brother on that side," Allison said, "the family just kinda blended."
"Theres always enough love," Teddy replied.
"It's Dan that taught me to hunt and fish," Leo said, "to filet, and ride a dirt bike."
"Still don't like that one," Owen said.
"Helmet and body armor," Leo replied.
"You want to come down," Asher asked, "game time?"
"Sure," Leo said, "Char are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm happy to get to know your mom and sister," Charlotte said.
"Mom what can we do," Allison asked as the boys went down stairs.
"Charlotte have you baked much," Teddy asked.
"Not a lot," Charlotte said, "but I want to learn."
"Can I get you started on apple pie filling," Teddy asked.
"Sure," Charlotte smiled, "what do I do?"
I'll grab you a big bag of apples and the peeler," Teddy said, "its one of the ones you stick the apple in and turn the handle."
"I've used that to make applesauce with my grandma," Charlotte smiled.
"Perfect," Teddy smiled, handing her the apples , peeler and a big bowl."
"My mom is more of a cook than a baker," Charlotte said, "I like learning to bake."
"I bake better than I cook," Teddy admitted, "I prefer it. It was always something my mom and I did then I do it to make my family happy."
"Brownies," Allison laughed.
"I do those a lot," Teddy agreed, "but not for thanksgiving. Favorite treats Charlotte?"
"Red velvet cake," Charlotte said.
"Dinner," Teddy asked.
"Duncan's Jambalaya," Charlotte replied, "he said his roommate from residency taught him then he added more spice."
"I could ask Annie to make one for us she does it all the time," Allison suggested.
"I'm good," Charlotte replied.
"Allison do you have plans after college," Charlotte asked.
"Med school then I want to be an orthopedic surgeon," Allison replied.
"Orthopedics," Charlotte asked, "what's that?"
"Bones, muscles and joints," Allison replied.
"Leo says he's going to be an army trauma surgeon," Charlotte said, "it sounds scary."
"Both Owen and I served it can be intense and it changes you but he really wants it," Teddy replied, "we support him."
"It's dangerous," Charlotte said.
"It is," Teddy agreed, "and we will all worry if he gets deployed. But theres still another year of college, 4 years and med school and 2 years of a surgical residency. It's 7 years away."
"He only does 2 years," Allison asked.
"He has to start his residency," Teddy replied, "minimum requirement but because he's already reserves he might be able to do his residency at an army medical center. Charlotte as a doctor he will be pretty safe. Owen and I had some scary moments and we worked hard, we worked fast but we were okay. You make friends, you find a core group and you stick together and support each other."
Down stairs Leo was chatting with Asher.
"You really doing okay," Leo asked.
"Getting better," Asher replied, "it freaked Allie out."
"My sister isn't as tough as she looks," Leo said.
"I know," Asher replied, "I've lived with her for three years. She likes to pretend she's tough but she's not."
"She's not," Leo agreed.
"Mom has always put on this nothing bugs me face and Allison learned to copy it," Leo said.
"She's pretty good about telling me and coming to me," Asher replied, "the three of us she's more relaxed and calmer. She's just Allie then."
"Ev," Leo asked.
"Is in a good place," Asher replied, "she's moving more and more, she doesn't stop talking, she's drawing and playing with toys. She likes swimming lessons and her early intervention program."
"Preschool already," Leo asked.
"Two mornings a week," Asher said, "just getting used to being with other kids and making friends. She likes it. She loves her teacher."
"She was funny in the car," Leo replied.
"She's got a huge personality," Asher replied.
"Mommy, Daddy," Everly called.
"She's up," Asher replied.
"But," Leo said.
Asher walked into Everly's room, "what's going on princess?"
"Ouchy," Everly whined.
"What hurts," Asher asked turning on the light.
"Ouchy," Everly pointed to her leg.
"Okay let me pick you up," Asher replied.
"Ouchy," Everly repeated.
"Leo can you help me this is tricky one armed in the crib," Asher called.
"Daddy," Everly whined.
"Let uncle Leo lift you," Asher replied.
Leo lifted Everly up and Asher took her.
"What hurts princess," Asher asked.
"Ouchy," Everly whined.
"Is it your leg or your hip," Asher asked.
Everly began to cry.
"Shh princess," Asher soothed, "lets stretch and put something warm on your legs."
"Can I help," Leo asked.
"Run up and grab Allie," Asher replied.
Allison came running down hearing her daughter crying.
"Shh baby," Allison soothed holding her close, "Ash her left leg."
"Heat or advil," Asher asked.
"Both," Allison answered.
After trying all of their usual trick Everly was still wide awake.
"I'm just going to take her up with me and let her fall asleep when she falls asleep," Allison said.
"Allie," Asher asked.
"It's okay once in a while," Allison replied, shifting Everly to her hip.
Back in the kitchen Teddy asked, "not tired?"
Everly shook her head and stuck her thumb in her mouth.
"Thumb," Allison said, taking her daughter's hand.
"You look stressed," Teddy said, putting her hand on Allison's back.
"She woke up in pain but stretching, the heat packs and advil didn't help," Allison said, "I tried rocking her and singing but as soon as I put her in the crib she work up again. So she's going to be one of us."
"Will she sleep in," Charlotte asked.
"Sometimes," Allison answered, "but she also still has two naps so we can get a longer nap."
"Two naps," Charlotte said, "that seems old."
"Her first one doesn't always happen it might be 20 minutes in the car or quiet time curled up with me to read," Allison said, "but afternoon is about 3 hours and if she sleeps longer tomorrow I'll let her go."
"Such pretty unicorn jammies," Charlotte smiled at Everly. Everly looked at her shyly.
"Ev you like Miss Charlotte," Allison whispered.
"She's tired," Charlotte said.
"She is," Allison replied.
"Do you want me to," Teddy asked.
"I like when she's sleepy and snuggly," Allison replied, "my baby."
"I know," Teddy replied, "princess you need to go to sleep."
"No sleep mommy," Everly pouted.
"We've fought sleep the last week or so," Allison admitted, "I don't know it its a sleep regression or it's time to once and for all remove her short nap."
"Try no first nap," Teddy replied, "quiet time, snuggle time but not sleeping. Bed time is still 7."
"It is," Allison replied, "7-5:30 she gets a good chunk overnight."
"5:30," Charlotte said, 'that's too early."
"Ash gets up for work at 5," Allison replied, "leaves at 5:45 so we're all up around then. We also go to bed pretty early. She's usually down at 7 and we're in bed by 10. Sometimes I study a bit later but try not to. I use the morning chunk to play with her or get some homework done while she plays."
"Mommy," Everly whined.
"I know you're tired," Allison said, rubbing Everly's back as the tiny girl cuddled into her mom.
"Close your eyes princess," Teddy said.
"Ouchy," Everly complained.
"Can grandma look princess," Teddy asked.
"Mommy," Everly whined, holding onto Allison.
"Mommy will hold you and I'm going to look," Teddy said.
"Mommy," Everly cried.
"Mom I'm just going to take her down," Allison said, "I'm sorry."
"Allison you're a good mom," Teddy assured, "why don't I make some tea and you can come up when she settles. Take your time baby girl. I'll make tea. The pastry is done and if you and I are up late to finish the pumpkin filling that's okay."
"I'm tired," Allison whispered.
"I know," Teddy said, "can I come down and help?"
Allison nodded.
"Let's take this little one down," Teddy said, "did you do her whole routine?"
"All of it," Allison said.
On the stairs Teddy whispered, "I know you just needed me and didn't want an audience."
"She won't sleep," Allison said, "I've been doing it all since Ash got hurt."
"I know," Teddy assured, "I see. You're doing too much. Let me help. Please Allie let dad and I help."
Leo went upstairs seeing Allison was about to crack.
"You okay," Leo asked Charlotte.
"Your mom is great," Charlotte smiled, "it was fun to bake with her and Allie until Ev got upset."
"She does that," Leo said, "her muscles are too tight and it hurts her."
"It's like that for Liam," Charlotte agreed.
"She's just so little and needs surgery soon," Leo said, "her second surgery."
"She's pretty chatty when she's happy," Charlotte said.
"She is," Leo replied, "she's fun. What do you want to do now? I think it'll be a long time."
"Does your family have board games," Charlotte asked.
"Lots," Leo replied, opening the cabinet under the TV, "take your pick."
"Whoa," Charlotte gasped, "enough games?"
"We play a lot of games," Leo said, "you pick, I'm getting snacks. Do you want a beer or wine? We have cider."
"Not tonight," Charlotte replied.
They grabbed their snacks and sat at the table to play games late into the night. Heading upstairs Charlotte asked, "are you sure this is okay?"
"Is it okay with you," Leo asked.
"I want to but your parents," Charlotte whispered.
"Mom and dad would have said guest room if that's where they thought you should sleep," Leo said, "they gave us a choice. Mom and dad give choices, they give us trust. They like us to decide for ourselves. I've made stupid choices, so has Allison and they take away our ability to make choices and tell us what we will do but they're pretty understanding."
"So me staying with you," Charlotte asked, "they won't get mad."
"Not at all," Leo said, "they won't judge us."
They slowly got ready for bed.
Everly was tucked between her parents.
"Allie," Asher whispered.
"Ash we tried for 2 hours," Allison replied, "I can't tonight. I have no energy for that tonight. And trying to impress Charlotte. Proving I'm not the disappointing family slut to perfect Annie and golden boy Leo."
"Allison," Asher said, "it's too late and you're too tired to do this now. I know my injury is hard on you."
"I can't do much more," Allison said, "I need more help with Ev."
"I know," Asher said, "I've been so caught up in my own recovery that I didn't see you."
"Ash, you needed the time," Allison said, "I just needed to rant. I don't want to embarrass Leo. It's the first time he's ever brought a girl home. Then there's me. The disappointing little sister who got knocked up in highschool."
"That's one thing we did," Asher said, "we had our daughter a month before we graduated. We, not you, we did it together. You're in school carrying 5 courses, he only does 4. You work 20 hours a week, do 95% of the cooking and house work and are an amazing mom. Allison you have not failed or embarrassed them."
"But," Allison whimpered.
"No," Asher said, "you're good. She's good, we're good. Try to put her in the crib then sleep."
Allison scooped the sleeping toddler up and carried her to her bed.
The next day all of the women and girls crowded into Teddy's kitchen.
"Enough of us," Caterina joked.
"Ellie bug, I need you," Annie said.
"Mom," Ellie groaned.
"Celery and onion chopped please," Annie said, "Heather come rip up the bread. Show Everly how to help you."
"Annie," Allison asked.
"They can sit at the table to do it," Annie said.
"She's little," Allison said.
"Help her," Annie replied.
"What can I do," Charlotte asked.
"I need help preparing these sweet potatoes," Megan said, "my daughter seems to have found something more fun."
"I'm happy to help," Charlotte said.
"Annie Charlotte is Duncan's step daughter," Teddy said.
"I've heard about you on the conference circuit," Annie said, "and Liam. How's Duncan?"
"Good they're moving to Seattle," Charlotte said.
"Tell him I say hi," Annie smiled, "he uses my legal name Grace."
"Your Grace that taught him to cook," Charlotte said.
"We cooked together," Annie said, "Duncan lived with Josh and I for 4 years. Josh is my husband."
"I've heard stories of the cottage with grace and Josh and a cat," Charlotte said.
"Milo," Annie smiled, "Josh got him for me for my 25th birthday then we had Milo until I was pregnant with Heather. That car must have been 14 and he got old and sick. We don't have pets now I miss them."
"Christmas puppy," Ellie begged.
"When do we have time for a puppy bug," Annie asked.
"Kitten," Ellie tried.
"Dad and I will talk," Annie assured.
"Mom, Auntie, Nee," Allison said when Charlotte went for a walk with Leo.
"What's up," Annie asked.
"Can we talk," Allison asked.
"Ya," Teddy said, "here? Downstairs? My room?"
"Down stairs room," Allison said.
Teddy led the way downstairs.
"What's going on," Annie asked.
"How do I make Charlotte like me and not look down on me," Allison asked.
"Be you," Megan said.
"Annie did you always like all of Chris's girlfriends," Allison asked.
"No," Annie siad, "and they didn't all like me."
"Beth who Owen dated for years didn't like me," Megan said.
"Remember Becky," Annie said.
"You two were like oil and water," Teddy said, "you and never got a long."
"She was stupid and just following him," Annie replied.
"Will she think I'm a dumb slut," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy replied.
"And if she does it's her problem," Megan said, "you don't take her judgment on. If she judges that's on her. Allison, you are smart, strong, compassionate, loving. You are all those good things."
"But," Allison tried.
"No," Annie said.
"What someone thinks of you is on them not you," Megan said, "don't let her decide who you are. You decide who you are."
"Allie what about all those good things you are," Teddy asked.
"But people don't see that," Allison said, "they see one night of bad judgment."
"No," Teddy said, "we don't, Asher doesn't. Allison you can not let your life be run by one decision. You have made so many great choices since then. You have chosen to be strong and be better for your daughter."
"But," Allison said.
"No," Teddy replied, "baby girl I didn't let my self love or be loved for a long time after I gave up Annie. It took 19 years before I let someone love me. Baby girl I had to see that I made the right choice that I hadn't been a coward. I spent years not letting people in because I was afraid they would judge the decision I made. That no guy would ever want to be with me because of the choice I made. That was my fear. Asher loves you, Everly loves you, I love you and dad."
"I do," Annie said, "Josh, my kids. Ellie looks up to you!"
"Ellie looks up to me," Allison asked shocked.
"That you are as strong and vocal as you are," Annie said, "that you know your own mind and what is best for you. You stand up for what is right for you and your family, you fight for the best for all of you. Those are admirable qualities, your determination, strength, kindness, compassion, you love so much."
"But Charlotte," Allison said, "and Ev's CP."
"Charlotte mentioned her brother has it over dinner last night," Teddy replied, "she understands."
"But then Ev had a rough night and ended up in our bed," Allison said.
"Heather was in our bed last night because she had nightmares," Annie replied.
"Cat has a bad day she crawls into my bed still," Megan replied, " thats coming to mom for comfort. That is being a good mom."
"But," Allison whined.
"You're good," Teddy assured.
"Allison don't let others determine how you see yourself," Megan said, "don't give a what if the power! You're assuming things and letting your assumptions decide how you feel. Allie we love you and if she doesn't that's on her."
"Bean, we love you exactly as you are," Annie promised, "don't let this ruin your day. You're choosing to let an assumption ruin your day."
"You're sure," Allison asked.
"We are," Teddy replied.
"Do you need a hug," Megan asked.
Allison nodded and everyone mobbed her for a hug.
On their walk Charlotte said, "I'm not sure what your sister thinks of me."
"Which one," Leo asked.
"Annie seems nice but I'm not sure if Allie likes me," Charlotte said.
"Allie can be sensitive and shy," Leo said, "she worries people will judge her and Asher. I wasn't very nice when she told me she was pregnant and when Ev was first born. I was jealous of her getting all the attention. Then about a year ago her best friend turned on her and Olivia called Everly defective and broken."
"Wow," Charlotte said, "defective? Everly is awesome. Clingy with Allison and Asher but I'm a stranger."
"She is," Leo said, "she was playing bumper cars this morning when I went down. She was in her gait trainer which is easier than the walker and ramming their desk chair while Asher was sitting in it."
"They're good parents," Charlotte said, "my mom was younger than Allie was and I turned out okay. But Allie doesn't like me."
"She's probably scared of you," Leo said, "for a while she only trusted Mom and Annie. She's really close to Ellie and Catrina."
"And Nisha," Charlotte asked.
"Faroke's wife," Leo replied, "Khitam is her daughter. Faroke was adopted by Auntie Meg when he was really little."
"A lot of adoption," Charlotte said.
"Family is a choice," Leo said, "they chose me. I'm adopted."
"Why does Allie hate me," Charlotte asked.
"She doesn't," Leo said, "she's running scared."
"How can I get her to trust me," Charlotte asked.
"Talk to her and don't judge," Leo said, "play with Ev but let her be the mom."
"She's Everly's mom," Charlotte said, "your mom doesn't even take over."
"She helps but Allison has to do it," Leo replied, "Everly is Allison's daughter. My parents help a lot. Just let Allie come to you. She really likes board games."
"I think your whole family does," Charlotte said, "that game cupboard!"
"Annie's is worse," Leo said, "she loves games. She always has 2 or 3 for family things. She'll have one for tonight."
"And how do I impress Annie," Charlotte said, "my exs sisters hated me and made that very clear."
"Annie be yourself," Leo replied, "she's the harder one to read. She's protective. But the year we were locked down Allie and I lived with Annie because she was on maternity leave with Matt then pregnant with Henry. We were all at their house when she brought Henry home. It was the thick of COIVD and we all lived with Annie because mom and dad were in COIVD wards."
"That was scary," Charlotte said, "Duncan was never around."
"It was we didn't see mom and dad for about 7 or 8 months," Leo said, "Annie and Josh are great but until mom and dad were vaccinated we couldn't live with them at home. Josh wasn't working in COVID and Annie was on maternity leave most of it."
"It was almost a year," Charlotte said, "it sucked."
"It sucked," Leo agreed.
"But does your family hate me," Charlotte asked.
"Mom asked you to join them in the kitchen," Leo replied, "I know they'll like you. I wouldn't have invited you if I didn't think it would be okay. You're the first girl I've brought home ever."
"Really," Charlotte asked, "the first time. But you've dated."
"I have," Leo said, "but it's the first time I've wanted to introduce someone to my parents and sisters. It's the first time I've really loved someone."
"What about medical school or residency, the army," Charlotte said.
"We'll work it out," Leo said, "long distance like we did in the summer."
"Summer is one thing but for years," Charlotte asked.
"Maybe I'll get something in California," Leo said.
"Where do you want to go for Med School," Charlotte said.
"I'll apply to UW, Harvard, Texas, UCLA, Stanford, Oregon," Leo replied.
"West coast," Charlotte said.
"I don't know," Leo said, "where I get in."
"You're almost ready for your test," Charlotte asked.
"I am," Leo replied, "Allie and I will study a bit more together."
"She's a junior I thought she would be behind," Charlotte said.
"No she's actually ahead of me," Leo answered, "she's a year younger and doing 5 classes at once."
"Wow I don't do that," Charlotte said.
"Not many people do," Leo said, "she's nuts both my sisters are. We should head back before mom worries."
They walked back to the house.
"Good walk," Teddy asked.
"Just needed fresh air," Leo replied.
"We're loud, crowded and nuts today," Annie laughed, "Charlotte do you need anything?"
"I'm good," Charlotte replied, "can I help?"
"We're just going to hang out for a bit before finishing touches," Teddy replied, "tea? Coffee? Cocoa?"
"No thanks," Charlotte replied.
"Does anyone want to play Anomia," Allison asked.
"Sure," the other young women replied. Quickly Ellie, Catrina, Allison and Charlotte were sitting at the coffee table in the living room to play their game.
"Where's Everly," Charlotte asked.
"She's in her crib for a nap," Allison replied, "she had a rough night and was cranky so I put her down early."
"Allison can I borrow your pack and play," Nisha asked.
"It's up here," Teddy replied, "it's in our office. Do you want to lay Khitam down?"
"She needs a nap two," Nisha confirmed.
"Help yourself," Teddy smiled.
That evening the family gathered around two tables, the "adults" meaning anyone Annie and Josh's age or older at the formal dining room table and the kids in the kitchen.
"When are we not kids," Faroke asked.
"Never," Megan replied.
"We have a daughter," Faroke tried.
"So do I," Allison yelled.
"We're old and boring over here bean," Annie laughed, "you'll have more fun there."
"Hey," Josh laughed.
"You are," Matt agreed.
"Matthew," Josh warned.
"Just agreeing with mom," Matt laughed.
"Let's eat," Owen said.
Soon everyone had food and the whole family was happily chatting and laughing at their tables.