“I think they’re going to build a life together,” McKidd explained. “I think it’s beautiful.”

To leave on a high-note with his longtime scene partner Raver—who McKidd called a “consummate professional”—also felt perfect for his character. 

“Owen’s evolved quite a lot,” he reasoned. “The dynamic between Teddy and Owen was Teddy was kind of following Owen and going where he was leading. She was kind of chasing after him, almost. I think it was time for Owen to follow her.”

Of course, a happy ending also leaves the OR door open.

“It doesn’t feel like it’s goodbye because I’m going to be back as a director probably within the next two months,” McKidd reasoned, going on to tease, “And who knows? Maybe Owen will get sick of Paris and need a fix of Seattle.”

For more of Grey’s Anatomy‘s most shocking moments, keep reading…