Hey guys, sorry the update's a bit late, but better late than never eh? Here's most of Em's birthday party and next chapter will finish it up and go into the New Year's celebrations. Hope you enjoy and please review!!
Emma's third birthday had arrived and the little redhead was currently running around her house telling everyone who would stop to listen about her special guests for that day.
She'd asked Saffron if Alexa could come, and even though Alexa was trying to avoid RJ at all costs, she couldn't bring herself to say no to the little girl. Gabriel, since he was in England still, was also going to attend with Seamus and Lavender. Add Hannah to the mix and Emma Weasley was one excited little girl.
"And Gabey got this for Em," she showed Adam her big purple stuffed bear. "At the beach."
Adam stared up at his sister from his bouncy seat.
"Hannah's going to want that," Caroline teased. "Since it's purple..."
"I already give Han toys," Emma reminded her sister.
Caroline plopped down beside Emma. "You're a good cousin, Em."
"Em is this many today, Sissy." she said for about the tenth time as she held up three fingers.
Caroline grinned. "I know, Em. Do you know how many I am now?"
Emma thought for a minute. "This many?" she held up five fingers. "Em can't count any higher!"
Caroline held up all five fingers on her right hand and then two on her left. "Seven, Em."
"Sissy's old," Emma said solemnly.
Allison smiled as she came into the room. Emma knew she was having a party, but she didn't know it was being held at the pub. "Emma, your sister is only four years older than you. That's hardly old. Now, I on the other hand..."
"Mummy you're not old," Caroline said loyally. "You're the prettiest woman in the world."
"Thank you, Angel," Allison said leaning down to give her oldest a kiss. "You two had better finish getting ready..."
"We will," Caroline replied getting to her feet. "Come on, Em."
Emma let go of her stuffed bear and looked around the sitting room. There were no decorations and no balloons like Caroline had for her birthday.
"Mummy?" she asked.
"Yes, Em," Allison said as she lifted Adam out of his seat.
"Em wants balloons," she said. "And a pond like Sissy."
"Well, first we have to go and get some money from Daddy," Allison told her. "He's at work, remember?"
"I can't believe Daddy has to work on Em's birthday," Caroline played along.
Emma frowned and retrieved her bear from the floor, hugging it tightly to her. "No Daddy..."
"Don't worry Em, we'll see Daddy," Allison reassured her.
"Kay," Emma said still hugging her bear tightly to her.
"Let's go get ready," Caroline told her again.
"Thanks, Caroline," Allison said gratefully. "I have to get Adam ready."
"Adam, be good for Mummy," Emma said. "No cry!"
Allison smiled. "Don't worry, Em. I'll take good care of him. You go with Caroline and get ready. I set out your dress on your bed."
"Kay," Emma took her sister's hand.
Back at the pub, Jon was going over last minute preparations with Cho and Luna. Most of the guests were already here and all they were waiting on was the guest of honour.
Alexa was talking to Saffron and Ashley in the corner. RJ had yet to arrive.
"Is Andrew coming today?" Ashley asked her aunt.
"He's going to try," Saffron replied. "He had practise this morning..."
"Oh," Ashley replied. "I really hope he comes."
"Do you now?" Saffron teased her niece.
Ashley blushed. "He's just really nice Aunt Saffy!"
"He is, Ash," Saffron agreed. "And you're welcome to sit with us when the party starts..."
Ashley grinned. "Really?"
"Sure," Alexa smiled at her. "We like having you around Ashley."
Ashley beamed at the two older girls. "Thanks. I like hanging out with you guys."
"It's going to be so cool when you come to Hogwarts next year," Saffron said.
Ashley leaned against the bar. "I'm just really happy that Mummy will be there and that I'll have you two there. I'm really nervous."
"Don't be," Saffron reassured her. "You're going to get in Gryffindor and you'll make loads of friends, and you'll be smart just like me."
"Don't forget modest," Alexa joked.
Saffron laughed. "That too."
"I'm going to get a drink," Ashley said. "Can I get you anything?"
"Soda would be nice," Saffron said to her niece. "Thanks, Ash."
Alexa declined Ashley's offer and the two girls were left alone. "What time is Allison bringing Emma?" she asked.
Saffron looked at her watch. "One...which should be any minute now, but with three kids, she might be a little late. And don't you worry about RJ Weasley. We'll ignore him and act like he's not even here."
Saffron just hoped that he'd have the decency not to bring his slag with him.
Alexa shook her head. "There was just no way I could say no once you told me Emma asked if I was going to be here. But I really hope I don't get cornered by RJ."
"You won't," Saffron promised. She nudged her friend. "Gabe's here with Aunt Lav and Uncle Seamus..."
"Saffy," Alexa looked at her friend. "We just had dinner, it was a friendly thing."
Saffron pulled an innocent face. "I know...I was just letting you know that they'd arrived is all...."
Alexa pushed her hair back over her shoulders as Gabriel came over to say hello.
"Hey," Gabriel said grinning at them. "I take it the birthday girl isn't here yet?"
"If she was, she'd have probably launched herself at you screaming 'Gabey'," Saffron teased. "She can't wait to see you."
"I can't wait to see her either," Gabriel said with a smile. "Hey Lex."
"Hi," Alexa said smiling back at him.
"Here's your soda," Ashley came back and handed her aunt a glass. "Hi Gabriel!"
"Hello Ashley Malfoy," Gabriel said grinning at her.
"Katie was asking about you earlier," Ashley told him.
"About me?" Gabriel asked.
"She wanted to know if you were coming today," Ashley shrugged. "She's over playing a game right now."
"Speaking of games," Gabriel said motioning to the billiards table in the back.
Alexa shook her head. "I can't, Gabe. I'm crap at it."
"You're telling me you forgot everything I taught you last summer?" Gabriel asked.
"I haven't played since last summer," Alexa admitted.
"I'll give you a refresher," Gabriel said. "And I'll go easy on you."
"You promise?" Alexa asked.
"Scout's honour," Gabriel teased.
"Okay," Alexa said standing up and following him over to the table.
Ashley tugged on her aunt's sleeve. "Does he fancy her?" she whispered.
"Big time," Saffron whispered back.
"It's obvious," Ashley giggled.
Saffron put an arm around her niece. "Just keep that between you and me though, okay?"
"I promise," Ashley told her.
Saffron and Ashley watched from the distance as Gabriel gave Alexa a refresher course in billiards. There was a tap on Saffron's shoulder and she turned to see Andrew and RJ standing there.
"Hey you," Andrew said giving her a kiss.
"Hey," Saffron hugged her boyfriend. "We were hoping you'd make it Andrew."
"I wouldn't miss Emma Weasley's third birthday," Andrew said grinning at her. "Hey, Ashley."
"Hi," Ashley blushed.
RJ looked at Saffron. "Hiya."
Saffron ignored him but was pleased to see that Serena was nowhere in sight.
"I think I'm going to get a drink---" RJ started to say, but froze when he spotted his ex-girlfriend leaning over the billiards table. A surge of anger flowed through him as he saw Gabriel Boyd-Finnigan with his arms around Alexa's waist.
"Something the matter?" Saffron asked sweetly.
RJ narrowed his eyes at her. "Of course not," he shot back.
Alexa and Gabriel were oblivious to the new arrivals. Alexa laughed as she tried to position her fingers as Gabriel instructed.
"Quit sliding your fingers," Gabriel said laughing too.
"I can't help it!" she giggled. "I do it without even realising it!"
Gabriel laughed and let go of her. "Okay, you're on your own, Lexie. Just remember how I showed you."
"Okay," Alexa concentrated hard.
RJ watched as Alexa sank her shot. And then felt his jaw tighten as Alexa threw her arms around Gabriel. "I can't believe I did it!" she exclaimed.
"Good job Lex," he congratulated her with a huge grin.
"Maybe I'm not as bad as I thought I was," Alexa said. She hadn't this much fun in quite some time and it felt good to just relax and be in the moment.
"Nah, you're a natural," he told her.
"You're just being nice," Alexa said smiling at him.
"Maybe just a little," he teased.
Alexa shook her head and over Gabriel's shoulder she saw RJ glowering at the two of them.
RJ made a move toward them, but Andrew tried to hold him back. "Just leave it..."
RJ shrugged him off and walked over to Alexa. "Lexie."
"RJ," she said, her earlier smile gone.
"You're still up, Lexie," Gabriel said handing her back her cue.
"Why don't you give us a minute?" RJ asked glaring at him.
"I'm in the middle of something," Alexa told him coolly.
"You heard the lady," Gabriel said pushing past RJ.
"Get the hell out of my way, Boyd," RJ snapped. "Why are you here anyway?"
Alexa moved between them. "Emma wanted him here, RJ. Please don't do this here."
RJ stared at her wordlessly.
"Gabe, can you give us a minute?" Alexa asked.
"Sure," Gabriel looked as if he wanted to do anything but that.
RJ smirked at Gabriel as he walked away.
"What do you want?" Alexa asked, folding her arms.
"How was your Christmas?" RJ asked her.
"Fine," Alexa said.
RJ nodded and looked down at his feet. He knew that she had every reason to never talk to him again, but it was really great to see her again. "You look good, Lexie."
"Thank you," she looked away. "What is it you want, RJ?"
"I just wanted to talk to you," RJ said quietly.
"About what?" she asked impatiently. "RJ... this isn't easy for me all right?"
"I know," he said. "It's not easy for me either. I miss you."
She missed him as well but didn't want to admit it.
RJ reached for her hand. He was emboldened by the fact that she didn't pull away. "You know what I was thinking about last night? Do you remember that time I first kissed you?"
"Of course I remember," she said quietly.
"That flying lesson," RJ said smiling down at her. "We stayed out there for hours..."
"RJ stop," Alexa pulled away from him. "Why are you doing this to me? You're with Serena now- let me move on as well."
"Is that what you want?" RJ asked pulling her back to him. Before she knew what he was doing, he'd kissed her.
Alexa let herself get lost in his kiss for a moment before she remembered herself and shoved him away. "RJ!"
"Lexie---"
"Just stay away from me RJ," she said. "Please just don't come near me anymore."
RJ watched helplessly as Alexa walked away.
"What a wanker," Saffron said furiously, her green eyes dark as she glared at RJ.
"Saffy," Andrew said quietly. "Not now."
"I'm not going to say anything to him," Saffron snapped.
Thankfully, Allison had called ahead and told Jon that she was almost at the pub. "Everyone hide!" Jon called out to his family and friends. "Em's nearly here."
Andrew took his girlfriend by the hand. "Come on, we'll hide over here." he purposefully took her in a different direction than where RJ was headed.
Just outside the pub, Allison pushed Adam's pram as Caroline and Emma walked hand in hand beside her.
"Em can't wait to see Daddy," the redhead said happily. "To get money for Em's balloons!"
Caroline shared a look with her mother.
"How about you go in first, Em?" Allison told her.
"Kay," Emma climbed up the steps. "Daddy!" she called out. "Em's here for balloons!"
Caroline helped her sister with the door. "Go on inside, Emma."
Emma felt a little nervous as the pub was really dark, but the moment she stepped inside the lights turned on and everyone in her family yelled "SURPRISE!"
Emma screamed and started to giggle as everyone came forward. "DADDY!"
Jon scooped her up. "Happy Birthday, Emma Madeline!"
"You surprise Em," she giggled.
Jon gave her a hug. "That was the point, sweetheart."
"There's balloons for Em!" she squealed.
Allison smiled at her daughter. "We couldn't have a party without balloons."
"Gabey!" Emma squealed when she saw him standing with Seamus.
"Hey Em," Gabriel held his arms open. "I wouldn't have missed today for anything! My favourite little Em turns three!"
Emma ran toward him and giggled as he picked her up. She saw her uncle glaring at them and she waved. "RJ! Gabey's here!"
"Yeah," RJ forced a smile on his face. "Always great to have Gabey here."
Gabriel decided to let that one pass since there were children here.
Emma hugged him around the neck. "Gabey come meet Han," she said. "New cousin!"
"Not the famous Hannah," Gabriel said carrying her over to the little girl who was standing between Will and Frankie.
"Han!" she said. "Here's Gabey!"
Hannah looked shyly at him. "Hi."
"It's nice to meet you Hannah," Gabriel said, putting his hand out.
Hannah shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, too."
"You're looking well, Gabe." Will also shook his hand. "It's good to see you again."
"It's good to be back, Mr. Barron," Gabriel said politely.
"Are you sticking around for a Quidditch match?" Frankie asked. "I know you liked it last time you were here."
"I'm going with Saffron to watch Andrew play," Gabriel replied.
Frankie nodded. "If you feel like coming to a Puddlemere match, let me know. I'll make sure you have a great seat."
"Thanks," Gabriel said, not mentioning the fact that he didn't really want to see RJ Weasley play. "That's really nice of you, Mrs. Barron."
Frankie smiled at him. "I'm going to take Hannah to get something to drink," she smoothed back her daughter's hair.
"Want to come, Emma?" Hannah asked her cousin.
"Kay," Emma said as Gabriel set her down.
Gabriel promised he'd catch up with Emma later and he went to find his father.
"I'm sorry about before," Alexa said coming up behind him.
"It's okay," he turned around.
"Apparently he thinks its okay for him to shag whomever he wants, but I can't even talk to another boy," Alexa said quietly.
"I'm sorry Lexie," he said. "But we weren't doing anything wrong. You're allowed to have fun without him."
"You don't have to apologise," Alexa said. "And we were having fun, weren't we?"
"You were kicking my ass," Gabriel grinned at her.
"Something tells me you were letting me win," Alexa said laughing.
"Was not," Gabriel lied.
"Right," Alexa said taking his hand. "Let's go and finish up our game."
"Sure, he smiled at her. "Hopefully it'll all still be sitting there."
RJ watched them as they went back over to the table. "Jon, can you get me a beer?"
"No can do," Jon replied. "And certainly not at a children's party. You know that."
"Come on, we're at a pub," RJ complained.
"All the beer in the world isn't going to change that RJ," Jon told his brother. "Come on, you screwed up and you know it. She's right you should let her move on."
"I asked for a beer, not advice," RJ said sharply.
"And I said no," Jon said before walking away.
"Wanker," RJ muttered.
Luna had noticed her younger son's surly expression and she walked over to check on him. She'd seen Alexa playing billiards with Gabriel and figured that had something to do with RJ's mood.
"I can't believe Emma is three," Luna said sitting down beside him.
"What?" RJ asked absently.
"Your niece and goddaughter," Luna said putting her hand on his arm. "Emma Madeline Weasley."
"Oh yeah," RJ replied. "I can't believe it either."
"Is everything okay?" Luna asked gently.
"Other than the fact that you all hate Serena?" RJ asked his mother. "No, what could possibly be wrong?"
Luna was taken aback. "RJ, we don't hate Serena. We hardly know her."
"I've just got a lot on my mind," RJ said sullenly.
"Would it help to talk about it?" Luna asked.
"I don't know," RJ sighed. "I mean, being with Serena is fun. It's not like things were with Lex... but then I see her and I miss her and I don't even know what I want anymore."
Luna nodded knowingly. "And I'm sure having her here today isn't very easy."
He shrugged. "Did you and Dad bring all the kids today?" he asked.
"Jenny, Zach and Joey," Luna replied. "Caitlin was placed in a permanent home a couple days back."
RJ smiled at his mother. "I bet you miss her."
Luna nodded. "She was such a sweet baby, RJ. But, Mrs. Roman placed her with a great family in Surrey."
"Hannah seems to be doing well with Will and Frankie," RJ gazed at the little girl. "Frankie's got pictures of her all over her office already."
"I know," Luna said with a smile. "It's amazing how much a child can change your life."
RJ again thought about Alexa's pregnancy scare. "You can say that again..."
"It seems like just yesterday, we were celebrating your third birthday," Luna said fondly. "And Saffy was just a baby then..."
"She's still a baby now," RJ muttered under his breath.
Luna caught that and sighed. "With time, she'll come around, RJ. Alexa's her friend and I'm sure that---"
"I doubt it," RJ interrupted. "You didn't hear her on Christmas, Mum. And it's to the point where I don't even care anymore."
"We're not all against you, RJ," Luna said softly. "And if you're happy with Serena, that's good enough for me. And if you'd like to bring her by for dinner some night..."
"Really?" RJ asked. "You wouldn't mind?"
Luna smiled at him. "It gives me an excuse to see my baby."
"Mum I'm so far from being a baby," RJ groaned.
"You'll always be my baby," Luna said giving him a hug. "No matter where you go or who you date."
RJ hugged her back. "Serena's really not so bad when you get to know her. You just sort of have to take her as she is."
"I look forward to getting to know her better," Luna said honestly. "Everything will sort itself out, RJ."
"I hope so," RJ looked over at the billiards table again.
"Are you sure you're not using magic?" Gabriel asked as Alexa sank another shot.
"I can't use it outside of school yet," she said. "Not until I'm seventeen."
Gabriel looked disbelieving at her. "And you swear you haven't played since this summer?"
Alexa shook her head. "I haven't been anywhere near a billiards table."
"O'Leary you're such a liar," Gabriel said leaning against the wall as he watched her sink yet another shot.
"Say what you want," Alexa grinned at him. "I just happened to bring what was it... my A game?"
Gabriel grinned back at her. "I'd say you did."
"Gabey," Emma had come over. "And Lexie!"
"Hey, Em!" Gabriel exclaimed picking her up. "You need to give me a hug because Lexie is wiping the floor with me at this game."
Emma giggled and threw her arms around his neck.
"Watch this, Em," Alexa said with a wink.
"Kay," Emma said, still holding onto Gabriel.
Alexa made another amazing shot which caused Gabriel's jaw to drop.
"Lexie good!'" Emma said clapping her hands together.
"Lexie's very good," Gabriel said. "In fact, I still think Lexie is lying about how often she plays this."
Alexa laughed. "I swear! You can ask Saffy."
"She's your best friend, she'd lie for you." Gabriel teased.
Andrew and Saffron joined them. "I wouldn't lie for Lexie."
"Andrew, come on," Gabriel said looking at the other boy. "Alexa 'The Hustler' O'Leary is trying to tell me that she's not played since I showed her how this summer. And she keeps telling me this while she's cleaning my clock..."
"That's because she's good at everything she does," Saffron said loyally. "And she never forgets a thing."
"As far as I know, there isn't a billiards table at Hogwarts," Andrew said putting his arm around Saffron. "Though with these two, you never know...they could have put one in the Room of Requirement."
"Saf," Emma slid down from Gabriel's arms. "Saf want to eat?"
"Of course," Saffron said taking Emma's hand. "Let's go get a plate, Em. Saf is starving."
"Em always wants to eat," Andrew teased.
"Tough tummy," Emma said rubbing her stomach.
"Just like her grandpa," Saffron joked.
Emma beamed up at her. "Em loves Saf."
"I love you too Em," Saffron picked her up. "And you are the prettiest three year old I know."
Emma gave Saffron a hug and then pointed to the refreshment table. "Eat!"
"All right," Saffron grinned. "Let's go eat- before your grandpa gets over there!"
Andrew watched them go then turned back to Gabriel and Alexa. "How're you doing Lexie?" he asked.
Alexa smiled at him. "I'm doing okay."
"I'm sorry I haven't talked to you since RJ... um..." Andrew stumbled over his words.
"It's okay," Alexa reassured him. "Really, Andrew. I know this hasn't been easy for you and Saffy---you're both in the middle...well, you more than Saffy, but still..."
"Yeah well I just want us to stay friends as well," Andrew told her.
"Me too," Alexa said smiling at him. She saw RJ watching them. "Is he doing okay?"
Andrew nodded. "He's been busy."
"I saw the latest Witch Weekly," Alexa said referring to the cover story that had declared Serena Starr and RJ Weasley the new "It" couple.
"Yeah," Andrew rolled his eyes. "She's been around constantly. A real pain, if you ask me."
What Alexa couldn't understand was why if RJ was with Serena, why he would want to act as he did today. Why had he kissed her? Was it because he didn't want to see her with someone else? Try as she might, she couldn't work up too much sympathy for him after she'd walked in on him that morning after he'd slept with Serena.
"In any case, you were much better for him," Andrew was saying. "And it's his loss for giving you up. I just hope you're happy Lex."
"Thanks, Andrew," Alexa said. "I'm getting there."
"You deserve a nice guy," Andrew gave her a hug.
Alexa laughed. "Maybe there's one out there for me."
"I'm sure there is," Andrew grinned at her. "Want something to drink?"
"No, thanks," Alexa said motioning over her shoulder. "I need to get back to kicking his arse."
"Great," Gabriel joked. "Just when I thought I might get ahead for a change."
"I'll leave you to it," Andrew said. "Good luck, Gabe." And with that, Andrew walked back over to the bar.
"What were you talking about over there?" RJ cornered him.
"Just chatting is all," Andrew said pouring himself a glass of soda.
"What did she say?" RJ asked.
"I just asked her how she was doing and she said she was doing okay," Andrew replied.
"Oh," RJ deflated a bit.
"You still love her," Andrew said matter-of-factly.
"Shut up," RJ grumbled.
"Fine," Andrew said setting his glass down. "How about I don't bring her name up ever again when you're around?"
"Works for me," RJ replied angrily. "You know, I think most of the time, you're on her side."
Andrew sighed. "This isn't a matter of whose side I'm on, RJ. Come on, I'm your best mate."
"Then act like it," RJ snapped before stomping off.
Alexa had watched this little exchange and even though she knew that she shouldn't, she set her cue down and followed her ex-boyfriend out of the pub.
"RJ," she called out to him.
"What now?" he turned around angrily.
"Hey," she said quietly.
"What?" he asked warily.
"I just---wanted to know if you were okay," Alexa said softly.
"I'm fine," he answered. "Just fine..."
Alexa nodded. "I probably shouldn't have come, but Emma asked and I couldn't tell her no."
RJ cracked a tiny smile. "You can't say no to her."
"Tell me about it," Alexa said smiling a little as well. "She's relentless."
"Yeah," RJ gazed back at the pub.
"Don't go," Alexa said instinctively reaching out to him. "Emma would be so hurt if you left."
"Why bother staying?" he asked. "No one understands me in there."
"Your family's in there," Alexa said. "Don't shut them out, RJ. They love you."
"It's hard seeing you all over Boyd," he said directly.
"All over Boyd?" Alexa asked. "I'm not---we were just playing a game, RJ."
"I just--" he began.
"Why are you getting jealous?" she asked. "RJ... us breaking up was your idea."
"I don't like seeing you with him, okay?" RJ replied uncomfortably.
"No it's not okay," Alexa crossed her arms. "I'm not your girlfriend anymore. I can talk to any guy I please. You have Serena so you shouldn't worry about me."
"So you can just turn off your feelings for me like that?" RJ asked her.
"God, RJ," Alexa looked exasperated. "I haven't turned my feelings off! How do you think I felt walking in and seeing Serena Starr in your clothes after you shagged her? That doesn't even begin to compare with me playing billiards with Gabe!"
RJ chose to ignore his own culpability in this. "He's been after you from the start. And he certainly hasn't wasted any time moving in, has he?"
"You are so bloody suspicious," Alexa shook her head. "We're friends, RJ. That's all."
"And what about us?" RJ asked her. "Hmm? What are we?"
"We're not together," Alexa said softly. "And I really wish you'd stop acting like we are."
He wanted to tell her that he had made a mistake and that if he could do anything to change it, he would. But, he was proud and she was acting all superior. And despite what Andrew had said, it did seem like everyone was against him. "I guess I'll go then."
"You shouldn't leave like this RJ," Alexa said. "You at least owe your niece a goodbye."
RJ nodded. 'Okay..."
Alexa followed her ex boyfriend back inside. Saffron made a beeline for her. "What did he want?"
"I have no idea," Alexa whispered watching as RJ approached Emma and Caroline.
"Uncle RJ, we were looking for you," Caroline said giving him a hug.
"Sorry you guys," RJ forced a smile. "But I think I have to go."
Caroline looked up at him with a frown. "Why?"
Emma toddled over to him. "Em wants you to stay!"
"I just... have things to do..." RJ replied lamely.
"But we're about to eat cake," Caroline argued. "And we're going to play a game and then Emma's going to open her presents."
"Please stay," Emma poked her lower lip out and in that moment looked very much like Maddie.
"Em," RJ said picking her up.
"Uncle RJ I love you," Emma hugged him.
RJ patted her back. "I love you too, Em. Happy Birthday."
"Stay for Em?" the redhead asked.
RJ laughed. Alexa was right. It was impossible to say no to her. "Okay, I'll stay."
"Yay," Caroline said happily. "We never get to see you anymore Uncle RJ."
"I know," RJ apologised. "Some godfather I am..."
Allison nudged him. "You're a great godfather and the girls love you and look at what your nephew has on today..."
RJ peered into Adam's pram and saw his nephew was wearing a Puddlemere t-shirt with RJ's number on it.
"Hey," RJ laughed. "Thanks Allie... he looks great."
"We're starting him out young," Allison said. "Do you want to hold him?"
"Only if Em doesn't mind," RJ said.
"Watch his head," Emma cautioned as RJ put her down.
"I will," RJ smiled at her as he gently lifted Adam out.
"Hey, little guy," RJ said as he cradled Adam in his arms.
Adam looked up at him, his blue eyes open and unblinking.
"Don't you just love the way he smells?" Caroline asked her uncle. "Well, he smells bad when he has a stinky nappy, but other than that he smells so sweet!"
RJ laughed. "I remember when you had stinky nappies."
Caroline blushed. "That was years ago!"
"Sissy had stinky nappies?" Emma asked, her eyes huge.
"So did you, Em!" Caroline exclaimed. "Every baby does!"
"Em doesn't stink," Emma replied.
"Not now," Caroline said. "But when you were a baby you did when you would---"
"Em doesn't stink!" she stamped her little foot.
Caroline giggled. "Em! Okay...you don't stink."
Emma smiled sweetly. "Kay."
RJ felt light hearted for the first time that day as he listened to his nieces. He was glad he'd decided to stay.
"I think Adam likes you," Allison said from his side. "He normally doesn't stay this quiet for long."
RJ grinned down at his nephew. "I think we understand each other."
Jon took out a camera from behind the bar. "What do you say about being the official party photographer? You're the best one out of all of us..."
RJ looked thoughtfully at his brother. Truth be told, he hadn't picked up a camera in ages. He had missed it. "I don't know---"
"Come on RJ," Allison said. "We'd love to have some good shots and you really are the best at taking photos."
"I-I suppose I could take a few shots," RJ said gingerly handing Adam back to Allison.
"Thanks," Jon said gratefully. "I'm rubbish at it."
RJ took the camera. "How about one of the Weasley family to start off?"
"Yay!" Caroline exclaimed. "Come on, Mummy!"