#natalie cusack

Natalie furrowed her brows as the “Breaking News” from Scoop Magazine appeared on her iPad screen. She scanned the headline and opened up the article, her curiosity getting the better of her.

BREAKING NEWS: 

Celebrity doctors and medical powerhouse couple file for divorce! Dr. Natalie Cusack-Ramsey and Dr. Ethan Ramsey are separating after just ten months of marriage! Dr. Cusack-Ramsey was recently spotted out and about without her wedding ring, causing speculation on her relationship with her new husband. Shortly after that sighting, a source close to the couple confirmed that they are separating. The reason given for this separation was “irreconcilable differences.”

Scoop has reached out to both doctors for comment, but neither have yet to reply to our inquiries. Watch this space for further updates!

Nat cocked her head to the side as she read the article… then read it again. 

“The fuck?” Nat asked, in disbelief.

“Hm?” Ethan replied from the kitchen.

She chuckled. “Uh… apparently, we’re getting a divorce.”

Ethan stopped making coffee to look up at his wife and raise an eyebrow. “Oh, are we?”

“According to Scoop,” she replied, waving the iPad. 

Ethan rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the espresso machine. “Ugh,” he stated. “Why do you read that garbage magazine?”

“Because usually it’s fun!” Nat replied, returning her attention to the article. 

“Mhm. And who exactly is telling these gossip rags that we’re divorcing?”

“Someone close to us, apparently. We are separating due to ‘irreconcilable differences.’”

“Do those irreconcilable differences include you putting your cold feet on my back every night?”

“Hey! It’s not every night!” Nat protested. She lifted her feet for him to see. “I’m even wearing socks today! See?”

Ethan chuckled and nodded. “My bare back thanks you.” Natalie stuck her tongue out at him, a gesture he returned right back at her.

She looked back at the iPad. “According to the article, speculation started when I was ‘recently seen out and about without my wedding ring.’” 

Ethan hummed in response, as he stirred his coffee. “This wouldn’t happen to be the same wedding ring that no longer fits your finger, would it?”

Nat wiggled her slightly swollen fingers. “It’s not my fault.”

“Are you suggesting it’s mine?” he replied, fighting a smile.

“Well, I’m certainly not the one who got me pregnant!”

Ethan laughed and joined her on the sofa, placing his coffee on the side table. “I’m pretty sure it takes two people to make a baby, my love.”

She scrunched her nose. “Mm, not necessarily.”

He snorted and kissed her temple. “With us, it did,” he whispered into her ear. 

Nat felt a chill run down her spine and giggled. “Either way, you’re still responsible for my fingers being like this,” she said, holding up her hand. 

He took her hand and placed a soft kiss on each finger, then held her hand close to his chest. “I assure you: your fingers are still quite beautiful.”

Nat frowned. “Even when they’re swollen?”

“Especially then.” The iPad dinged again and Ethan looked at it, frowning. “As for this article,” he said the word with clear disdain, “we should probably nip it in the bud while we still can.”

“Do we need to?” Nat asked. “I was just thinking we could ignore it.”

“Mm,” Ethan scrunched his face in disagreement, “I think we need to shut it down. Before any other outlets pick up on this trash.”

Nat chuckled. “You really don’t like gossip columns, do you?”

“I just think there are other things we should be putting our energy towards rather than worrying about people we don’t know and their relationship. Our relationship is our business; no one else’s.”

Nat nodded, smiling. “I like it when you get protective.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Do you, now?”

“I do. It’s sweet and… well, it makes me feel safe.”

Ethan gave her a small smile and pulled her close, wrapping her up tightly in his arms. “You’re my life, Nat. And you’re carrying my son; of course, I’m going to be protective. But I also just really want people to mind their own goddamn business.”

Nat nuzzled into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his midsection. “Well said.” 

He kissed the top of her head. “And, just for the record, if we were to separate for irreconcilable differences, it would definitely be because of your cold feet.”

Natalie scoffed in disbelief. “Rude!” 

She pulled out of the embrace to lightly whack him but he caught her hand in his and pulled her back to him, kissing her soundly. 

She broke the kiss briefly to mutter “You’re a little shit,” against his lips.

“You love it,” he returned, peppering kisses on her face.

Nat chuckled. “I do.”

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE:

A few days ago, Scoop reported a story stating that Drs. Ethan Ramsey and Natalie Cusack-Ramsey were divorcing. Scoop has now learned that the information given to Scoop was false and inaccurate. Dr. Cusack-Ramsey has confirmed with Scoop that her marriage is strong and not at risk of divorce in any way. 

Scoop deeply apologizes for any harm or distress caused by our previous article. 

A/N: So... I definitely HC that Landry was the “source” that claimed E & N were separating. Forever the sore loser, that one...

------------------------

Charley Valentine was having a conversation with Casey when she noticed that Genevieve had stopped talking and was smiling towards the doorway. Charley turned her head to see what, or rather, who had caught the other doctor’s attention.

She smiled and grabbed a glass of champagne and headed towards the door. Lilac was standing just in the doorway next to Dr. Ethan Ramsey, who was looking just a little bit satisfied that he had managed to keep this a surprise from Lilac.

Charley hugged her friend. Lilac hugged her back and pulled her to the side. “Except for Casey, you all said that you weren’t able to get away!”

Charley laughed. “We wouldn’t miss the chance to see your speech tomorrow! It was so convenient that it fell right in line with your birthday!”

Charley handed her the champagne and turned to Ethan. “Sorry, I didn’t pass any Scotch on my way over.”

Charley led Lilac away from Ethan and towards the other eight women who were all smiles and laughter.

One of them called out, “You didn’t think we’d miss this, did you?”

Charley tapped her glass.

“Now that we are all here, I’d like to propose a toast to Lilac. Youngest Director of Diagnostics at Edenbrook. First one of us to be asked to present the keynote speech at a major conference. I’ve been in awe of you ever since I read about how you stood up to big pharma in your intern year, and I’ve loved sharing ideas with you for the past few years in FWLM. Thank you for all you do.”

Lilac hugged her and Charley looked around. “Who’s next?”

Silence permeated as the group of intelligent, fearless women, all masters in their field, looked at each other awkwardly and then — horrors — even giggled slightly. Apparently none were immune to the possibility of a little bit of stage fright.

“Oh, for Pete’s—” A tall redhead looked up from her phone and shook her strawberry waves. “Guess it has to be me, then, amiright ladies?”

Lilac caught eyes with Dr. Brooke Spiers, colleague and friend, and bit her lip as she held back a smirk, accompanied by a mock-disparaging headshake.

“Didn’t think you’d ever be one to say no to being the center of attention,” she called out as Brooke strode to the front of the group, wobbling only slightly in her heels.

Ethan, who agreed with his girlfriend’s assessment of the...outspoken Dr. Spiers, only snorted.

“You know me,” Brooke responded with a wink, holding her champagne glass high. “This is to Lilac. My first friend at Edenbrook during that tumultuous intern year—”

“—Yeah, until you ditched me to fast track to your cardiology fellowship—”

“—I said first friend, not last or only; god you’re a needy bitch.” Brooke paused as the room laughed at her snarky candor, Lilac the loudest of them all. “Also, I don’t think the words ‘fast track’ and ‘cardiology fellowship’ have ever been used in the same sentence, but thanks for the vote of confidence, babe.”

“Anyway,” she looked pointedly at Lilac, “what I was saying was, there is no greater gift in my mind than being able to toast this ultimate gem of a woman. The best and brightest in your field, the better half of one of the greatest medical partnerships known to man—”

Ethan rolled his eyes but, as he couldn’t dispute Brooke’s assessment, he simply pulled Dr. Allende closer instead.

“—and the most loyal and amazing person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” Brooke smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with mirth and affection. “Love you, girl. Thanks for all you’ve taught me and all you continue to do to have my back. To have all our backs.”

She raised her glass up in the air. “To Lilac!”

“To Lilac!” the room echoed, a unanimous affirmation of Brooke’s words, as the toastmaster in question downed her glass of champagne in one gulp, the other arm wrapped around Lilac, who had come in for a quick, grateful embrace.

“Alright!” Brooke turned to the group as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, one arm still around Dr. Allende’s shoulders. “Next?”  

“Eh-hrm,” a young woman with cascading, blonde hair caught everyone’s attention as she got up from her seat and sauntered to the front, taking her place where Brooke had stood previously. “I have a few words for our dear friend Lilac.”

An impish smile on Lilac’s lips grew wider while she gazed affectionately at her fellow friend, Dr. Marchia Bisognin.

“That’s my girl!” the birthday girl exclaimed loudly, hands clapping, unable to contain the tender pride expanding in her chest. Three years ago, Marchia wouldn’t even be able to stand in front of two people, let alone a small crowd. Yet, now, she found confidence, poise in herself—all thanks to Lilac.

“When I met you at that World Health Summit, I knew you were bound to get me into some trouble, babe,” Marchia shrugged, words laced with a hint of amusement, allowing a sheepish grin to spread across her face. “And I bet you’re going to get us into some shenanigans, too, tonight!”

A tide of uproarious laughter escaped the flock of beautiful women once again.

“But all of us wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, my dear,” she continued, a warm smile trembling to be released. “So, let me raise a toast to one of the most inspiring, brilliant, and thoughtful individuals I have ever known, Lilac Valentina Allende.”

Everyone cheered as Marchia raised her own glass, glittering under the golden light.

“May your life be filled with love, happiness, and of course,” she paused for a moment, a mischievous gleam evident in her eyes. “Lots of incredible, mind-blowing sex, because Lord knows you’re insatiable, babe.”

Lilac laughed out loud, while her handsome companion—the ever-stoic Dr. Ethan Ramsey—tried to hide the flush spreading across his cheeks that threatened to embarrass him.

Marchia approached the brunette doctor, lips curved into a beaming smile. Bodies crashing in an overjoyed hug, she leaned into her and added, “We all love you, babe.”

“Alright, who wants to go next?” Marchia asked, looking back at her friends and associates.

“Now that I’ve had a drink and I’ve loosened up a bit, I will.” Victoria stepped forward as everyone chuckled.

“This could take a while.” Lilac muttered.

“I’ve kept it short and sweet,” she quipped. “The first time I met Lilac, I nearly didn’t make it to the conference as my alarm didn't go off. I was running super late and only made it when someone held the door open for me to get into the lecture hall. It’s fair to say Lilac found it amusing which is why we sat next to each other and since then it’s been nothing but laughter and smiles.”

“You are the funniest and nicest person I’ve ever met and I’m so glad I am able to call you my friend. I can’t wait to move to Boston next year with Ben and I’m so excited that we’ll be in the same city. And Ethan, if you ever hurt her, just know that you’ll have to deal with all of us. Cheers!” Victoria raised her glass smiling.

“Wow, that really was short and sweet.” Lilac laughed.

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.” Victoria laughed. “Who’s next because I really want to get started on that buffet.”

“I’ll go,” said a young woman with bright red hair.

Natalie stood up, grabbing a nearby glass of champagne as she began her speech.

“First of all, happy birthday, Lilac. I hope this one, followed by every one after, is memorable and full of happiness! I’m so lucky to be surrounded by some of the most incredible women I’ve ever met. And, while I already knew Gen, Casey, and Charley from school, I never would have met everyone else if it hadn’t been for Lilac bringing us all together.”

“Lil, you light up every room you walk into and you’re the most badass bitch to ever walk this earth.” Natalie raised her glass towards the birthday girl. “I’m so proud of you and I’m so grateful to call you my friend. Happy birthday, babe. To Lilac!”

Everyone else followed suit, echoing her sentiments with their glasses raised in Lilac’s direction.

“All right, who’s next?” said Natalie.

“I’ll go!” Another blonde stepped forward, holding her glass high in the air.

“My dear friend, it’s truly been an honor to know you and watch you become the amazing doctor you are. I remember the first day we met, when Patrick introduced us when I went to visit him at UCLA. He said ‘I know you two will get along great’. Which I admit, I wasn’t completely convinced, because you were so outgoing and confident. I was the opposite. But, he was right. A shock, to us both I’m sure. Because when is he ever right?”

Genevieve giggled, causing Lilac to laugh as well. A knowing smile on both their faces.

“And I’m glad he was. Because knowing you has changed my life for the better. You’ve taught me so much, inspired me with your bravery and strength to never give up. And I thank you for that. So today of all days, I am so happy to celebrate you, Lilac Allende. Happy birthday!”

Gen tilted her glass towards her friend, smiling brightly.

“Okay who wants to go next? Because if I keep talking I’ll start crying.”

Dr. Cassie Valentine was too busy flirting with her fiance, Jackson, to notice her friends looking at her with amusement. If it hadn't been for Brooke loudly clearing her throat behind her and Casey tapping her feet to capture her attention, Cassie would have missed the entire point of the evening.

Glancing sheepishly at everyone, she stepped up to join her friends near the front of the room, grabbing a glass of champagne on the way.

"When my fellow Hopkins alum Vic first told me about Lilac and how she'd make a great co-chair for the Future Women Leaders in Medicine initiative, I was skeptical," she said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Sure, I'd heard about her exploits as an intern and her appointment to lead the famous Edenbrook Diagnostics team. But internal medicine always thinks they understand the human body better than psychiatry does the mind, so I kept my counsel. However, one meeting was all it took for me to realize that she is everything that people said she was, and a whole lot more than they can even fathom."

"She would be perfect," said Cassie with a laugh, "if only she'd realize that running actually is good for you rather than complaining endlessly about it. I love her anyway and couldn't ask for a better co-chair. To Lilac and defying expectations, one giant step at a time. Happy birthday, babe!"

With that, Cassie raised her glass in a salute and smiled at the woman whose lifelong friendship she’d treasure forever.

“Jill, Casey?” she asked, glancing at the two women left. “Which one of you wants to go next?”

“I’ll go.” Jill grinned radiantly and walked confidently to the front.

“Jesus Christ,” Ethan muttered under his breath. Jill was like the little sister he never wanted, so he could only dread the kind of speech she had prepared.

Jillian ran a hand through her ginger bronze hair as she joined the group of women, took a deep breath and faced the crowd with grace.

“When I came to visit Ethan all those years ago, the last thing I expected was to see him completely enraptured by an intern. I had known Ethan for years, and the Dr. Ramsey I saw was nothing like the one I knew. It was like I was staring at the best version of his grumpy self. Because that’s what Lilac did to him, she brought out his best. They weren’t together then, but I clearly remember thinking, ‘I have to get to know her’. Of course, Ethan being Ethan tried to prevent it, but he should’ve known most of the time I get away with what I want.”

That earned a few half-hearted laughs among the crowd. Even Ethan’s lips were slightly curled upwards, “I hate you.”

Jill smirked, but refrained herself from teasing Ethan further. This was for Lilac. She shook her head softly and focused once again on her speech for her friend.

“The moment I met Lilac, everything just clicked in my mind, it all made sense; I understood why my brother’s best friend was so floored by her, and honestly, so was I. With her quick wit and undenying charm, Lilac has a warm aura that just pulls you in, whether you’re a patient, a colleague, or a stranger; she has a way to make everyone feel cared for. Along with her brilliant mind, she has a heart of gold.”

“It’s been an honor getting to know her professionally, but even more personally, and I feel so grateful for her,” the ginger-haired doctor sent her a dazzling smile, “Lil, my darling, you’re one of the best things to ever happen to all of us. You made us a family, one that I would never change for anything in this world. Without you, I wouldn’t have met these wonderful ladies, and none of us would be the women we are today. You’re an inspiration to all of us.”

“So, on this day, I want to toast to you, to celebrate all that you are, in all your wonderful glory. Here’s to Lilac Allende, the most brilliant and promising doctor her age, and the best friend a girl could ask for. I hope we get to celebrate by your side many years to come. I love you, Lil. Happy birthday,” Jill raised her flute and took a demure sip.

“Jill, amiga!” Lilac pushed through and gave her a huge hug, the gesture speaking enough for both of them.

“That wasn’t so bad,” Ethan looked relieved.

“Figured I would save the humiliation for your birthday,” Jill winked at him, causing him to scoff. “Besides, this is for Lilac, not for you. Wait for your turn, old man.”

“Hilarious,” he rolled his eyes.

“Don’t call victory yet,” Jill whispered, pointing covertly to the last blonde. “Casey still can. And you know she’s the… wildest of us.”

Liliac stretched her neck to survey the room, she raised an eyebrow and smirked when she caught Casey, giggling at something (likely inappropriate) her boyfriend Tobias was whispering in her ear.  

“OK, MacTavish, can you save that mierda for later and get on with honoring me?” Liliac winked, “Some of us want to get to drinking and dancing, girl.”

Embarrassed, Casey jumped up from her seat, straightening her dress as she made her way to the front of the room.

“Hey, they were just saving the best for last,” Tobias heckled.

“Oh, Jesus, she’s not going to let him speak, is she?” Ethan grumbled.

Both women looked at their partners and all laughed when they playfully chided “Shut up!” at the same time.

Casey looked at Lilac and smiled, “We’ve gotta keep them in line!”

Lilac raised her glass and smiled, “You know it!” she said before downing her glass.

“Hey, wait! We didn’t finish the toast yet!” Gen called out, a half-filled champagne glass in her hand.

“She’s the birthday girl, she can do whatever she pleases,” Casey winked, “but, uhm, waiter, can we get a refill over here… for her? Thanks.”

“Anyway, I met Lilac poolside, during a conference in Key Biscayne our last year of med school,” continued Casey. “I remember thinking, who is this woman trying to one up me in that hot red bathing suit she had going on? But I didn’t actually meet her until we both made our way up to the bar to get one of the Penicillin cocktails they had lined up…”

She shrugged. “Hey neither of us named it… we thought it was tacky too.”

“Back to the story, some obnoxious man saw us approaching and he ran over and grabbed one of the two remaining drinks just before we arrived. We stared at each other, torn between our good-girl sides that were telling us to be polite, and our ‘I’m a broke med school student here for the free booze’ sides that really wanted to fight the other for the drink. Fortunately, a very handsome bartender named…”

“Miguel!” Lilac yelled.

“That’s right!” Casey laughed. “Miguel came up and said ‘Don’t worry ladies, there’s more where that came from.’ He placed a tray before us and walked off. Lilac and I looked at each other and, at the exact same time, said, ‘You take the drink, I’m going to get him’.”

All the women hollered at the punch line.

“That’s right!” Lilac laughed.

“Well, who won?” yelled Tobias as Ethan covered his face with a groan.  

“That’s not the point,” Casey smiled.

“Ah, that means Lilac won,” Tobias winked.

“Oh, Jesus, Christ…” Ethan sighed.

“It’s OK, babe, it was a long time ago,” said Lilac, patting his knee.

“Be that as it may,” interrupted Casey, “That was the day I knew I met an exceptional woman. Someone who knew when to be serious, knew when to have fun, someone who knew right from wrong and was going to fight like hell to make this world of medicine, the world itself, a better place.”

Casey raised her glass.

“Since then I have been proud to call her a colleague, but it is an even bigger honor to call her a friend. So, ladies and gentlemen, if you would please raise your glasses to the woman, the doctor, the legend… Lilac.”

We want to wish you a very happy birthday, Bree!! @jamespotterthefirst​ @messrprongs​

Natalie scanned the aisles of the baby store, looking at all the various supplies they would need. The nursery had already been painted and baby proofed. Now, the fun part began: shopping.

They still had a few months before their son was due but, being the planners that they are, Nat & Ethan wanted to leave nothing to chance. By the time the baby was born, they wanted to focus exclusively on him, and nothing else. Nat stopped in front of some rocking chairs and inspected each one, determining which she thought would be the most comfortable. Narrowing down her choices, she nodded to herself, then made her way over to the clothing section where she had last seen Ethan.

She found her husband standing in front of a rack of onesies, holding a small brown onesie in his hands, his thumbs running absent-mindedly over the fabric. “Hey E, will you come look at some rocking chairs and tell me which one you like better?” she said, approaching him.

Ethan didn’t immediately respond, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the onesie. Nat cocked her head to the side and lightly touched his shoulder. “E?”

He perked up at her touch and his eyes refocused. “Hm? Sorry, love. Did you say something?”

“Are you okay?” she asked.

He gave her a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

She studied him for a moment before determining that he was telling the truth. She looked down at the onesie in his hands and smiled. “Do you like that one?” she asked.

He looked back down at it, his eyes lighting up. “Is it ridiculous if I say yes?”

“Of course not!” Nat replied. “I think it’s cute! But I never pegged you as the type of person who’d want to dress up our baby in an animal onesie.”

“I’m not, usually, but…”

“But?”

He shrugged, sheepishly. “When I look at this, I have this image in my head of our son wearing this and I… I’m kind of obsessed with the idea.” He laughed. “I don’t know why, I just am.”

Natalie grinned. “Ethan, I love that idea. Let’s get it!”

“Really?”

“Really,” she nodded. “He’ll be our little bear cub.”

“I thought we were Rams for Ramsey?” he replied, smirking.

Nat shrugged. “When you find a cute ram onesie, we’ll talk about changing it. For now, he’ll be our little bear.”

Ethan beamed at her and placed the onesie in the basket he had been carrying. “For our little bear, then.”

------------------------

A Few Months Later

Ethan smiled down at his newborn son as he gently zipped up the onesie around his small body. Little Noah wiggled around and cooed at his father, making Ethan’s heart swell with overwhelming love. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his son’s forehead before picking him up and carrying him out into the living room.

Nat was sitting on the sofa, watching television when Ethan appeared with the baby in his arms. Nat’s face lit up at the sight of her son in the bear onesie they had bought for him all those months ago. “Hi my little Bear,” she said, her voice rising an octave as the baby was passed to her arms. “Look how cute you are!”

“I gotta say, Nat: we made one cute baby,” Ethan said, sitting down next to her.

Natalie smiled as little Noah wrapped his tiny hand around her index finger. “Yeah, we did. It helps that his father has such good taste in onesies,” she replied, looking at him.

He kissed her forehead and smiled down at their son. “He’s the cutest bear I’ve ever seen,” he said, quietly.

“Our little Noah Bear,” Nat replied.

Noah looked up at both his parents with his bright blue eyes and cooed. Ethan rested his chin on Natalie’s shoulder, his cheeks beginning to hurt from smiling so much. “I love you,” he whispered into Nat’s ear.

“I love you more,” she replied.

He kissed her cheek. “Never.”

A/N: Noah would outgrow the onesie, but this nickname would stick for life.

“Dad?” Noah said, quietly. They were sitting in the den, Noah and his sisters huddled together on the sofa, while Ethan sat in a large armchair, standing by the window. He hummed quietly in response to Noah’s question.

“Will you tell us about her?” He asked.

Ethan turned his head to look at his children, and his heart tightened. As much pain and torment as he was in, right now, it was likely nothing compared to what his children were feeling. They were young; they were only just now grasping how cruel the world could be… whereas Ethan had known for a long time. He thought he’d found peace and happiness after a lifetime of pain and hurt, only to have it ripped from his fingers in an instant. His heart was in pieces, never to be fully healed ever again. But he still had his children… their children. Her children.

The little boy who looked so much like Ethan but had her mannerisms and smile. The two little girls who were carbon copies of her, down to the flecks of green in both of their eyes. All three of them had a piece of her in them, and though it would never make up for her loss, it meant more than Ethan could ever say that a part of her lived on in the three beings they had made together.

Ethan hadn’t just lost his wife; his children had lost their mother. And right now, they wanted to know more about her. They wanted to keep her alive in their memories. The least he could do was oblige.

He gave his children a small smile and nodded. “What would you like to know?”

“Everything,” Evie replied.

Ethan’s smile grew and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Your mother… she was everything. She lit up every room she walked into, she had a laugh that was so infectious, it caused everyone else around her to laugh too. She had such a warm, open personality. All it took was one smile from her, and everyone who met her fell in love.”

His children were enraptured, hanging onto his every word. His heart sped up at the memories of Natalie’s smile, the twinkle in her eyes when she was about to laugh, the feel of her lips on his. God, he missed her. He missed her so much.

“She had a heart of gold,” he continued. “She became a doctor because she wanted to help people; and help people, she did. She saved so many lives and changed countless others for the better. In her intern year, she stole a potentially life saving medicine for a patient just so that patient could travel the world. She nearly lost her medical license for it but she would have done it again in a heartbeat if it meant that someone got to truly live. 

“She saved Grandpa Naveen’s life too. When I had given up on finding him a cure, she kept going and found the solution that would save his life. He told me he’s always been grateful to her for that…

“She changed my life too. Before I met her, I was a shell of a person. I didn’t have much to live for except work, and I thought that it was enough. God, I was so wrong. She came into my life like a shooting star, lighting up everything that had previously been dark. I didn’t realize how much I needed the light until she brought it to me.

“Your mother…” his voice cracked, and he wiped away the tears that were starting to fall. “She gave me a reason to believe in love. She made me believe in soulmates. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for her. She didn’t just change my life… she made it better.”

He got out of the chair and moved towards his children on the couch, crouching down in front of them. “I miss your mother so much. I will miss her for the rest of my life. But I’m so grateful for the time I had with her. I’m grateful to her for so many things, but especially because she gave me you three. I see so much of her in you. My two beautiful little girls who look just like her, and my sweet Bear who inherited her kind heart.” 

Ethan took their hands in his, and squeezed. “I’m so sorry she was taken from us. I’m so sorry that we couldn’t save her. But I promise you this: I will always be here. Anytime you need me, I will be here for you. You three are my greatest treasures, and I will protect you and love you, now and always. I love you three, so much.”

He opened his arms and Noah, Evie, and little Lydia squeezed themselves into his embrace. Ethan held them closely, burying his face into their hair.

“I love you,” he whispered to his children.

“We love you more, Dad,” Noah and Evie replied. Little Lydia nodded in agreement.

Ethan kissed the tops of their heads and held them tighter. “Never,” he whispered.

A/N: *hides*

Natalie watched as Ethan schmoozed and networked with investors and stakeholders, smiling to herself. Ethan may have hated these types of events, but she had to admit: he was good. His charming smile and assertive manner made for quite the impression and nearly everyone he spoke to left dazzled by the Great Ethan Ramsey.

As he split from the latest investor he was speaking to, he walked over to her and smiled, making her heart skip a beat. He leaned down and kissed her softly. She smiled up at him when they broke apart. “I know this isn’t your cup of tea, but you’re kind of rocking it out there,” she said.

He shrugged. “Thanks. Like it or not, we need investors and stakeholders and if I have to schmooze a few to ensure the hospital continues to thrive, I’m willing to suffer through it.”

“Well, just know, your sacrifice is appreciated,” Nat said, laughing.

Ethan rolled his eyes and smiled, before looking back out over the crowd of people. Natalie noticed when he spotted someone, as his body straightened up immediately. She expected a look of grudging acceptance of his fate, but instead she saw his eyes light up and a beaming smile grace his lips. “Elizabeth!” he exclaimed.

Natalie followed his gaze to find a beautiful blonde woman, around Ethan’s age, approach them, smiling. “Well, I’ll be damned,” she said in a lilting British accent. “Ethan Ramsey, in the flesh.”

The two embraced tightly, and Natalie couldn't help but notice how at ease the two seemed with each other. When they separated, Ethan gestured to Natalie. “Nat, this is an old friend of mine, Elizabeth White. Liz, this is Dr. Natalie Cusack. She’s Co-Head of the Diagnostics Team with me and a brilliant doctor all around.”

Elizabeth smiled warmly at Natalie and shook her head. “Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Cusack.”

“Natalie’s just fine,” Nat replied, returning the woman’s smile. Is this the same Liz as his Undergrad girlfriend? She thought to herself. And why didn’t he introduce me as his girlfriend? He always introduces me as his girlfriend first.

Natalie shook her head, trying to get the thoughts that were flooding her brain to quiet down. As she tuned back into the conversation, she watched Ethan and Elizabeth converse with practiced ease. “What are you doing here?” Ethan asked.

“Same as you: working,” she replied. “I’m working with some non-profit organizations to boost their donations and public awareness. Basically, I’m doing a lot of schmoozing.”

Ethan laughed. “We have that in common, then.”

“Still hating every second of it?” she asked.

He nodded, chuckling. “Absolutely.”

“Good to know some things never change, then.”

Natalie listened to the conversation, contributing where she could, as unease settled into her stomach. What was wrong with her? Was she… jealous? Noooo. She wasn’t the jealous type. It wasn’t like her to feel this way around other women, especially Ethan’s exes. Granted, the only other ex she had ever met was Harper, but Harper was a trusted colleague and friend. And Nat had never been jealous of Harper, ever. 

So, why was Elizabeth different?

“And how is dear Tobias?” she heard Elizabeth ask. “Are you two still causing trouble everywhere you go?”

“Us? Never!” Ethan replied, exaggeratedly.

God, there was so much history here. Probably more than Nat had ever realized. She looked over Elizabeth again and couldn’t help but compare the older woman to herself.

Elizabeth exuded elegance, dressed in a designer navy blue pantsuit, her blonde hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. Meanwhile, Nat was in an old black cocktail dress she bought for her Undergrad School graduation and her hair was down, in its natural wavy state, frizzing up due to the humidity from the afternoon’s previous rainstorm. By comparison, Nat didn’t hold a torch to Elizabeth. And with every passing moment, Natalie felt more and more inadequate. And all she wanted to do was get the hell out of here.

Blessedly, someone called Elizabeth’s name from across the room and the woman smiled sheepishly. “Duty calls,” she said. She hugged Ethan again as she said her goodbyes. “It was absolutely lovely to see you, Ethan. And it was a delight meeting you, Natalie.”

“Likewise,” Nat said, forcing a smile.

She watched as Elizabeth walked away and fought the urge to hide in the nearest bathroom and scream into a hand towel.

Ethan turned his attention back to Nat and furrowed his brows, a look of concern shadowing his features. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head. “I’m not feeling very well,” she said. “Can we get out of here?”

“Of course.” Without wasting another moment, Ethan ushered the two of them out of the event and back into the car. The entire ride back home, Ethan continued to check on her, asking if she was alright; Nat merely hummed in response, staring out the window the entire time. Her thoughts were racing in her head and she couldn’t quiet them enough to think of a better response.

By the time they got home, Ethan was nearly at his wit’s end trying to figure out what was wrong. “Nat, please talk to me. You’re starting to scare me.”

She was staring out the patio door, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.

“Nat?”

A reasoning voice sounded off in her head. Tell him! You’re the one who insists on communication. Tell him what’s wrong. The tears she’d been holding back started to fall, and she sucked in a deep breath. “You didn’t introduce me as your girlfriend.”

“What?”

She sniffled, and forcibly wiped the escaping tears away. “When you introduced me to Elizabeth. You didn’t introduce me as your girlfriend. You always introduce me as ‘This is my girlfriend, Natalie, my Co-Head of Diagnostics.’ Instead, it was just ‘Dr. Cusack.’”

“I-- I’m sorry, Nat. I didn’t realize that was important to you.”

“Well, it is!” She snapped. She covered her face with her hand and fought the sob that wanted to escape. “Sorry,” she whispered.

“Nat, will you look at me, please?” Ethan said, stepping closer to her.

She sniffled and did as he asked. His eyes flashed with concern as he looked over the devastation on her face. “Nat--”

“I know it’s stupid,” she said, pulling away from him. “We’re adults, I shouldn’t be upset that you didn’t call me your girlfriend but she’s your ex and it’s the first time I met her and instead of being introduced as your girlfriend, I was just introduced as your colleague and--” she was rambling now, “and it just made me feel less than, okay?!

“She’s fucking perfect. She has the designer suits, the accomplishments, the hair, and she’s blonde and I--” she looked down at herself, “I’m not. I don’t have any of that.” She wrapped her arms around herself again, a protective position she’d had since she was a child. 

“Oh, Nat,” Ethan said. He slowly stepped toward her again.

“I know, it’s stupid. I’m just being stupid.”

“Don’t you dare say that about yourself,” Ethan said, firmly. He stepped closer to her again, closing the distance between them. “Natalie, baby, listen to me.” He placed his fingers under her chin and moved her face so she was looking at him. “You are not stupid, in any way at all. Your feelings are valid, remember that.”

He cupped her cheeks with his hands and used his thumbs to gently wipe away her tears. “First of all, I want to apologize for not introducing you as my girlfriend. You’re right, I didn’t introduce you with that title first and I should have. But I’m just so damn proud of you that I wanted to showcase your accomplishments. It didn’t occur to me that my omitting ‘girlfriend’ would have hurt you. I’m sorry that it did and I’ll be sure not to make that mistake again.

“Secondly, Elizabeth might be accomplished in her career field but that doesn’t make you any less accomplished than she is. You’re the youngest fellow the Diagnostics Team has ever had, not to mention Co-Head of said team. You saved Naveen’s life as an intern and you’re paving the way to make healthcare more affordable for those without insurance. These aren’t things to sniff at, Nat. You’re making more of a difference than you realize.

“And thirdly, designer suits and nice hair don’t define a person, my love. You are a phenomenal person just the way you are, and you don’t need anything fancy to prove that. That being said, if you want the designer suits, I’m more than happy to give you my card and let you go shopping.”

A small smile appeared on Nat’s lips and she shook her head. Ethan returned her smile. “Lastly,” he continued, “Liz may be my ex, yes. But that period ended for us a long time ago. She’s happily married now and I consider her to be nothing more than a dear friend. You, on the other hand, are everything to me. You are the love of my life and nothing is going to change that, Natalie. Nothing.” She sniffled and he wiped more escaped tears away. “Baby, you are the woman I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. You are the one that I want day and night. And it doesn’t matter to me whether you’re in a designer suit or sweat pants and an oversized t-shirt; you are fucking beautiful and perfect in my eyes, always.”

Natalie nodded and sniffled again. “I’m sorry. I feel like such a dick, now.”

Ethan shook his head and pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing the top of her head. “Don’t feel that way. You’re allowed to feel the things you feel. Just, don’t shut me out again, okay? I can’t ease your concerns if you don’t tell me about them.”

Nat nodded. “Okay, I promise.”

“I love you, Nat. Always.”

“I love you too.”

They held each other for a long moment before Ethan pulled back and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “And for the record,” he whispered against her skin, “I much prefer redheads.”

Natalie giggled and Ethan grinned before kissing her soundly on the lips, letting the last of her worries fade away.