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"See, what did mommy tell you? I knew you would look gorgeous in lavender."
Addison laughed as her 4-month-old daughter kicked her legs in appreciation of the fresh diaper and new outfit she'd been
dressed in. The little girl had Derek's dark curls and her eyes, and Addison fell in love all over again ever time she looked
at her child.
It was okay that the picture wasn't perfect. Derek had tried to convince her to give them yet another chance when they
had discovered her pregnancy a few weeks after "prom" night. But Addison had been unwilling to stay in a marriage
when she wasn't sure why it was being kept alive, and when Derek couldn't give her a good answer about why he wanted to remain
married, she had filed the divorce papers.
He was still determined to be a good father despite the divorce, and he had been present at every doctor's appointment,
ultrasound and in the delivery room. But the majority of Addison's pregnancy had spent in the company of her friends--Miranda,
Preston, Richard, Adele, Izzie and the latest addition to her growing sphere of friends, Callie Torres. In fact, it was Callie
that could be held indirectly responsible for helping bestow the name "Lena" on the happy infant who was reaching
up now trying to grab a piece of her mother's hair.
"Just remember, baby girl, if anyone asks, mama only watched all those 'Alias' episodes on DVD because Aunt Callie
made me. I can't help it if I fell in love with Lena Olin's name while I was watching them."
Addison scooped her daughter up and cradled her close. Though she had seen it right in front of her face day in and day
out for years, there really was no way to understand a mother's love until you were one and you held your child and knew that
you would endure anything to keep them safe.
Lena made sleepless nights bearable. She made it okay to throw her hair into a ponytail instead of spending an hour styling
it because that was an hour she could spend marveling at her baby's accomplishments. In fact, her daughter made everything
in Addison's life seem more okay because what could be so awful when she had this joy to come home to every day?
"All right, we better get back out there," she whispered and Lena cooed and snuggled against Addison's chest.
"Very impolite to keep our company waiting."
The duo headed out of the gingham decorated nursery and back toward the kitchen. The French doors to the patio were open,
and Addison couldn't help but laugh when she saw world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Preston Burke standing out by the picnic
table spreading his hand-washed shirt out to dry. He turned at the sound of her chuckles, a stunning sight sans shirt in
just a stylish pair of khakis.
"I really am sorry, Preston."
Burke waved his hand as if to say "no worries" and came back in to rejoin Addison at the well-set brunch table
they were sharing.
"You did warn me that she'd just eaten. That's what I get for bouncing her in the air and not listening. Besides..."
Preston reached for the baby and Addison relinquished Lena to him. He skillfully tossed a receiving blanket over his
shoulder, partially covering his bare chest, and then he cradled the little girl against him.
"I have been thrown up on by far less beautiful women than Miss Lena here."
Addison smiled and leaned back in her chair watching her friend be thoroughly charmed by her daughter.
"Well, I guess it's true what they say."
"Hmm?" Preston asked, looking up at her.
"A good-looking, shirtless man holding a baby... it's pretty damn hot."
He laughed and lowered his face to Lena's.
"Do you think that means your mother is finally going to let me take her out to dinner as more than 'just friends,'
Lena?"
The baby yawned and stretched, closing her eyes.
Addison picked up her iced tea and just before she took a sip she winked at Preston and replied. "I think that was
a 'maybe.'"
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