CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE
Authors' note: Thanks to everyone who has continued to read throughout our long journey! We have loads more in store for you guys---the drama is just beginning. This chapter though spotlights some characters who haven't always had their chance to shine. We hope you enjoy it. Please remember that there will not be an interview this weekend due to our schedules. But, we will post a chapter on Saturday. Please remember to send us your questions for Lavender and Seamus.
Lizzy Weasley arrived home after a rather long, rough day at work. She'd had several patients that day that had refused treatment, making her frustrated when they'd ask why they weren't getting better.
She hoped Josh would possibly have something ready for dinner and she couldn't wait to see her children as well.
"Liz, is that you?" Josh called out from the kitchen when he heard the front door open.
"Yes," Lizzy set her bag down and hung up her cloak.
Josh set a small bowl of food in front of Casey who was sitting in her high chair. Noah was playing on the floor with a toy truck and Aidan was sitting beside his brother looking as if he was about to start crying.
"No Case..." Josh said as he saw his daughter prepare to fling her food to the floor.
Aidan looked up at his sister, whose eyes were filling with tears, and promptly burst into his own. That also set Noah off, and Lizzy appeared in the doorway looking as if she almost wanted to run the other way.
"Great timing," Josh said picking Noah up.
Lizzy smiled tiredly at him and sat down, drawing Aidan into her lap. "What's wrong?" she asked him soothingly. "What's wrong with my little guy?"
"Daaaaa!" Casey cried from her chair. "DA!"
Josh set Noah down and walked over to Casey. "What is it baby?"
Casey's lower lip trembled as she let out a choked sob.
"I think Aidan needs a change," Lizzy told her husband. "Will you be all right in here with the terrible twosome?"
"I think I can manage," Josh said right before Casey grabbed a handful of her cereal and flung it at him.
"I'll be quick," Lizzy kissed Aidan's forehead. The little boy stared up at his mother with tears still swimming in his eyes.
Lizzy carried him back to the nursery and set him down on the changing table. "We'll get you all cleaned up, Aidan. I promise."
Aidan watched her. "Muh..." he said.
Lizzy grabbed for the baby wipes and didn't catch what her son had said.
She was almost done changing him when he reached a hand up. "Muh!"
Lizzy froze. "Muh? Me, Muh?"
"Muh... muh..." Aidan said.
Lizzy beamed at him. "Aidan!"
"Maa..." he said this time as he reached for her.
Lizzy quickly finished changing him and pulled him into her arms. "My sweet boy! You said my name!"
Aidan rested his head on her shoulder as she laughed. "Josh!"
"Hands are kind of full, Lizzy," Josh called back.
"But Josh," Lizzy carried her son into the kitchen. "He said it! Aidan finally said my name!"
Josh looked over at his wife and Lizzy laughed when she saw he was wearing most of Casey's dinner on his shirt and trousers.
"Did he?" Josh asked trying to act surprised.
"Just now," she was thrilled. "When I was changing him. He looked right up at me and said it!"
"Imagine that," Josh said with a grin. "That's great, Liz! I told you they'd say it."
"Muh!" Aidan said again.
Noah looked up at his brother and grinned.
"Muh," Noah chimed in happily. "Muh!"
"TWO of you?" Lizzy asked in delight. "Josh they're finally saying my name! I can't believe this!" she swooped her other son up and kissed them both repeatedly.
"Da," Casey said throwing the last of her oatmeal at Josh.
"Case!" Josh exclaimed. "I thought you were hungry."
"Da," Casey pushed her empty bowl aside. "Da, da, da, da!"
"Two out of three isn't bad," Lizzy said shaking her head.
"Case," Josh leaned over to prompt his daughter. "Come on..."
Casey looked at him for a few moments and then pointed her finger at Lizzy. "M-muh..."
"That's it baby," Josh encouraged. Lizzy felt her eyes grow damp as she realised her husband must have been coaching them.
"I've been working with them for the last week or so while you were at work," Josh admitted.
"Josh," Lizzy sat down, Noah and Aidan still in her arms. "Thank you." She leaned over to give him a kiss.
"I'm a complete mess," Josh said with a laugh. "Our daughter isn't a real Weasley. She's more interested in throwing her food than eating it. Must get that from your side of the family."
"Very funny," Lizzy grinned. "I was going to tell you that your oatmeal tastes delicious."
"Thank you," Josh grinned. "Would you like some?"
"I would," Lizzy replied, leaning in again.
Josh kissed her again. "Coming right up, Muh."
Lizzy felt much better about her day as she set her sons down and took a rag to clean off Casey's face.
"You made quite a little mess, madam," Lizzy said smiling at her daughter.
"Muh," Casey grinned up at her.
Lizzy beamed at her. "That's my girl. Come here, let's get you out of there."
Casey waved her little arms around as Lizzy lifted her up. "I think it actually might be bath time once you've finished," Josh said, setting a bowl down on the table.
Casey shook her head. "No."
Lizzy laughed. "Is that your other favourite word, Case?"
Casey giggled and put her arms around Lizzy's neck. "Muh."
Lizzy kissed her cheek. "Is it okay if Muh gets something to eat?"
"Come to Daddy, Case," Josh said taking her from Lizzy.
"Da," Casey grinned at him.
Josh laughed. "Let's go and get you in the bath, Case. And then I'll get your brothers."
"No!" Casey said.
Josh levelled his gaze at her. "Casey, you have to have a bath and I know you don't want to, but I promise it'll be fun."
Lizzy laughed. "You'd best just get her in there before she rebels. She likes it when you make the water blue, though."
"Right," Josh said as Casey started to kick her legs. "Come on, Case. Don't hurt Daddy."
"No, no, no," Casey shook her head.
"That is her second favourite word," Lizzy called after them.
"Muh!" Casey screamed over Josh's shoulder. "Muh!"
"What do you think?" Lizzy looked at her sons. "Is your sister a drama queen?"
Noah laughed and clapped his little hands together.
"I'll take that as a yes," Lizzy grinned as she finished her supper.
She cleaned up the kitchen and then picked up both her sons. "Come on, guys. You're next."
"Muh," Noah patted her cheek.
Lizzy laughed. "That's me."
"Got Case in the tub!" Josh called. "You're right about the blue water!"
Lizzy poked her head in the bathroom. Casey was happily playing in the tub and Josh was completely soaking wet. "Josh!"
"She just splashed me," Josh wiped his face off with a towel.
"I think you're wrong," Lizzy said. "I think Casey is all Weasley. She's Fred with a touch of George."
"You got that right," Josh said, running his hands back through his hair. "They'd be so proud."
"Da!" Casey said splashing him again.
"Case!" Josh exclaimed as Lizzy set the boys down and began to undress them.
Casey giggled.
"I think she's found a new favourite thing to do," Lizzy joked.
"Next time, you get the honours," Josh said waiting to wipe himself. He grabbed a towel and slung it over his shoulder and then knelt down to pick his daughter up out of the bath.
"She never does that to me," Lizzy waved her wand and the tub was empty. Another flick of the wrist and she had new water in there, only coloured green this time.
Josh shook his head. "Show-off."
"You love that about me," Lizzy said with a grin as she set Noah into the water.
"That and more," Josh said starting for the door. "Liz?"
"Yeah?" she turned.
"After we put them to bed, it's my bath time," Josh said with a grin. "And I promise, I won't fight it."
Lizzy laughed. "You have got yourself a deal."
*** *** ***
Hannah had settled in quite well with her new parents. So much so that Frankie felt comfortable leaving her with Allison and Jon while she accompanied the team on a road trip to Italy. Will was also out of town on a research trip and even though Hannah said she'd miss her parents, she was excited to have a weekend sleepover with Caroline and Emma.
Jon was working late that Friday evening so it was just Allison, Adam and the three little girls who had so far eaten pizza and ice cream, watched two movies and played a rousing game of beauty shop.
Now it was just gone midnight and Allison was tucking the girls into bed.
"Make sure to tell Daddy to give us a kiss when he gets home," Caroline said as she slid underneath her covers. "Even if we're asleep, Mummy."
"I will Angel," Allison kissed her oldest on the cheek.
"Em wants waffles tomorrow," the little redhead announced sleepily.
Allison handed Emma her favourite teddy bear and then kissed her on the forehead. "Waffles it is. Good night, Emma Madeline. Sweet dreams."
"Night Mummy," Emma said, closing her eyes.
"How about you, Hannah?" Allison looked at her niece. "Do you need anything sweetheart?"
Hannah shook her head. "I'm fine, Aunt Allie."
"Good night then," Allison also kissed her forehead and left the room, making sure the nightlight was on and the door was left open a crack.
It didn't take long for Hannah to go to sleep and she hugged her own teddy bear tightly to her.
***
It was a beautiful spring day and Abbie and Hannah were in the garden planting sunflowers. "Pat the ground down really well, like this," Abbie showed her daughter. "There you go."
"I got it," Hannah grinned up at her mother. "We have pretty flowers, right?"
"We have beautiful flowers," Abbie agreed smiling at her. They'd gone into town earlier that day to buy the seeds. "And maybe, just maybe, we can get ice cream later?"
"Yummy," Hannah said happily.
Abbie tickled Hannah's side. It really had been a wonderful day and with any luck David would stay away for most of it. It was always so much better when he was away. And though he didn't know it, she had been saving up for months so she could leave him. She smiled at her daughter. "My sweet girl, we should plant another row, don't you think?"
Hannah nodded eagerly. "Mummy? Can we have mac and cheese for dinner tonight?"
"You always want Mac and cheese," Abbie teased. "How about we try something different tonight, like mac and Hannah? Or Hannah and Cheese?"
"That's silly," Hannah giggled as her mother gave her a hug.
Abbie hugged her tightly. "Okay, Miss Hannah. We'll have mac and cheese, but first we need to finish planting our flowers."
"This is the best day," Hannah said as she grabbed another handful of seeds.
"It's always the best day if I can spend it with my Hannah," Abbie said, smiling at her daughter.
Hannah beamed at her. "I can't wait until---"
"ABBIE!" David called out from the back porch. "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?"
Hannah's smile turned into a frightened yelp.
"Come on sweetheart," Abbie pulled her daughter close. "Let's stay here in the garden, okay?"
Hannah nodded and said a silent prayer that maybe her father would pass out and not come looking for them.
"ABBIE!" he screamed again. "WHERE ARE YOU, YOU BITCH?"
Abbie patted Hannah's back reassuringly. "It's going to be okay, sweetheart," she whispered.
"I'm scared," Hannah buried her face in Abbie's shoulder.
David stumbled around the backyard and tripped over one of Hannah's toys. He let loose with a stream of expletives that made both Hannah and Abbie wince.
"HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO CLEAN UP?" David yelled throwing Hannah's toy over his shoulder. "YOU STUPID BRAT!"
"Mummy," Hannah whimpered.
Abbie held on tightly to her daughter. She would have Apparated them both away, but she was shaking just as bad as Hannah and she wasn't entirely sure she wouldn't splinch them both in the process. "It's okay, baby. He's not going to hurt you. I promise. I won't let him touch you ever again."
"ABBIE!" David screamed again. "GET YOUR LAZY ARSE OUT HERE NOW!"
Abbie decided to try and sneak around the house so she could go inside and get her wand. It was the only chance she and Hannah might have.
"YOU STUPID BITCH!" David came crashing into their hiding spot before she was even able to move.
"Mummy!" Hannah screamed.
"Shut that brat up!" David exclaimed. "And where's my fucking dinner?"
"I'll go make it now," Abbie stood up quickly and pushed Hannah behind her. "Anything you want David."
"It's too late!" David yelled backhanding Abbie.
"Mummy," Hannah began to sob.
"Go inside, baby," Abbie said struggling to get back on her feet. "Go in your room."
"She's not going anywhere," David said grabbing for Hannah. "I never wanted this brat and she's been more trouble than she's worth..."
"MUMMY!" Hannah wailed. "Daddy, please...."
David yanked hard on Hannah's arm. "You shut up," he shook her. "You shut up, do you hear me?"
"Let her go!" Abbie ordered. "David, she hasn't done anything wrong! LET HER GO!"
"I didn't say you could talk!" David grabbed her throat in one hand.
In the struggle, David let go of Hannah who tried to help her mother, but David kicked her away.
"NO!" Hannah called out in her sleep, waking up both Caroline and Emma.
"Han?" Emma asked uncertainly.
"Go get mummy," Caroline told her younger sister. "Now."
"Kay," Emma's lower lip trembled as she pushed her covers off and ran out of the room.
Caroline gingerly sat on the edge of Hannah's bed, uncertain of what to do. "Hannah?" she asked, touching her cousin's arm. "Hannah, it's me Caroline..."
"No," Hannah sobbed in her sleep. "Mummy..."
Allison hurried into the room with Emma in tow.
"I think she's having a bad dream," Caroline said getting up so Allison could sit down. "I think it's about Aunt Frankie."
"Hannah," Allison said gently as she took a hold of the little girl's shoulders. "Sweetheart wake up..."
"Mummy?" Hannah asked her eyes blinking open.
"It's Aunt Allie, sweetheart," Allison said. "You were having a bad dream..."
"He hurt my mummy," Hannah said wiping at her tear-stained cheeks. "We were having such a good day and he hurt her!"
"Frack?" Emma asked in alarm.
Hannah shook her head and began to cry again. "I want my mummy..."
"Caroline?" Allison asked. "Will you go ring Aunt Frankie's mobile, please? Tell her we need her to get here as soon as possible."
"Yes Mummy," Caroline ran out of the room.
Emma picked up her teddy bear and walked over to Hannah. "Here, Han."
Hannah looked at it for a moment. "Thanks," she said her eyes red and swollen.
"It's okay," Allison said patting Hannah's back. "You're safe, baby."
Hannah sobbed into Allison's shoulder. "I want my mummy."
"I rang Aunt Frankie," Caroline said. "She's coming right now."
"Thanks, Angel," Allison said. Caroline sat down beside Emma. "Your mummy's going to be here really soon, Hannah."
"You talked to her?" Hannah asked lifting her head from Allison's shoulder.
Caroline nodded, assuming she meant Frankie. "She was really worried."
Hannah wiped at her eyes, a slight smile playing at her lips. "I've missed her so much."
"You've only been here a few hours," Caroline was confused.
Frankie dashed into the room, soot and ash still on her robe and pyjamas. Caroline hadn't gone into much detail and Frankie had assumed the worst. She was relieved to see Hannah was still breathing and seemed to be okay. That was until she saw her daughter's tear-stained face.
"My mummy's coming," Hannah said wiping at her eyes.
"I'm right here," Frankie knelt down next to the bed. "Hannah, baby..."
Hannah shook her head. "My mummy's coming back. Caroline said..."
Frankie cast a confused look at her sister. "Hannah, sweetheart... I know your mummy would love to come back but she can't."
"She had a bad dream," Allison explained. "She was so scared and I thought she needed you."
Frankie nodded. "Thanks, Allie. Can you give us a minute?"
"Of course," Allison said. "Caroline, Em, why don't you girls come with me to check on Adam?"
Caroline nodded and took her little sister's hand as they followed their mother out of the room.
Frankie put her arms around Hannah. "Sweetheart, what was your dream about?"
"My Daddy came home," Hannah said with a shuddery sigh. "And he found me and my mummy in the garden."
"It was just a bad dream," Frankie reassured her.
"No, it was how it happened," Hannah sobbed. "I tried to help her, but he wouldn't let me!"
"It wasn't your fault baby," Frankie held her daughter tightly. "You did nothing wrong."
Hannah sobbed into her mother's shoulder.
"You're safe honey," Frankie whispered over and over again, holding her daughter while she cried. "You're safe."
"Don't leave me," Hannah clung to her. "Please..."
"I'm not going anywhere," Frankie whispered. "I promise, baby."
Hannah nodded. "I'm still scared," she whispered.
Frankie kissed the top of her head. "I missed you so much. We've been apart what -- a few hours and I felt like it had been days. I don't like being away from you, Hannah."
"I don't like it either," Hannah said her head on Frankie's shoulder.
"How would you like to come back to my hotel with me?" Frankie asked. "You can spend the rest of the weekend with me."
"You wouldn't mind?" Hannah asked in a small voice.
"Silly girl," Frankie said affectionately. "Of course I don't mind."
"Okay," Hannah said wiping at her eyes one more time before standing up. Frankie quickly helped her gather her belongings in the purple overnight bag.
"Allie?" Frankie said softly, poking her head in Adam's nursery. "Hannah's coming back with me for the rest of the weekend."
Allison had expected as much and she gave Hannah a hug. "We'll continue our sleepover some other time."
"I'm sorry," Hannah apologised. "I didn't mean to scare everyone."
"It's okay," Allison reassured her. "We're just glad you're okay."
Hannah held out Emma's teddy bear. "Thanks, Em."
Emma shook her head. "Han keep for now." she said.
"I couldn't," Hannah protested, but Emma stood firm.
"Han keep," Emma repeated.
"Thanks Em," Hannah smiled at her cousin.
"I'll ring you later," Frankie told her sister.
Hannah followed her mother out of the nursery and back into the sitting room. "Wait until you see this huge bathtub in my room, Hannah."
"Okay," Hannah smiled at her.
They Flooed back to Frankie's hotel room and Hannah gazed in awe at the mere size of the room. "Whoa..."
"And if you're hungry, we can order room service," Frankie told her.
"Room service?" Hannah asked quizzically.
Frankie nodded. "They bring your food right up here and you can eat it in bed!"
Hannah's jaw dropped. "Really?"
"Really," Frankie said smiling at her. "And wait until you see the view..."
"Where are we?" Hannah asked.
"We're in Italy," Frankie told her.
"The one that looks like a boot?" Hannah asked excitedly. Will had pointed it out to her on the map that morning before he'd left.
"That's right," Frankie laughed. "Your Daddy's going to be so proud that you remembered that."
Hannah smiled. "I'm going to go check out the tub."
Frankie pointed toward the door. "Its right there, sweetheart."
"Okay," Hannah scampered across the room and Frankie dug in her bag for her mobile. She wanted to call her husband and tell him Hannah was with her.
Will was staying at a small bed and breakfast in Dorset and was fast asleep when the phone rang. He reached for it blindly. "Hmmmph, hello?" he mumbled.
"Hey," Frankie said. "It's me..."
"Frankie?" Will asked suddenly awake. "What's wrong?"
"Hannah had a really bad nightmare at Allie's," Frankie said. "So I went and got her and she's going to stay with me the rest of the weekend."
Will didn't have to ask what it was about. "Is she okay?"
"She's all right now," Frankie said softly.
"Can I talk to her?" Will asked sitting up in bed.
"Sure," Frankie called out for their daughter, who emerged from the loo. "Will wants to talk to you sweetheart."
Hannah took a few tentative steps toward the phone. She was afraid her father would be mad at her for making everyone worry.
"It's okay," Frankie urged.
"Daddy?" Hannah asked tentatively.
"Hiya, sweetheart," Will said softly. "How's my girl doing?"
"Okay," Hannah replied. "I had a bad dream."
"Your mummy told me," Will said. "But you're okay, baby. You know that, right?"
"I know," Hannah replied. "I was just really scared."
"I miss you," Will told her. "I can't wait to you and your mum on Sunday night."
"I can't wait too," Hannah said. "Oh- and I remembered that we're in the country that looks like a boot!"
Will grinned. "That's my smart girl!"
Hannah felt much better. "I love you Daddy," she said before handing the phone back to Frankie.
"So we'll see you on Sunday," Frankie said to her husband.
"Take care of our girl, Frankie," Will said. "Love you."
"Love you too," Frankie said before turning her mobile off.
Frankie set it on the bedside table. "Okay, you. It's way past your bedtime."
Hannah climbed into the bed and hugged both her teddy bear and Emma's. "Will you tell me a story?"
"I'm afraid I don't have any books here," Frankie replied with a frown.
"You could make up one," Hannah suggested. "Please?"
"Well, since you asked so nicely," Frankie turned out the lights and got under the covers. "Maybe you can help me- I'm rubbish at making stories up."
Hannah thought about this for a few moments. "I know...tell me a story about a girl named Francesca."
"Francesca?" Frankie teased. "Wonder where you got that name from?"
"And she's the queen," Hannah giggled. "Prettiest queen in all the land."
"I like this story," Frankie said. "Okay, so Queen Francesca, the prettiest in all the land, was really unhappy and she didn't even know it. And one day, she was in the village, when she saw a beautiful girl who was working hard."
"And who was that?" Hannah asked.
"Her name was... Hannah," Frankie smiled at her. "And Queen Francesca knew as soon as she saw Hannah that it was the long lost princess she'd been searching for."
Hannah smiled. "Did she take her home to the castle?"
"She did," Frankie nodded. "She took Princess Hannah home to live with her and King William."
"And Princess Hannah felt safe for the first time ever," Hannah said closing her eyes and snuggling up close to her mother.
"Queen Francesca was so happy to know that," Frankie pushed Hannah's long brown hair back and kissed her temple. "I love you baby."
"I love you too, Mummy," Hannah whispered.
"In the morning when you wake up, we'll order a huge breakfast," Frankie whispered. "And you can come with me to my meetings and we'll have a real Italian dinner tomorrow night."
It didn't take long for Hannah to fall asleep and Frankie continued to stroke her daughter's hair. "Sweet dreams, my sweet girl," Frankie whispered. "Sweet dreams."
*** *** ***
Drew had gone into labour two weeks ahead of schedule. She'd been out with Brian when her waters had broken and they'd rushed to the hospital. Because of what had happened with Hope, Drew was very nervous and apprehensive about the labour. But with Brian's help, she'd managed to get through most of it so far. But she'd now been in labour for over 15 hours and she was knackered and wanted to just take a nice, long kip. But the doctor had other ideas, apparently.
"Just one more push, Drew," the doctor called out. "Just one more."
Drew shook her head. "I can't!"
"Come on baby," Brian said, gripping her hand. "Don't you want to meet our little one? I know you can do this Drew."
Drew summoned what little strength she had yet and did as the doctor asked.
"Come on sweetheart," Brian said. "Just a little more Drew, and we'll meet our child."
Drew gave one last push and gripped her fiancé's hand tightly. The sound of a baby's cries filled the room a few moments later and Drew started to cry.
"Drew, Brian," the doctor said smiling at them. "You have a healthy little girl."
"Healthy?" Drew asked breathlessly, her eyes filling up with tears. "It's a girl? And she's healthy?"
The doctor nodded before gingerly handing the baby to the nurse. "We're just going to clean her up first."
Drew sobbed as she looked over at Brian. "Chloe?"
"Chloe Hope McGregor?" Brian asked her.
Drew nodded. "And she's really okay?"
"She's really okay," Brian said giving her a kiss.
Drew pushed her hair back- it was matted and damp from sweat. "I need to see her,"
"She's ready to meet her parents," the nurse said swaddling the baby in a blanket.
Drew sobbed again as she carefully took her daughter in her arms. "She's so beautiful..."
"She looks like her mum," Brian said softly.
"She has some of you too," Drew traced her finger over Chloe's soft cheek as the infant yawned.
Brian chuckled. "That yawn was all me."
Drew smiled at him. "She's really okay..."
"Course she is," Brian said softly. "Her big sister was looking out for her."
Drew's eyes filled with tears again and she used her free hand to wipe them away. "Can you go get our parents?"
Brian nodded. "And Darla?"
"Of course," Drew said softly, her eyes glued to the infant in her arms.
Brian rushed out of the room leaving Drew alone with their daughter.
"I'm your mum," Drew whispered. "And I love you so much."
Chloe opened her eyes and stared straight up at her.
"I just wish that you could have met your big sister," Drew said as a tear fell down her cheek. "I know you would have been as close as me and my sisters."
She smiled tearfully as Chloe grabbed onto her index finger with her tiny hand.
"Sweetheart?" Luna asked from the doorway.
"Hi Mum," Drew said. "Come meet my daughter."
Luna came into the room followed by Ron and Brian's parents. "She's got the Weasley red hair," Luna said with a smile. "Drew, she's gorgeous!"
Drew smiled. "Brian, I know you want to hold her..."
"You gonna let me?" Brian asked teasingly.
"For a minute," Drew smiled at him.
Brian teared up as he held his daughter for the first time. His father and stepmother watched with huge smiles.
"Hiya," Brian said kissing Chloe's forehead.
Chloe stared up at him with her large blue eyes. "You look just like your gorgeous mummy," he said softly.
Drew smiled. "I look fantastic right now, don't I?"
"You never looked more beautiful to me," Ron said softly. "Drew I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Daddy," Drew said squeezing his hand.
"Drew," Darla swept into the room. "I'm sorry, I went to the loo for a moment and--" she gasped as she caught sight of the baby.
"Meet Chloe Hope McGregor," Drew said to her sister.
Darla's lower lip trembled a bit. "She's absolutely gorgeous," she whispered, staring at the baby then at her twin sister.
"Want to hold her?" Brian asked. "Aunt Darla?"
"I would love to," Darla held her arms out.
Brian placed the baby in Darla's arms.
Drew smiled as Darla perched on the edge of the bed. "Of course, you're the godmother," she said softly.
"I'd be honoured," Darla replied. Chloe had fallen asleep in her aunt's arms. "I see she finds my company stimulating."
"I think she's as knackered as I am," Drew said as Luna brushed her hair off her forehead.
"I don't know how you managed to do this four times," Drew said to her mother.
Luna smiled at her. "It was worth it each and every time."
"I'm sorry, Miss Weasley," the nurse said. "But we're going to need to take the baby now."
Drew nodded and looked over at Brian.
Darla gave the baby back to the nurse. "Take care of my niece," Darla said with a grin.
"Of course," the nurse said warmly. "She'll be in the nursery down the corridor."
"We should probably let you get some sleep," Brian's father said to Drew. "Both of you."
"I'm as wide awake as can be," Brian said.
"Wish I was," Drew smiled at all of them. "We're so happy you all were here today though."
"We're so happy that you and your daughter are both okay," Luna said giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks Mum," Drew said softly. "I love you guys."
"We love you too," Ron said. "So much, Drew."
"Thanks Dad," Drew smiled as her father kissed her on the forehead.
"We'll be back to see you later," Brian's father said.
"Thanks, Dad," Brian said giving him a hug.
Everyone left except for Darla, who lagged behind. "Drew..."
"What is it, Dar?" Drew asked.
"I'm just really proud of you," Darla said softly.
"I was really scared," Drew admitted. "Especially with everything that happened with Hope."
"I know but it went perfectly," Darla squeezed her sister's hand. "And Chloe is beautiful."
"She is, isn't she?" Drew asked with a tired smile. "And healthy, Darla. She's healthy."
"Completely healthy," Darla said. "You get some rest Drew. I'll be in the waiting room when you wake up."
"Thanks, Darla," Drew said already closing her eyes.
Darla waited until her twin was asleep before leaving the room. She bumped into Brian just outside. "How're you doing Dad?" she asked.
Brian grinned. "That's me. I'm doing fantastic. She's gorgeous, isn't she?"
"Absolutely," Darla nodded. "I couldn't be happier for you and Drew."
Brian gave her a hug. "Thanks for everything, Darla."
"Anytime," Darla hugged him back. "And now that Drew's getting her old figure back, it's almost time for the big double wedding."
"I can't wait to make it official," Brian said. "I love her so much, Darla."
Darla smiled at him. "I'm so glad she has someone like you."
"I'm the lucky one," Brian said fondly. "I'd do anything for her."
Darla nodded. "I always liked you," she said with a grin. "From that first night we met you, I just had a feeling about you."
Brian puffed out his chest. "That's because I'm quite charming."
Darla laughed. "No wonder you and Hans get on so well."
"Speaking of Hans," Brian said. "I was going to ask him to be Chloe's godfather."
Darla grinned. "Were you really? He's on a shoot right now in Australia but he's due back tomorrow. I was going to ring him to let him know about the baby but I won't say anything about being the godfather."
"I'll ask him when he gets back then," Brian said. "I'd better get back inside."
"She's asleep," Darla looked back in the room. "I told her I'd wait out here until she woke up."
"Oh," Brian said a little disappointed that he hadn't had a chance to tell her good night. But, truth be told, he was kind of knackered himself.
"I'll go keep an eye on my new niece," Darla said with a smile. "Go get some rest."
"Thanks," Brian said gratefully.
Darla went down the corridor to the nursery and leaned against the window, her eyes on her twin's daughter.
Maddie tapped her sister on the shoulder. She and Ethan had arrived a few minutes ago after receiving a phone call from Luna. "Is that her?" Maddie asked peering over Darla's shoulder.
"Yeah," Darla smiled at her sister. "Our newest niece, Chloe Hope McGregor."
"Look at that red hair," Maddie gushed.
"She's got gorgeous blue eyes," Darla said proudly. "And she has Brian's nose."
Maddie felt tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at her newborn niece. "How's Drew?"
"Sleeping," Darla hugged her baby sister.
"I bet she is," Maddie said.
Ethan pecked Darla on the cheek. "And how are you holding up?" he teased. "I heard what happens to one twin, the other feels as well."
"I'm fine," Darla said with a laugh. "No sympathy labour pains or things like that."
"What's Hans up to?" Maddie asked.
"Photo shoot in Melbourne," Darla replied.
"When's he due back?" Ethan asked, sliding his arm around his wife.
"Tomorrow afternoon, I expect," Darla answered. "I've missed him."
"I'm so happy you both managed to work everything out," Maddie said to her sister.
"Me too," Darla said.
"Mind if we wait with you?" Ethan asked. "We'd like to see the new parents when they're up for it."
"I'd love it," Darla said. "In fact, you might get to hold her, Maddie. Let me just get the nurse."
Maddie grinned in excitement. "She's just gorgeous Ethan..."
Ethan put his arm around her. "She is, Mads."
"Kind of makes me wonder what it's like to be in Drew's shoes..." Maddie said softly.
"Really?" Ethan asked looking at her.
She shrugged. "Just makes me wonder, is all."
Darla came back out of the nursery with Chloe. "Okay, little one. You are about to meet Auntie Maddie and Uncle Ethan. Maybe she'll teach you her special pout when you get older."
"Very funny," Maddie eagerly took the little bundle into her arms. "Hello gorgeous," she cooed.
"Look at her eyes," Darla gushed. "They're so blue!"
"Just like a Weasley," Ethan grinned.
"We're all going to spoil you rotten, you know that, right?" Maddie asked her niece who stared up at her.
"Completely rotten," Darla agreed. "Chloe's not going to want for anything."
"Where's the rest of your brood?" Ethan asked.
"Jon and Allie are going to bring the girls over later," Darla replied. "Josh was here earlier and I tried reaching RJ, but couldn't."
"There's a big surprise," Maddie said wryly. "Ever since he took up with Serena we've hardly seen hide nor hair of him."
"Well, he should make time for this," Darla said. "We're his family."
"I agree," Maddie kissed Chloe's forehead before passing her to Ethan.
Ethan was a little hesitant which made the sisters laugh. "You can't break her, Ethan," Maddie teased.
"I don't really get a chance to hold babies," he confessed.
"When you and Maddie have them, you'll have to," Darla said with a grin. "And you can consider this practise."
"She's really sweet," Ethan said with a grin.
Chloe smacked her small lips and looked up at Ethan before starting to cry.
"Uh oh," Darla said. "Let me take her."
Ethan gladly handed her the baby. "Told you I was rubbish at it."
"Nonsense," Maddie told him. "You're perfect- she's just an infant, and they all cry."
Ethan smiled. "Thanks for making me feel better."
Maddie kissed her husband as Darla took Chloe back into the nursery. "You've always been perfect to me," she whispered.
"That's my line," Ethan said putting his arms around her.
Maddie closed her eyes as she leaned against him. "I do want to have kids with you," she said softly. "But not for another year or two. I still want some time alone with you first."
"And Blue," Ethan reminded her. "Don't forget our demented little pixie."
"I could never forget my baby," Maddie grinned.
"He was mad that he couldn't come with," Ethan said. "We'll have to get him some fish and chips on the way home."
"Definitely," Maddie grinned. "I love watching him eat fish and chips."
"You never try and take it away from him," Ethan said nudging her. "But you love getting mine. Why is that?"
"Because you love sharing with me," Maddie leaned in and kissed him.
"Most of the time," Ethan said dryly.
"All right," Maddie said. "I won't steal your fish and chips anymore."
"You won't?" Ethan asked raising an eyebrow.
"I'll try not to," Maddie corrected herself.
"That's my girl," Ethan said giving her another kiss.
"Did you two want to join me in the cafeteria?" Darla came out. "I'm in the mood for a cup of coffee."
"Sure," Ethan replied. "I'm buying."
"Then I'll have two cups," Darla joked.
"And a muffin," Maddie chimed in.
"Chocolate chip, if I know my wife," Ethan said.
Maddie grinned. "Yum."
The three of them headed down to the cafeteria and as they were sitting down, Darla's mobile rang. "It's Hans," she said with a grin. "I have to tell him the good news."
"Baby," Hans said when Darla picked up.
"YES!" Darla squealed. "Drew had her baby!"
Hans held the phone away from his ear for a few moments. "That's fantastic, Dar. I take it they're both okay?"
"Yes," Darla said. "Sorry- I'm just so excited. They had a baby girl, and named her Chloe Hope McGregor."
"I wish I could be there," Hans said.
"Me too," Darla said softly. "But I know you're busy..."
"I'll be home tomorrow around six your time," Hans promised.
"I can't wait to see you," Darla replied.
"Give Drew and Brian my best," Hans said. "I have to go, Dar. They're waiting on me. Love you."
"I love you too," Darla smiled before clicking off her phone.
"Awwww," Ethan teased. "You two lovebirds are so cute!" he batted his eyes.
"Shut it, Mister I-Twirl-In-The-Snow," Darla said sweetly.
"Spin," Ethan corrected.
"Is that more manly?" Darla asked.
"Quite so," Ethan nodded as he sat back.
"Right," Darla said giggling.
"Want a bite?" Maddie held up her muffin.
"Yes, please," Ethan replied.
"Just a bite," she said. "I'm starving!"
"When aren't you Weasleys starving?" Ethan asked them.
"Never," both Maddie and Darla answered together.
Ethan shook his head. "I'll just go and get my own muffin."
"And another for me?" Maddie asked sweetly.
"Yes, dear," Ethan said before walking away.
"You have him trained well, Madeline Molly," Darla teased her sister.
"He's one of the good ones," Maddie said dreamily.
"And how is life as a Potter?" Darla asked.
"Fantastic," Maddie said smiling at her.
"Before long, none of us girls will be Weasleys anymore," Darla said. "Drew's going to be a McGregor, and I'll be known as Mrs. Hans Feinbach."
"We'll always be Weasleys no matter what," Maddie said loyally.
"In a sense, you're right." Darla said. "Merlin, I don't know how Dad's going to hold up at me and Drew's wedding... he was almost in tears at yours."
"I know," Maddie said. "He made me cry."
"Almost ruined your makeup," Darla teased.
"Frankie would have killed him," Maddie said with a laugh.
"How's everything going with Hannah?" Darla asked as Ethan came back with more muffins for all of them.
"She's still having some nightmares about her dad," Maddie said. "But other than that, she's doing really well. Frankie's such a great mum."
"I'm so glad for her," Darla said. "And for Hannah. That little girl is so sweet."
"She really is," Maddie said softly.
"I heard they made you two the godparents," Darla bit into her muffin.
"They made us an offer we couldn't refuse," Ethan said in gravely voice. "Get it?"
Darla raised an eyebrow at him. "Huh?"
"The Godfather?" Ethan asked her. "Darla...that's one of the greatest films of all time..."
"No, it's not," Maddie said shuddering. "This man woke up with a horse's head in his bed!"
"Ugh," Darla agreed with her sister. "And what's even worse, they used a REAL horse's head."
"That poor horse," Maddie said shaking her head.
"You women are so weird about that stuff," Ethan replied.
"We're talking about a poor, defenceless animal," Maddie argued. "They didn't have to use a real horse's head."
"It was already dead," Ethan said, exasperated. "They got it from one of those factories."
"And that makes it better?" Maddie asked indignantly.
"Well..." Ethan looked between his wife and sister in law. "I'm not going to win this am I?"
Maddie shook her head. "No.'
"Then I'll just shut up now." Ethan stuffed the rest of his muffin in his mouth.
A couple of hours later, Drew woke up and grinned when she saw Brian asleep in the chair beside her bed.
"Hey," she said softly, sitting up in the bed. "Brian?"
Brian opened his eyes. "Yeah, sweetheart?'
"I'm so glad you stayed," she stretched. "How's Chloe?"
"She's fine," Brian said stretching as well. "And how's her mummy?"
"Feeling much better," Drew smiled at him as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I'm dying to go see her now that I'm a little more coherent."
"Come on then," Brian said handing her a dressing gown.
"Thanks sweetheart," Drew gave him a kiss. "How are you feeling, daddy?"
"Still knackered, but very happy," Brian said grinning at her. "I can't believe we're parents, Drew."
"I can't believe it either," Drew leaned against him as they headed for the nursery. "I think I'm still a little bit in awe that she's here and she's okay."
"And she obviously couldn't wait to get here since she arrived a fortnight earlier than she was supposed to," Brian said.
"Right," Drew smiled happily as she peered through the window at their daughter.
"She's still asleep," Brian remarked.
"I could just sit here and look at her all day," Drew said dreamily.
Brian wrapped his arms around her. "Me too."
"When she wakes up I'll have to feed her," Drew leaned back against him. "I can't believe how happy I am right now. I feel so fulfilled. I haven't felt like this in a long time."
"You deserve to feel that way, Drew," Brian said softly.
"Thanks," Drew said, giving him another kiss.
"Thank you for giving me this incredible gift," Brian said to her. "You and Chloe are everything to me."
"I guess that's one more thing we have in common," Drew grinned at him. "Because you and Chloe are everything to me too."
They spent the next few minutes cataloguing their daughter's features and saying what she'd gotten from which parent. Drew smiled as she thought of her daughters---both Hope and Chloe.
"You all right?" Brian asked. "You sort of look faraway..."
Drew nodded. "I was just thinking of Hope."
"I know you miss her," Brian held her tighter. "But we'll make sure Chloe gets everything we couldn't give to Hope."
"And we'll tell her about her big sister," Drew said softly.
"Everything she could ever want to know," Brian agreed.
"Our sweet girls," Drew said touching the glass.
"Come on," Brian took her hand. "Let's go in there and sit until she wakes up."
"Okay," Drew agreed.
"I can't take my eyes off her," Brian whispered once they'd sat down.
Drew felt the same way. She couldn't stop looking at this amazing little girl.
"She's all ours," Brian couldn't resist touching his daughter's smooth cheek.
"She's perfect," Drew whispered.
"Just like you," Brian agreed as Chloe wrapped her hand around his finger.
"I love it when she does that," Drew said to Brian.
"Makes me feel like I'm protecting her, in an odd way," Brian said.
"You are," Drew said knowing exactly what he meant.
Chloe opened her eyes at that moment and let out a tiny cry.
"Mummy and Daddy are here," Drew cooed eagerly picking her up. "Shhhh...."
"Maybe she's hungry," Brian suggested. "We've been out about four hours now."
"Maybe," Drew said as Chloe's cries subsided. "Hi, sweetheart."
"There we go," Brian grinned. "She knows her mummy's touch."
Drew smiled back at him. "You think so?"
"Definitely," Brian said with pride as Chloe blinked up at them.
"You're the one that's been kicking me all these past few months," Drew said smiling down at her daughter.
"Miss Weasley, if you'd like to feed her, we can help you," a nurse came over.
"Okay," Drew replied. "Thanks, I think she is a little hungry."
Brian stood back as his fiancée prepared to feed their newborn. "You're a natural," he smiled at her.
"I'm not so sure," Drew said with a grin. "This is new to me, Brian."
"Look at her," Brian nodded. "She's happy as can be. That's why you're a natural."
"I just want to be as good a mum as mine," Drew said.
"You will be," Brian assured her. "I know you will be."
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