The baby has been in the hospital for a month. Lia and Andrew have been taking turns watching over her. She was better and looking curiously at her surroundings. She was mostly doing fine, but she had a rough time separating from Lia. After she found her, she imprinted on her and cries every time she leaves the room. Lia was no better and hated leaving her unless it was with Andrew. The social worker had been watching them, while looking for someone to foster her. Lia and Andrew were dreading the day they would be informed that someone would be fostering the baby girl so they tried to spend as much time as they could with her.
It was Thursday afternoon, Lia had a shift in the hospital, but she was on her lunch break. While in her lunch break, she went to check up on the baby and saw the social worker, Elizabeth, with two parents. The baby did not seem happy and as Lia was about to leave the baby began crying. Lia'a ears were alerted at the sound and she turned around to see the baby reaching out for her. Lia smiled awkwardly and headed into the room. The lady who was interested in fostering was trying to calm her down but she couldn't. When the lady realized the baby was reaching towards Lia she passed her the baby. The baby instantly stopped crying and pressed her head into her shoulder. Lia sighed and said "Where's her blue binky?" Elizabeth immediately found it and passed it to her asking "Why the blue one and not pink?" Lia simply answered "She likes blue, she doesn't like the pink one for some reason." Elizabeth nodded and Lia said "I am so sorry... I've interrupted your appointment...." The lady said "Nonsense.... The baby should be happy I wouldn't want her to be sad..." Lia nodded and when she looked down the baby girl had fallen asleep. She carefully began placing her in the hospital crib so she wouldn't wake her. After placing her, Lia said "Again so sorry.... She's asleep so she won't cry for now...." Lia immediately left the room leaving the three of them to talk.
After leaving the room, Lia went to the tunnels where Amy was sitting down. Lia sat down next to her and Amy said "God this day has been so tiring...." Lia looked at her and said "You're carrying a baby in our uterus of course it's going to be tiring..." Amy looked at Lia and said "Nick told you?" She nodded and said "Yeah he did.. he's really excited to be a dad." Amy smiled and said "To think he was just a manwhore when he began working here sleeping with everything that could walk to—" Lia finished her sentence saying "A committed husband to you and excited for the baby...." Amy and Lia smiled at one another and she continued saying "He's going to be a good father Amy I can feel it..." Amy smiled and said "How's the baby girl you found in the side of the road?" Lia sighed and said "I fucked up.... The social worker was interviewing a couple to foster her and I did not know so I went to see her. When I saw she was interviewing I tried to leave quickly but the baby saw me. She immediately began to cry wanting me to take her and I couldn't bare to hear her cry so I went in and took her from the lady's arms..." Amy looked at me and said "Lia you need to step back from the baby since she's getting attached to you and she won't be able to find her forever home if you there 24/7...." Lia nodded and said "I know! It's just I can bare having her away from me or just leaving her alone!" Amy looked at Lia carefully before saying "Lia do you want me to tell you who worries 24/7 for the well-being of a child and it causes them emotional pain just to be away from them?" Lia looked at her as Amy said "A mother... That's the person you've become when you are with that baby girl. Now, I'm glad you love this baby girl, but Andrew you don't know if he wants to adopt this baby so you can't get too attach than you are now...." Lia nodded and said "I know.... Thanks Amy..." Amy smiled and said "No problem...." Lia smiled weakly at Amy before leaving the tunnels. Lia tried holding back her tears because she knew she had to keep her distance from the baby and it was just so painful that she did not know how to cope with it. She made her way into an on call room where she let the tears go.
In the conference room, the board was waiting patiently for Elizabeth Estefan. She had requested a meeting to discuss the baby girl found in the side of the road situation. Jackson, Callie, Arizona, Cristina, Derek and Meredith were waiting patiently while discussing the hospital budget. When Elizabeth arrived, their conversation seized. Elizabeth smiled and said "Doctors thank you for meeting with me on short notice...." Jackson smiled and said "It's no problem Mrs. Estefan, I trust you have interviewed all the foster parents recommendations I placed." She nodded and said "I did and I had scheduled a second interview for the couple I saw most fit to foster the baby girl." Derek nodded and said "I'm trusting it well?" Elizabeth shook her head and said "Not exactly, the parents are perfect, but the baby is not the right one for them.... However, I think I know who should be the people who foster this baby...." Callie nodded and said "Who should these two people be?" Elizabeth looked at the six of them before saying "Dr. Cecilia Grey-Shepherd and Dr. Andrew DeLuca." Their eyes immediately widened and Cristina said "Lia and DeLuca?!" Elizabeth nodded and said "After Dr. Grey-Shepherd discovered the baby girl she has not let her out of her sight. She comes to see her every time she gets and the baby has an attachment to her, one she mirrors. I realized this today because during the interview, she accidentally entered the room to check on the baby girl. The baby girl began crying out for her.... I believe after having checked their files for the last 2 weeks that Dr. Grey-Shepherd and Dr. DeLuca should in fact be the foster parents of the baby girl which the state has called Morgan since it's a gender neutral name." The board nodded and Arizona said "I agree with Mrs. Estefan. I've seen how Lia and Andrew have checked on the baby— Morgan non stop." Callie nodded and said "I agree too, Cecilia has always been great with Sofia and Millie.... I think she can do this. Andrew is amazing with kids and the bond he and Adriana share is just incredible." Cristina nodded and said "Heck let them foster the kid. They'll probably do a better job than me." Meredith looked at the her hands before saying "There's no one I would trust than my own daughter to handle the life of this little girl. Morgan has gone through so much and she needs someone who can provide shelter and a loving temporary home. Lia and Andrew would provide it all." Derek nodded agreeing with Meredith saying "Exactly the love Andrew and Lia share is one of a kind. The way the look at each other and just how they are with one another it's just shows the devotion they have for one another. Morgan needs someone who is devoted to her well-being. Andrew and Lia are those people." Jackson looked at the board and said "Mrs. Estefan you have our vote of approval." Elizabeth smiled and thanked the board as the meeting finished.
After Lia stopped crying, she continued working with Maggie. Maggie taught her a technique of hers, which Lia was grateful for since surgery distracted her from thinking about the baby girl. After the surgery, Lia left the OR and headed towards the nurses station. She found Andrew there and ignoring not showing PDA rule of theirs she gave him a hug. Andrew immediately wrapped his arms around her and he asked "What's wrong love?" Lia shook her head and said "Nothing! I—" Andrew interrupted saying "Do you want to check on the baby?" Lia nodded and they began going to her room. When they got there, her stuff was packed and she was nowhere to be seen. Lia immediately panicked and said "Oh my god..." Andrew looked at his girlfriend and said "I guess they found her a foster family...." Lia shook her head and kept repeating "No... no..... no....." Andrew looked at Lia and realized she was about to break down. He knew she was getting attached but didn't realized she was already in too deep. She was about the break down when Elizabeth entered the room with the baby girl. Lia's sad state turned into a happy one when she saw the baby. The baby immediately reached out to her and Elizabeth passed her to Lia. Elizabeth smiled and said "The state has named her Morgan...." Andrew said "Morgan?" He looked at her and said "It's perfect...." Elizabeth looked at both of them and said "We also found a foster family for her...." Lia and Andrew froze in their places and Lia said "W-Who will be fostering Morgan?" Elizabeth looked at both of them saying "Well I'm hoping it would be you two...." Their eyes immediately widened and Andrew said "I-does the board know?" Elizabeth nodded and said "The board approved of my assessment of course if you wish to foster her." Andrew looked at Lia and said "Well?" Lia looked at him and then at Morgan before saying "Andy if you want to this then I want to this... I don't want to force you into anything..." Andrew began nodding his head quickly to keep the tears from falling. Tears streamed from Lia's face and Elizabeth said "All the materials you'll need will be here shortly and I will bring you her discharge papers. Congrats you too!" Elizabeth left the room and Andrew immediately wrapped his arms around Lia and Morgan. The three of them shared a hug as they waited for the supplies to arrive.
When the supplies arrived, Andrew placed the supplies in the empty stroller and Lia held Morgan. After placing the supplies in the stroller, they both exited the patient room and began walking to the elevator. When they got out of the elevator, they saw Derek, Meredith, Cristina, Alex and Jo waiting for them. They smiled when they saw them with Morgan. Meredith immediately began to cuddle the baby stealing her from Lia, while she watched her mother. Derek looked at Andrew and said "DeLuca were going to drive behind you. We're going to help you two baby proof the place and build the crib." Andrew nodded and said "Perfect... I just did not expect us to be chosen to foster little Morgan here." Cristina said "I'll drive Lia's car along with the girls. The boys can go in DeLuca's car." They all nodded and Lia said "Give us the baby supplies you guys take the crib and baby proofing materials." Andrew nodded and Jo took the stroller, while Meredith held the car seat. Lia held Morgan as they began heading to the car. When they got to the car, they began heading home. When they got home, Kara, Joey, Amy, Andrea and Nick were waiting for them.
They got inside and began to work. Lia, Amy and Kara sat in the couch, while Nick, Joey, Ivy and Andrea helped with baby proofing the house and assembling the crib. Jackson had brought his old car seat he used for Harriet that he gave to Andrew for his car. Lia was in the couch with Kara and Amy who were fussing over Morgan. Morgan was looking curiously at her surroundings but she was comfortable in Lia's arms. Kara smiled at her saying "She is absolutely the cutest thing...." Amy nodded and said "She is god I can't believe the social worker chose you two to foster her." Lia smiled and said "I know! It's unbelievable!" Morgan began to cry and Lia said "She needs milk." Amy said "I'll get it! I need to practice!" Lia nodded and said "15 seconds!" Amy nodded and said "Got it!" Amy left leaving Lia and Kara alone.
When they were alone, Kara said "Lia why are you doing this?" Lia looked at her confused and said "What do you mean?" Kara said "Your making it a lot harder to say goodbye to her when they choose the couple to adopt her." Lia said "I—" Kara sighed and said "Aren't you afraid to get too attached?" Lia looked down at Morgan. Morgan was staring at her with a face of curiosity but admiration. She reached her tiny little arms to her face. She began touching Lia's face as she said "Kara... I'm already in too deep.... My world was shattering when I found out she was being fostered by someone..... So my feelings are bound to get hurt either way." Kara sighed and said "Lia....." Lia interrupted saying "It's fine Kara.... I got a chance to be with her that's enough...." Kara said "Ce—" Lia said "I have to change her diaper..." Lia stood up with Morgan leaving Kara alone. Amy returned with the bottle and said "Where's Lia and Morgan?" Kara sighed and said "She's changing Morgan's diaper...." Amy looked at Kara and said "You look worried....." Kara nodded confirming her suspicion and said "Amy... she is attached to Morgan and it's going to hurt her.... This is going to affect her negatively and she's aware of it." Amy sighed and said "We can only hope it doesn't....." After their conversation, Lia returned with Morgan and gave her the milk. After baby proofing and building the crib, Lia placed Morgan inside to let her sleep. Lia and Andrew both thanked everyone for helping and they all left except Meredith and Derek. Meredith was in the kitchen with Lia cleaning up the dinner plates they all used, while Derek said "How are you feeling?" Andrew looked at Derek and said "I'm afraid that I'm going to mess this up..." Derek looked at him and said "DeLuca you're a great uncle to Adriana.... Your also a devoted boyfriend to my daughter and a kind hearted brother to Zola, Bailey and Ellis... I know you can foster this baby and do it well... There's going to be hard times, but every parental figure goes through those challenges. You can call me if you need anything I've done it 4 times and each of them was different...." Andrew smiled and said "Thank you Derek..." Derek smiled and said "No problem Andrew..." Meredith and Lia got out of the kitchen and Meredith said "Derek let's get going...." Derek nodded and they both exchanged their goodbyes with Lia and Andrew as they began heading home.
The door was now closed. It was just the two of them. In the moments of silence is when they finally began to process what just happened hours before. They both looked at each other and Andrew said "We're foster parents babe...." Lia smiled widely and said "W-We are..." Lia immediately wrapped her arms around him pulling him in a tight hug. Andrew wrapped his arms tightly around her. That need they both felt to be parents was answered with Morgan in their lives but it was all temporary. How would they cope when another family comes and adopts her? How will their relationship be like after the loss of Morgan? Will they drift apart or will it bring them closer together? All were questions they didn't ask themselves, but others did.
Time skip to a month.
Little Morgan has been living with Lia and Andrew for a month. At first, it was new them getting used to a baby crying out for food, water or diaper change. They had to buy completely new utensils, food options, milk and just about furniture for her. They both had to accustom to not getting a full night of sleep, but they managed. Their reward was Morgan herself. They absolutely adored her and their families loved her. Carina, Maya, Derek, Meredith, Zola, Bailey and Ellis were thrilled! Adriana was excited to see her aunt and uncle with a baby and referred to Morgan as her cousin. Lia and Andrew were worried that Adriana was getting attached to Morgan and they did not know how to explain to her that she was in their possession temporarily. Either way, Andrew had work today and Lia was going to visit Malachi's and Levi's home. Andrew had left for work and Lia was done preparing the food and stuff Morgan would need while she was over there. Andrew in the morning before leaving placed in the car the stroller and travel bassinet. After she was done, she went to get Morgan. Morgan was waiting for her lying down in her crib. Lia immediately grabbed her and took her downstairs. She grabbed her stuff and headed towards the car. In the car she placed her bag in the passengers seat and then placed Morgan in her car seat in the back seat. After making sure her car seat was correctly placed and not loose, she got into her car. After getting into her car, she began heading to Levi's and Malachi's home.
When she got there, Levi and Malachi instantly greeted her and were thrilled to meet Morgan. Levi held her in her arms, while Malachi said "We were about to eat lunch! We got Ben's old highchair which has a seatbelt to hold her. Lia nodded thinking it was perfect since it was what she had at home. They went inside and prepared lunch for the two babies. After preparing lunch, Lia and Levi began giving them their food. Meanwhile giving the food, Lia's phone rang. She looks at it and sees it call from Andrew, which she answers. Andrew said "Hey love! I wanted to see how you and Momo are doing?" Lia said "Momo is eating lunch, while Im giving it to her." Andrew nodded and said "Alright good she's eating." Lia said "How's work?" Andrew said "This patient is suffering from a tumor in the small intestine and then I got an appy." Lia nodded and said "Alright! Well are you making dinner tonight or am I?" Andrew said "I was thinking about getting Chinese take out for us." Lia smiled and said "l like the idea it's been forever since we've had chinese!" Their conversation was interrupted by a voice saying "Babe it's Schmitt I'll have to call you later." Lia nodded and said "I'll see you at home love bye." Andrew said "Bye love." They ended the call and Lia continued giving food to Morgan.
After the babies finished eating, they were laid to sleep in their own bassinets, while Lia, Levi and Malachi went to chat in the couch. Lia was looking at the bassinet and Levi said "How does it feel to have a kid in the house?" Lia shifted her view to them and said "It's different... a good different.... I like having her in the house." Malachi nodded and said "Do you want kids soon?" Lia nodded and said "I do... I really do and she's great... I wished I didn't have to say goodbye." Levi and Malachi looked at each other confused and Levi said "Why don't you adopt her?" Lia looked at them with wide eyes and said "I-I-I can't...." Malachi looked at her and said "Name one reason why you cannot adopt a baby who desperately needs a family you can offer her!" Lia answered loudly saying "Because I don't know if Andrew wants to adopt her!" Levi and Malachi were startled by her outburst. Malachi stood up and wrapped his arms around her, while Levi said "Ceci.... Andrew is much involved in her life and he probably wants to adopt her as much as you do. He wants it all Ceci, he's probably afraid to mention it..." Malachi nodded and said "Yeah Lia.... talk to him and if he doesn't then you know your answer, but what if he does want this and you don't say anything. She would go to another family when you both would want the same thing....." Lia nodded and said "I-I'll try but he doesn't want this.... If he doesn't want this it could make a tear in our relationship..." Malachi hugged her tighter and Levi said "Happens what happens you put your heart out there and tried. If he says no you can spend the night here...." Lia smiled weakly and thanked them both as she stood up. She saw that Morgan was awake so she gently lifted her up in her arms and went to get her stuff. After getting her stuff, she headed towards the car. After placing Morgan in her car seat, she placed the stuff in the trunk. After everything was in the car, she began heading home.
When she arrived home, Andrew immediately meets them at the door. He takes Morgan out of her arms so she can placed down the bags. After she placed them down, Andrew immediately kisses her and Lia reciprocates. When Morgan fusses, they both pull apart. Andrew smiled and said "Hey.... Why don't you go freshen up while I get Morgan in her high chair for dinner." Lia nodded and said "Alright....." Andrew took Morgan to the dining room table, while Lia went upstairs to change and freshen up. After 30 minutes, she got back downstairs and Morgan was in her high chair in her pajamas waiting to eat. Andrew begins giving Morgan her food, while Lia sets the table for them with theirs. When Morgan finished eating, Lia takes her out the high chair and begins burping her. After she burbs her, Andrew takes her and takes her upstairs to her crib.
After he places her down, he comes back downstairs saying "She was very tired, the food must have knocked her out..." Lia nodded and Andrew said "Let's eat the Chinese take out then." Lia nodded and they sat down to eat. While eating, they had a conversation about their day. When they were done eating, Lia said "I- can we go to the couch?" Andrew nodded and they began moving to the couch. After they sat down in the couch, Lia says "I— It's been a month since we've had Morgan with us. We really never talked about it and I just need to get this out. I'm not sure if this is what you want and if you wanna walk out I understand, but I can't give up Morgan. When I picked up from that box, I knew deep down that I wasn't going to let her go.... I- I want to adopt her and I was us to be her parents. I want us to be a family. I know the tradition is the couple gets married first waits and then has kids, but we don't have to follow traditions. If you want to this as much as I do we can work out the other stuff later. I just know that I am in love with you and I would love nothing more than to have a family with you...." Andrew looked at his girlfriend with tears in his eyes. His face shifted to a wide smiled as he says "You don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say that.... I don't think I can say goodbye to her either. I want us to adopt her and be her parents. We can work out the other traditions later.... I want us to be family too...." Lia smiled as she immediately wrapped her arms around him. Andrew wraps his arms around as she sat on his lap. Andrew pulls her for a deep passionate kiss, which Lia happily reciprocates. They pull away when they hear on the baby monitor Morgan crying. Lia and Andrew looked at each other as they stood up to go check up on her. They didn't know if they were going to be considered or would actually be able to adopt Morgan. However, they wanted to try for her and hopefully be able to call themselves her future parents.
-A/N: hey guys! So I hope you enjoyed this update. So in less than a few hours a hurricane is coming to where I live so I'm not sure if that may cause me to update later than usual but I'm hoping not. Anyways, I hope you all have a great day/night and thank you for reading!
lots of love
Lin <3