HI everyone- thanks again for all your reviews- you were all certainly steamed about that cliffie ;) In this chapter, it's pretty much all about Seamus, Gabriel and Lavender. Next chapter we head back to Jon and Allie!
Seamus blinked for a few moments. "What?" he finally uttered.
"You're my----" Gabriel started to repeat.
"Seamus!" Lavender whined stalking into the room. "If you are not ready in ten minutes, I am leaving without you!"
Relieved at the distraction, Gabriel hurried out of the room.
'Wait just a minute," Seamus ignored his wife and ran after him. "Gabriel wait!"
"Seamus, what's going on?" Taryn called after him. "Do I need to call the guards?"
"No," Seamus hurried by her and caught up to the young man. "You wait just a minute! You can't show up in there and tell me what you did and then just leave!"
"It doesn't matter," Gabriel said shaking his head.
"Yes it does," Seamus said. "If you're my son I want you in my life!"
"You don't believe me, do you?" Gabriel asked.
"I assume you can back this up?" Seamus asked.
"I have my birth certificate and my mother's word," Gabriel said. "She's never lied to me. You believe what you want, I don't care. I'm going home."
"Seamus what's going on?" Lavender appeared in the doorway, having heard everything they had just said.
"In a minute, Lav," Seamus turned toward her. When he turned back around, Gabriel was gone. "Shite!"
He strode past his wife and back into his office where Taryn stood gathering up some papers. "I want you to find out anything you can on Gabriel Boyd and Samantha Boyd."
"What the hell is this about?" Lavender followed her husband. "Why was that boy saying he was your son?"
"Your son?" Taryn echoed staring at her boss.
"I need an address," Seamus barked. "Right now!"
Taryn picked up the discarded folder on the floor and scanned the paperwork inside.
"317 Oak Park Drive," Taryn read aloud. "Pasadena."
"Thank you," Seamus said. "I'll be back soon Lav."
"Seamus!" Lavender exclaimed, but her husband was already out the door.
Gabriel took the bus back home to his grandparents' house. His grandfather was still at work, but his grandmother was working in the garden. She beamed at him.
"How was the campus tour?" Margaret Boyd asked her grandson. "Gabe?"
"I need to be alone right now Gran," Gabriel said. "I'm sorry..." he ran into the house.
Margaret went in after him. "Gabe, what is it? Did something happen?"
"Nothing." he muttered. "Nothing at all."
"I wish you'd have let me and Lewis come with you today," Margaret said putting her hand on his knee.
Gabriel only shook his head. "Gran I went to see my father," he confessed.
"Oh," Margaret said quietly. "Gabe..."
"Yeah," Gabriel scuffed his foot along the floor.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Margaret asked gently.
"I didn't want you to tell me not to go," Gabriel admitted.
"I wouldn't have said that," she said putting her arm around him. "I would have offered to go with you. I wouldn't have wanted you to go through that alone."
"He seemed nice enough I guess, but I don't think he believed me," Gabriel said.
"I told Samantha she should have said something to him," Margaret said shaking her head. "He had a right to know he had a son."
"His name is on my birth certificate right?" Gabriel asked. "How come she didn't want him to know? How come she never told me all this time?"
"Yes, his name is on the birth certificate," Margaret confirmed. "And she loved him so much, Gabe. But she didn't think he loved her in the same way. Things between them were cooling off when she found out she was pregnant with you and she didn't want to use you to hold on to him."
Gabriel sighed. "I just wish I'd known..."
"She did what she thought was best, Gabe," Margaret said in defence of her daughter.
"I miss her a lot," Gabriel replied quietly.
"I do too," Margaret said hugging him to her. "She would be so proud of you. I wish she could have seen your graduation...."
"I'm going to be the best doctor," Gabriel said, his voice trailing off as a taxi pulled up to the front of the house.
"What is it?" Margaret asked. "Lewis home early?"
"No," Gabriel said, swearing silently as he watched his father get out and approach the front door.
"I hope it's not that vacuum salesman again," Margaret said when she heard the doorbell. "How many times do I have to tell that idiot no?"
"It's not," Gabriel said, wanting to run out the back door. "It's him."
"I'll go and get the door then," Margaret said squeezing his hand. "It'll be okay, Gabe."
Gabriel sat down on the sofa, wiping his sweaty palms on his dress pants.
Margaret opened the door and stared at the man who had been the centre of her daughter's universe. It had been years since she'd seen him. "Hello, Seamus."
"Margaret," Seamus was surprised she remembered him. "How... how are you?"
"We're doing okay," she said forcing a smile. "Come on inside."
"Thank you," he followed her in. "Um... Gabriel came to see me... I had no idea about Sam. I'm so sorry."
"She was sick for quite some time," Margaret said motioning for him to have a seat. "Cancer. I think that's one of the main reasons Gabe wants to be a doctor."
"He must be very smart," Seamus said.
"Valedictorian of his class," Margaret said proudly picking up a photo frame from the mantle and showing it to Seamus. "That was him on his graduation day."
"Wow," Seamus said. "He... he really looks like me. He's got Sam's eyes though."
"He does," Margaret said nodding. "And he's a good kid, too. Lewis and I are very proud of him. He's going to USC in the fall. Pre-med."
"That's fantastic," Seamus replied. "Did he come home? I'd really like to see him."
"He's here, but I'm not sure that now is a good time," Margaret said. "He just found out himself right before Sam passed, Seamus."
"I know but..." Seamus ran his hands through his hair. "Look I'm leaving for England in a few hours for the next two months. I won't be back until the fall."
Gabriel stood in the doorway. "Its okay, Gran."
Seamus stood up as he looked at the young man. "I'm sorry you felt you had to run out of there," he said quickly. "The news came as a bit of a shock."
"To me too," Gabriel said leaning against the door.
"I'll get you something to drink," Margaret offered. "What can I get you Seamus? I know what Gabe wants."
"I'm okay," Seamus said. "Thanks though." he looked back at Gabriel.
"I'm fine," Gabriel told his grandmother.
"I'll be outside if you need me," Margaret said touching his arm.
Seamus waited until they were alone. "If I had known," he said. "I'd have been here long before this."
"Did you love her?" Gabriel asked quietly.
Seamus was thoughtful. "I cared about her a great deal. I think at one point yes, I did love her, but we grew apart."
"She didn't want to tie you down," Gabriel said. "That's why she didn't tell you. At least that's what my Gran says."
"I would have been here for you," Seamus said. "And for her- especially if I'd known she was sick. Your mum was an amazing woman Gabriel. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that."
"She wouldn't have wanted your pity," Gabriel said bitterly.
Seamus drew his eyebrows together. "Can I ask why you seem to be angry with me?"
"She worked two jobs, did you know that?" Gabriel asked. "We lived in a small apartment. I used to stay with my grandparents until she got off work."
"I didn't know," Seamus said quietly. "I haven't heard from her since a few months after we broke things off."
"You didn't care," Gabriel said. "If you're thinking I'm after your money, you're wrong. If you think she was, you're wrong. She could have gone to the papers about the big shot director's bastard child. But she didn't do that. And if you're thinking I'd do that..."
"I don't care if you do," Seamus interrupted him. "Gabriel, I didn't know all right? If I had, your mother would not have had to work two jobs. You'd have been in the best school I could get you in. I'd have been a part of your life from day one."
"It's too late to change anything," Gabriel said walking over to the window and lookout out at the front yard where his grandmother was tending to her rose bushes.
"No it isn't," Seamus said. "That's why you came to see me. Not just to meet me, but you were curious weren't you?"
"Yeah," Gabriel admitted.
"Well," Seamus began. "I would like to get to know you better."
"You're leaving," Gabriel said. "You said yourself..."
"I know this is last minute, but you could come with," Seamus suggested. "We'll only be gone over the summer, so you'd be back in time to start at school."
"To England?" Gabriel asked incredulously.
"Sure," Seamus said.
"I don't know," Gabriel said.
"Come on," Seamus coaxed. "It'd be the perfect opportunity."
"I've never been overseas," Gabriel admitted. "I don't even have a passport."
Seamus's smile faltered for a moment. How was he going to explain his magical abilities to his son?
"Maybe when you come back, we could have lunch or something," Gabriel said. "You should go, Mr. Finnigan. I'm sure your wife is ready to leave and you don't want to miss your flight."
"If I can manage it, will you go?" Seamus asked. "Please Gabriel? I really would like us to get to know each other."
"You can't get me a passport on such short notice," Gabriel said shaking his head. "It's a nice thought, Mr. Finnigan, but it's okay."
"If I can manage it," Seamus said again. "Will you come?"
Gabriel did want to get to know this man better. He had so many questions he wanted to ask and so many things he needed to know. "If you can manage it, I'll go."
"Great," Seamus smiled. "Why don't you pack up- don't worry about leaving anything, whatever you need I'll get you once we're there."
"What time is the flight?" Gabriel asked. "Shouldn't you arrive a couple of hours before the departure?"
"I'll tell you everything once I come back." Seamus promised.
"A boat?" Gabriel asked pulling a confused face. "Mr. Finnigan..."
"You can trust me Gabriel," Seamus told him.
And somehow, Gabriel did trust him. "Okay. What...what time will you be back?"
"An hour," Seamus said. "Think you'll be ready?"
"I think so," Gabriel said. "My grandparents..."
"Will they mind?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," Gabriel said. "I could ask..."
"Sure," Seamus didn't want to seem pushy. "I understand."
"You don't have to do this," Gabriel said. "I know you're busy and that woman in your office said that you were going to be shooting some big film. I'd just be in the way."
"You are most definitely not in the way," Seamus said firmly. "I want you to be there Gabriel."
"I'll go and ask her," Gabriel said brushing past Seamus and out the door.
Seamus walked over to the fireplace and stared at the photos that adorned the mantle.
He smiled as he spied one in particular of Samantha holding a three or four year old Gabriel. There was suddenly no question in his mind that this young man was his son- the smile and the way Gabriel held himself in the photo was exactly the way Seamus did.
His mobile phone started to ring and Seamus knew immediately who it was.
"Lav," he said when he answered it.
"What's going on?" she asked shrilly.
"Calm down," he said. "I can't explain this over the phone all right?"
"Then come home and tell me," Lavender said quietly. "Seamus..."
"I'll be there in just a little while," he said in a soothing tone. "Lav I need you to do me a huge favour."
"What?" she asked.
"I need you to go find John Turner," he said, referring to a wizard who was a government official that owed him a favour. "Tell him I need a passport in the name of Gabriel Boyd and I need it in an hour."
"Okay," she said. "But you better tell me exactly what's going on when you get home."
"I promise I will sweetheart," Seamus said. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said softly.
Seamus had just clicked off his phone when Seamus and Margaret came back into the house.
"You can use your grandfather's luggage," Margaret told Gabriel. "It's in the attic."
"So you're going?" Seamus asked, a smile touching the corners of his mouth.
Gabriel nodded and hurried back toward his bedroom.
"You promise me that you'll look out for him?" Margaret asked.
"I swear it," Seamus said. "He's my son..."
"And he's all that Lewis and I have left of Sam," Margaret said. "I don't want him hurt."
"I promise he won't be," Seamus said. "I want to start giving him opportunities that I couldn't give him before."
"I'd like to know where he'll be staying," Margaret said.
"My wife and I have a place in London," Seamus reached into his pocket for a card. "This is the phone number and address." he wrote down his mobile number on the back. "And this number you can reach me on at anytime. I'll make sure to tell my assistants that you and your husband can reach me anytime no matter what."
"She's okay with this?" Margaret asked warily. "Your wife, I mean?"
"She will be," Seamus said. "Lav's not a cruel woman. She's going to be surprised but she'll treat Gabriel well."
"I hope so," Margaret said. "I'll just go and see if Gabe needs any help."
"I've got to go and settle a few things," Seamus said. "I'll be back in about an hour to pick him up."
Margaret nodded and went to help her grandson pack.
Lavender was anything but calm. She was pacing back and forth in the sitting room of the mansion wondering what on earth was going on. Seamus' government contact had rushed over a passport and she had no idea why.
"You know anything about this kid, Taryn?" she asked Seamus' assistant. "Anything?"
"He was raised in Sacramento," Taryn answered. "And then moved here with his mother a few years back. She died three months ago and he lives with her parents." she looked at Lavender sympathetically. "I'm sure Seamus will explain it all."
"He'd better," Lavender muttered.
"The boy did look a lot like him," Taryn volunteered. "The resemblance was pretty uncanny..."
"He did," Lavender reluctantly admitted. When she'd first spotted Gabriel, it had been like going back in time to when she'd met Seamus at Hillsdale.
"No matter what, he loves you," Taryn said. "In all the years I've worked for him, he's never been so crazy for another woman."
"I know that," Lavender said. "It's just not everyday that some strange person shows up claiming to be..."
Her voice trailed off when she heard the front door open.
"Seamus!" she hollered, running into the front hall. "What ON EARTH is going on here?"
"I don't even know where to begin, Lav," Seamus said with a sigh.
"Gabriel Boyd," Lavender thrust the passport at him. "He's your son?"
Seamus looked past his wife at Taryn. "Taryn, can you check on the flight schedules to London. We need the first available."
"I thought we were taking a portkey," Lavender crossed her arms.
"You still can," Seamus said. "But he doesn't know what we are, Lavender. I don't think now is the time to spring this on him."
"Seamus," Lavender said. "Please tell me what's going on. How is this boy your son and how have you not known him all these years?"
Taryn excused herself to go check with the airlines leaving the couple alone. Seamus took his wife's hand and led her back into his office. They sat down on the sofa.
"You remember me telling you about a woman named Samantha Boyd?" he asked her.
"Vaguely," Lavender said. "You dated her after we broke up right?"
"Aye," Seamus said. "I met her right after I arrived here in the States."
"So... you two have a son together," Lavender wrapped her arms around herself.
"I didn't know and neither did Gabriel," Seamus said quickly. "When we broke things off, I thought that was it. If I had known..."
"You'd have been there," Lavender said quietly.
"You wouldn't believe how close they live to us," Seamus said shaking his head. "All this time, he was here and I didn't even know it."
"I just have to ask," Lavender said. "Is this her way of trying to worm into your life? Does she want child support?"
"Sam wasn't like that," Seamus said softly. "She...she died three months ago, Lavender."
"Oh," Lavender pressed her lips together. "I'm sorry..."
"Apparently, she told Gabriel about me right before she died," Seamus said tears welling up in his eyes. "I know this is crazy, Lavender. But when I went to see him, I knew. He's my son. And he's so angry..."
"I think that's understandable," Lavender put her hand on her husband's arm. "You have to prove to him that you want to be a part of his life."
"Which is why I asked him to come with us to England," Seamus said looking at his wife. "I'd understand if you weren't ready for that, but I really want to do this. He's not led an easy life, Lavender. Sam was working two jobs to support him."
"I understand Seamus," Lavender said. "He seems like a very nice young man."
Seamus hugged his wife. "You don't know how much this means to me, Lavender."
"You have a son," Lavender's eyes filled with tears. "And he needs you." she buried her face in his shoulder. "I wish I had given you kids now."
"It's okay," Seamus said holding her close. "Sweetheart, I wouldn't have changed anything about our life."
"Do you think he'd accept me too?" Lavender wiped her eyes. "I don't want to take his mother's place of course but--"
"That's why I want him to come with us," Seamus said softly. "So we can get to know him and he can get to know us. And I'll have to make a stop in Ireland too so my parents can meet him."
Lavender nodded. "Right," she said. "And he's going to come for the whole time we're there?"
"Yes," Seamus nodded. "He doesn't start school until September." A proud smile broke across his face. "He's going to be a doctor, Lav."
"I think that's wonderful," she touched his cheek. "Seems like you've got a lot to be proud of."
Taryn came back into the room. "Three seats, first class. British Airways departing at 6:15 this evening. Best I could do on short notice."
"Thanks Taryn," Seamus said.
"Listen, I think I'll go on ahead with the portkey," Lavender said. "I'll have a room set up for him so it's ready when you both get there- you'll be quite tired by that point."
Seamus gave her a kiss. "Thank you."
"And this will give you time to get to know each other without me butting in," Lavender hugged him again.
Taryn looked as if she wanted to say something but was reluctant to do so.
"What is it?" Seamus asked her.
"I hate to bring this up, Seamus, but are you sure?" Taryn asked. "You know how people are. You want me to arrange some tests. I know he's the spitting image of you and all, but ..."
"It was Sam," Seamus told her. "It's on the birth certificate... and I just have this feeling. I'll do what I have to do to establish paternal rights of course... but I just know."
Taryn nodded and smiled at her boss. "I'll just go book those seats then."
"Thanks," Seamus replied.
Lavender looked at him. "You may want to do some testing, just to be on the safe side- to find out if there are any sicknesses or anything... and just so it's on the record."
"We can arrange all that at the end of the summer," Seamus said.
"Okay," Lavender said. "I'll bring over your luggage with me so you'll only have his to worry about."
"You are the best," Seamus said squeezing her hand. "You know that, right?"
"I like to think so," Lavender smiled at him. "I hope you can work things out with him... make him realise you want to be part of his life."
"I do," Seamus said. "More than anything."
"I'll do anything I can to help you make that happen," Lavender kissed him again.
"Thank you," Seamus said softly.
Gabriel was just finishing packing and he looked at his grandmother. "This is crazy, Gran. I remember when you and Grandpa wanted to go to Greece for your birthday. It took how many weeks for you to get your passport? I know Mr. Finnigan's famous and all, but..."
"I think if he says he can get it taken care of, then he can." Margaret looked fondly at her grandson. "This is your father, Gabe. You've wanted to know him all your life and now you do."
"I don't know him though," Gabriel said sitting down on the edge of the bed. "All I know is the stuff I've seen in magazines and on television."
"But you're going to get the chance you've always wanted," Margaret patted his hand. "You've never had to say it aloud for me and your mother to know you've wanted a father in your life."
"But I'm not a kid anymore," Gabriel said quietly. "And it's not as if I can ask him to play a game of catch, can I?"
"You'd be surprised," Margaret replied.
"I bet he doesn't even know how to play baseball," Gabriel said with a shrug. "I can't imagine he'd want to go with me and Grandpa to see the Dodgers play."
Margaret looked at her grandson. "Gabriel... I love you dearly- but you went and searched him out. Now within an hour of knowing you, he's taking you to England and you're just focusing in on everything negative in this situation."
Gabriel let out a slight laugh. "So in other words, lighten up, Gran?"
"It might help things a bit," she smiled at him. "Just be yourself."
"I'll try," he said giving her a hug. "I'll try and bring you some chocolate back."
"I don't need it," she started to protest.
"But you want it just the same," Gabriel finished grinning at her.
"I never say no to it," Margaret laughed. "And write to us Gabriel. Tell us what's going on."
"I will," Gabriel promised. "I hate that I won't get to see Grandpa before I go."
"I'll tell him you said goodbye," Margaret said. "And you can give him a call later on."
The doorbell chimed and Gabriel stood up. "I just need to get a few more things."
"I'll go and keep him company," Margaret offered. There was something she'd wanted to give to Seamus anyway. She gave her grandson a sympathetic smile before heading out of the room.
Seamus shoved his hands in his pockets. He hoped that these next two months would help his son's anger cool down and that they could accept one another as a part of each other's lives.
"He's nearly ready," Margaret said when she opened the door. "Come on in."
"Thanks," Seamus said. "There's no rush- I changed my flight so he and I don't leave until 6:15."
Margaret walked over to the coffee table and picked up one leather bound photo album and a smaller, white and baby-blue coloured album. "I thought you'd want to take a look at these. The big one is some pictures of Gabe that we've taken through the years. And the other one is the baby book Sam made for him."
"Thanks," Seamus grinned, sitting down. "Will you join me?"
Margaret smiled. "Sure."
They looked through the photo album quietly for a few minutes. "Sam was really beautiful," Seamus said quietly.
"Yes she was," Margaret said trying not to cry. "That was the first day Sam brought Gabe home from the hospital. He was six pounds and two ounces."
Seamus traced over his former girlfriend's face with his finger. "I wish I had known," he said. "I really do."
"She found out she was pregnant a couple of weeks after you'd broken things off," Margaret said. "I told her she should tell you, but she was too proud."
"I'd have been there every moment," Seamus pressed his lips together. "Gabriel and Sam wouldn't have wanted for anything."
"Please don't hold Sam's decision against Gabriel," Margaret said softly. "He didn't know, but he always had questions. Lewis filled in when he could, but it wasn't the same."
"I wouldn't hold it against him," Seamus shook his head. "Not for a moment."
Margaret smiled and they continued to flip through the pages of the album. A picture of a six-year old Gabriel holding a baseball bat and dressed in a little league caused Margaret to laugh. "That boy lives and breathes baseball. Played all four years in high school."
"He likes baseball aye?" Seamus grinned. "He'll be pleased to know I have season tickets to any game he could possibly want to go to."
"He usually sits in the outfield bleachers with Lewis," Margaret said. "They're terrible seats, but they've been doing that for years."
"They're not bad seats, Gran," Gabriel said from the doorway. "Grandpa always says we can see the entire field from our seats."
"Hi Gabriel," Seamus stood up. "Your grandmother and I were just looking at some old photos of you and your mum."
"Why don't you join us?" Margaret asked giving her grandson a pleading look.
"Sure," Gabriel shrugged. "I thought we had to leave though."
"I got us a later flight," Seamus said. "We have time and I'd like to see the pictures, if that's all right with you."
"Okay," Gabriel said in a noncommittal tone.
Seamus sat back down and Gabriel reluctantly sat down beside him.
Margaret laughed. "Gabe! I had forgotten all about this one! Look!"
Gabriel had to smile. "My second grade play. I was an acorn."
"Best acorn there ever was," Margaret corrected.
"What was the play about?" Seamus asked.
"My teacher wrote some corny play about the animals in the forest," Gabriel replied. "I wanted to be a big grizzly bear, but that went to my best friend Nico."
"In the middle of the play," Margaret said laughing. "He starts growling like a bear."
Seamus chuckled. "You're an actor at heart."
"That was my first and last performance ever," Gabriel said joining in on the laughter.
"Looks like it was one to remember," Seamus said. "Wish I'd been there."
The smile on Gabriel's face fell. "Yeah..."
Seamus turned the page, not wanting to bring up a sore subject again. "Who's that?" he pointed to a photo of Gabriel and a pretty girl.
"Emily Parker," Gabriel answered. "She's just a girl I used to know at school."
"She was Gabriel's girlfriend," Margaret revealed.
"Gran," Gabriel said blushing.
"She was," Margaret insisted.
"Until she dumped me for a tailback at UCLA," Gabriel corrected. "I guess I couldn't compete with a college guy."
"Well then you're better off without her," Seamus said.
"That's what we told him," Margaret said.
"That and she didn't understand why I couldn't spend as much time with her," Gabriel said. "It was right after Mom found out...that she had...well, that she was..."
"Sick," Seamus finished. "It's her loss."
"You're a very loyal boy Gabe," Margaret said. "Your mother loved spending her last few months with you..." the older woman wiped a tear from her eye.
"I wouldn't have missed it either," Gabriel said stoically.
Seamus smiled at Gabriel and to his relief, the boy smiled back at him.
"Why don't you take those books with you?" Margaret asked. "You and Gabe could look at them on the plane. Just make sure you bring them back."
"Really?" Seamus asked. "You wouldn't mind?"
"I don't mind at all," Margaret said. "And maybe your wife would like to see them too."
"I'm sure she wouldn't want to look at my baby pictures," Gabriel said.
"Lav's very interested in you," Seamus told him.
"She didn't look as if she believed me," Gabriel said quietly.
"It was quite a shock," Seamus told him. "For everyone..."
"I shouldn't have shown up like I did," Gabriel said.
"No," Seamus shook his head. "I'm glad you did."
"I would have tried to go about it differently, but you're not the easiest person to see," Gabriel said. "And I was at the campus library doing some research on you and I saw this article in the student paper talking about you interviewing people for the internship and I sort of took my chance."
"I know this is all sudden but I'm not one to run away from my responsibilities." Seamus said to both Gabriel and Margaret. "I plan on doing what I have to do to claim you officially Gabriel."
"Mr. Finnigan..." Gabriel started to say.
"Call me Seamus," he interrupted. "I don't expect you to call me Dad or anything. I'd understand if that's uncomfortable."
"You don't owe me anything, Mister...Seamus," Gabriel argued.
"Yes I do," Seamus replied.
Gabriel was shocked to say the least. "I didn't come to find you because I wanted money, sir. I just wanted to know where I came from and who you were. You just met me today."
"I plan on having tests done when we get back so we can establish everything officially." Seamus said. "And as far as money goes, there's more to it than that. You're my son- I don't have any other kids. I want you in my life Gabriel."
"Tests?" Gabriel asked defensively.
"We have to do them to establish paternity," Seamus said calmly.
"To make sure I'm telling you the truth you mean," Gabriel said defiantly.
"Gabe," Margaret said gently.
"I do believe you," Seamus said. "Gabriel, I wish you weren't so angry with me. I wish there was something I could do or say to you to make it easier."
"You remember how you felt when Sam told you about Seamus?" Margaret asked. "Like you were being thrown for a loop, right? You didn't believe your mother at first either, Gabe."
"Yeah I know," Gabriel muttered.
"So maybe you could try seeing this from his point of view," Margaret suggested. "Muddle through this together and find some common ground."
"Look I promise if you start to feel uncomfortable in England, I'll fly you back," Seamus said. "But I hope you'll feel at home enough with me and Lavender to stay the whole time."
"Okay," Gabriel said meeting his father's gaze.
Seamus extended his hand to his son. "Think we can work through this?"
Gabriel looked at his grandmother who nodded encouragingly. Finally, he shook Seamus' hand.
"Great," Seamus said, smiling again.
"You two should probably get going," Margaret said.
"Are you ready?" Seamus asked.
Gabriel nodded.
"I'll have him ring you once we arrive," Seamus said. "It'll be pretty late..."
Margaret gave Seamus a hug. "Take care of our boy."
"I will," Seamus said. "It was good to see you again Margaret."
Margaret smiled at him before turning her attention back to her grandson. "You're going to have a great time and smile every once in awhile..."
"I know Gran," Gabriel hugged his grandmother tightly. "Thanks."
"Have a safe trip," Margaret called out as Gabriel grabbed his bags and followed Seamus out of the house.
Gabriel looked back at his grandmother- he thought he could see tears in his eyes as he got into the car.
"Lavender and I have a flat in London," Seamus explained. "We'll be staying there most of the time, but I was thinking that perhaps you might like going to Brighton."
"Brighton?" Gabriel asked. "I've heard of that place- it looks nice."
"It is," Seamus said. "Really nice and peaceful. My wife's cousin has a summer house there. They go every summer with their children and some family friends. Lavender and I haven't gone in years, but I think it'd be nice. If you're up for it."
"Will you go too?" Gabriel asked.
"I'm going to be in pre production for my film, but I will be there at night and on weekends," Seamus said. "And there'll be some kids your own age there, too. Lav's cousin, Hermione, has a 15-year old daughter."
"What's her name?" Gabriel was curious. "Is she the only one my age?"
"Saffron," Seamus answered. "And no, she won't be the only one. My friends Ron and Luna bring their children and they have a boy about your age, RJ. They usually bring a friend or two."
"Cool," Gabriel nodded, looking out the window.
"My parents still live in Dublin," Seamus said. "And I'd like you to meet them, too."
"Okay," Gabriel said.
Seamus leaned back in his seat and wondered when he would tell his son the truth about his magical abilities. He didn't want to ask his friends and family to hide it, but he didn't want to make his son uncomfortable.
"Is your wife meeting us at the airport?" Gabriel asked.
"Lav's actually gone on ahead," Seamus replied. "She wanted to have a room ready for you. And she also wanted to give us some time by ourselves."
Gabriel nodded and looked out the window. He was curious about something, but he wasn't quite sure how to ask it.
"You can ask me anything you want, you know." Seamus said. "I'll tell you whatever you want to know."
"I never asked my mother how she met you," Gabriel said still looking out the window. "There wasn't time to go into it much."
Seamus smiled. "She was working in a pub- bar rather, that I used to frequent when I was younger. Sam waited on me one night and we just couldn't stop talking."
"You tried to pick her up?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"Not really," Seamus laughed. "She kept coming by my table."
"She was a waitress," Gabriel pointed out. "What did you expect?"
"I'm talking like she took every chance she could to walk by," Seamus said. "And then I asked her if I could buy her a drink... and that turned into dinner."
Gabriel turned and looked back out the window.
"What?" Seamus asked. "It's how we met."
"Sometimes it's hard to talk about her is all," Gabriel said resting his head against the window.
"Right," Seamus nodded. "I'm sorry..."
"I just wanted to know that she meant something to you," Gabriel said quietly.
"Absolutely she did," Seamus said without hesitation. "Lavender and I were together 5 years when we broke up. And it was another fifteen before she and I got back together. During that time, your mother was the only woman that actually meant anything to me."
"Really?" Gabriel asked.
"I swear it," Seamus looked directly at him.
"Did she ever cook for you?" Gabriel asked with a wistful smile on his face.
"She was the best cook," Seamus said. "The way she made pancakes--"
"I always liked her chocolate chip ones the best," Gabriel said smiling broader this time.
"Those were great- but my favourites were the cinnamon ones," Seamus said. "I get hungry just thinking about those."
"The cinnamon ones were good too," Gabriel said. "Just not as good as the chocolate chip."
"She ever teach you anything in the kitchen?" Seamus asked.
"A little," Gabriel said. "But I'm nowhere near as good as she was."
"I don't think anyone could be," Seamus smiled fondly.
"She used to take me to see your movies," Gabriel told him.
"Really?" Seamus was surprised.
Gabriel nodded. "She loved them all."
"She liked it when I did my first love film," Seamus remembered.
"She loved movies like that," Gabriel said.
"I dedicated my first one to her," Seamus replied.
"Really?" Gabriel asked. "I didn't know that..."
"I don't think she ever told anyone," Seamus said. "She was modest that way."
"She was the best," Gabriel said stoically.
Seamus nodded as the driver pulled the car into the airport. "Got your bags?" he asked.
"Yes sir," Gabriel replied. "You...you were able to get my passport?"
"I was," Seamus fished in his case and handed it to him.
Gabriel opened it and couldn't hide the look of surprise on his face. "How'd you get this? And the picture of me, too..."
Seamus smiled. "I know a government official who owed me a favour."
"Thank you," Gabriel said genuinely.
"You're welcome," Seamus said, resting a hand on his son's shoulder. "Have you ever flown before?"
"A couple of times," Gabriel said.
"Good," Seamus said. "We'll check our bags just inside here and then if you're hungry, we can get something to eat."
"Anything but sushi," Gabriel said. "I hate that stuff."
Seamus roared with laughter. "Don't tell Lav. It's her favourite food."
"Fish should be cooked," Gabriel said his face still scrunched up in disgust.
"I completely agree," Seamus said as they got into line.
"What's your movie about?" Gabriel asked conversationally.
"It's an action film," Seamus said. "About a man whose family gets kidnapped and he's got to outsmart the kidnappers. It sounds like any other plot but it's got a real twist ending to it."
"That sounds pretty cool," Gabriel said smiling at him. "Don't tell me the twist though. I don't want to be spoiled."
"I won't say a word," Seamus grinned. "If you like, you can come to the premiere with Lav and me."
"I'd like that," Gabriel said.
Seamus nodded. "I'm already looking forward to it."
After they checked their bags and obtained their boarding passes, they made their way down the concourse. This was going better than Seamus had imagined and he was glad his son actually seemed to be opening up to him.
"This airport is huge," Gabriel was looking around.
"Wait until you see Heathrow," Seamus said. Truth be told, it had been a while since he'd travelled this way.
"Would it be okay if we got something to drink?" Gabriel asked. "I have some money with me--"
"It would be fine," Seamus replied. "And you don't have to pay for it. It's on me."
"It's okay," Gabriel said. "You already paid for the plane and all that..."
"And you are my son," Seamus said. "Now, the only question I have is where you want to go. There's a pizza place, burgers, and Mexican..."
"Pizza sounds great right now actually," Gabriel said. "I am a bit hungry too."
"I was hoping you'd say pizza," Seamus grinned. "Lav is into health food so I very rarely get to eat it. I take that back, she likes to eat it with low-fat cheese."
"Gross," Gabriel said. "That's no way to eat pizza."
"We'll outnumber her now," Seamus said with a wicked grin. "I've been looking for an ally for quite some time."
Gabriel chanced another grin at his father as they got into line.
"I give her grief but she's not that bad," Seamus said. "She's been driving me crazy since the day I met her."
"That doesn't sound so good," Gabriel laughed.
"She says the same thing about me," Seamus said. "She's been through a lot, too. She lost both her parents when she was just a child."
"She did?" Gabriel asked. "What happened to them?"
"Car accident," Seamus said. "She was raised by her aunt and uncle."
"That must have been hard for her." Gabriel picked up a slice of pizza from under a warming lamp.
"It was," Seamus said picking up a slice as well. "She knows what you're going through and I'm sure if you wanted to talk to her..."
"I'll keep it in mind," Gabriel pushed ahead.
The cashier rang up Gabriel's order and told him the total.
"No," Seamus told her. "I've got that."
"I can get it," Gabriel said. "Really- I have my own money."
Seamus handed the cashier a twenty-dollar bill. "Both please."
Gabriel sighed as his father paid for both their meals. "I have my own money," he insisted when they sat down.
"It's just a slice and a drink," Seamus said. "I don't mind, Gabe."
"I just don't want you to think I can't pay my own way." Gabriel said.
"I know you can," Seamus reassured him.
Gabriel looked ruefully at his pizza. "I'm sorry," he said. "My Gran told me to stop being so defensive with you."
"I'm not the enemy," Seamus said. "I'm not that bad when you get to know me."
"I know," Gabriel said. "I'm really trying. I guess I didn't expect all this to happen."
"You and me both," Seamus mused. "This morning I woke up and had no idea by the end of the day, I'd be flying home with my son."
"Yeah," Gabriel toyed with his straw. "I thought you'd probably kick me out of your house when I told you who I was."
"And I hope you know that I'm not asking for those tests because I don't believe you," Seamus said.
"I guess I know that," Gabriel replied. "I mean, you wouldn't be taking me to England if you didn't believe me."
"I knew when I looked at your photograph back at your grandparents' house," Seamus said. "The one with you and Sam."
"Which one?" Gabriel was curious.
"The one in the silver frame on the mantle," Seamus replied. "You look to be about four or five. It was almost like looking at myself as a boy."
"I look that much like you as a kid?" Gabriel asked interestedly.
"You'll see when we get to England," Seamus said. "And probably when you visit my mum and dad in Ireland."
"Do you think they'll like meeting me?" Gabriel said apprehensively.
"I'm their only child and they've been on me for years about grandchildren," Seamus said with a grin. "And now..."
Gabriel took a bite of his pizza. "What's it like flying overseas?" he changed the subject. "I've obviously never left the country."
"Truth be told, it's a long, long flight," Seamus said thoughtfully. "And when we finally get there, you have to go through customs."
"Customs?" Gabriel asked.
Seamus nodded. "Anytime you travel to a foreign country, you have to show them your passport and explain what you're going to be doing in the country and how long you're going to stay..."
"Oh," Gabriel said. "You'll show me how to take care of all that right?"
"Aye," Seamus said. "I'll be right there."
Back in London, Hermione and Harry had enjoyed a quiet evening with Saffron, who was on her summer holiday. They'd just drifted off to sleep when Lavender barged into their bedroom and gently shook her cousin.
"Oh bloody hell," Harry groaned when he saw her. "Lav, what the hell are you doing here?"
"It's so great to see you too Harry," Lavender said sarcastically. "I'm having an emergency all right?"
"This isn't some fashion emergency is it?" Harry asked his eyes still closed.
"Harry," Hermione said pulling back the covers and reaching for her dressing gown.
"You tell me what it is in two hours when she's finished with what should be a five minute explanation," Harry muttered, turning his face into his pillow.
Lavender glared at him. "Nice to know you're there for me, Harry. I wouldn't want to interrupt your beauty sleep."
"Come on," Hermione said putting an arm around her cousin. "We'll go have some tea and you can tell me all about it."
"Hermione you have to promise you won't breathe a word of this," Lavender said. "And when Seamus gets here you have to act surprised."
"I promise," Hermione whispered leading her out of the bedroom and downstairs to the kitchen. The kitchen wasn't empty however as Saffron was seated at the table talking on Hermione's mobile.
"Saffy what are you doing up?" Hermione asked.
Saffron nearly jumped out of her seat when she saw her mother and Lavender. "I'll have to call you tomorrow, Andrew. Bye!"
She set the phone down on the counter. "I'm sorry. I thought you wouldn't mind, Mum."
"I don't," Hermione was amused. "But why aren't you on your own telephone?"
"The battery died," Saffron admitted sheepishly. "Aunt Lav! What are you doing here?"
"Hi love," Lavender hugged her. "I'll be here for the next two months with Seamus and um... with Seamus."
Saffron grinned. "I love it when you guys are here. And Gran's going to be so happy to see you!"
"I can't wait to see her," Lavender said. "Saffy you get more and more beautiful every time I see you!"
Saffron beamed at her. "Thanks, Aunt Lav."
Hermione ruffled her daughter's long hair. "Why don't you go on upstairs? Your Aunt Lav and I have to talk."
"About what?" Saffron asked. "Why can't I stay?"
"Because it's past your bedtime for one," Hermione replied.
"Mum it's half past ten," Saffron said. "I don't even go to sleep this early at school."
"She can stay," Lavender said. "It's not like she's not going to find out."
Saffron grinned. "Aunt Lav says it's okay, Mum."
Hermione shook her head. "You are so like your father when it comes to getting your way." she said with a smile.
"But she's not nearly as annoying," Lavender said sitting down at the table beside Saffron.
Saffron laughed. "Already have a run in with Dad?"
"Just a small one," Lavender replied. "But that's the least of my worries now."
"What's on your mind?" Hermione set the tea kettle on. "Did you have a row with Seamus?"
Lavender shook her head. "Nothing like that. It's bigger than that. Um, I don't even know how to tell you this, Hermione."
Hermione frowned. "Lav you aren't getting divorced are you?"
"No!" Lavender said quickly. "Of course not!"
"Are you moving back to London permanently?" Saffron asked.
"No," Lavender sighed. "This is... well it's..." she ran her hands through her hair. "Seamus has a son." she blurted.
"What?" Hermione and Saffron echoed.
"He has a son," Lavender said. "With a woman he dated while we were apart."
Saffron was speechless.
"When did all of this come out?" Hermione asked.
"Today," Lavender admitted. "Seamus was interviewing for his fall internship and this boy- his name is Gabriel, he came in and then the next thing I know, Seamus is telling me that's his son."
"And he has proof?" Hermione asked.
"He looks just like Seamus, Hermione," Lavender replied quietly. "It's uncanny."
"But a lot of people could look like him right?" Saffron asked.
"Of course, but Seamus believes him and the dates add up, Saffy," Lavender said.
"What about his mother?" Hermione asked. "What does she think about all of this?"
"She died," Lavender said as Saffron got their tea. "About three months ago."
"That poor boy," Hermione said sympathetically.
"What does Seamus think of all this?" Saffron asked.
"He's a little shocked to say the least," Lavender said thoughtfully. "But he wants to be a part of Gabriel's life and he's going to bring him to London. They're flying over now."
"Why not just use a portkey?" Saffron asked.
"He's a Muggle," Lavender replied. "Seamus isn't sure how to bring up our magic capabilities."
"Oh," Saffron said.
"How do you feel about all this?" Hermione asked putting a hand on her cousin's arm.
"I'm not sure," Lavender said with a small smile. "I mean... I guess I felt a bit threatened but Gabriel seems like a nice enough young man..."
"You don't need to feel threatened," Hermione told her. "Seamus loves you, Lavender. Nothing could change that."
"I know," Lavender nodded. "I told him I wish I had given him kids. I mean, I know it's really not too late for us to have any but we're both so busy all the time you know?"
"And you both agreed on that," Hermione said.
"Now you have a stepson," Saffron said. "And I'm sure you're going to be great with him, Aunt Lav. You were always great with me."
"Thanks love," Lavender smiled at her. "I appreciate that."
"I can't wait to meet him," Saffron said grinning at Lavender. "I'd be happy to help show him around. He could even come to Brighton with us!"
"Slow down, Saffy," Hermione said laughing. "The boy hasn't even landed on English soil yet."
"I know but we want to make him feel welcome right Mum?" Saffron said.
"Of course we do," Hermione said.
"I need your help," Lavender said. "I have no idea what teenage boys would like. I came ahead so I could help set up a room for him at our flat."
"I'll help you," Saffron offered. "I know what teenage boys like."
Hermione laughed. "Let's be glad your father didn't hear that."
Saffron blushed. "I didn't mean that the way it came out," she giggled, making Lavender laugh as well.
"Would you mind if I stole Saffron away for a couple of hours then?" Lavender asked Hermione. "She is out of school. I just need some help getting snack foods and setting up the room. I'll bring her back as soon as we're done."
"Please Mum?" Saffron begged.
"I think that would be very nice of you," Hermione told her daughter.
"Thank you," Saffron hugged her. "I'm going to go change."
"How are you really doing?" Hermione asked her cousin when they were alone again. "I know this must have been a big shock for you, Lavender."
"It is," Lavender replied as she finished her tea. "I mean... he's got a son, Hermione. Seamus has a child that he never knew about."
"If all this happened today, I don't imagine you had that much of a chance to talk about what this really means," Hermione said sympathetically.
"Just a little bit," Lavender said. "And Gabriel seems quite nice- a bit guarded and obviously a little angry too..."
"Angry?" Hermione asked.
"I think he's a bit angry that his mother never told him about Seamus, and I think he's taking it out on him a bit. Hopefully the plane ride over will help them sort some things out." Lavender told her cousin.
"You should be able to help him too," Hermione said softly. "You know what he's going through."
"Yeah," Lavender smiled a little at her cousin. "I sort of do."
"You know that we'll do anything we can to help," Hermione said. "And if you want to bring him to Brighton, we'd love to have you."
"Thanks Hermione," Lavender hugged her. "I knew I could count on you. I've always been able to."
Saffron bounded back into the kitchen. "I'm ready!" she announced.
"I wish I had your energy," Hermione said with a laugh.
Saffron laughed and handed her aunt a picture. "This is for you," she said. It was a photo of her and Andrew at the ball back during the school year.
"I knew those robes would look fantastic on you," Lavender said grinning at the picture. "You looked amazing, Saffy!"
"Thanks Aunt Lav," Saffron blushed. "Isn't Andrew gorgeous?"
Lavender nodded. "I can't wait to meet him and make sure he's good enough for my Saffy."
Saffron blushed even harder. "He is."
"Harry even likes him," Hermione stroked her daughter's ponytail. "Andrew's already been over twice for dinner since summer hols started."
"You didn't cook for him, did you?" Lavender asked teasingly. "I wouldn't want you to run off Saffron's boyfriend..."
"No I wouldn't let her," Saffron said. "Dad made a casserole."
Lavender placed the photograph inside her bag. "Well, let's get down to business, Saffron. What I know about Gabriel is that he just graduated from high school and he is starting University in the fall. He's going to be pre-med."
"Wow," Saffron was impressed. "Pre med? He must be really smart."
"Seems to be," Lavender said wishing that she knew more about Seamus' son. She wanted to make a good impression. "And he's American, too, of course."
"Right," Saffron said as they waved goodbye to Hermione and left the house. "So what room are you going to put him in?"
"I wasn't sure. Which one do you think he'd like?" Lavender asked.
"Probably the one that faces east," Saffron said. "If he's pre med then he's probably used to being up early and will like all that morning light."
Lavender nodded. "That's a fantastic idea. I knew you'd be a big help."
Saffron grinned. "I try," she said. "I'm so glad you and Seamus will be here for two months."
Lavender put an arm around her. "Me too."
"I have a pretty good idea of what guys his age like to eat, if RJ and Andrew are any indication," Saffron said as they headed for some all night shops.
"Something tells me he wouldn't like the tofu and soy milk that I favour," Lavender said.
Saffron giggled. "I doubt it."
"Do you think he'll like me?" Lavender asked. "I mean, you always hear about stepparents being these evil creatures in those fairy tales and in movies. I don't want to be like that. I want him to like me."
"Aunt Lav of course he's going to like you," Saffron replied as they pushed a trolley through the aisles. "You're fantastic!"
Lavender beamed at her. "Thanks, Saffy. I needed to hear that."
"It'll probably just take time, you know?" Saffron helped her aunt in selecting some food she thought Gabriel would like. "Even with Seamus it probably won't be instantaneous."
"They have to get to know each other," Lavender agreed. "We all do."
"Well if he wants to come out with me, Andrew, RJ and Alexa he's welcome to," Saffron offered.
"He might feel like a fifth wheel," Lavender said. "But I'll certainly ask him."
"We'll try and not to be too kissy around him," Saffron giggled.
Nearly an hour later, Saffron helped Lavender lug the shopping bags inside the flat.
"What time does their flight arrive?" Saffron asked. "Are you picking them up at the airport?"
"Not until the morning," Lavender said. "And I'll arrange for a car to pick them up and bring them here."
"I can just floo back home unless you need me to help you with anything else," Saffron offered.
"I think I'll be okay," Lavender smiled. "Tell your mum and dad I'd like to have them over for a late breakfast so they can meet him all right?"
"Will do," Saffron promised giving her a hug. "I can't wait to meet him."
"I just hope it all works out," Lavender hugged her back. "You're such a sweet girl Saffy."
"Thanks, Aunt Lav," Saffron said before heading to the sitting room and the fireplace.
Lavender put away the groceries herself, not wanting to wake up the help that stayed in the flat when she and Seamus were in LA. She headed for the room that Saffron had mentioned and using her wand, had it ready in minutes for Gabriel's arrival.
Satisfied with how it had turned out, she made her way to her bedroom. She hoped that Seamus and Gabriel were doing okay on their flight.