relationship/friendship. Who is to say that has to end?" In the ninth season, Jackson started a relationship with intern Stephanie Edward. Williams gave his insight: "That's a relationship that is fun, light, and no strings attached. She's sweet. She's funny. They aren't bogged down by these big notions of each other. Jackson later declares his love for April at her wedding to EMT Matthew. They get married and have a child together, but he dies shortly after birth. Distraught and searching for purpose, April turns to the army and goes on tour with Owen, leaving Jackson at Grey-Sloan Memorial. After extending her leave several times, Jackson gives April an ultimatum that if she does not return immediately to Seattle, their relationship is over. April does not immediately return, and when she finally does, Jackson feels that April does not respect his needs in the relationship, especially after losing a child. The two try to make it work, but eventually come to the decision to end their marriage. April discover she's pregnant the day of their divorce proceedings, but does not disclose this until after the papers have been signed. In the fourteenth season Jackson begins a relationship with Maggie Pierce. That continues to deepen during season 15, and the couple move in together. However after a disagreement on a camping trip, they decide to end things. Jackson was involved in a brief relationship with Victoria Hughes (from Station 19), and then a friends with benefits arrangement that took place during the Covid lockdown with Jo Wilson. Jackson was unattached when he left Boston (and the show) at the end of Season 17. He was leaving with his ex-wife and mother of his child, April Kepner, and it was implied that there could be a reunion. On the show's 400th episode, Jackson and April returned to Seattle with Harriet for business and to see his mother who was battling cancer. At the end of the episode, the couple embrace and kiss in the elevator, indicating that they have reunited while living in Boston. Reception Margaret Lyons of Entertainment Weekly wrote the addition of Avery's character to the show was one of the 10 reasons she loves Grey's Anatomy again: "Dr. Avery wasn't quite clicking as part of the ensemble when Jesse Williams first joined the cast. But now? Oh, mama. He's flirty — to a fault — but he's also a