"Okay," Teddy smiled sitting on the couch in the basement, "Owen's at work but we have a few things to talk about. I want you to to listen to me completely and with open minds before you say anything."

"Whats going on," Allison asked.

"We're planning a family trip, all 12 of us," Teddy said, "15 days in Europe. England, France and Germany. Dad and I are going to pay flights, accommodations, meals with us and a couple activities for the three of you."

"Teddy," Asher said, "we can't."

"Hear me out," Teddy directed, "Asher this is a long term balancing between my three kids. Leo is coming and we will be doing the same for him. We're looking at July and Ev will get her own seat on the plane because she will be 2. Before you object about us paying that part Asher you need to listen."

"Okay," Asher sighed.

"About 20 , 25 years ago before Allison was born I was Chief of Staff for Army Medical Command in Europe and the Middle East and stationed in Landshtul Germany," Teddy explained, "at the time I was single and it was me and Annie who was in med school. I would fly her to Germany to see me 2-3 times a year then take my leaves and go to Boston to see her. My agreement with Annie is the same one we are offering to you for our trip. Flights accommodation, most meals and some activities."

"Wehn you and Annie would go," Allison asked.

"When she came to me," Teddy smiled, "what I would pay for activities depended. Usually her Christmas trip was only about 10 days and we would stay close to my apartment most of it maybe 2-3 days somewhere else. Her summer one would be closer to 3 weeks and we would go on bigger adventures. It depended where we were. In London I chose a couple concerts I had always wanted to see so I bought the tickets then I think she bought our Royal Ballet ones. She twisted my arm into the Harry Potter Studio Tour."

"Annie and Harry Potter," Allison groaned.

"Your sister likes it," Teddy shrugged, "this is fair between all of you. Asher we would not be making this offer if we didn't have the money. The cost for us is not a problem. I was planning a 2 week trip for Allison and I the summer after your senior year."

"You had mentioned then that we could have wine in Paris because I would be legal," Allison said.

"We can," Teddy smiled.

"And what do you mean by the 12 of us," Asher asked, "Allie, Ev and I are 3, you, Owen and Leo makes 6."

"Annie's family," Allison guessed.

"Yes," Teddy smiled, "I want to book flights tomorrow. Annie is looking for accommodations. We might not all be together all the time or right in city centres."

"Where are we going," Asher asked, "when?"

"Leaving July 5 or 6 then back around the 20th or 21," Teddy answered, "London area, Paris for a couple days, Niece , the Landshtul for a couple days and probably Berlin. I've booked an air bnb in my old building in Landshtul, we have 2 apartments booked in that building. I'm hoping it's my old one. It won't look the same but I want to see it now."

"Where you and Annie lived," Allison asked.

"I lived," Teddy replied, "Annie visited, your dad visited once or twice. There were two bedrooms, mine and a guest room but I called it Annie's room no matter who was visiting they were in Annie's room."

"Was it decorated for her," Allison asked.

"No," Teddy said, "I did that in the cottage the summer she was 19. Her and I did it together. When it was 2 bedrooms before Annie and Josh renovated. They put so much into that house."

"Then Faroke bought it," Asher asked.

"No, they still own it," Teddy said, "I bought it when I first moved to Seattle, lived there 3 years. Then Annie and Josh rented it through residency and bought it just after Ellie was born. Then they lived there until Heather was a few months old and they couldn't have 4 kids in the cottage. They managed three and it was cute and cozy but 4 was too much. So they rented it to a few residents for a year or two until Fraoke wanted it for his residency."

"What about Faroke and Nisha's baby," Allison asked, "their little girl."

"Annie and Josh said okay to them painting," Teddy smiled, "I let them paint for Ellie even though I owned it."

"You painted upstairs then down here for us," Allison smiled.

"Her garden room is cute," Teddy smiled.

"It is," Allison agreed, "mom when do we start potty training? She'll be 2 in May."

"I'd give it time," Teddy said, "you were about 2. But you stopped nursing by 14 months because it was really hard on me mentally and physically. You and Annie have both gone longer."

"I've had Annie's support," Allison said, "she answers all my questions. It's time we're slowly stopping."

"You know what you're doing," Teddy asked.

"I talked it through with Annie," Allison said, "letting Ev take the lead. Nee said it works. Don't offer, don't refuse."

"Your sister is a good mom," Teddy agreed, "trust her."

"I am," Allison said, "the trip is safe for Ev?"

"It is," Teddy said, "check but she can fly. You'll use a stroller and your carrier like you do here. The carrier will be easier with all the stairs in Europe but she's getting big."

"The carrier is more comfortable," Allison said, "I like it and she's happier in it."

"We'll bring both," Teddy smiled, "you don't understand the walking we'll do and who knows how much she'll grow in the next 7 months."

"Can she slow down," Allison asked, "I blink and she changes."

"When you slow down," Teddy teased, "but it does get better."

"Are you sure about this trip," Asher asked, "it's a dream trip I thought maybe when Allie was completely done with school but now?"

"We want to," Teddy said, "we are going to book it. You two need to take the time off work."

"I'll do another out of town block before we go," Asher said.

"That's three in a year," Allison whined.

"I have to if we want to go to Europe and you've always wanted to go," Asher said, "it's a few weeks."

"How long," Allison asked.

"Three," Asher said, "we'll look at the budget the two of us closer to."

"Okay," Allison agreed, "I really want to go. I've wanted this my whole life."

"I know," Asher said, "I was going to suggest saving for when you finished college to go."

"We'll do it this year then your Hawaii trip when you finish your apprenticeship," Allison suggested.

"We can," Asher smiled.

"Sounds like a plan," Teddy agreed, "do you two want me to sit with Ev and you have some time?"

"No," Allison said, "thanks though. Maybe next weekend you can take her for a few hours?"

"Your birthday," Teddy said.

"Ya," Allison said, "I want a couple hours to go on a hike just Ash and I."

"Dad and I will take her for that," Teddy smiled, "is that all you want to do for your birthday baby girl?"

"Can you make cupcakes for the Monday on my actual birthday," Allison asked, "the lemon ones with raspberry icing?"

"I will," Teddy promised, "are we making dinner? Going out? Take out?"

"BBQ Burgers and fries," Allison said.

"We'll make it," Teddy agreed.

Everly began whining, wanting attention.

"What's wrong Ev," Allison asked sitting on the floor beside her daughter, "are you lonely ?"

"Mama up," Everly whimpered.

Allison stood then scooped up Everly, "up you come."

Everly cuddled into her mom happy to be held

"Ev can I have a hug," Teddy asked.

"No," Everly said hiding her face in Allison's shoulder.

"Sorry mom," Allison shrugged.

"She doesn't want a hug she doesn't want it," Teddy replied, "her body, her boundaries. We did the same with you. Annie did it with her kids."

"We only force things like diaper changes and baths," Asher said, "otherwise she won't learn."

"Are you using the correct names for body parts," Teddy asked.

"Always," Allison said.

"Most of the time," Asher agreed.

"Asher it's really important Everly knows the correct names for all body parts," Teddy said, "you have to be consistent."

"I don't know if I know all the right terms," Asher admitted.

"I'll help," Allison assured, "Asher it's not right we have to do it. What if?"

"Exactly or even medical care," Teddy said, "she needs to know. We've seen too many kids, too many young women who don't know the proper names then come in after being assaulted and they can't communicate clearly with us so we don't know how to help."

"I hadn't heard the proper names until I was living here and went to the Dr with Allison for one of her check ups," Asher admitted, "I wasn't allowed to be in those classes at school. I knew nothing."

Teddy paused, "Asher that's not okay."

"Allison has explained it all to me now," Asher said.

"That's your education," Teddy said, "we don't limit our children's education. What else were you excused from?

"Health class," Asher said, "I was pulled from it for religious reasons."

"So the drug and alcohol stuff," Teddy asked.

"Nothing," Asher said.

"Okay," Teddy said, "you've had a crash course over the last couple years. And it explained why you looked confused through so many drs appointments."

"I'm still confused with Jenna," Allison said, "she talks to you or dad."

"She does," Teddy agreed, "we're going to stop going with you though. You don't need us anymore."

"Bath," Everly asked, her bath was her favourite thing. They didn't wash her hair every day but the little one got to play in the tub daily. She loved the water and being able to move easily."

"We can go have a bath," Allison agreed, "do you want your boat or your ducky?"

"Duck," Everly responded.

"I'm going to go take her for a bath," Allison smiled.

"Am I booking the trip," Teddy asked.

"Yes," Allison smiled.

"She loves her bath," Teddy acknowledged.

"She does," Allison agreed, "it's her favourite part of the day, bath time and swimming lessons."

"No braces," Asher said.

"But she needs them," Allison said.

"She does," Asher agreed.

"Mom she's so close to walking," Allison said, "shes picking up one foot in physio now. And today she pulled herself to stand up and shuffle along the coffee table."

"Shuffle how," Teddy asked.

"She moved sideways holding on," Allison said, "just like 6 inches."

"She moved like that on her own," Teddy cheered, "you did that before you walked. She'll walk. Probably soon."

"Mama bath," Everly demanded.

"We're going princess," Allison promised, "thanks for booking that mom. I'm really excited."

"I know baby girl," Teddy smiled.

Allison carried Everly to the bathroom and started filling the tub while she undressed Everly.

"Ouchy," Everly said pointing to a red spot on her leg.

"That is," Allison said, "we'll loosen your braces tomorrow, we had them too tight today."

"Ouchy," Everly repeated.

"I know baby," Allison said, "let's put some of the epsom salt in your bath that always helps."

Allison scooped a small amount of epsom salt into the warm water and let it dissolve before lowering Everly into the tub.

"Quack," Everly yelled at her ducky. Allison grabbed the toy whale and pushed it through the water making her daughter giggle when the whale jumped.

Asher sat on the couch and texted Ava, "I need help with Allie's birthday."

Ava, "she doesn't want anything."

Asher, "but she really does. It's like the baby shower she won't say it."

Ava, "what do you want to do?"

Asher, "her real birthday is Monday. I'm taking her for a hike like she wants and then out for dinner on Saturday. Teddy is babysitting. Next weekend could we do a little surprise party?"

Ava, "my parents are out of town that weekend how about my place?"

Asher, "that would be great. Do you mind?"

Ava, "it's Allie. She doesn't let us do much for her. She does so much for others. Saturday?"

Asher, "yes."

Ava, "who are you thinking?"

Asher, "you, Liv, Eden, Carmen, maybe Ellie and Cat?"

Ava, "will they do her birthday for your sunday dinner this week?"

Asher, "probably."

Ava, "Allie won't chill with Ellie and Cat. boyfriends for the other girls? There's a couple people we eat with on campus and study with can I invite them?"

Asher, "go for it and the guys should come. Carmen is seeing someone and Jonah and Eden are getting serious."

Ava, "getting serious? They're moving in together."

Asher, "Tyson, Blake?"

Ava, "you two see them a lot?"

Asher, "Tyson comes over often. Blake not really and he gets to Allie at times but we can't leave him out."

Ava, "you texting or am I?"

Asher, "group text?"

Ava, "you send it out first."

Asher, "food drinks?"

Ava, "pizza is always easy and talk to Teddy about a cake. That's all Allie likes for her birthday cake."

Asher, "she's asked for lemon and raspberry for Monday but Teddy will know. I know pizza is easy and cheap but it's not Allie's favourite. She eats it because I like it or friends want it but she won't choose it herself."

Ava, "what would she pick?"

Asher, "sushi or chinese."

Ava, "you could. Or really easy pot luck appies which she likes."

Asher, "we could. She'll just be happy we did anything. Allie is weird about stuff like this. She wants to make a big deal of everyone elses but doesn't think she should get it."

Ava, "she thinks she's the family failure. When you have two army parents and your brother joins the reserves and will eventually serve. Your older sister works daily with your mom as a surgeon then you have a baby in high school. She thinks she's not as good as Leo and Annie. And I know that's not how Teddy, Owen, Annie and Leo see things but Allie feels that way."

Asher, "I can see that. She's argued with Annie a bit lately and Annie won't engage in the argument when Allison tries."

Ava, "I've heard Annie say she doesn't do drama."

Asher, "yep. That's Annie. I like her and Josh though. I don't feel like they've judged us. I'm also thinking about proposing."

Ava, "like an engagement ring?"

Asher, "this spring. Probably after Ev's birthday."

Ava, "what do you want my help for?"

Asher, "come with me to look at rings. I have an idea but want a second opinion."

Ava, "you've been together how long?"

Asher, "two now. I gave her a promise ring just after prom. But it's time to upgrade to a real one."

Ava, "is she ready?"

Asher, "we are. Even if we don't actually get married for a while. She wants to be 21 before we get married but I don't see why I can't propose this spring or summer then we can take our time to plan."

Ava, "any ideas?"

Asher, "Between Ev's birthday and when we go to Europe."

Ava, "Europe?"

Asher, "Teddy and Owen did their we're telling not asking and booked it thing. But Allie has always wanted to go and I'm excited."

Ava, "I'm sure she'll tell me soon. Liv has been twice now and Allie was super jealous."

Asher, "I'm not sure about Liv. she's been weird with Allie for about a year."

Ava, "i know she's weird with me two."

Asher, "she's horrible around Ev. I don't want her near my daughter."

Ava, "so Allie's party no kids?"

Asher, "no kids. She needs time away from Ev and with friends."

Ava, "are you sure she's okay?"

Asher, "exhausted but that's not new and she's stressed with school and me having to go out of town for the end of February and most of March. Can you help her out again when I'm away?"

Ava," I will."

Asher, "thank you."

Allison lifted Everly out of the tub, "time for a clean diaper and your jammies."

"No bed," Everly whined.

"Yes," Allison said, "it's 7 it's bedtime baby."

"No bed," Everly repeated.

"Yes," Allison said, "diaper, jammies, story and a cuddle."

"No," Everly whined.

"It's bedtime," Allison repeated.

"Milk," Everly asked.

"We'll get your cup," Allison agreed, "you can have your cup while we read your story. Then we'll brush your teeth."

"Mama," Everly tried, pulling on her mom's shirt.

Allison sighed, "tonight."

"Is she almost ready for bed," Asher asked.

"Story, milk, teeth, cuddle and song," Allison said, "she's pulling on my shirt."

"Did she ask or did you offer," Asher asked.

"She pulled on my shirt saying mama," Allison sighed, "try reading to her and I'll get a sippy cup. If she doesn't want it now she can have it when I'm at work tomorrow."

Asher took Everly and sat with her on the couch to read a story.

"Sleepy," Everly yawned.

"We know," Asher smiled, "mommy has your cup."

"No cup," Everly said, "mama."

"Tonight," Allison agreed, "then daddy will do your teeth."

Once Everly was in bed Allison and Asher curled up on the couch.

"You're really okay with the trip," Allison asked.

"I would prefer if we were paying it ourselves but I want to go," Asher said, "I really want to go."

"Did you hear mom about it being fair with Annie," Allison asked.

"I know it matters to you and your mom but it's still hard," Asher agreed.

"I know you don't want to feel like we're taking advantage of them," Allison said, "Ash mom and dad would not offer if they didn't want to. They would have gone the two of them if they wanted to. They did Hawaii in November just them."

"They did," Asher agreed, "they go away way more than my parents."

"They like to now," Allison said, "they did when I was younger. We would stay with Annie's family or Nana and Opa came. They don't like to spend a lot of money on stuff. They go do things or took us to do things but 90% of our vacations were the cabin or fishing with Uncle Dan's family. We went to Disneyland a couple times and mexico once but they grew up not very well off. Dad had to join the army to pay for medical school so did auntie Megan. Mom talked about having massive student loans from school that her time in the army, the first time paid off. Nana was a single mom and a nurse. Mom's mom was a nurse and her dad was a teacher. They didn't have much. One of the reasons mom didn't keep Annie was that she couldn't support her. She had a bio degree but she couldn't feed herself and Annie and her parents couldn't help. Even if it had just been me and Ev my parents would have helped. The moment I decided I was going to go through with it Mom and Dad said they would help however we needed."

"It's not taking advantage of your parents," Asher asked.

"No," Allison said, "if they didn't want to they wouldn't offer. I'm worried about Everly flying."

"Check with Dr Silverstone," Asher said.

"She'll be 2," Allison said, "a 2 year old on a plane for 10 hours."

"We'll make it work," Asher said, "like your parents won't help or your sister."

"Annie will have her own 4 to worry about," Allison said.

"Heather," Asher said, "she's the monkey there."

"She is," Allison agreed, "she'll be trouble."

"How old is she now," Asher asked.

"Almost 7," Allison said, "if I'm 20 next week Ellie will be 16 a couple days after Ev's birthday, and Heather's birthday is in April so H will be 7."

"Annie's kids are all in the spring," Asher asked.

"Ellie in May, Matt in March, Henry is Febuary and Heather is in April," Allison said, "then her and Josh are both fall birthdays. She's October and he's November. We have most months. I'm January, Leo and Henry in Febuary, Heather in March, you and Heather in April, Ev and Ellie in May, Faroke and Nana in June, Nisha is July, Mom is August, Dad and Cat in September, Annie in October and Josh in November were only missing December."

"One day would you want another," Asher asked.

"After med school," Allison said, "and I want to be married. You?"

"One more," Asher said, "when we're more stable. I want to own a house first and be married."

"How will we ever own a house," Allison asked.

"As we make more we don't increase our spending," Asher said, "eventually we'll stop buying diapers."

"A year from now maybe," Allison said, "if she's got the right control."

"Before Europe," Asher suggested.

"Too much too soon," Allison said, "maybe after."

"Then we have to take diapers," Asher said.

"I'm sure we can buy them there," Allison said, "I'm more worried about where she'll sleep."

"With us if we have to," Asher said, "we've done it at the cabin when she wouldn't settle."

"Until she fell asleep and I don't want it to be a habit," Allison said, "I've let her fall asleep in our bed you were away but I move her once she's asleep."

They turned on a movie and watched in silence for a bit, snuggled on the couch.

"Ash you've asked about more kids and getting married," Allison said, "do you mean it?"

"I want forever with you," Asher smiled, "one day I want to get married."

"We've been together two years," Allison said, "but we're young. The other day I was talking to a couple girls at school and I accidentally said my husband."

"I've said my wife to the guys at work," Asher admitted.

"I feel married," Allison admitted, "can we do it? Could we?"

"We could," Asher promised.

"What about Ev," Allison asked, "she has to come first."

"How would her parents getting married hurt her," Asher said, "to know that we love each other and are committed to each other."

"Marriage is forever," Allison said, "I want to and I want us to. It's exciting and kinda scary."

"I love you," Asher said, kissing Allison's cheek.

"I love you more," Allison said, turning to kiss him. In seconds Asher had picked her up and carried her to their bed.