A week later Asher made his way down the back stairs into their suite.
"Daddy," Everly yelled, scooting closer in her walker, "daddy, daddy, daddy."
"Hi princess," Asher smiled, kneeling in the doorway.
"Daddy," Everly smiled, hugging him.
"I missed you so much," Asher said, kissing the top of her head.
"Come relax Ash," Allison encouraged.
Asher stood up and made his way to the couch, "what should we watch princess?"
"Mira," Everly said.
"Mirabel," Asher asked, "do you want to see Encanto?"
"Ya," Everly cheered, "popsicle?"
"We're out of popsicles," Allison said, "mommy has to go grocery shopping."
"Now," Everly asked, "I go."
"Let's hang out with daddy then we can go after nap time," Allison said.
"No nap," Everly whined.
"Yes," Allison replied, "you need a nap."
"Why don't you go when she naps," Asher asked.
"I'll try," Allison said, "I was going to take her and tag along with mom to costco."
"Can we afford a costco trip," Asher asked.
"Let them help us," Allison said, "she offered to stock us up until you're back full time."
"We can't," Asher said.
"Ash I'm not going to fight you on this," Allison said, "we need help right now. My parents want to help. I won't take money from them but I will take groceries. We need it for Ev. She's going to do it whether we want her to or not. I'm going to do lunch. Get Ev down then will go. Can you listen for her."
"She's still napping about 3 hours," Asher confirmed.
"Yes," Allison said, "Meg said she went to 3 and a half on Saturday."
"She's growing again," Asher said.
"Yes," Allison said, "I need to book a braces appointment they're getting short and we don't have room to extend them. Her new ones are so stiff. But they 3D print them so it will only take a few hours."
"Why can't we keep getting the extendible ones," Asher asked.
"She's walking and too strong for those," Allison said, "she needs the stiffer ones so she can walk."
"Will these last until her surgery," Asher asked.
"I hope so," Allison replied, "then a week in the hospital, 4-6 weeks in a cast then restarting with the gait trainer and walker."
"But she'll be able to move better," Asher said, "realigning her hips."
"I hope so," Allison said, "I keep praying that we won't need it in the end."
"Dr Linchon," Asher said.
"He doesn't rush to surgery," Allison agreed, "he's been watching it and he would have said it had to be done now not in a few months if he was that worried. He scheduled it a ways out. He might not do it."
"Are you sure you want to do it," Asher asked.
"It's her best shot not to need the walker," Allison said, "to have full use of her legs. Lengthening those tendons and realigning the hip joints."
"Cost," Asher said.
"Foundation," Allison replied.
"Daddy book," Everly said crawling over with a book.
"Stand up," Asher prompted, "two steps princess."
"No," Everly said.
"Come one Everly use the coffee table stand up," Asher prompted, "stand up."
"No," Everly kept crawling.
"Stand up," Asher commanded.
"We've been gone most of the week don't push her today," Allison said.
Everly crawled the rest of the way to the couch then stood up beside Asher.
"Daddy," Everly said, "up?"
"Climb up," Asher said, "my arm and tummy are still hurt."
"I got you," Allison said lifting Everly onto the couch.
"What story do we have princess," Asher asked taking the book.
"Lunch for three," Allison confirmed.
"Yes," Asher replied.
"We have PB&J today," Allison said.
Once they had lunch Allison put Everly down for her nap.
"Mom and I should be back but listen for her incase," Allison said, "we need to get her a real bed."
"She's safe where she is," Asher replied, "when she can get out of a bed alone and she rolls so much she'll end up on the floor."
"She's been in a real bed," Allison said.
"With us in Europe when she wouldn't sleep in her bed," Asher said, "she would sleep in a pack and play but not in a toddler bed."
"Is it time to start looking into it," Allison asked, "she's 3 in May."
"Let's talk after Christmas," Asher replied.
"I'm going with mom," Allison said, "Dad is home, are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm just going to chill here," Asher replied, "maybe game."
"Are the guys online," Allison asked.
"Blake isn't working he'll be online," Asher replied.
Allison gave him a quick kiss then headed up the stairs.
"You holding up okay," Teddy asked once they were seated in the car.
"I guess," Allison replied, "it's a lot and it's all on me right now."
"It is," Teddy agreed, "day at a time."
"I booked a therapy appointment for next week," Allison replied, "I'm overwhelmed."
"Okay what can dad and I take off your plate," Teddy asked, "I'm better at doing things for you and helping that way."
"Ash needs help with Ev he can't lift her," Allison replied.
"What else," Teddy asked, "house work, meals?"
"We have frozen meals from his parents church," Allison said, "so that and some easy things. I'm worried about money. I know cut back on spending, coffee, going out."
"Use your credit card," Teddy shrugged, "let dad and I cook for you. Allie I'm only working 3 days when I go back."
"Are you still off this week," Allison asked.
"And next," Teddy replied, "you have to go to school and work, I can help with Ev and Asher needs help physically. For a couple more weeks. Let his spleen heal."
"Why three days," Allison asked.
"I need to step back for me," Teddy replied, "I'm older, I'm not as excited by it as I once was. Its time to let others shine. Dr Webber was amazing but he didn't know when to step back. I want life after surgery, not to work so long it kills me or be forced out because I'm not capable. Megan wants me overseeing all of the research programs and I'm happy to do that but that doesn't need me in the hospital every day. Dad and I are going to travel more and not just conferences. In March we're volunteering for 3 weeks in the Congo."
"What are you doing," Allison asked.
"Dad and I are going to train doctors and do surgery," Teddy said, "just a few weeks. We've always wanted to do humanitarian work again."
"You went to Haiti when I was little," Allison said.
"Two weeks we took residents," Teddy replied.
"Are your residents going," Allison asked.
"No it's just dad and I," Teddy replied, "you'll be okay. You and Asher can do it."
"When were you going to tell us," Allison said, "when did you decide?"
"We got dates yesterday and applied in May," Teddy replied, "you'll be okay. We're back 2 weeks before Ev's surgery."
"I've always had to be," Allison said, "you went back to work when I was 12 weeks."
"It was too soon for you," Teddy replied, "you were in the hospital day care. I went to you as much as possible, so did dad and Annie."
"You left us with Annie a lot," Allison said.
"We did especially before Ellie," Teddy replied,"'if dad and I had to work overnight and they were off they had you."
"But it wasn't you," Allison said, "I had a hard time leaving Ev for 3 nights."
"You needed me more," Teddy said, "I know and I don't know how to change it now. I didn't realize until you were pregnant how much I hadn't been there when you needed me. I'm sorry baby girl."
"You've been around more since," Allison said.
"I'm trying," Teddy said, "being a mom hasn't come easily to me. My girls are much more natural with it then I am. I struggled learning to be a mom. It was really hard. I was so afraid when you were born, that someone would take you, take my baby."
"Take me who would take me," Allison asked.
"It was my own fear," Teddy said, "it had been 25 years since I had a baby and I had an hour with Annie to hold her and tell her I loved her and always would, then they took her. So I got scared. I wouldn't even let Arizona take you to give you a bath."
"Arizona," Allison gasped.
"No," Teddy said, "you had to be where I could see you. The first time you were out of dad or my sight you were about 8 days old and Annie came to see us. I let her snuggle you so I could shower. I love being your mom and my kids are the best things I have ever done. I have loved all of you from the very second I knew you existed. Knowing how to parent, knowing how to be a mom didn't come easily. I talked to Nana and Megan, Arizona, I read a lot."
"But I talk to you and Annie and Auntie Meg and Nana," Allison said, "is it okay that it's hard? I love her and I always have but mom it's hard."
"It is," Teddy agreed, "wanting to do the right thing for your baby. Knowing what you want for them and you think they should do but giving them free will and choice. This knowing how to help you navigate being in college, applying to med school, being a mom I understand. I don't know if I've always made perfect choices for you and Leo. We did what we could and with the information we had."
"Are you still disappointed in me," Allison asked.
"I have never been disappointed in who you are as a person," Teddy said, "your choice to drink the way you were worried me. I was worried but I knew you could do it with Ev."
"Not that Asher and I had," Allison said.
"No," Teddy replied, "I knew you would eventually. Maybe younger than I thought. But I've never thought it was bad. In a loving committed relationship you should enjoy it."
"Mom," Allison gasped.
"I had this talk with Annie at about your age," Teddy said, "I'm saying it should feel good for both of you and both of you should enjoy it. I should have made sure you knew it sooner."
"We've been together three years and have a two and a half year old daughter," Allison replied, "I know. And Annie was probably miss prim and proper. "
"No," Teddy replied, "with Dan and Leslie but she talked to me and asked me questions. She was more open with me than Leslie. Physically your okay with it?"
"Yes," Allison answered.
"You have a voice and a say," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Allison replied, ""but can we stop now?"
"I have to ask to make sure you're safe and loved and respected," Teddy replied, "protection?"
"My iud," Allison replied, "stis aren't an issue, we're each other's first and only."
"If you don't want to and say no," Teddy asked.
"He's never pushed me," Allison answered, "mom you taught me well. Trust me. I was a willing participant in making Ev. Naive but willing."
"And the CP stuff," Teddy asked.
"It gets better for a bit then we stumble and it's hard," Allison replied, "it's not always easy."
"It's not," Teddy said, "she's your daughter and you want the best for her and it's hard to see her in pain and struggle."
"And I still think mark and Michelle blame me," Allison said, "Michelle has suggested that getting her vaccinated caused the hydrocephalus and CP. that me getting the TDAP and COVID boosters while pregnant did it or the flu shot. That the vaccines caused her heart valve problem."
"That's bull shit and you know it Allison," Teddy replied, "the heart defect they all say his baby sister had the same thing repaired. That's genetic on their side not you. And the vaccines are her best protection. You get your boosters and flu shots."
"We do," Allison said, "Asher did after he moved in."
"Because Dad and I talked to him when we found out," Teddy replied, "you couldn't have a newborn and be unvaccinated. I know I went with you to all her baby appointments you've kept up with Ev's?"
"She's up to date," Allison said, "Asher is wondering about the COVID one because the virus hasn't flared up since I was pregnant but I want her to have it before we're in the hospital for a week just in case."
"It's a good idea," Teddy replied, "the day they released it and you were eligible I was so relieved. I had you and Leo registered within 15 minutes of it being released for your age group. I had hardly seen you and Leo in months. I was working the COIVD ICU then I had a mental break down that prolonged you being at Annie's."
"And you got it and dad couldn't come for the two weeks either," Allison said.
"I've seen the worst of it. I've put friends on vents, I've called time of death on people I cared about during the pandemic," Teddy said, "I want you to consider vaccinating Ev. I didn't push it as long as you were breastfeeding because she was getting your antibodies but she hasn't in months so you need to vaccinate her."
"We do," Allison said, "she has her flu shot next week. She goes with me to get them. Just rexall."
"Good," Teddy replied, "book her COVID with it. When did you last get a booster?"
"I was pregnant," Allison replied, "do I need one?"
"I'd like you to for your hospital visits and work," Teddy said, "you're volunteering more in the surgical wing and I've seen reports that it's going to be a bad winter for COVID. The three of you should all have it. Dad and I go next week."
"I'll add it to Ev and my booking and see if I can get Ash in at the same time," Allison said, "my thyroid feels off. I've gained a few pounds, my jeans are tight and I've found a lot of hair in my brush."
"Let's get blood work," Teddy replied, "your 20 technically your body develops until your 25. Your period?"
"Heavy but it has been since Ev," Allison replied.
"Regular," Teddy asked, "your thyroid being off could throw it."
"My usual 30 days," Allison said, "but can you come with me to Dr Archer?"
"I can," Teddy replied, "when do you go?"
"Monday before class," Allison said.
"Okay," Teddy said, "blood work?"
"Booked for tomorrow," Allison replied.
"You can do that," Teddy asked.
"Yes it takes longer to drive there and park then to get the blood take," Allison replied.
"Weight gain could be your age, your body is still changing your young," Teddy said, "you two don't eat as many veggies."
"It's expensive," Allison said, "and Annie never struggles with this."
"Your sister is not the example to follow there," Teddy replied, "she's not as little as she once was."
"I don't like it," Allison whined.
"Okay veggies, proteins and exercise," Teddy replied, "watch the carbs."
"I want to do more plant based but it's expensive," Allison said.
"Plant based meats yes," Teddy replied, "but beans, lentils, brown rice, quinoa no. Lots of good Mexican with beans. You like when Nisha does her vegetarian stuff with lentils and chick peas. Ask her for recipes."
"I have some of hers," Allison said, "she said she would teach me to do some of the trickier things."
"Take her up on it," Teddy replied.
"She dropped off a few frozen things," Allison said, "I pulled one for dinner tonight."
"Costco, do you have your list," Teddy asked as they parked.
"I do," Allison replied, "it's not a lot."
"Stock up," Teddy replied, "we'll get lots of good meat and beans. Frozen veggies will last a while. I'm buying, stock up. Just get what you want. Buy whatever."
Allison started putting things in her cart checking prices as she went and mentally adding things up. Teddy noticed when Allison was only grabbing one of the snack items that would last a while.
"Do you still like seaweed snacks," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Allison answered, 'but I don't buy them because Asher and Ev don't."
"Get some," Teddy answered, "they have a lot of the iodine and minerals you need to support your thyroid. Get a few packs and keep them in your backpack for school snacks."
"I'll go back next week this week is fall reading week," Allison said.
"What about last week's assignments," Teddy asked.
"My profs want them by Friday," Allison said, "I'm done most. I just need to proof read."
"Tonight," Teddy said.
"I will and I need to work on my MCAT," Allison replied.
"When do you write," Teddy asked.
"May with Leo we're going together," Allison smiled.
"Have you been studying," Teddy asked.
"Not as much as I should," Allison replied, "but I'm working with Leo. Faroke and Nisha have been helping us."
"Do you want our help," Teddy asked.
"With the interview and written applications," Allison said, "Faroke and Nisha wrote the 2025 version the first of the new form. You did an old form."
"I did and so did Annie, hers in 2010 was closer to what I did in 1989," Teddy replied.
"Annie was born in 91," Allison said.
"1990," Teddy replied.
"If you were 21," Allison said, "what did your mom do?"
"She was there and she held my hand and rubbed my back," Teddy replied.
"Like you did," Allison said.
"I need her to do that," Teddy said.
"Did your parents want you to keep Nee," Allison asked.
"They supported my decision," Teddy replied, "they made it clear it was up to me and they couldn't decide for me. I nearly kept her but then I would never have met dad or had you and Leo. I missed her."
"I couldn't imagine not having Ev," Allison said, "it's not easy but I love it. It's worth it."
"It is," Teddy agreed.
"Do you ever wish you had kept Annie," Allison asked.
"I don't play that game," Teddy replied, "I can't play the what if game. Allison I learned years ago that I can't for my own health. I'll drive myself crazy if I play that game."
"Do you regret it," Allison asked.
"Aspects," Teddy replied, "I should have pushed for an open adoption and visits, to be able to call her or write to her. What else do you guys need?"
"We have most of my list," Allison said, "just diapers and wipes left."
"Okay treats," Teddy asked.
"Asher loves the chocolate cookies," Allison said, "and cheese would be good."
"Stock up, fill the cart," Teddy replied, "get what you want."
"Mom it's too much," Allison said.
"No," Teddy replied.
They finished their shopping trip and loaded it all in Teddy's SUV.
"Mom I shouldn't have said you weren't there," Allison said, "you were there when it mattered. You let us have a lot of freedom."
"I wanted you to learn to think and make decisions for yourself," Teddy replied, "to use and to trust your voice."
"Thats not easy," Allison said.
"It's not," Teddy replied, "but I should have checked in more. Asked more questions."
"I wasn't telling anyone what was going on," Allison said, "I was coming to see you that day to tell you first then I saw Nee's office door open and I was scared and panicked."
"You went to your sister," Teddy said, "you've never told me you were coming to find me."
"I was scared," Allison replied, "it was scary."
"It was," Teddy agreed, "I remember calling and telling my mom. Telling Steven, telling Dad. It was hard."
"Easiest to tell," Allison asked.
"Annie," Teddy replied, "I just kinda blurted out that she was going to be a big sister."
"Leo was the worst," Allison replied.
"He struggled," Teddy agreed.
"And now he face times to read Ev stories," Allison replied.
"He's a good uncle," Teddy agreed.
"Cool uncle," Allison answered, "Annie is dependable Auntie Nee. Leo is fun."
"Age," Teddy replied.
"Did you ever feel like you missed out," Allison asked, "having Annie so young?"
"Not really," Teddy replied, "I gave her up. I wanted to keep her but it wasn't safe."
"Safe," Allison asked.
"Her biological father was violent," Teddy replied, "I've had contact with him, he was making amends and she meets him for the first time tomorrow. Are you okay if I go with her?"
"She's never met him," Allison asked.
"She wasn't ready until now," Teddy answered, "she texted asking me to go with her and Josh. Are you okay if I go? I took the time to help you out."
"Go," Allison said, "it's not babysitting her kids. I couldn't imagine being her age and meeting dad for the first time."
"I don't know how it will go," Teddy replied, "I would have asked her to wait but she booked it a month ago."
"Before Asher's accident," Allison said.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "I can tell her no or ask her to reschedule."
"Go," Allison said, "that's a big one."
"It is," Teddy replied, "but I promised the time to you."
"I can share," Allison replied, "it's family not the hospital."
"I'll let her know," Teddy replied.
"Allison," Asher gasped when they brought the groceries down with Owen's help.
"Mom," Allison shrugged.
"We can't," Asher said.
"Not arguing with me," Teddy replied.
"Thank you," Asher smiled, 'but it's too much."
"We're feeding you," Teddy replied, "our way. Your parents get people to put meals together I buy groceries."
"I'll do dinner tomorrow," Owen said, "I wanted to see how you're feeling before I started."
"I go with Annie to meet Steven at 7 tomorrow," Teddy replied.
"Do you want me," Owen asked.
"No," Teddy answered she asked for me and Josh.
The next evening Teddy, Annie and Josh walked into the coffee shop near the air port.
"Breathe," Josh reminded Annie, "if it doesn't go well or your uncomfortable we leave."
"Mama," Annie asked.
"I'm here sweetheart," Teddy replied.
"This is a first," Annie said, "my bio parents together. I've had all four of the parents that made me who I am together but never this."
"Breathe," Teddy said, "if you don't want to."
"We need to," Annie replied.
"Teddy," a man called.
"Steven," Teddy greeted, "this is Annie and her husband Josh."
Annie froze.
"It's good to meet you," Josh said.
"Annie," Steven said, "your Teddy has told me a lot about you."
"You as well," Annie whispered.
"What do you do for work," Steven asked.
"I'm a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon," Annie replied, "then Josh is a peds trauma surgeon."
"How did you met," Steven asked.
"Our first day of med school," Josh replied.
"Should we get coffee," Teddy asked, "Annie and Josh, your usuals? Steven? "
"I'll get it," Steven said, "Annie, Josh what do you like?"
"Chai latte for Annie and I like black coffee," Josh replied.
"She's quiet," Steven remarked to Teddy, "and looks a lot like you."
"She always has," Teddy replied, "more so when she was younger."
"How long have you been in touch," Steven asked.
"I always had contact with the parents who adopted her," Teddy said, "Dan lives in Seattle now. And Leslie is still in BC in hospice. It's only a matter of time."
"Did she want to come," Steven asked.
"Annie is slow to open up," Teddy replied, "you've been emailing for over a year. She's always been like this. She was 19 when we met."
They got the drinks and joined Annie and Josh at the table.
"Annie you must have a lot of questions," Steven said.
"Mama has told me a lot," Annie replied, 'but I do have a few."
"What do you want to know," Steven asked.
"Can you tell me about my other siblings," Annie asked, "you've given me names and ages but not about them. My youngest brother is the same age as my oldest son."
"Do you have pictures," Steven asked.
"Too many of my four," Annie replied, "but Jacob tell me about him."
"He lives with his mom in Portland," Steven said, "I don't see him enough."
"Does he know," Annie asked.
"Him and Alexandra know I was meeting you," Steven said, "Alex would like to meet you. She's 17."
"How do I have siblings the same age as my kids," Annie shook her head.
"Would you be open to it," Steven asked.
"Have them email me first and let me decide," Annie replied, "I have siblings who are 24 and 25 years younger I'm used to it with Allison and Leo."
"Did you get to grow up with siblings," Steven asked.
"My brother Chris is 11 months younger than me," Annie replied, "then Jessica was 4 years younger but she passed in 2020 from cancer."
"How many siblings is that," Steven said.
"Chris, Jessica, Leo and Allison," Annie said, "so for that have been in my life then your three, Alexandra, Lily and Jacob. So I'm the oldest of 8. But I've never met three."
"Who are you closest to," Steven asked.
"Chris," Annie replied, "we were pretty much twins until I started at UBC and he enlisted in the Canadian air force. Then we talked every day unless he was deployed. He enlisted at 17 with our parents permission and left when he was 30. He's a trauma nurse and medivac pilot."
"You've moved around a bit,' Steven guessed.
"She was born in Texas," Teddy replied, "but Dan and Leslie are Canadian and lived in BC so Annie grew up there."
"I moved to Boston at 20 for Med school then we moved to Seattle when I was 24 after graduation and have been here since," Annie replied, "you're in Mount Vernon."
"I am," Steven agreed, "would you be interested in bringing your family to visit and meeting Alex?"
"Not yet," Annie replied, "we've come a long way in the last year but you spent the first 45 years of my life denying my existence. I'm thinking of Alex and how hard it will be for her. If it was our Ellie it would be hard."
"What do you want," Steven asked.
"I just wanted to see you in person once," Annie replied, "I gave up on a relationship when Mama told me the story years ago but I wanted to see you once to see if there were any similarities. And I finally know where my Matt gets his smile because we couldn't place it."
"Can I see a picture," Steven asked.
"Yes," Annie replied she pulled up a picture of her four on her phone, "these are my kids. Ellie, Matt, Henry and Heather."
"They're beautiful," Steven said, "Heather kinda looks a bit like Alex. Ellie looks like you."
"And Henry is all Josh," Annie smiled, "I see a lot of my father in law in Matt."
"Your youngest and Alex have the same hair colour," Steven said.
"We were wondering where that deep brown was coming from," Josh replied.
"Medically you've never answered," Annie replied, "you? Your parents? My siblings?"
"Alex and Jacob have ADHD, so do my sisters kids," Steven said.
"You're 3 for 4," Annie replied.
"My mom had heart disease but she smoked," Steven replied, "my dad had a stroke in his 60s but he was also a smoker. My sister is diabetic. But I'm healthy. I was an alcoholic for 40 some odd years. I wonder if I had been sober what would have happened with you."
"We don't play that game," Teddy replied, "the past can't be changed."
"Teddy," Steven said.
"No," Annie replied, "she's right we can't go back."
"I do want to know you and your kids," Steven said.
"My kids are years away," Annie replied, "I need to trust you first. I'm not there yet."
"I messed up," Steven said, "I know that now and I'm sorry both of you, all of you."
"Apology accepted," Annie replied.
"Thank you for apologizing," Teddy replied.
They finished their coffee and went their separate ways.
"That's done," Annie shrugged as Josh started his truck.
"What are you thinking," Josh asked.
"I saw him I answered those last few questions and we can get on with life," Annie replied.
Do you want to meet your other siblings," Josh asked.
"I would but I don't want to traumatize them with the 46 year old big sister," Annie replied, "I could be all of their mother. He's going to give them my information and I will reply if they reach out. It's weird."
"It is," Josh agreed, "especially since they could be our kids."
"What do you want to do," Annie asked.
"I think you should meet them," Josh replied, "with their moms in a public place like we did today."
"Maybe," Annie replied, "I don't really want a relationship with him. I haven't needed him in my life before so why start now. I dealt with my adoption and his rejection. It feels like chasing a relationship with Steven is going backwards. I don't want to go backwards. We're in a good place, us our kids, our family."
"Ellie's boyfriend," Josh asked.
"She's a senior she should date," Annie replied, "and Kanta is a nice kid."
"He is," Josh agreed, "but he's a year older."
"So are you," Annie replied.
"True," Josh answered, "but we were 24 and 25 not 16 and 17."
"When she goes to college next year," Annie replied.
"I know," Josh agreed.