"Seriously Allison," Leo groaned.
"My daughter is hungry," Allison said, "that's it, Everly, eat up baby."
"You have your room, your nursery and Ashers room," Leo said, "you don't need to have your boobs out on the couch."
"We were here and I was trying to figure out registration for school when she got hungry," Allison said.
"I don't like seeing it, it's not natural," Leo hissed.
"Actually this is natural," Allison said, "she's not a bottle fan. She's only 2 weeks old. And if you don't like it go away."
"At least cover up," Leo argued, "it's disgusting."
"Leave," Allison said.
"I'm watching TV so you can move," Leo said
"I'm not leaving," Allison said, "I can't move Everly right now."
Leo glared at Allison and turned the tv up as loud as possible.
Reluctantly Allison grabbed the baby blanket Everly had been wrapped in before feeding from the back of the couch.
Owen walked into the room and picked up the remote, turning the volume down.
"Dad, I'm watching that," Leo argued.
"And your sister is trying to cuddle her baby. That volume isn't good for Everly," Owen said, "Leo read the room. Allison and Everly have been here a while. There's a basement TV if you want to watch this this loud or your room."
"Not moving," Leo snapped.
"Shouldn't you be at work," Owen asked.
"Shouldn't she," Leo pointed to Allison.
"It's called maternity leave," Allison replied.
"Leo if your going to keep calling in you'll lose your job," Owen said.
"I don't care," Leo snapped.
Owen sat down on the couch beside Allison, "how are you doing munchkin?"
"Dad," Allison groaned, "stop calling me that."
"Always my munchkin," Owen smiled, "honestly Allison?"
"Exhausted," Allison said, "I hate Asher being back at work."
"Do you want me to take her," Owen offered.
"She's under the blanket for a reason dad," Allison rolled her eyes.
"When she's done," Owen asked.
"So in like half an hour," Allison said.
"What can I do for you," Owen asked.
"If you're off today can we have lasagne tonight," Allison asked.
"We can," Owen agreed, "how do you two feel about an outing when she's done? I have some errands to do. I want to surprise your mom with something tomorrow and we need the stuff for dinner."
"Sure," Allison said, "get away from Leo for a bit."
"I'm right here cow," Leo said.
"Ass hole, "Allison countered.
"Both of you," Owen warned.
"You haven't even held or touched your niece yet," Allison said with tears in her eyes.
"Has Annie," Leo asked.
"Annie has," Allison said, "you skipped Sunday dinner. Annie refused to give her back."
"Your sister loves babies " Owen said, "Leo you've never been such an ass about Annie's kids. Why now?"
"Annie was married and a surgeon," Leo snapped, "Allison hasn't even finished high school yet."
"I'm going to UW in September," Allison said, "I finished all my classes early. I just have to write my history final but that's just mom or dad calling my school and saying I'm ready. It's scheduled for the 20th. I might just write with everyone."
"Your registration time for UW is today," Owen said.
"In ten minutes I'll do it late," Allison said.
"No you won't," Owen said, "I'll be your hands."
"It's logged in on my computer," Allison said.
"What did you decide," Owen asked.
"I want to try four classes," Allison said.
"Which classes," Owen asked.
"English it's Tuesday nights from 7-10, I'll miss bed time but asher can do it, bio is Wednesday and Friday from 8-10 with a lab from 1-3 on Wednesday."
"My schedule changes so I'm off Wednesday, that's grandpa day," Owen said, "what else."
"Psychology from 7-10 on Thursday," Allison said, "and math just precalculus on Tuesday and Friday from 10:30-12:30."
"No Monday classes and done early on Friday," Leo said, "that's a dream schedule."
"But two night classes do you want two night classes," Owen said.
"Trying to have Everly with Asher and I," Allison said, "he's okay with no Tuesday Thursday over time so he's home with her. He'll get home around 4:30 and I won't have to leave until 6:15. So we can have dinner together. I might try to work Fridays after class. Annie said she would babysit on her fridays."
"That's your sister's sanity time," Owen said, "and the hospital might be that back in January so she has to work in the hospital. If Yang becomes chief Annie will lose that time if it's Megan she'll keep it."
"I know it is," Allison said, "a few hours with my baby is okay but is it too much for her if I worked?"
"Talk to her," Owen said, "you need my credit card don't you?"
"Payment isn't due till Friday," Allison said.
"I'll do it now," Owen said.
"Dad," Leo argued again.
"Mom and I pay yours directly from our bank account. We've been saving since you were babies to send you to college," Owen said, "when you bring me a tuition bill I will pay it. Nana never paid any of our tuition. I joined the army to pay for med school because that was the only way forward. I thought I'd have to work at a VA hospital for a couple years after residency, not an actual war zone."
Owen opened Allison's laptop and she told him the password.
"Leo, go grab my wallet please," Owen said.
"Dad," Leo tried to argue.
"Now," Owen commanded.
"Allie there's a psych class still three hours on Tuesday," Owen said, "before your other class."
"Dad it's for daycare that Asher and I worked out this schedule," Allison said, "then I'm going to work a few hours on Saturday. At least enough to cover my gas and some diapers."
"If it's what you want," Owen said.
"It's what I have to do," Allison said.
"You could have gone away," Leo said.
"I don't want to," Allison said, "I love Everly."
"Allie, why did you keep her," Leo asked.
"Mom told me a lot of her story and about giving up Annie " Allison said, "I didn't think I could do that. Spend 20 years wondering if my daughter was okay. Never knowing if I would ever see her smile or hear her voice."
"That was hard for your mom," Owen agreed, "I remember one year finding her sobbing behind her tent. It was October 7th and she was heartbroken. She said it was the one day she let herself cry over it all year."
"That's Annie's birthday," Allison said.
"It was her 14th," Owen said, "she had just gotten new photos of Annie that day. I knew about Annie but it was the first time I saw a picture. Annie was on pointe in a red tutu."
"How much," Allison asked, seeing Owen clicking to pay.
"Not your problem," Owen said.
"Dad, I'll pay it back one day," Allison said.
"We're paying for college. We both started with so many loans that you two don't have to," Owen said, "mom wasn't happy when Annie took loans for med school. But Annie didn't want your mom to help her that way."
"Did you guys help," Leo asked.
"I know she had a credit card linked to moms," Owen said, "but mom and I weren't together yet. Annie was my niece at that point. I bought groceries a few times when I was in Boston and saw she had no food."
"Annie doesn't really eat," Leo said.
"She does," Allison said, "she's almost vegetarian, she likes bunny food."
"Always has," Owen said.
"Dad, we'll figure out how to pay," Allison said.
"Mom and I said school expenses for both of you," Owen said, "munchkin you don't need the stress."
"Student loans," Allison said, "I've applied for some scholarships, grants and bursaries."
"What for," Owen asked.
"Some for young moms it's worth a shot," Allison said, "and a couple others."
"I didn't see French in your schedule," Owen said.
"We couldn't make the time work," Allison said, "it's a fifth class and it's going to be too much."
"Do you want to switch with something you're less interested in," Owen asked.
"It's at the same time as bio," Allison said, "there's another bio block but it's a general Ed requirement. I need a science class. I thought I'd do those first."
"If you want," Owen said, "if it was me I'd take French. You can do bio later, you love French. And the French course won't have the lab. No lab means more time to study and be with Everly."
"Switch it," Allison said, "I'll do French."
Owen Clicked a few things on Allison's computer.
"Dad, do you want Everly," Allison offered.
"Please," Owen responded, "I'll take the baby, you finish your registration."
Allison passed Owen the baby and took her computer back.
"$4679," Allison gasped.
"Credit card on the table Allie," Owen said.
"Dad, I'll take 2 or three classes," Allison said.
"Register and pay it Allison " Owen said, "and you're not going to stress about paying us back."
"It's a lot dad," Allison said.
"We'll pay it munchkin " Owen said, "now this little one needs grandpa time. Allison pay your tuition then go have a quick shower and dry your hair. Everly needs grandpa time."
Allison did as she was told.
Owen held Everly close and looked at the baby. She was sleeping peacefully, her breathing was slow and even as it should be. When she was awake she was alert and interacted as much as a 2 week old baby could. But something felt off. Teddy had noticed as well, Everlys legs felt stiff and tight when he had changed the baby's diaper and one of the baby's feet pointed inwards. They hoped it would wear off in time; they were trying to figure out how to mention it to Allison.
Teddy walked into Annie's office, "you know how to give new parents bad news."
"Mama back up," Annie said, "it's not a peds cardio patient I would have been called or it brought to my attention."
"Your sister," Teddy said, "I'm worried about Everly."
"You noticed her left foot and that she's really stiff," Annie said, "and the cord around her neck . But she's 13 days. Her breathing and heart were good when I saw them Tuesday ."
"They come for a check up Monday," Teddy said, "I want her to ask."
"Who are they seeing," Annie asked.
"Hayes," Teddy answered.
"He's so through he'll check everything," Annie said, "but I know what you mean her hips and legs feel tight but the rest seems to be normal. She's little. Bean says she's feeding a lot around the clock."
"I don't know if she slept last night," Teddy said.
"I remember that phase, it's hard," Annie said.
"How do we help," Teddy asked, "you turtled and clung to josh."
"Encourage Asher to be as hands on as possible," Annie said, "if she wants him in her room let them so he can support her and everly. We have to keep her talking. Has she said anything about the prom?"
"He has tickets if she wants to go," Teddy said.
"What has she said," Annie asked.
"She wants to but is worried about leaving her month old baby," Teddy replied.
"Encourage them," Annie said, "I'll babysit."
"We will, we've already told her that," Teddy replied, "she needs a dress."
"She does," Annie agreed, "the high waisted look is in and she's tall so it will look good. The empire line that's in right now will hide her stomach. She's really not happy with her body. Has she said anything to you?"
"She has but I don't know how to help," Teddy replied, "she's upset about her clothes."
"Trying to get right back into pre baby clothes," Annie asked.
"Yes," Teddy replied.
"So living in leggings ," Annie asked, "I've done it a new born and two little kids I did it."
"She needs to get dressed," Teddy said, "she's in pajamas all day."
"Is she okay," Annie asked, "she sounds overwhelmed."
"I think she's fighting with depression," Teddy said, "I'm trying to get her to go back to her counselor."
"Or she's a new mom," Annie said, "I was a nightmare with Ellie. I panicked going to Megan's for her first Sunday dinner. Almost in a full on panic attack over that. Mama she needs our love and support."
"She'll feel better showered and dressed," Teddy said.
"She will," Annie agreed, "she's home alone most of the day isn't she."
"Yes," Teddy said.
"Since it's Thursday and I have tomorrow off I'm going to go see her tomorrow, take her and everly out for a bit," Annie said.
"Your kids," Teddy asked.
"School," Annie replied.
"Spend time with yours," Teddy said, "Allie is okay. Annie you've always taken responsibility for your little siblings because you're so much older your role is different."
"It's almost like a niece and nephew," Annie admitted.
"It is for you," Teddy said, "not like our relationship was ever obvious to people."
"A resident thought we were sisters," Annie laughed, "Atman I get it. They used Owen and Megan and how close all of us are to figure it out and this one is new and doesn't know Nathan."
"You told them," Teddy asked.
"Yep," Annie replied.
"Are you okay you've been in non stop mode for weeks now," Teddy said, "you're not slowing down. I know you hate when I push you but I haven't seen you slow down in a long time and I can see your collar bone. So I'm asking as your mother and your friend.l
"Worried," Annie said, "they're testing Henry for a learning disability. He's great at reading and math but he can't get anything on paper. He can tell his teacher but it's not transferring to paper."
"Leo has one there's support for him," Teddy said, "tutoring and adaptations."
"I failed him," Annie said.
"No," Teddy answered, "sweetheart you're a great mom. There's nothing you could have done. You can talk to me when you're worried about your kids. Sweetheart, I'm still here for you."
"I need grandmere," Annie said.
"I know you miss her," Teddy said, "you went to her for the parenting things didn't you."
"Always," Annie said, "I needed someone that knew me as a little kid and you've always been in the thick of it yourself. Your hands are so full with Allie and Leo and now Asher."
"Have you talked to your dad," Teddy asked.
"About the school things," Annie said, "parenting is hard."
"It is," Teddy agreed, "we struggle and we fail. Oh have we failed."
"Allison didn't think ahead but that's the teenage brain," Annie said.
"She had a total tantrum last night," Teddy said, "yelling at me, Owen, Leo, Asher."
"Everly," Annie asked.
"The fussiest baby I've ever seen," Teddy said, "we thought Heather was fussy but I've never seen this."
"Did Allison have a melt down," Annie asked.
"I've never seen her do that," Teddy said, "Asher took the baby, Owen removed Leo from the situation and it took me two hours to get Allison calm. It almost reminded me of a panic attack but she wouldn't let me use deep pressure to help her calm down. She's had her nights when she would get upset and would crawl into our bed if she could and lay with me and the nights I've laid with her in her bed and we've talked about it all but this. I'm pretty sure it was once a week she was doing that for the last 9 months. She's good until bedtime then she gets upset. She'd come sit with me or sprawl on our bed and we'd talk and I'd get to feel Everly kick."
"You felt the kicks," Annie said, "she never let me."
"When we were alone," Teddy said, "she was so self conscious about her body. "
"I get that," Annie agreed, "last night though is she okay?"
"I don't know that's just not Allison," Teddy said.
"She might just have needed to let it all out," Annie said.
"It was full out gulping sobs then screaming," Teddy said.
"Sometimes it has to come out," Annie said, "remember me at 19?"
"You had some big meltdowns over the years," Teddy said.
"I still do," Annie replied, "so do you."
"Not as often," Teddy said.
"You run," Annie said, "literally."
"So do you," Teddy said, "you run and hide."
"Now I just go for a long run," Annie replied, "no kids, no Josh. Has she seen her friends?"
"Ava and Liv came over about a week ago to visit," Teddy said.
"Has she been out," Annie asked.
"They've gone for walks," Teddy said, "but not really."
"Should she go see Liv or Ava," Annie suggested, "she is still 18, it's still her senior year."
"She agreed to go to prom and have Owen and I babysit," Teddy said, "but she changes her mind every day. I think she should go, she'll regret not going."
"Does she have a dress," Annie asked.
"That's what led to the freak out yesterday," Teddy said, "no dress, no shoes. She doesn't know what will fit or what to try on."
"She needs to go look," Annie said.
"That's what I was suggesting when she lost it," Teddy replied.
"Do you want me to suggest it when we go out tomorrow," Annie asked, "just her and I."
"I always wanted to do that with her," Teddy said.
"I'm just going to talk to her," Annie said, "maybe we can go the three of us."
Owen put the spare car seat base in his truck.
"Almost ready munchkin," Owen asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "she's dressed and cute."
"You," Owen asked.
"Just posted my final family studies assignment," Allison said, the meet my daughter post. I'm the last in my class to have their baby and I've been slow to post. Some of the other girls babies are cute. Thers a get together in a park Wednesday afternoon I'm debating going to. It's just a celebrate completing the course and actually meet in person. I have to tell my teacher tomorrow."
"You're not going out with me in pajamas," Owen said, "Allison go get dressed. And go to the get together."
"Nothing fits right," Allison snapped.
"What you wore to Megs last weekend looked good," Owen suggested.
"I wore it to get starbucks yesterday and theres baby puke on it," Allison whined.
"Get dressed," Owen said, "not clean pajamas which is what you did after your shower. Real clothes."
"I want mom," Allison said.
"You have me," Owen said, "get dressed, we're leaving in 5 minutes. Everly and I will be in the truck."
Allison sulked going up the stairs, she pulled her hair into a messy bun and found clean leggings and a tshirt.
"Is that better munchkin," Owen asked when Allison got in the truck.
"It is," Allison said, 'where are we going?"
"It's almost mom and my anniversary. 18 years," Owen said, "I need to do something good and a perfect gift what do you think?"
"Go to that place in Oregon you like," Allison said.
"I booked that months ago," Owen said, "but I need a gift."
"Jewelry," Allison asked.
"No," Owen said, "she wears the family necklace and the chain with her rings."
"Earrings," Allison suggested, "she always has those in."
"Maybe," Owen said, "I'll think about it. We have a couple grocery stops. I have your stroller. I need the normal grocery store and the Italian market."
"That's a long time," Allison said, "she'll need to eat."
"Did you bring a bottle," Owen asked.
"No," Allison said, "we haven't been out that long yet. She hates them. Dad is she okay?"
"Why are you asking," Owen asked.
"It looks like her left foot is pointed inwards like she's totally turned in," Allison said.
"I've noticed it," Owen said, "ask Dr Hayes when you see him."
"If I wanted to go to prom," Allison asked.
"Mom and I are happy to babysit," Owen said, "she'll be 4 weeks. And you're going to graduation."
"I don't want to," Allison said.
"It's an accomplishment," Owen said, "you're going and we're going to celebrate it."
They ran their errands and Allison helped Owen make the lasagne for dinner.
"Something smells good," Teddy smiled.
"I helped dad make lasagne," Allison smiled.
"What else did you do today," Teddy asked she smiled seeing that Allison had gotten dressed.
"I finished my last family studies assignment and introduced Everly to the class," Allison said, "I registered for next fall."
"What are you taking," Teddy asked.
"English, pre-calculus, French and psychology," Allison said, "then dad and I took Everly to the grocery store and the Italian market."
"You went out," Teddy smiled.
"Her first big outing," Allison said, "mom Asher is off Saturday do you think you and I could go for an hour or so and look at prom dresses?"
"What are you looking for," Teddy asked.
"I want something that hides my stomach and purple," Allison said.
"There's some high waisted and empire waist dresses that would look good," Teddy said, "purple is good and you look amazing in red."
"Red stands out," Allison said.
"Where's Everly," Teddy asked.
"Ash just took her up to cuddle her," Allison said, "then she'll probably want dinner soon."
"How did her day go," Teddy asked.
"She looked at me," Allison said, "she actually looked at my eyes."
"Did you do tummy time," Teddy asked.
"We did," Allison said, "we're going to try a few more minutes after dinner. And she needs a bath tonight."
"After her bath and when you've put her to bed, why don't you and I go for a walk," Teddy suggested.
"You're not mad after last night," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "I want some time with you."
Asher brough Everly into the kitchen, "Allie, do you want me to try a bottle with her?"
"There is one," Allison said, "I can feed her."
"Do you want to now and I'll give her a bottle overnight," Asher asked, "let you sleep."
"I'll just have to pump then," Allison said.
"I want to do a bottle soon," Asher said.
"Soon," Allison agreed.
"Allie and I are going for a walk after dinner," Teddy said, "you might be able to then."
"What's for dinner," Asher asked.
"Lasagne," Owen said.
"No overtime today," Teddy asked.
"It was offered but I was too tired," Asher said.
"Last night wasn't my finest moment," Allison said.
"I think you needed to do that," Asher said, "totally lose it. You seem calmer today."
"I am," Allison agreed.
After dinner Teddy and Allison went for a walk.
"It's been a few weeks," Teddy commented.
"The last waddle," Allison joked.
"You weren't happy," Teddy said.
"We always talk on our walks," Allison said.
"We do," Teddy agreed, "what's going on?"
"I want to go to prom," Allison said, "but I'm scared. When I left school people weren't nice. A lot of people were commenting about my weight and I can't look fat at prom. I still have a belly, mom I'm all squishy."
"You had a baby 2 weeks ago," Teddy said, "you're looking good. It's not instant; it took 9 months for her to grow."
"I can't look fat," Allison said, "Belle and Carly."
"Have shown they're not true friends," Teddy said.
"But how do I not look fat," Allison said, "and I have boobs."
Teddy said, " we find a dress that you feel good in, something that's cut just right. We'll go to a good dress store, something higher end."
"My stomach," Allison said.
"Little secret a lot of us use," Teddy said, "something underneath just to help things sit smoothly."
"You," Allison asked, "aren't those for fat women?"
"No," Teddy said, "I use them under dresses for big events to keep everything smooth. I know Annie and Megan do."
"Mom, can Ash move to my room for good," Allison asked.
"What do you want," Teddy asked.
"I like being with him," ALlison said, ``having him close."
"Whose idea is it," Teddy asked.
"Mine," Allison admitted, "we haven't talked about it yet."
"I have some reservations," Teddy admitted, "you're young and under a lot of pressure right now. I don't want him pressuring you."
"We can't do that now," Allison said.
"Not until Dr Deluca says it's okay and you've healed," Teddy agreed, "but that's not never. Allie if you want that side of a relationship you need to be more responsible."
"I don't want another baby," Allison said, "she's my one and only. I don't know how to talk to Dr Deluca about it."
"She'll probably ask you what you're thinking and suggest something anyway. I said that about Annie until you came along," Teddy smiled, "that was traumatic for you."
"Was it supposed to be that bad," Allison asked.
"It can be," Teddy replied, "had we known what would happen, I would have suggested a c section."
"I didn't want that," Allison said, "Annie said it was worse than her others."
"I know she says that," Teddy said.
"You're not telling me something about Everly," Allison said, "something's not right with her foot is it?"
"Her left foot is turning in," Teddy agreed, "and she feels stiff to me; she doesn't seem to have the same mobility you did or Annie's kids in her legs. Her arm and head movements seem normal."
"What could it be," Allison asked.
"The cord on her neck and the delay to breathe there could be complications," Teddy said, "right now she's far too young to diagnose. We'll monitor her milestones and when she meets them."
"She looked at me today, I think she was trying to smile," Allison said.
"That was probably gas," Teddy said, "but looking at you is good and right where she should be."
"Mom I can't do this," Allison said.
"You can," Teddy assured, "you and Asher are a good team. Dad and I will always help."
"But Leo," Allison said.
"He's got his own issues," Teddy replied, "we're getting him help two."
"He's just a jerk face," Allison snapped, "he got mad at me for feeding Everly on the couch today. I didn't know dad was home and Leo wasn't up yet so I fed her where I was comfy."
"You're at home," Teddy said, "you feed your daughter where you feel comfortable. Home, Nana's, Meg's, Annie's you just look after your baby."
"Why do I feel like she's always attached to me," Allison asked.
"She is most of the day," Teddy said, "you can have her nap in her bed instead of on you."
"I like watching her sleep," Allison said.
"I know you do," Teddy said, "I loved those days with you. We had some great days you and I. I was on maternity leave, it was winter and snowy that was a snowy winter. I would bundle you up and we would go for walks around the neighborhood and you would be all cuddled in the carrier with me. Then we'd go in and you would sleep on me and I'd turn the fire on and we could snuggle. There was one day you were about Everly's age we had the best day."
"What happened," Allison asked.
"It was your first snow," Teddy said, " I had both my girls home that day and we all got to cuddle and just talk. It was the first time I really truly felt like a mom. I was not confident with you as a new born. It took me a while to feel confident and like I could do this."
"What did you do," Allison asked.
"The wrong things," Teddy said, "I shut your dad out and tried to pretend I was okay. He knew but I told him I was fine. I don't ask for help well sweetheart."
"I don't feel like a mom," Allison said, "I don't know how to be."
"I didn't either when you were born," Teddy said, "you have to give yourself time. What do you need?"
"I don't know," Allison said, "I don't feel like me. Like I did before."
"How so," Teddy asked.
"My body isn't mine," Allison whined.
"It will never feel exactly the same," Teddy said, "you'll learn your new normal. It'll get close but never quite the same. How can I help?"
"I want to go back to dance but," Allison started.
"You don't have to compete," Teddy said, "take a class a week in the fall it's good for you to have that time to exercise and relax."
"What about Annie's class," Allison asked.
"You could or there is the college class," Teddy said, "Mrs Graff always does the college class, take that."
"What about Everly," Allison asked.
"She needs a happy healthy mom," Teddy said, "if that would be good for your mental health you should. I play soccer and have since you were little. I don't know how I ended up with two dancers and a hockey player."
"I can't stop thinking about Everly," Allison said.
"That's being a mom," Teddy said, "you're always on my mind."
"Does that stop," Allison asked, "she's all I think of."
"It gets better," Teddy said, "you learn to focus on other things. To trust your baby is okay, that she is loved and cared for."
"Can we turn around," Allison asked.
"Why," Teddy asked.
"I miss Everly," Allison admitted.
"Let's finish the loop," Teddy said, "she's okay with her dad and grandpa. Allison she has to learn you can go for 45 minutes. Your sister makes it really hard on herself and her kids when she's off on maternity leave. She doesn't really leave the baby, she straps them to her in a carrier when she's out or doing house work. But it doesn't prepare her or them for the transition to daycare and being away from each other. You're better about letting others hold and play with her."
"When you had Annie did you worry no one would ever think you're pretty again," Allison asked.
"I did," Teddy said, "I didn't really let myself date for 8 or 9 years after. Even when I gave her up I still had to deal with all the postpartum changes you are and I had no baby to hold. I thought no man would ever love me if they knew I gave up my child. Over time I got back in shape and worked out. I was always a runner so I ran."
"When did you let some one in," Allison asked.
"Honestly, fully," Teddy said, "your dad after I enlisted."
"But romantically I know that story," Allison said.
"Henry," Teddy said, "I remember it being a huge thing when I felt ready for him to see Annie. They knew about each other and had seen pictures but introducing them the summer she was 19 was stressful. Baby girl Asher loves you. Try to trust him. I know you're questioning a lot right now but he loves you, he looks at you the way dad looks at me or Josh looks at Annie. Let yourself trust and love him. Not for Everly though."
"I love him," Allison said.
"See what happens," Teddy said, "let yourself love and trust him."
"I'll try," Allison agreed.