Teddy and Owen walked along the waterfront holding hands grateful for the warm March day. It was the first day in weeks it hadn't rained.

"I can't find a replacement," Teddy complained.

"That's the board's job," Owen said.

"I told them I would be chief until they found someone," Teddy replied, "I can't leave them leaderless."

"What if I stepped in as in term," Owen offered, "you're exhausted Teddy."

"I need to relax," Teddy said, "but I can't. There's always something worrying me. If it's not work issues it's our kids. Allison is okay for now and Leo I don't know."

"I was paying bills and the emergency credit card we gave him was used at a dispensary," Owen said, "I cancelled it."

"When," Teddy asked.

"I saw it right before we left, he did it yesterday. I'll call him his semester has four weeks left," Owen replied, "I think you need a few nights away. What if I booked Victoria or something close for a couple nights."

"Should we leave Allison," Teddy asked.

"It's the third trimester. She's 31 weeks, she has time," Owen said, "she's good with Asher."

"I don't want to leave them home alone," Teddy replied.

"If she feels safe with him she's 18 and he's only a minor for 3 more weeks," Owen said, "let's go after Easter."

"We could," Teddy agreed, "or ask if they can stay at Annie's or Megs."

"Not Megs," Owen said, "Catrina and Meg is on edge with Riggs over seas."

"I don't know what's gotten into Cat," Teddy replied, "she's been mean to Allison for months now. I know Megan is upset about it but Riggs did nothing."

"He's an absentee dad and husband," Owen said, "how much has he been away on service trips?"

"Six of the last 12 months," Teddy replied, "but it's not our marriage to say anything about."

"It's not fair to my sister to be a single mom," Owen snapped.

"I think Megan is doing the best she can," Teddy answered.

"Riggs isn't," Owen growled, "maybe Catrina wouldn't be acting out this way if her father was around more."

"I'll talk to her," Teddy said, "she's coming over tonight with Cat. Annie is bringing Ellie and we're having a girls night."

"I don't get it at all," Owen growled, "how can he leave them? Leave her after everything they've been through."

"Things looked strained at New Years," Teddy said, "Meg was drinking more than she normally does."

"But she's not drunk," Owen said, "if he thought she was drinking he wouldn't leave Cat with her."

"She doesn't have a problem," Teddy said, "I don't think."

"Nate was distant," Owen said, "but why would he go overseas?"

"He always loved field work more than being in the hospital," Teddy said, "why can't anything ever be easy?"

"I don't know," Owen said, "would we know what to do with it?"

"No," Teddy admitted.

Megan was driving Catrina home from soccer when Catrina asked, "mom is dad coming home?"

"In July," Megan replied, "we talked to him yesterday."

"He was mad at you," Catrina said.

"I said some things I shouldn't have," Megan said.

"Why does he go so much," Catrina asked, "does he not want to be with us?"

"I won't lie to you," Megan said, "dad and I have been fighting and taking some time apart. That's one reason dad is away more. This 5 month trip is not something I agreed to, dad needs to do this for him."

"Will you get a divorce," Catrina asked.

"That's something we're talking about," Megan admitted, "I don't want to make any decisions until he's back and we can talk face to face. I promise you nothing will change about how much we love and support you."

"Does he not love us," Catrina asked.

"He loves you very much," Megan said, "we both do. Dad and my disagreements have nothing to do with you."

"What about you," Catrina asked.

"I'm okay," Megan said, "you don't worry about me. Dad and I will always work together."

"Just work," Catrina said, "do you still love him?"

"I will always love your dad," Megan said, "Kitty Cat you don't need to worry. I will always be here."

"If you and dad do," Catrina asked.

"We will always love you and Faroke and be here for you," Megan assured, "Cat why are you asking about this."

"Because Dad is never home anymore, he comes for a couple weeks then is away again, I haven't seen him since the cabin at new years," Catrina said, "he's always helping somewhere else. It's like he doesn't love us anymore."

"He does Kitty Cat," Megan said, "your dad loves you very much."

"Why is he gone so much," Catrina asked.

"Years ago when we were in medical school Dad and I talked about spending our lives traveling and helping others," Megan said, "your dad is following that dream."

"What about you," Catrina asked.

"My dreams changed," Megan said, "I want to be here with you and our family. I spent 10 years as a hostage in the middle east, all I wanted to do was come home to your dad, to nana and uncle Owen. I like being home with you, teaching others how to help. I like operating, helping Auntie Teddy run the hospital and the class I'm teaching at the university. I can change the world through my teaching."

"Did I change them," Catrina asked.

"No," Megan said, "I always wanted two kids. I dreamed of it and of you for years. You have no clue how long I prayed for you."

"Would you travel with dad," Catrina asked.

"When you're older," Megan said, "I would like to do field work one day, take medical students or residents and teach them but not until you finish college. I want to be home with you. I miss your brother and having both of you around."

"I'm home," Catrina said.

"I know kitty cat," Megan smiled, "you and I are good. We have our special things we enjoy when dad and Faroke are away."

"Tonight," Catrina asked.

"We're going to Owen and Teddy's for girls night," Megan said, "tomorrow you and I are going skating and making a huge thing of soup. Then I need your help to start on a baby gift."

"For Allison," Catrina asked.

"Yes," Megan said, "we're going to do something special. I did it for Ellie and now you can help me. But first girls night."

"Allison," Catrina asked.

"And Ellie," Megan said, "why are you so mad at Allison?"

"Uncle Owen is around," Catrina said.

"You really miss your dad," Megan said, "what can I do?"

"Tell dad to come home," Catrina said.

"I'm trying," Megan said.

They pulled into the driveway.

"Go shower kitty cat then we'll go," Megan said.

Megan sat down at her computer and emailed Nathan.

Nathan,

Catrina has figured out that we're separating. Our daughter is aware we are discussing divorce, I've told Kitty Cat what I'm telling you, I won't discuss it until we are face to face. Running away from me and from our kids is giving them more questions than answers and leaving me to pick up the pieces. I know we haven't always been perfect and we have both made mistakes. Seriously dating residents while you're in the field? Nate, you're 60, they're half your age. I haven't told the kids about you spending time with residents and I won't, you are their father and they don't need to know that. Catrina is really struggling right now without you around. She needs you in her life day to day not just phone calls and emails. Our daughter needs you here. I know life in the field was the dream when we were in our 20s and 30s but that's gone. We have so many ways we can help and make a difference here at home, teach, volunteer in low income communities, do more pro bono work. Teddy is losing her patience with paying your salary for you to be gone half the time and she's stepping down as chief, whoever comes in will not be as flexible.

I can't continue to fight with you through email, texts and on the phone. I'm done with that. I'm not going to continue these conversations until you man up and see me face to face. We had a few fights, we questioned what came next and you ran away, you ran to another continent. Stop playing the hero and come home to work this out. We have things we have to do here and figure out. The bank is on me about renewing the mortgage and your car lease is almost up. Both need to be done in the next month. Nathan, you need to come home and we need to talk. I've been working with a counselor on my part. I need you to do the same.

Please come home so we can work this out. I don't expect things to go back to normal and we need a new normal. Come home, I'll move to the guest room while we work this out.

I still love you and always will,

Megan.

"Mom," Catrina asked, "are you okay?"

"I am kitty cat," Megan forced a smile, "let's go."

Megan and Catrina let themselves into Teddy and Owens.

"You okay," Teddy asked, putting her arms around Megan, "when is Nate back?"

"July," Megan said, "cat go find Allison."

"Her room," Teddy said, "go up. Annie and her girls cancelled, Heather is sick."

They watched Catrina go up stairs.

"Meg what's going on," Teddy asked.

"Nate and I split up," Megan admitted, "we're separating."

"Oh Megan," Teddy sighed, hugging her friend.

"I'll be okay," Megan said, "it's been coming for a while. The kids…"

"Will adapt," Teddy said, "Faroke is a med student. Cat were here and we'll support you two. What happened?"

"He," Megan started to cry, "was seeing a resident."

"Again Meg," Teddy sighed.

"We've worked through it before," Megan said, "it's not the first time or even the second and he says it wasn't physical."

"I knew about 30 years ago," Teddy said.

"When Cat was about 3 then 3 years ago," Megan said.

"Why did you stay," Teddy asked.

"I tried to forgive him," Megan said, "I cheated 30 years ago as well. We were both under so much pressure over there and it was purely physical the one time I did. Nathan it's on going 3 months the first time right after Ian died then almost a year the last time. This is the third since I came home. Teddy, I don't think I can do this again. How many times is too many to forgive and try to move on?"

"What do you want to do," Teddy asked.

"I don't know," Megan cried, "I don't know anymore. We said for better or worse but when does the better come? I still love him, I always will."

"What would be best for you," Teddy asked.

"I don't trust him as my partner," Megan said, "we can be friends and there for the kids but I can't stay married to him. I've loved him since I was 21. Teddy, what am I going to do?"

"You're doing what is best for you and Cat right now," Teddy said, "Faroke will be upset but he's got his own life."

"Your first husband and Annie," Megan asked.

"Henry died," Teddy replied, "she was upset she grieved him in her own way but she went back to school and kept living."

"What do I tell Cat," Megan asked.

"What does she know," Teddy asked.

"She's heard Nate and I fighting," Megan admitted, "she knows we're angry with each other and he's never home. I lost my temper on the phone with him and she heard my tone. I have to protect my kids."

"We do," Teddy said.

"How did you tell Annie about Henry," Megan asked.

"Owen did," Teddy said, "I was in the OR and didn't know. He had her flight booked before he called her and arranged for Kepner and Avery to get her at the airport because she used to love Kepner when Annie first started coming to the hospital with me. By the time I called Annie she was at the airport in Boston. The biggest fight Owen and I ever had was how he handled that night."

"But he brought your daughter to you," Megan said.

"He knew I needed her," Teddy agreed, "she was 21 though."

"Catrina is too young to understand," Megan said.

"You have to tell her eventually," Teddy said, "just be honest with her."

"I told her we're arguing and taking some time apart," Megan said, "but it's her dad she can't know he cheated on me. That would destroy her faith in people forever."

"You don't have to tell her that," Teddy said, "be honest with her."

"I am," Megan said, "I found out and he ran. He runs when things are hard Teddy."

"I know," Teddy said, "he runs. Owen goes into bear mode and Nathan runs."

Upstairs Catrina flopped on Allison's bed crying.

"Cat," Allison asked, "what's wrong?"

"My parents aren't together," Catrina sobbed.

"Your dad is just in Zambia," Allison said.

"Until July," Catrina bawled, "him and mom are fighting."

"Why did he go," Allison asked.

"He's with doctors without borders," Catrina said, "I want him home like your dad. My parents are yelling at each other on the phone and mom was swearing. She kept yelling about someone named Tessa. We don't know a Tessa."

"What did your mom say," Allison asked.

"She said they're fighting and need some time apart," Catrina said, "that's what happens at school when other people's parents divorce."

"Cat they won't do that," Allison assured.

"What if they do," Catrina asked.

"Then you get through it," Allison said, "you'll have your mom even if your dad is playing hero somewhere."

"I miss my dad," Catrina said, "mom gets really stressed when he's gone."

"Cat," Allison said, "you really miss him."

Catrina nodded, Allison put her arms around her little cousin.

Catrina pulled away, "what was that?"

"The baby," Allison said.

"Make them do that again," Catrina said.

"Give me your hand," Allison said, she guided her cousins hand to where the baby was kicking.

"Wow," Catrina said.

"They're getting stronger," Allison said.

"Are they okay," Catrina said, "mom told me about their heart."

"It's not getting better but it's not getting worse," Allison said, "so far they think they'll be okay. Mom doesn't seem worried."

"Why can Asher stay for your baby but my dad can't," Catrina asked.

"Have you talked to him," Allison asked.

"After mom yelled at him," Catrina replied, "he was grumpy."

"Do you text or email," Allison asked.

"Sometimes," Catrina said.

"What if I helped you write," Allison offered, "we could do it together."

"Why would you help me," Catrina asked, "I've been mean to you for months."

"We're both having a hard time," Allison said, "Cat why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you're having a baby, you don't want me or Ellie around," Catrina said.

"I miss you," Allison said, "I don't understand why you think I won't want you around."

"I didn't want you to feel bad," Catrina said.

"We're family," Allison said, "do you want me to help you write to your dad?"

"Please," Catrina whispered.

"I'm comfortable here for once and don't have to pee," Allison said, "can you bring my ipad here?"

"Where is it," Catrina asked.

"The desk in the office. Just go through my bathroom," Allison said.

Catrina went to get the ipad.

Together the two cousins wrote to Nathan.

Dear dad,

I really miss you and mom is miserable without you. Can you come home soon please? I'm really trying to make things easy for mom. Faroke is busy with school and never home anymore.

I won my soccer game today, I saved every goal that came at me, you would have been proud. I'm doing better in math, I don't need the tutor now and French is starting to make sense. Annie is helping me in french.

Dad you need to come home. I'm sorry I stressed you and mom out. It's my fault I made you and mom mad and worried. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you and I was talking back. I should have listened and gotten better grades. I know I wasn't doing my best and that made you mad at me and mom.

Please come back dad. I promise I'll listen and do better.

Love,

Kitty Cat.

The girls pressed send and Catrina collapsed sobbing.

Allison did the only thing she could think of, what her mom did when she was sad or overwhelmed. Allison held Catrina close to her and stroked her hair.

"I'm here Cat," Allison whispered to her cousin, "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. You can always come talk to me any time. I'm always here I promise. I love you Cat."

Teddy and Megan tip-toed up the stairs.

"Girls," Teddy asked.

"I've got it," Allison said.

Megan sat beside Catrina.

"Kitty cat," Megan said, putting her hand on Catrina's back.

"Mom it's my fault daddy is mad," Catrina sobbed, "I didn't listen, I talked back and he got mad."

"No Catrina," Megan said, "it's not your fault. It's nothing you did."

"But dad," Catrina said.

"Sweetheart," Teddy joined them, "you did nothing wrong. Your mom and your dad love you so much there's not even words for it. "

"But dad's gone," Catrina said.

"Cat we're going to be okay," Megan said, "I am trying to work things out with your dad. That doesn't change how much he loves you or how much I love you. "

"Will he come back," Catrina asked.

"When his contract with doctors without borders ends," Megan assured, "then dad and I have to talk and it might not be easy for a while and it might not work but we're going to do our best. I am going to do my best to make sure we do what is best for you. I love you."

Teddy and Allison slipped from the room leaving Megan and Catrina to talk.

"Help me with dinner," Teddy asked.

"Sure," Allison agreed.

"I'm proud of you comforting your cousin," Teddy said, "is she okay?"

"Maybe," Allison said, "she really misses uncle Nathan."

"I know she does so does Megan," Teddy agreed.

"I helped her write to uncle Nathan," Allison said, "we emailed him. Mom I'm worried about her. She thinks he hates her and it's her fault."

"No," Teddy said, "they need time to work some things out but they love her. It's like when dad and I argue."

"But you don't go to other countries," Allison said.

"I did a couple times," Teddy said, "after the first Allison I ran to the army and then when Henry died I went back to the army."

"But Annie," Allison said.

"When I joined the army in 2001 Annie was 11 and with Dan," Teddy said, "I was getting letters but she didn't even know my name yet. She was in her senior year when she finally got that information. Then in 2011 Annie was 21, she was in Boston and at Harvard. She was with Josh and okay."

"You left Annie," Allison said.

"She was older," Teddy said, "she was already time zones away for school. We were the same distance apart. I went for work and she understood that."

"What if Asher leaves us," Allison asked.

"Then dad and I will be here," Teddy promised, "we will be with you and you will be with your baby."

"Have you ever wanted to leave me," Allison asked.

"No," Teddy said, "and I never wanted to leave Annie. When I went to Germany it was hard. I almost didn't go but your dad encouraged me to go and take it. You look stressed are you okay?"

"My stomach got really tight all of a sudden," Allison said.

"Did it hurt," Teddy asked.

"It feels weird," Allison said.

"Weird how," Teddy pressed.

"Super tight like it was squeezing then it just let go," Allison replied.

"Probably just braxton hicks you're okay," Teddy said, "let me know if it doesn't stop. Are you drinking enough water?"

"Probably not," Allison said.

"Plain or sparkling," Teddy offered.

"The cranberry one," Allison asked.

"We have that," Teddy said taking the can of sparkling water from the fridge, "you need to drink more. Dehydration will make it worse."

"And I went for a really long walk with Liv today," Allison said, "we took her puppy."

"How long," Teddy asked.

"6 or 7 miles maybe it took about three hours," Allison said.

"Ok you overdid it," Teddy said, "all a recipe for braxton hicks. Overdoing it and dehydrated, drink and relax."

"Will Auntie Meg and Cat be okay," Allison asked, hopping up on a stool at the island.

"They will,' Teddy said, "it might not be easy for a while but they will be okay."

"How do we help," Allison asked.

"Like you did today," Teddy smiled, "listen and love them."

"It's always that," Allison said.

"That's family," Teddy smiled.