When Worlds Collide

SURPRISE!

"Congratulations Maya, you are cleared for duty. You're still going to have to take it a little easy, but I have no issues with you returning to full duty status. I'll send the paperwork over to Captain Herrera and Chief Ross."
"Thanks Doctor Altman. I've been going bonkers at the desk. Andy's been a real hard ass since Carina got so pissed I went on that burn call."
"She worries about you Maya. Listen, I've got the distinct privilege to have seen it firsthand, remember? You are Carina's world. She is amazing and brilliant and fearless, but all her accomplishments pale in comparison to the love me and everyone who knows the both of you have witnessed."
Maya looked down at her wedding ring and spun it on her finger. She felt her cheeks flush at hearing how important she was to her wife. Maya knew Carina loved her, but hearing Teddy say it, it was something Maya didn't realize she needed to hear.
"We should be finding out any day now if the IVF was successful. I'm staying positive. But I know that Carina will be shattered if it doesn't take. So...ummm...well...I-I was wondering something. Did this crush injury create an issue if I need to carry?"
Teddy blinked and leaned back in her chair with her mouth open. Knowing both Maya and Carina had given Teddy the opportunity to see the dynamic of their relationship. Carina had confided in her when Maya had stated that she couldn't see herself even thinking about getting pregnant because it would end her firefighting career. Hearing Maya ask the question was definitely something Teddy never imagined.
"Well, my specialty isn't your wife's field, but from my professional perspective, I do honestly believe you would be able to successfully carry a child. You are in amazingly strong shape Maya, your dedication to your body has earned you that privilege. But...well, you know it would completely alter your future as a firefighter?"
"I do know. It's something I never thought I wanted, but when Carina and I went for the procedure and I...well, I can't explain it exactly except that watching my wife and seeing her face, holding her hand, getting that ultrasound printout...something in my heart pushed past all my hesitations that my head has been controlling."
Teddy nodded and smiled. She and Carina had gone for coffee a few days prior and Carina had made an offhand comment about how attentive and protective Maya had been since the embryo insemination. She had also said that Maya had been asking questions about the stages of pregnancy and what was this and that. Now it was making sense to Teddy, Maya was genuinely committed to making sure that she and Carina could have another child.
"Maya, I have to say, you've come a long way from the last crush injury and honestly, sitting here with you now, I see so much of that woman who genuinely told Doctor Deluca that she loved her. It was pure and simple and I'm so happy I got to see it."
The intercom buzzed and a moment later Maya's phone dinged. Teddy picked up the receiver as Maya pulled her phone out of her jacket pocket.
Teddy was hanging up as Maya was responding to her text.
"That was Andy at the station, she needs me to come in. Are we all set? I can bring her the paperwork if you'd like me to?"
"No, it's fine, that was Chief Ross asking how our consult went. She's up to speed and you can let Andy know I'll send the paperwork over. Now go on, get back to work."
Maya stood up and reached out to shake Teddy's hand. Teddy extended her hand and grabbed Maya's in both of hers.
"Be careful, ok? I don't want to see you as my patient for a long time, got it?"
Maya smiled and nodded before turning and heading out the door back to Station 19.

As Maya walked the three blocks from Grey-Sloan to Station 19 she tried calling Carina.  She had thought that her wife was going to be at work but when she stopped on her way out, Carina's office was empty and Liam wasn't in the daycare center.  The voicemail message started and Maya waited for the beep.
"Hey babe, I just tried looking for you and Liam, where are you guys?  Doctor Altman gave me the all clear so I am heading back to work now.  Let me know where you are please? I love you."
Shoving her phone back in her pocket, Maya walked up and into the station.  There was nobody at the desk and the captain's office was empty.  Maya stuck her head out in the barn and called out but there was no answer. Taking the stairs two at a time, Maya got to the top of the landing and peeked at the dorm area to find that quiet as well.  She turned and opened the door to the beanery and almost jumped.
"SURPRISE!"
Everyone was there, including Carina and Liam.  Maya smiled shyly as Vic bounded over and embraced her in a huge hug. 
"I'm so happy your back, isn't this like THE BEST reason to celebrate? Oh and yeah, cause it's your BIRTHDAY too!!"
Andy took the cue and started singing encouraging everyone to join in as Travis made his way over toward Maya, holding a cake.  Maya laughed when she read it, 'Lt. Maya Bishop, CRUSHING her Birthday!'.
Vic linked her arm through Maya's and led her to the table where Carina was holding Liam and absolutely beaming.  Liam started kicking and smiling when he saw Maya so she took him and looked around at everyone.
"And here I thought I'd be able to quietly get through my birthday. But seriously, thanks guys, this is really nice."
"Hey, we're happy to have you back to full duty AND be able to eat cake...it being your birthday wasn't the first reason!"
Andy put her arm around Maya's shoulder and squeezed.  Maya noticed Chief Ross and squinted at her.  Natasha smiled and nodded.
"It really was me who called Doctor Altman, but that was to make sure she kicked you out and got you back here.  Welcome back to active duty Bishop...and happy birthday."
Maya felt like a goofball from smiling so much, but it was a good feeling for sure.  Things had been quiet for the past two weeks,  Maya had even gotten the nightmare down to only a handful of times.  Things were finally feeling smooth and Maya was determined to embrace the tranquility.  She spotted Diane in the corner and nodded to her as Diane smiled and nodded back.  Vic held out her hands and Maya handed Liam over before turning and reaching out for Carina to pull her close.
"And here I was worried that you weren't at work when you were here planning this surprise.  Thank you my love."
Carina leaned down and rubbed noses with Maya before giving her a quick kiss.
"Ti amo Bella.  When Teddy told me she was going to clear you for duty I asked Andy if we could celebrate that with your birthday.  I know how much you don't like making a big deal, but I do.  I want everyone to celebrate my beautiful, hot wife."
"Well, I hope this isn't the only celebrating you and I are going to do?"
"Oh of course not!  I've already asked Peggy and Dayna to watch Liam on Saturday.  I'm taking you out Bambina."
Maya smiled but followed it up with a small lip pout.
"And here I thought we were going to celebrate more...intimately."
"Who says we aren't?  I'm taking you out to dinner, but dessert is going to be served at home."
Carina's eyes sparkled as she smiled at Maya and kissed her again.