Unofficial Portkey Archive

Authors' note: This chapter is all Hans/Darla…with a new character introduced. We hope you enjoy the chapter!

Darla kept her hopes up that Hans might come back in time for the ultrasound, but tried not to be too disappointed that he was a no show. Instead, she found herself accompanied by her twin.

"This is so exciting," Drew said trying to get her sister to smile. "You're going to see your son for the very first time. I remember the first time I saw Chloe!"

Darla nodded, trying to muster up some enthusiasm.

"They'll give you a print out too," Drew said. "You can bring it home to show Mum and Dad. Dad's so excited that he's going to have another grandson."

"I really thought he might come home," Darla said suddenly. "To see his son, you know?"

Drew reached for her sister's hand. She forgot about her own anger toward her brother-in-law. Darla didn't need to go into her ultrasound stressed out as she was.

"Maybe he still will," Drew said diplomatically. "Your appointment's not for another few moments."

"He's not coming," Darla said with a harsh laugh.

"How about we look at that book of names that we picked up?" Drew said reaching into her bag.

Darla shrugged. "Okay."

"We have to pick carefully," Drew said. "We're going to give him a name he's going to have to carry for the rest of his life. I love Nana, but what on earth was she thinking giving Aunt Ginny the name Ginevra? No wonder the tart goes by the name Ginny."

"Gross," Darla made a face.

Drew scrunched up her nose in disgust when she turned to the "H" section of the book. "Hugo? Uh...no."

"I'd like to give him something unique, but not strange," Darla looked at the book.

Drew smiled. "Unique, but not strange. I'm sure we can find something in this book..."

"Mrs. Feinbach?"

Darla looked up. "Yes?"

"Elizabeth Weasley was called out of the office unexpectedly," the nurse told her. "You can reschedule if you want or you can see the other healer on duty."

"I'll just see the other healer," Darla replied.

The nurse smiled at her. "Okay then. If you'll follow me..."

Darla stood up and she and Drew followed the nurse into the office.

"Will you husband be joining you?" the nurse asked.

Darla shook her head silently.

"There's a gown just behind that curtain there," the nurse told her. "I'll just let know the healer know you're here. He'll be here in a few minutes to see you."

"He?" Drew asked but the nurse was already gone. "Dar-- perhaps you should wait for Lizzy to come back..."

Darla looked at her. "Why? What's the big deal? I've had a male doctor before, Drew."

"If you feel comfortable..." Drew shrugged.

"It doesn't matter to me," Darla said. "I just want to see my son and make sure that he's healthy."

She changed into the gown and sat up on the table making small talk with her sister while they waited for the healer.

There was a gentle knock on the door. "Mrs. Feinbach?"

"Yes?" Darla answered.

The door opened and a tall, handsome man with brown hair came striding into the room. "Mrs, Feinbach, I'm Liam Thornhart."

"Hi," Darla said. "Nice to meet you."

He smiled warmly at her. "I'm sorry about the last minute change. Lizzy asked me to send her apologies."

"It's no problem," Darla sat on the table.

"I'm Drew McGregor," Drew said. "I'm her sister."

Liam laughed. "I kind of figured since you look so much alike..."

"She's going to stay while we do the ultrasound," Darla told Liam.

Liam nodded. "I just need a moment to review your chart and then we'll get started."

"What part of Ireland are you from?" Drew asked picking up on his Irish brogue.

"Belfast," Liam replied. "Just moved here about six months ago."

"We spent most of our childhood in Dublin," Darla told him.

"Did you now?" Liam asked. "I always did like Dublin."

"I didn't appreciate it too much when we lived there," Darla said softly. "We missed our family so much. But, our dad's work was there and there was nothing we could do."

"When did you move back here?" he asked, pressing gently on her stomach.

"A few years ago," Darla replied. "My sister and I run a wedding planning business."

"Lovely," he nodded. "Okay- I'm going to put some of this on your stomach. It's cold, so just be forewarned."

Darla nodded. "Lizzy didn't mention that she'd taken on a new partner..."

"It's quite recent," he said, rubbing the gel onto her skin.

Darla gasped. "You weren't lying about it being cold..."

Drew laughed. "And you thought I was being overdramatic."

"Drew's an old pro," Darla told Liam. "She's already got a daughter----Chloe."

"I think Lizzy mentioned that," Liam said. "She's what, two?"

Drew nodded. "Yes and a complete handful."

"They usually are at that age," Liam chuckled as he waved his wand then touched it to Darla's stomach.

Drew held her sister's hand.

"There he is," Liam said as an image appeared on a screen to their right. "Your little guy..."

Darla turned her head and felt her breath catch in her throat. "Oh..."

"That's a strong, healthy heartbeat," Liam said.

"Look at him!" Drew whispered excitedly.

Darla's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her son for the first time.

"Oh, Darla," Drew said tearing up as well. "He's perfect."

"He is," Darla said, her voice shaking.

Liam smiled. "I take it you'd like some pictures?"

"That would be brilliant," Drew said when Darla was unable to respond. "Thank you."

"From what I can tell he's quite healthy," Liam said waving his wand over Darla's stomach. "Very strong heartbeat and he appears to be growing as he should."

"Thank you," Darla whispered.

Darla looked at the image of her baby on the screen and her heart broke at the thought that Hans wasn't here to see it. She wiped at her eyes.

"It's okay, Darla," Liam said. "It's normal to get emotional at a time like this."

"It's not so much that..." Darla said as Drew got her a tissue. "My husband should be here..."

"Where is he?" Liam asked. "If he's working..."

"He's in New York," Darla said quietly.

Drew looked at him in surprise. She couldn't believe he didn't know. Darla and Hans' story had made the papers over here as well.

"I see," Liam nodded. "Perhaps he just couldn't make it back and next time--"

"I wouldn't hold out too much hope for that," Darla said quietly.

"We'll send him copies of these," Drew said quickly. "And I bet he'll come right back."

Liam handed Darla the pictures. "I made some extras since you have a large family. Lizzy told me."

"Thanks," Darla said softly.

"What about you?" Drew asked. "Do you have a large family?"

Liam shook his head. "I just have an older brother."

"What about your parents?" Drew questioned.

"My dad is a Muggle doctor," Liam replied. "And my mum works at the Ministry."

"A Muggle doctor?" Darla asked. "Really?"

Liam nodded. "Wanted me to follow him into medicine, which I did, but just not the way he wanted."

Darla nodded as she sat up.

"Do you have any children of your own?" Drew asked.

"I'm afraid not," Liam replied. "I haven't even got a girlfriend at the moment. My last one didn't like how many hours I logged at work."

The nurse came into the room. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I just need you to sign off on something, Liam."

Liam nodded and promised he'd be back in a moment.

"Why were you asking him so many questions?" Darla hissed at her sister.

"Just curious," Drew replied.

"It's really none of our business," Darla said quietly as she sat up on the table.

"He's partners with our sister in law," Drew pointed out.

"He seems very nice," Darla commented.

"And efficient," Drew nodded.

Darla looked down at the photograph of her baby. "Hans missed this, Drew."

"I know," Drew said. "That's how I felt the first time I saw Hope and Paul wasn't there."

Darla remembered that. She'd been there to support her sister during that time just like Drew was here now.

"It'll work out, one way or the other," Drew reassured her.

"Thank you for being here," Darla said smiling at her.

"Wouldn't have missed it for anything," Drew grinned.

Liam came back into the room. "I took the liberty of scheduling a follow up appointment for you, Mrs. Feinbach." He handed her an appointment card.

"Oh, thank you." Darla said in surprise.

"Lizzy should be able to see you then," Liam said. He picked up her chart and started scribbling some notes.

"I might stick with you," Darla said. "I have this weird thing about only going to one healer at a time..."

Drew looked at her sister in surprise.

"If you don't mind..." Darla added.

"I don't mind at all," Liam replied. "I'll make sure the receptionist makes the change, Mrs. Feinbach."

"Thank you," Darla nodded.

"I guess I'll see you in a couple of weeks then," Liam said extending his hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you both."

"You too," Drew shook his hand.

"If you need anything in the meantime, just let me know," Liam said. "My contact information is on that card."

"I appreciate it," Darla nodded. "And thank you for the pictures."

Liam smiled at her. "You take care of yourself."

With that, he left the two women in the office.

"You want him to be your healer?" Drew asked.

Darla shrugged. "Why not?"

"I just thought you wanted to stick with Lizzy is all," Drew replied. "I mean, we hardly know this bloke."

"What's the big deal?" Darla responded, somewhat irritably.

"There's no need to bite my head off," Drew said holding up her hands.

"Sorry," Darla went to change. "I'm just so stressed out."

"It's understandable," Drew said. "You're hormonal and your husband's being a stubborn arse."

Darla let out a choked laugh.

"Dr. McDreamy there is kind of cute though," Drew said with a grin. "And you always have had a soft spot for Irish boys..."

"Dr. McDreamy?" Darla asked. "Drew--"

"I'm only teasing," Drew said.

Darla dropped the dressing gown into a bag in the corner of the room. "Let's go."

"I promised you lunch," Drew said.

"And I am starving," Darla nodded.

"Especially these days," Darla agreed.

"Mrs. McGregor!" the receptionist called out.

Drew turned. "Yes?"

"There was an urgent message for you from someone named Muffy," the receptionist said. "There were actually six of them to be exact. She said you were supposed to meet her at the dress shop for one of her fittings?"

Drew rolled her eyes. "I can't believe this..."

"I can go," Darla offered.

"I've got it," Drew shook her head as they left the office. "You know, last week she told me she didn't need me there."

"You know how she is about those last minute changes," Darla said. "If you're sure you don't mind going..."

"I don't," Drew reassured her. "You should go over to Mum and Dad's with those pictures."

"I will," Darla said. "But I am really hungry. I think I'll stop in at that diner just down the street and get a sandwich before I go. Thanks again for coming with me, Drew.'

"Anytime," Drew hugged her twin.

Darla decided not to dwell on Hans. He was the one who had missed this and she wouldn't be able to forgive him for that. She walked into the diner and was grateful that it wasn't too crowded. She sat down at a corner booth and picked up a menu.

After placing her order and sitting back to wait, she pulled the ultrasound pictures out of her bag and gazed at them. She couldn't take her eyes off her son.

"Healer Thornhart," the waitress said. "How nice to see you!" Darla looked up from the pictures and was surprised to see her healer.

"You too," Liam replied with an easy smile. His gaze fell on Darla. "Well hello there!"

"Hi," Darla said smiling back at him. "I guess you had the same idea I did, eh?"

"You can't beat the food here," Liam said. "Mind if I join you?"

"Sure," Darla replied. "I'd love the company."

Liam set his things into the other side of the booth and slid in across from her.

"I keep looking at these pictures," Darla said.

"Most new parents can't stop," Liam replied. "It's understandable."

Darla put the pictures back in her bag. "I can't wait to show them to my parents."

"How many grandchildren do they have already?" Liam asked.

Darla laughed. "Okay, now you're putting me on the spot. There's Caroline, Emma and Adam. Then, Casey, Noah and Aidan. Chloe and Kiera. And this little guy is going to be number nine."

"Wow," Liam said with a grin. "Think of any names yet?"

Darla shook her head. "Drew bought me a baby name book."

"Thinking of a name is the fun part, or so I'm told," Liam replied.

"Lucky for me, I have a few months to decide," Darla said. "So how do you like working with Lizzy?"

"She's great," Liam answered. "I'm learning a lot from her."

"She is," Darla agreed. "She's one of the smartest people I know."

"You all seem pretty close," he commented. "Lizzy talks about that all the time."

Darla smiled. "The Weasleys are a tight group. We always say that if you mess with one of us, you mess with the whole lot."

Liam laughed. "I'll remember that."

"What about your family? You said you had brothers..."

"An older brother," Liam nodded. "He works at Gringotts."

"Are you close?" Darla asked.

"Yeah," Liam shrugged. "We get together every few weeks."

"How are you liking London?" Darla asked.

"It's fantastic," Liam said.

Darla smiled. "So you don't miss home?"

"I'll always miss Ireland," he said with a grin. "But I can pop back when I want to."

"One of the many benefits of being magical," Darla grinned back at him. He was so easy to talk to.

"Tell me about it," he agreed. "You can be anywhere in the world in a flash."

Darla's smile faded. If that was true, Hans would be here. But then again, it would only be if he WANTED to be there.

"Are you all right?" he asked her.

"Yeah," Darla nodded. "I just get a little emotional. Hormones, right?

"Welcome to that world," he joked.

Darla laughed. "It's going to get worse according to my sisters."

"Well if you ever have questions or need advice from an outsider, my door is always open," Liam told her.

Darla smiled. "You might live to regret those words..."

"Never," he teased.

The waitress brought over their food and Darla rubbed her hands together. "That looks soooo good!"

Liam laughed. "There's another part of pregnancy you can enjoy- guiltless eating."

Darla grinned. "Oh yes!"

He laughed again as she dove into her food. "Another thing Lizzy mentioned is how much your dad likes to eat."

Darla laughed, too. "Oh, he lives to eat."

Liam dug into his own sandwich. "I've become quite the regular here since moving to the city. It's just so close by and the food is excellent."

"After this, I'm going to start coming here more often," Darla said. "These are the best chips I've ever had in my life."

"I can definitely agree," Liam nodded.

The waitress came over with another glass of juice for Darla. "Sweetheart if you don't mind me saying, I think it's awful about what's happened to you in the press. Those vultures..."

"Press?" Liam asked.

Darla waited until there alone before she explained. "You don't read the papers much, do you?"

"Usually just a few pages of it," Liam confessed.

"Well, I was front page news these last few days," Darla said frowning. "And not in a good way, either."

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.

Darla ran her finger along the rim of her glass. "My husband is a model. He did a lot of things locally and at the end of last year, things really started to take off for him."

"Well that's good news, right?" Liam asked.

Darla nodded. "Yeah, you'd think. Well, he...he landed a big contract with Calvin Klein in New York."

"Wow," Liam was impressed.

"I was really proud of him because I knew how hard he worked," Darla said softly. "But then...his agents came up with this stupid idea. They said he had to keep it secret that he was married."

"You're kidding me," Liam sat back. "He had to hide you?"

Darla nodded. "I was against it, but he said it would only be for short time." She told him all about New Year's Eve and how he'd left her in his dressing room.

Liam shook his head. "He should have stood by you. I know I've never met him, but that's' what I would have done."

Darla smiled. "Thank you."

Liam smiled back at her. "And what does he think of your pregnancy?"

"He was...is happy," Darla replied. "Until the press got wind of our marriage. He thinks that I told them."

"That doesn't seem in character for you," Liam said.

"I didn't tell them," Darla said. "This reporter called the house and she said she had a copy of our marriage license. But, he thought it was my fault. We haven't really been speaking since then. I thought he'd show up today, but you saw that didn't happen."

"That's a damn shame," Liam shook his head.

Darla shrugged. "Yes, well. I have my family and a great new Healer. I'm sure that I'm going to be okay."

Liam smiled at that. "You seem like a strong person."

"I'm trying," Darla said. "Merlin, I can't believe I told you all of that."

"Sometimes you just need an outsider's opinion," Liam pointed out.

"An outsider who is very easy to talk to," Darla said smiling at him.

"I'm glad you feel you can trust me," Liam told her.

"I do," Darla said softly.

"That's the patient/healer relationship I always like to try and have," Liam said.

Darla laughed. "That's a good thing since we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

"Oh yes," Liam checked his watch. "But if you'll excuse me for now... I really have to get back to the office."

Darla nodded. "Sure. It was really nice to meet you, Healer Thornhart."

"It's Liam," he said with a grin.

"Liam," Darla said blushing a little.

"I'll see you soon," he smiled at her.

Darla protested when he put some money down on the table. "You don't have to pay for my lunch, Liam..."

"I want to," he insisted.

"That's very kind of you," Darla relented. "Thank you."

"It was nice talking with you, Darla." Liam said, sliding out of the booth.

Darla watched him go. Why couldn't Hans be more like Liam?

When Liam arrived back at the office, Lizzy was just checking her messages with the receptionist.

"How'd it go?" Liam asked her.

"Everything was fine," Lizzy said.

"So was your sister-in-law," Liam told her. "Ultrasound went quite well."

"Oh good," Lizzy said, relieved. "I'm glad you could take her. My patient load seems to be getting bigger by the day."

"Well, she asked if I could be her healer through the delivery," Liam said. "I hope that's okay..."

"I understand," Lizzy reassured him. "She likes to stick with the same healer throughout any situation."

"That's the same thing she told me," Liam said, relieved.

"Everything went okay then?" Lizzy asked, taking a stack of files and heading for her office.

He followed her and told her about the ultrasound. "I actually ran into her at the diner during lunch. We had a nice talk."

"Darla's really a great person," Lizzy answered.

"She is," Liam agreed. He smiled as he remembered how excited she'd been when the waitress had brought her food.

"Was Drew here with her?" Lizzy asked.

Liam nodded. "Yes, but her husband wasn't."

"Hans didn't come?" Lizzy frowned.

Liam shook his head. "No. I can't imagine what would be so important to keep him from this."

"Me either," Lizzy said disapprovingly.

"You like this bloke?" Liam asked her curiously.

"I'm not sure how I feel about him lately," Lizzy confided. "He's always been good to Darla, and they love each other, but I'm wondering what's more important to him."

"A woman like that deserves better than what she's getting," Liam said thoughtfully.

Lizzy nodded absently, not noticing his tone.

"I'll leave you to it," Liam said. "I have a patient coming in at one."

"I'll talk to you later," Lizzy looked up and smiled at him.

Liam walked out of the office, wondering why his pretty, red-haired patient was still on his mind. He'd just met her.

With a sigh, he pushed Darla out of his mind and headed in to get ready for his patient. He'd figure everything out later.

Darla arrived at her parents' house feeling much better. "Mum! Dad! Are you home?"

"We're in here, sweetheart," Luna replied.

Darla walked into the kitchen and couldn't help grinning. "Mum, he's absolutely perfect!"

"Who?" Luna asked curiously.

"Your grandson," Darla said reaching into her bag and pulling out the ultrasound pictures.

Luna gasped. "Oh Darla!"

Darla grinned. "Look at him. That's his foot...have you ever seen a cuter foot in your entire life?"

"No, I don't think so," Luna put an arm around her daughter.

Ron grinned when he saw the picture. "He looks like a Weasley."

"Yes he does," Darla said proudly.

"So Lizzy said he's healthy?" Luna asked.

"I didn't see Lizzy, actually." Darla explained to her parents what had happened. "So I'm going to stick with her partner for the pregnancy."

"She hadn't mentioned that she'd taken on a partner," Luna said thoughtfully.

"It's pretty recent," Darla said.

"I'm sure if he's working with Lizzy, he's a great bloke," Ron commented.

"He seems that way," Darla nodded.

"Did Hans join you?" Ron asked.

Darla shook her head.

Ron balled up his fists. "That---that----"

"Dad, please," Darla said. "I don't want to start it up now."

"Darla's right, Ronald," Luna said. "We should celebrate the fact that our little grandson here is healthy and growing like he should."

Darla nodded gratefully. "Right."

"I'm just looking out for my baby girl," Ron said giving his daughter a hug.

"I know," Darla hugged him back.

"I love you, Darla," Ron said softly. "I want the best for you."

"I want the best too," Darla said. "For my little boy."

"He's going to have it," Luna said. "Because he has such a great Mum."

"Thanks," Darla teared up.

"Don't cry," Luna said softly. "Sweetheart..."

"I'm just all emotional these days," Darla wiped her eyes.

"Very understandable," Ron said. "I remember your mum when she was pregnant with your brothers...she'd cry at the drop of a hat. I remember one day I came home from work and I remembered to bring home something she asked for. She cried as if I'd just saved her life..."

Luna glared at him. "When you weren't eating half the food in the house that is..."

"You knew what you were getting into when you married me," Ron said with a grin.

"Aye, that I did," Luna replied.

"I wonder if I should call Hans," Darla said thoughtfully. "To let him know about the ultrasound, but then again, he obviously doesn't care too much."

"I think it's at least worth a try," Luna said gently.

Darla nodded. "Right."

"We'll let you be to make your call," Luna took Ron by the arm.

Darla sighed as she picked up the telephone and dialed Hans' number.

The phone rang and Darla wasn't planning on leaving a message, but to her surprise, her husband picked up.

"Hallo?" Hans asked, sounding happier than Darla could remember hearing him in quite some time.

"Hey," Darla said. "It's... it's me."

"Darla?" Hans asked.

"Yes," Darla said. "I um... I had an ultrasound today. I had hoped you would be here."

"I can't really talk right now," Hans said. "People magazine is here. They're doing an interview. I'm going to be their cover story."

"Hans--" Darla said in disbelief. "This is our baby I'm talking about!"

"The baby?" Hans whispered. "Oh, that was today?"

"Hans, how could you forget?" Darla asked.

"I'm a little preoccupied, Darla," Hans said. "I'm trying to save my career, in case you forgot. You could have rescheduled--"

"No, I couldn't reschedule," Darla said angrily. "This is OUR BABY, not a career, not some stupid article in a magazine."

Hans sighed. "Look, I'll come by later and we can discuss this. Besides, the reporter wants to interview you, too."

"I don't want to be interviewed," Darla said hotly.

"Not now obviously," Hans said. "But later. I think I've managed to turn this around."

"Is this really all you care about?" Darla asked. "Has fame changed you this much in such a short time?"

"Darla," Hans said. "You know I care about you and the baby. I just---I need to concentrate on this right now. I'll come by later and we can talk, okay?"

"Don't put yourself out," Darla said bitterly.

"Look, they're waiting for me," Hans said. "I'll meet you at our house at seven your time."

"Fine," Darla said.

"Fine," Hans said before ending the call.

Darla clicked off the phone and put her head in her hands.

"Darla?"

She raised her head. "Yeah?"

"What did he say?" Drew asked. She'd arrived a few minutes ago and her parents had told her that Darla was on the phone with Hans.

"He forgot," Darla said flatly. "And he's doing an interview for People magazine and just CAN'T get away.... or maybe I should say won't."

Drew shook her head. "Did he even ask about the baby?"

Darla shook her head wordlessly.

"I'm not going to say what I'm really thinking now because I don't want to upset you," Drew said patting her sister on the shoulder.

"Too late," Darla said softly.

"I'm so sorry," Drew said giving her sister a hug.

"What am I going to do?" Darla asked.

"You are going to be fine," Drew said. "We're going to help you. You don't need Hans." She wished she could apparate to New York City that very moment and hex her brother-in-law for what he was doing to her sister.

"I hope so," Darla whispered.

"I know so," Drew said reassuringly.

"Thanks," Darla leaned against her sister.

"So," Drew said deciding to change the subject. "How was lunch? Was that diner any good?"

"It was really good," Darla nodded.

"Next time you have an appointment, we'll stop by there," Drew said.

Darla nodded. "I actually had lunch with Liam-- Healer Thornhart."

"You did?" Drew asked taken aback. "Really?"

"He showed up right as I ordered," Darla nodded.

"That must have been a little awkward," Drew commented.

"Not really," Darla said. "He's very easy to talk to."

"And easy on the eyes," Drew said pointedly.

"What are you getting at?" Darla asked.

"Nothing," Drew replied. "I was just making a statement. He's very handsome."

"I really didn't pay attention to that," Darla said honestly.

Drew nodded. "He seems very nice and he didn't seem to mind our questions."

Darla shook her head. "I hope Lizzy doesn't mind me going to him."

"I'm sure she doesn't," Drew replied thoughtfully. "You heard her talking the other day about her patient load. I'm sure she's happy for the help."

"Good," Darla said.

"You missed quite the meltdown at the bridal shop," Drew told her. "Muffy is lucky that she's still breathing after the way she treated the seamstress."

"Oh no," Darla said. "I knew she was going to be a Bridezilla."

"We can always tell," Drew said. "I somehow managed to keep calm though I wanted to smack her."

Darla had to laugh. "That's better than me."

Drew grinned. "She doesn't want to mess with a pregnant Weasley."

"Definitely not," Darla agreed with a yawn.

"Why don't you lie down and kip?" Drew suggested.

"I think I will," Darla said.

"Everything's going to be okay," Drew told her.

"I hope so," Darla replied.

"Get some sleep," Drew said. "I'll be here when you wake up. I promise."

"I have to be home by seven," Darla said. "Hans is coming so we can talk."

Drew nodded, but wondered if Hans would actually show up this time.

"Wake me up around six?" Darla asked.

"Deal," Drew said.

"Thanks," Darla yawned again as she headed upstairs.

It had been a long day with emotional highs and lows.

She laid down in her old bed and thought of Liam Thornhart.

She hadn't thought much about it before, but he was handsome. And he'd been so kind to her today in the diner.

""Stop," she told herself.

The important thing was working this out with Hans and finding some kind of common ground.

It didn't take her long to doze off, and she slept right up until the time Drew woke her up so she could go meet her husband.

"You want me to come with you?" Drew offered.

Darla shook her head. "I'll be fine. Besides, you've spent enough time with me today. Go spend some time with Brian and Chloe."

"Just let me know if you need me, okay?" Drew asked.

"I will," Darla promised. "Thank you for everything, Drew."

"Anytime, sister." Drew gave her a hug.

Darla walked downstairs with Drew and after saying a quick goodbye to her parents, she set off for home.

The house was dark and empty as always and she sighed as she let herself inside. She still had a few moments before Hans was scheduled to arrive.

She went to the loo and freshened herself up, patting her cheeks to bring a little colour into them.

There was a knock on the door and she wondered why Hans would do that when this was his home.

Darla smoothed out her clothing before opening the door.

Hans stood on the other side of the door, wearing sunglasses and looking as if he'd just rolled out of bed.

"I forgot my key," he said with a cocky grin.

"I see," Darla said, biting her lower lip.

He breezed past her and looked around. "Why is it so dark in here?"

"I just got in," Darla explained.

"Oh," Hans said taking off his sunglasses. "So..."

"I really hoped you'd make it back for the ultrasound," Darla said.

Hans looked at her. "How'd it go?"

"Fine," Darla crossed her arms.

"Do we have any sobering potion?" Hans asked. "It probably would be easier to talk to you if my head wasn't pounding..."

"You're hung over?" Darla asked incredulously.

"My agents have me going to all these parties," Hans said rubbing his temple. "To tell you the truth, I don't know what day it is. I just did get through that interview today with People."

"What has happened to you?" Darla asked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hans asked.

"You have changed so much," Darla said. "This whole Calvin Klein thing has completely changed you!"

"I miss one little appointment and you act like this is the end of the world," Hans said rolling his eyes.

"One little appointment?" Darla asked in disbelief. "THIS IS OUR BABY, HANS!"

"Please don't yell," Hans said holding up his hand.

"Then stop acting like an idiot!" Darla snapped before going into the kitchen for a potion.

There was a knock on the door while she was in the kitchen and Hans went to answer it.

"Can I help you?" Hans asked impatiently.

"I was looking for Darla Feinbach," the man said. He was holding a couple of bags and spoke with an Irish accent.

"Okay, mate," Hans said with a sigh. "Which paper are you with?"

"Paper?" the man looked confused. "I'm not with the media..."

"Telly? Radio? Internet?" Hans asked. "Look, if you want the story, you can contact my agent..."

"I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding," the man said. "I'm Liam Thornhart, Dar-- Mrs. Feinbach's healer."

"Little late for a house call isn't it?" Hans asked folding his arms.

"I just brought by some vitamins for her." Liam held up the bag.

Hans grabbed it from him. "Thanks, mate. Now, if you'll just---"

"Liam?" Darla appeared with a mug of sobering potion in her hand. "What are you doing here?"

"Lizzy gave me your address," Hans said. "I was on my way home and I brought by some extra pre-natal vitamins for you."

"That was really nice," Darla said. "Thank you."

Hans took the potion from his wife. "Thanks, babe."

Liam nodded his head. "I should go..."

"Yeah," Hans said. "Don't let us keep you."

Darla glared at her husband. "I'll see you at our next appointment, Liam. Thank you."

"It's no problem," Liam said. "Are you---are you sure you're okay?"

Darla nodded. "I'm all right."

"Okay then," Liam said. "Good night."

"Bye," Hans said, shutting the door.

Darla glared at him. "I can't believe how rude you were just then."

Hans gulped down the potion. "What of it?"

"Why did you come here if you were going to act this way?" Darla asked him. "He's a very nice man and he's going to be my healer. You were very rude to him, Hans."

Hans waved his hand. "Show me the ultrasound pictures."

"They're in my bag," Darla said with a sigh. "I'll go and get them."

Hans followed his wife into the kitchen. "I'm hungry."

Darla hoped he didn't think she was going to make him something after the way he'd just acted.

Hans sat down at the table and finished the sobering potion. "Have we got any pasta?

"There's some in the pantry," Darla replied. She rifled in her bag for the pictures.

Hans watched her for a moment and then sighed as he got up.

Darla walked over to him. "I can't stop looking at these pictures actually. Liam said that he's growing like he should and his heartbeat..."

"One second," Hans interrupted as he dug for the box of pasta.

Darla seethed. "Oh, by all means," she said sarcastically.

"Can you boil me a pot of water?" he asked.

Darla didn't answer him.

"Dar?" he finally looked at her.

"You missed one of the most important moments of our lives today," Darla said trying very hard to keep her emotions in check. "Today, I saw our son for the first time. I heard his heartbeat. Do you even care about that? No. No, you don't. You'd rather I boil you a pot of water!"

"I'm hungry," Hans said defensively. "And I thought we could talk about this over some dinner!"

"No, you thought I'd cook you something," Darla retorted. "That's what you thought."

Hans tossed the box onto the counter. "Fine," he snapped. "I don't care if you make me anything."

"Here," Darla said handing him the picture. "That's your son for all you care!"

Hans looked at the pictures and his expression softened.

"I'm going to lie down," Darla said quietly. "It's been a long day."

"Wait," Hans said. "Dar... this is amazing."

"You missed it," Darla said quietly.

"I know," he said. "I'm... I'm shite."

"Tell me something I don't know," Darla said folding her arms.

"I'm sorry," he said, looking up at her.

Darla looked wordlessly back at him.

"Let's go through these together," he said. "Please?"

"Okay," Darla relented.

Hans held his hand out to her.

Darla put her hand in his and led him over to the table. They sat down beside each other and Darla smiled as she looked at the grainy photograph of their baby.

"That's a little arm, isn't it?" Hans asked.

Darla nodded. "It is."

He laughed. "And I think that's a leg..."

"I can't even describe what it was like to listen to his heartbeat," Darla said softly.

"I shouldn't have missed it," Hans said. "Dar..."

"No, you shouldn't have," Darla said looking at him. "I don't even know who you are lately."

"Everything's happening so fast," he said. "And... it's all so exciting, Dar."

"Like what?" Darla asked him. "People magazine?"

"Yeah," Hans said. "I mean... it's the cover!"

"So you've managed to turn everything around?" Darla asked.

"I hope so," he said.

"Parties?" Darla asked.

"Lots of those," Hans admitted.

"There haven't been too many of those for me," Darla said quietly.

"I should have had you there with me," Hans replied.

"Yeah, I'm sure your pregnant wife would have been a big hit at the parties," Darla said shaking her head.

Hans looked at his wife properly. "Dar..."

"I don't want to go to parties," Darla said. "I've never wanted the spotlight, Hans. I know you do and that's fine, but I like my life the way it is. I want to raise our son here."

"I just don't know what to do about that," Hans said. "Right now, my life is in New York."

"And where do I fit in to that?" Darla asked him. "And your son?"

"I don't know," he said honestly. "But I want to work something out."

"I need your support," Darla said.

"You're going to get it," he told her.

"I hope so," Darla said. "And I'd really like it if you'd go to the next appointment with me."

Hans nodded. "When is it?"

"The 16th," Darla replied. "At nine."

"The 16th?" Hans asked. "Okay. I'm there."

"I've heard it before," Darla said quietly.

"This time it's different," he swore.

"How about you order us a pizza?" Darla asked him. "I'm going to go upstairs and get changed into something more comfortable."

Hans nodded. "Sounds good."

Darla gave his hand a little squeeze before she left the room.

Hans was just about to look for the takeout menus when his mobile phone vibrated in his pocket. He smiled when he saw the name.

"Hiya, Katya," he answered.

"Hello gorgeous," she purred. "Where are you?"

"I'm at home," he replied, which was partly true.

"Well I happen to be standing right outside your apartment, and you're not," she said in a pouty voice.

Hans chuckled. "Okay, okay. You got me. I'm---I'm actually on the way back to the party. I thought you were going to wait for me."

"I was but I got bored," she replied.

"Waiting for me?" Hans asked huskily.

"Always," Katya said in a sultry tone.

"Let yourself in," Hans said. "I'll be home a little later. I promise."

"I'll be waiting..." Katya purred.

Hans laughed as he shut off the phone.

"What's so funny?" Darla asked from the doorway.

"What?" Hans asked turning around.

"What were you laughing at?" she asked.

Hans placed his phone back into his pocket. "A joke my agent was telling me. I was just checking in with them."

"Oh," Darla replied. "Did you get the pizza yet?"

Hans shook his head. "No, I was just about to. You want anything strange on there?" he asked with a grin. "Anchovies and pineapples?"

"And mayonnaise," Darla said with a grin.

Hans laughed. "How about our usual instead?"

"Good idea," Darla agreed.

Hans picked up the phone and dialed the number of their favourite pizza place.

Darla busied herself getting plates and napkins and juice for her, a butterbeer for him. She felt better than she had in awhile about her marriage.

"Drew bought me a baby name book," Darla told him excitedly.

"She did?" he asked. "We should look through it."

"Chloe wants help us too," Darla said smiling as she thought of her niece. "Every time I see her, she comes up with a new name."

"Like what?" Hans asked.

Darla laughed. "Oh, let's see...yesterday it was Reginald."

"She can say that?" Hans asked in amazement.

"Sort of," Darla replied. "It comes out Reg-ald. Drew says it's the name of a character on one of the cartoons she watches."

"Oh," Hans replied. "It's cute... we could call him Reggie."

"We can put it on the list," Darla said.

"Let's look at the book while we eat," he said.

"Fantastic idea," Darla said. "I should probably take one of those vitamins that Liam brought over too."

Hans felt his smile slip just a little. "Right," he agreed.

"Can you stay tonight?" Darla asked.

"I uh... I'm not sure." he said. "They might need me back..."

"Oh," Darla said before popping a vitamin into her mouth. She was disappointed, but at least he was here now. It was a start.

"I'll see," Hans said, touching her cheek. "I've missed you."

"I missed you too," Darla said softly.

He leaned in and gave her a gentle but passionate kiss.

They pulled apart a few moments later and Darla felt a little dazed. A kiss didn't repair their problems, but it did remind her of how they used to be.

"You are still the most beautiful woman in the world," he told her.

Darla laughed. "You always were a flatterer."

"That's what you love about me," Hans grinned at her.

"One of the things," Darla said. She heard the knock on the front door. "That'll be the pizza."

"Great," Hans said. "I'll just bring all this into the sitting room if you want to grab it."

"Deal," Darla said smiling at him.

Once his wife was gone, he pulled out his phone and texted Katya, telling her he was staying out that night and wasn't coming home.

"It's not pasta," Darla said setting the box down on the coffee table.

"It's a close second," he said, shoving his phone into his pocket.

"Big famous model," Darla teased. "You're supposed to be afraid of carbs, remember?"

"I'll risk it," Hans said dryly.

"Carbs are good," Darla said eagerly taking a piece of pizza and setting it on her plate.

"For you especially," Hans grinned.

"A Weasley never met a carb they didn't like," Darla joked. "And your son is no exception."

"Our son," Hans corrected.

"Our son," Darla repeated with a grin.

"Who we need to think of a name for," Hans reached for the book.

Darla nodded. "Oh, and, just so you know, Chloe already put forth the name Hansel. She said it reminded her of you and also because if we had a girl later on, we could name her Gretel."

"Hansel Feinbach?" Hans asked with a grin.

Darla giggled. "So that would be a no, then?"

"I don't think so," Hans shook his head.

Darla took a bite of her pizza and watched her husband thumb through the book.

"What about this one?" he showed it to her.

"Rafe?" Darla asked.

"It's kind of cool," Hans shrugged. "But if you don't like it--"

"Rafe Feinbach," Darla said thoughtfully. "I like that actually."

"You do?" he asked.

Darla nodded. "Has a nice ring to it."

"Well there we go," Hans said with a grin. "We've got a name."

"I'll still let Chloe come up with a middle name," Darla said grinning back at him. The phone in Hans' pocket vibrated again and he sighed.

"I'm going to get another drink," Hans said. "You want anything?"

"Some more juice would be great," Darla said.

"Coming right up," Hans said grabbing her glass on his way to the kitchen.

"Thanks," Darla called after him.

Hans set the glasses down on the counter and pulled out his phone. "You got my message, eh?" he asked in a low voice.

"Why aren't you coming back?" Katya whined.

"Family emergency," Hans lied. "I'll make it up to you, Kat. I promise. Besides, you can get that beauty sleep you're always talking about."

"I don't need it and you know it," Katya replied.

Hans chuckled. "No. I just---"

A beeping sound alerted Hans that he'd just received a photo. He pulled the phone away and laughed. "Kat...you're not fighting fair."

"What can I say?" Katya asked. "You know how I always get what I want."

"Yes, you do," Hans said smiling to himself. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"I'd better," Katya replied.

"You drive me crazy," Hans said. "You know that, right?"

"Of course I do," Katya purred.

Because his back was to the doorway, Hans didn't see Darla enter the kitchen.

"So I'll see you tomorrow then," Hans said.

Darla leaned against the doorframe.

"No," Hans was saying in a husky, low voice. "I'm still recovering from the last time..."

The happy feeling Darla had since Hans agreed to stay the night slipped away as she listened to his half of the conversation.

"Bye," Hans said, ending the call. He turned around and was startled to see his wife. "Dar. You scared me half to death."

"Who was that?" she asked.

"What?" Hans asked, keeping his back to her as he walked to the icebox. "Go and sit down, sweetheart. Your juice is coming right up and if you're really sweet, you'll get a foot massage."

"On the phone," Darla said quietly. "Who were you talking to?"

"Mitch," Hans replied. "My friend from New York? He wants to go to the gym tomorrow."

"Oh," Darla replied.

"He's a real workout fiend," Hans said rolling his eyes. "Last time I went to the gym with him, I couldn't move my arms or legs without excruciating pain."

Darla smiled. "You never were one for working out."

"Says the girl who took me for a death march up that bloody mountain on our sixth date," Hans teased handing her back her glass.

"But you have to admit the view was worth it." Darla told him.

"It was," Hans said putting his arm around her. "But it was torture getting there."

Darla leaned against him, closing her eyes.

"Sleepy?" Hans asked softly.

"A little," Darla said. "Rafe is hungry."

Hans grinned and led her back over to the couch. "Sit down..."

"How about more pizza?" she asked.

Hans laughed and reached into the box pulling out another slice. He set it on her plate and handed it to her.

"Yum," Darla bit into it.

He sat down on the other side of the sofa. "Give me those feet."

"Mmmm..." Darla eyed him lazily. "You're the best."

Hans began massaging her feet and tried to assuage the guilt that he felt about what had happened with Katya.

It had only been one time, but the woman was so damn irresistible.

"You have no idea how great that feels," Darla said smiling at him.

"Good," Hans replied softly. "I want you to be comfortable."

Darla studied him. "I'm just really glad that you're here."

Hans nodded. "We have to work something out."

"A compromise," Darla agreed.

"Of some kind," Hans replied.

"You really mean that?" Darla asked.

"Yeah," Hans said, moving to her other foot.

"So," Darla said. "Tell me. How are things really going in New York? Are you turning things around?"

"Yeah," Hans nodded. "Things are crazy there. I get mobbed wherever I go."

Darla laughed. "Well, your handsome mug was all over Times Square. Not to mention those six-pack abs..."

"Those I had to work out for," Hans grinned.

Darla laughed. "And what do you do when you're not working?"

"Go to industry parties," Hans said.

Darla kicked him with the foot he wasn't massaging. "No, what do you do for fun? This bloke...Mitch, was it? Do you hang out a lot together?"

"Uh, yeah," Hans nodded. "He's a cool bloke."

"Do you have any other friends?" Darla asked.

"A few," he said. "Mostly though I spend time with Freddy."

"There were some photographs of you in OK magazine," Darla said. "You were coming out of a party with these two women...I remember seeing one of them at the New Year's press conference. Katya, wasn't it?"

"She's always around," Hans mumbled.

"I guess you run into them all at those industry parties," Darla said thoughtfully.

"Yeah," Hans said. "I do."

"The beautiful people travelling together in packs," Darla teased.

"We have to remain inconspicuous," Hans joked.

"Not very easy for you to do," Darla said leaning back against the sofa.

"Nah," Hans said, moving up next to her

Darla yawned and closed her eyes.

Hans tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I didn't realise how exhausted I was," Darla said softly.

"You're pregnant," he said. "It's understandable."

"Sleepy little blob," Darla said. "That's me."

"Hardly a blob," Hans told her.

"I'm well on my way," Darla said looking at him.

"You'll always be beautiful, Dar." Hans said.

Darla smiled up at him. "I love you."

"Love you too," Hans gave her a kiss.

Darla rested her head on his chest. "Tonight...was kind of like how it used to be, wasn't it?"

"Yeah it was," Hans agreed.

"I want more nights like this," Darla said softly.

Hans again felt the guilt rise up in him over Katya. "Tomorrow," he told her. "Before I have to leave, we'll work something out."

"With unlimited foot massages?" Darla asked grinning at him.

"Only for you," Hans replied giving her another kiss.