Authors' note: We're so glad you guys loved the last chapter with Zander/Ashley. They actually
weren't scheduled to get together so soon in our original "outline", but that chapter kind of wrote
itself and they got their way! On another note, we'd like to let you guys know about a very cool "family
tree" that Coolman has set up for this universe. If you want, you can ask him to set you up as a character.
It's really cool---not a role-playing game or anything, but just a cool way to interact. You can get set up through
the orkut group by replying to the thread "New
Online Family Tree". This is some screenshots that Coolman did for us. Check them out! screenshot #1
screenshot #2
Darla stood in front of the mirror and grimaced. Every outfit she tried on, she felt like a beached whale. She'd avoided the beach the last couple of days because she didn't have the courage to put on a swimming costume.
"It's just dinner with the family," Drew said poking her head in her sister's room. "You're not going to the Ministry ball."
"I know but I look just awful in everything," Darla complained.
"You look gorgeous," Drew said walking into the room. "Here, I'll pick something out for you."
"Thanks," Darla said gratefully.
"You have the cutest maternity clothes," Drew gushed.
"Oh right," Darla rolled her eyes. "Everything should just have a big butt bow on it."
Drew pulled out a dress. "You need an attitude adjustment, Madame."
"I'm no bridezilla," Darla had to smile.
"Absolutely not," Drew said handing her the dress. "You're beautiful, Dar."
"YOU looked gorgeous while pregnant," Darla pointed out. "I, on the other hand, look like I swallowed the Giant Squid."
"You do not!" Drew exclaimed. "Dar, you and I are identical twins. If I looked gorgeous, then you did too."
Darla sighed. "I guess these are those pregnancy hormones I've heard so much about."
"And it will only get worse," Drew warned her.
"Wonderful," Darla said dryly, pulling a brush through her long hair.
"Did HE ring you yet?" Drew asked not even trying to hide her disdain for her sister's husband.
Darla shook her head.
"I'm trying to remember what Mum keeps telling Chloe," Drew said. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
Darla stifled a laugh. "Good idea."
"I'm trying," Drew said. She sat down on her sister's bed while Darla went into the loo to change.
"This one doesn't look half bad," Darla called.
"Of course," Drew called back. "I picked it out."
"Maybe you should be a fashion consultant," Darla said.
"If this whole wedding planning thing goes south, I'll have something to fall back on," Drew said.
"Lucky," Darla emerged from the loo.
Drew smiled at her sister. "Beautiful."
Darla pressed her hands to her baby bump. "He's kicking."
Drew stood up and walked over to her sister. "Can I feel?"
"Of course," Darla said.
Drew put her hand on her sister's stomach and smiled. "That's quite a kick, Rafe!"
"Hans would be proud," Darla said softly.
"Well, I for one cannot wait to meet him," Drew said deciding not to say anything about Hans.
"Me either," Darla said.
"Just think," Drew said. "Next summer, he'll be here with us. Lying in his crib...wrapping all the ladies around his little finger."
Darla smiled. "It's exciting, but just a bit terrifying too."
"You're going to be an amazing mummy," Drew said. "And we'll help you any way we can."
"Thanks," Darla hugged her sister. "Let's go eat- I'm starved."
"Me too," Drew said. "Dad's at the grill."
"Perfect," Darla said as she eased her way down the stairs.
"And Nana sent over some lemon pie," Drew said linking her arm in her sister's.
"I had a craving for that... with some pepper jelly," Darla said.
Drew winced. "Darla! That's disgusting!"
"And what about your cravings?" Darla returned. "Peanut butter and apricot jam on pound cake?"
"Looking back on it now, I can't believe I actually ate that," Drew said defensively.
Darla laughed. "I couldn't believe it either."
They stepped out on the deck.
"There she is," RJ teased his sister. "Waddling all along..."
"Shut it Junior," Darla said.
"Yeah," Drew said punching him on the arm. "You don't want to make a pregnant woman mad."
"I'm not scared of you two," he scoffed.
"You should be, faerie boy," Darla muttered, glaring at him.
"That's low," RJ complained.
"Watch it," Darla said pointing at him.
"Okay, okay," RJ said. "Do you want anything to drink?"
"Some lemonade would be nice," Darla said. "Can you add some pumpkin juice to it?"
RJ raised an eyebrow. "Together?"
"Please," Darla grinned at him.
"Gross," RJ mouthed to Drew.
"Just do it!" Darla told him.
Drew laughed. "Dar, go easy on him."
"All right, all right," RJ said. "I'll get your bloody juice."
"Thank you, Junior," Darla said sweetly.
RJ wondered if Audrey would be as batty as his sisters when she got pregnant.
Lizzy walked over to the twins and smiled at them. "How are you feeling, Darla?"
"Starved," Darla replied.
Lizzy laughed. "I remember those days."
"And you were eating for four," Drew added with a grin.
"And it took me forever to lose the weight," Lizzy recalled.
Darla groaned. "Maybe I shouldn't eat."
"You should eat," Lizzy told her firmly.
"Just a little then," Darla relented.
Drew offered to make her sister a plate. Darla thanked her and sat on one of the benches.
"Josh and I invited Liam," Lizzy told her. "I don't know if he'll show up or not."
"Liam's coming?" Drew asked.
Lizzy nodded. "I had to run into the office this morning and I asked if he'd like to stop by for a bite to eat. The poor bloke is getting tired of pub food..."
"I think that's a great idea," Drew said, glancing at her sister.
"I just hope it's not going to be awkward for Darla," Lizzy commented. "They get along so well, though."
"He's good for her," Drew replied.
Lizzy looked at her sister-in-law. "As a friend and a healer, right?"
"Right," Drew nodded.
Darla sipped her lemonade and looked around at her family and friends.
She sighed and rested a hand on her stomach. "Settle down, Rafe."
She was not going to think about Hans, she told herself. He was not here and he wasn't going to be here.
"Here we go," Drew said. "A little of everything so you can mash it together if you want."
"Thanks, Drew," Darla said taking the plate. "It looks delicious."
"I'll meet you over at the table in a minute," Drew said. "I have to get Chloe situated."
Darla nodded and watched as her sister walked away. Drew tried to get to her feet while she was holding the plate and her drink, but found it very difficult.
"No, no... no!" she cried out.
"Need some help?" a male voice asked from behind her.
"Liam!" she said in surprise.
He grinned and took the drink and plate from her. "Here we are..."
"Thank you," Darla said gratefully. "I didn't know you were coming tonight..."
"Lizzy invited me," Liam explained.
"Oh," Darla said as he set her plate down at the table.
"They lured me with promises of good, grilled food and a beautiful view," Liam said.
"Well they were right on both counts," Darla said. "It's a gorgeous night and my dad's at the grill. Whatever he doesn't eat will be delicious."
"It looks great," Liam said looking at her plate.
"Go get yourself some and join me," Darla smiled at him.
Liam grinned back at her. "I'll be right back."
Drew smiled as she sat down next to her husband.
"What are you so happy about?" Brian asked her.
"Just glad to see Darla smiling again," she commented.
"Remember how you said you weren't going to meddle?" Brian gently reminded her.
"Yeah," Chloe said pointing her little finger at her mother. "No metal!"
"I'm not meddling," Drew replied.
"The wheels are already turning in that head of yours," Brian said.
"Wheels turning in Mummy's head?" Chloe looked alarmed.
Brian shook his head. "No, baby. It's an expression. It just means that she's thinking really hard."
"Will I have wheels too?" Chloe asked.
"Maybe," Brian grinned at her.
"No wheels!" Chloe's lip trembled.
"Good job, Brian," Drew muttered.
"Baby, you are the smartest little girl I know," Brian told his daughter. "And you are going to have loads of wheels."
"But they might hurt," Chloe said unhappily.
Brian shook his head. "No, that's a good thing. It means your brain is working really hard."
"No wheels?" Chloe asked. "Promise?"
"Promise," Brian said.
"Kay," Chloe said, digging into her food.
"Good save," Drew whispered.
"I should be used to it," he said ruefully.
Drew nudged him. "She takes things so literally."
"Wonder who she takes after," he said wryly.
Drew laughed and chanced another look in her sister's direction.
Darla was also laughing at something Liam was telling her.
"You are making that up!" Darla exclaimed to Liam.
"I never lie," he told her.
"Yeah right," Darla shook her head.
He had told her a story about his days at University where he'd had to watch a magical surgery. The sight of blood had caused him to pass out and he'd hit his head on the floor.
"It really happened," Liam said. "See this scar above my eyebrow there?"
Darla leaned in and peeked. "Yeah."
"I was teased unmercifully for the next few months," Liam told her.
"I'd have teased you too," Darla told him.
Liam gazed at her. "Darla, say it isn't so!"
"Sorry," Darla grinned. "That's just too good."
Liam chuckled. "It's funny looking back on it now."
"I bet," Darla said, draining her lemonade.
"I promise those days are over," Liam said. "I no longer get squeamish at the sight of blood."
"Good thing, since you'll likely be there for the birth of my guy here," Darla patted her stomach.
"How's he treating you today?" Liam asked.
"He's been pretty active," Darla said. "Lots of kicking."
"Might be that spicy food you're eating," Liam teased her.
"Hardly spicy," Darla replied.
"Your sister mentioned that you've been eating some crazy things," Liam said with a grin. "Quite a combination..."
"I can't help it," Darla said. "I just have these off the wall cravings... and when one hits I HAVE to have it."
Liam laughed. "Well, if you need anything else, I'll be happy to get it for you no matter how disgusting I think it might be."
"This is why you're such a good healer," Darla said with a grin.
"Who's that with Darla?" Hermione asked Luna.
"That's her healer, Liam." Luna replied. "He's partnered with Lizzy at St. Mungos."
Hermione nodded. "It's nice that he could stop by."
"He's helped Darla out quite a bit," Luna told her.
"Any word from Hans?" Hermione asked.
"He rang her yesterday for about three minutes," Luna sighed. "He's my son in law... and I've always given him the benefit of the doubt. But it's been over six months now that he's been in New York and... He just seems to be growing further and further away from her."
"It's such a shame," Hermione said shaking her head. "I can remember how happy they were."
"Ronald never quite took to him, but accepted him because he knew how much Darla loves him." Luna shook her head.
"How did Ron react to all this?" Hermione asked looking over at the redhead at the grill.
"He's not happy with Hans at all," Luna said.
"Well, it's good that Darla's here with everyone that cares about her," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"Exactly," Luna agreed. "And Andrew and Saffron's wedding plans are certainly helping keep her occupied as well."
"I still can't believe my baby is getting married," Hermione said.
"I felt sort of the same way when RJ told me he and Audrey were moving in together," Luna nodded.
"It's hard to let go, isn't it?" Hermione asked her.
"Very," Luna agreed. "And it doesn't get easier with each child. I think it actually gets harder."
"Very," Hermione agreed.
"Ronald, why don't you come sit down and eat?" Luna called out to her husband.
Ron shook his head. "I'm fine with my..."
His voice trailed off as he looked at the salad he'd made for himself. It didn't look remotely appetizing.
"Ronald, if you'd like a burger then eat one," Luna said in exasperation. "Starving yourself is ridiculous."
"I'm not starving myself," Ron said defensively. "This salad is delicious."
Luna gave her husband a look. "Ronald. Eat a burger."
"One burger's okay, Ron," Harry told him.
"Of course YOU'LL tell me that," Ron said.
"I'm not trying to sabotage you," Harry said defensively.
"That's what you say now," Ron began.
Emma tugged on Ron's apron. "Grandpa."
Ron looked down to see the little girl offering him her cheeseburger. "Em..."
"Grandpa eat this," Emma told him.
"But, that's yours, love," Ron protested.
"Share," Emma said.
Ron grinned. "How can I say no to that face?"
"You can't," Emma said matter of factly.
Everyone laughed at that and Ron handed over cooking duties to Seamus. He sat down with his granddaughter.
Darla had watched this and she wiped at her eyes. "That's the sweetest thing, ever."
Liam patted her arm. "It was pretty cute."
"I cry at the drop of a hat these days," Darla admitted. "I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologise," he told her.
"I'm sure you're used to it," Darla said.
"Very much so," Liam grinned. "Can I refill you there?" he indicated her empty glass.
"That'd be great," Darla said. "Thank you, Liam."
"Anything you need, let me know," he said to her.
"Thanks," Darla smiled at him.
Chloe toddled over to her aunt. "Baby kicking?"
"Hey, munchkin," Darla said. "No, he's quiet right now. He might be sleeping."
"But I wanted to feel it," Chloe pouted.
"Well, let's see if we can wake him up, shall we?" Darla asked. She took her niece's hand. "Press down just a little...right there."
Chloe pursed her little lips. "No kicking yet."
Darla laughed. "Just be patient, sweetheart."
Chloe pressed down just a bit harder.
She giggled when she felt a slight kick from the baby. "Sorry, Rafey!"
Darla laughed too, even though she knew she'd likely be up half the night now with a kicking infant. "He knows it's you, precious."
This pleased Chloe to no end and she clapped her hands together. "He's strong, Aunt Dar!"
"Yes he is, baby." Darla agreed.
"Here you are," Liam said handing Darla her glass. "Hello, Chloe."
"Hi," Chloe said shyly.
"Chloe just felt Rafe kicking," Darla told him.
"He's active again, is he?" Liam asked.
Chloe nodded. "Kicked good!"
Liam grinned. "I'll say!"
"I wish he'd come out and play," Chloe said patting Darla's stomach.
"Soon enough, sweetheart," Darla brushed her niece's hair back.
Chloe grinned. "Can't wait."
"You'll be such a good cousin," Darla told her.
"And I spoke with Rafe just the other day," Liam winked at her. "And he said that he couldn't wait to meet you, Chloe."
"He said that?" Chloe asked, blushing a bit.
"Absolutely," Liam told her. "And he appreciates all the help you are giving Darla."
"I like to help," Chloe said.
Liam smiled at her. "That's what Rafe told me."
Chloe giggled.
"Do you have a baby?" Chloe asked Liam.
"Nope," Liam said, putting her on his lap.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Chloe asked.
Darla laughed. "Chloe, what's with all the questions?"
"I'm curious," Chloe said innocently.
"It's okay," Liam said. "No, Chloe, I do not have a girlfriend."
"Okay," Chloe said.
"Don't let Lizzy and Josh get wind of that," Darla warned him. "They'll try and set you up with every eligible woman in a 50 kilometre radius."
"Then we'll keep that between us," Liam said. "Right Chloe?"
Chloe nodded. "Promise."
"That's a girl," Darla said affectionately.
Drew called out for her daughter.
"I have to go to Mummy," Chloe slid off Liam's lap. "Bye!"
Liam chuckled as she watched the little girl toddle over to Drew and Brian. "She's something else."
"She's just like Emma was at her age." Darla replied.
"And what were you like at that age?" Liam asked.
"Mute," Darla joked.
"Oh, really?" Liam laughed.
"I was so shy back then," Darla leaned back in her chair.
Liam smiled at her. "You came out of your shell."
"So to speak," she agreed.
They finished eating their meal in companionable silence. Someone turned on a radio and a few people started to dance. Darla smiled as she watched her parents dancing together. "That was how they got together, you know?" Darla told Liam.
"Dancing?" Liam asked.
Darla nodded. "They knew each other from school, of course, but nothing really happened until they were working at a resort as dance instructors. Mum was a bit of a free spirit."
Liam smiled. "Both my parents knew each other growing up, went to school together, then got married."
"Do you get to see them often?" Darla asked.
"Not as much as I'd like," he confessed
"You know," Darla said. "You are magical. You could visit them very easily..."
"They're as busy as I am," Liam said. "They're archaeologists."
"Family's very important," Darla said. "You should make time. I don't know what I'd do without mine. They drive me crazy a good bit of the time, but I love them just the same."
"Good point," he nodded.
"They must be really proud of you," Darla said softly.
"I hope so," he said.
Darla smiled at him. "I'm really glad you came here tonight."
"I'm glad I came too," Liam smiled back at her.
"Come on," Darla said standing up.
"What?" he asked.
"I'd like to dance," Darla said. "Come on, Thornhart. Let's see your moves..."
"I do not dance," Liam shook his head.
"Come on," Darla said offering her hand. "I promise I will not make fun of you..."
Liam shook his head again. "I'm afraid I'd trip you."
"That wouldn't happen," Darla said.
"You haven't seen me dance," he told her.
"That bad?" Darla asked.
"Yeah," he said sheepishly.
"Well, I'll let you get away this time, but one day, you will dance with me, Liam Thornhart," Darla told him.
"You think?" he asked.
"I know," Darla said grinning at him. "But, I know something I know you will not say no to."
"What's that?" Liam smiled at her.
"Dessert," Darla said grabbing him by the arm. "You have loads to choose from, but I recommend my nana's lemon pie. I could eat the whole pie myself, but because you've been so great to me, I'd be willing to let you have a small slice."
Liam laughed. "I can do that."
Darla led him over to the table where the desserts were. "Saffy made those chocolate chip biscuits. We should try one of those, too."
"Sounds good to me," Liam replied. "You lead the way."
Alexa, Saffron, Andrew, Gabriel, RJ and Audrey were sitting at a table listening to the music.
"RJ, that's the seventh biscuit you've eaten," Saffron pointed out.
"And here's the eighth," RJ sent her a smartass grin.
"Good thing you made an extra batch," Alexa said to her best friend.
"No kidding," Saffron leaned against Andrew.
"They are really delicious," Audrey said. "I didn't realise you were such a great baker."
"I learned from my dad and my old nanny, Greta." Saffron told her. "I don't get as much of a chance to bake now as I used to."
"Why do you think I'm marrying her?" Andrew said cheekily.
Saffron elbowed him. "You cook up a mean meal too..."
Andrew grimaced. "So, you're saying I'm going to have to cook sometimes, too?"
"Oh you better believe it," Saffron looked at him.
"You can still back out, mate," RJ said.
"Shut it RJ," Saffron glared at him.
"Eat another biscuit," Audrey said putting one in RJ's mouth.
"Nine," he said around a mouthful.
Alexa laughed. "I would love to know where you put it all, RJ. You had four cheeseburgers, a hot dog, two helpings of potato salad, nine biscuits and a piece of Molly's lemon pie..."
"I had to snag that before Darla took the rest," RJ said.
Saffron looked over to where Darla was standing beside Liam. "They certainly look cosy..."
"Yeah well he's been around more than that arse she's married to," RJ grumbled.
"Poor Darla," Alexa said sympathetically.
Saffron looked over at her cousin who as usual, had his nose in a large tome. "Gabe!"
"What?" he asked defensively.
"You read that book all afternoon," Saffron complained. "Talk to us!"
"Sorry," Gabriel said closing the book.
Alexa rubbed his arm. "Warm me up?" she asked.
Gabriel smiled. "Come over here."
She leaned against him and closed her eyes for a moment.
"That's better than a textbook, isn't it?" Saffron asked Gabriel.
"Definitely," Gabriel kissed the side of Alexa's head.
"I shouldn't even talk to you," Saffron teased him. "You're taking away my bestest friend in the whole world..."
"Saffy..." Alexa protested.
"I promise to give her back every now and then," Gabriel told Saffron.
"I'll always be back if you need me," Alexa promised.
"I know," Saffron said smiling at her. "It just feels different."
"I promise to distract you as much as possible," Andrew nuzzled her ear.
Alexa giggled. "Thanks, Andrew."
"This is such a gorgeous night," Audrey said. "RJ... want to go for a walk?"
"Sure," RJ said getting to his feet. He grabbed three biscuits. "You know...for the walk..."
"You're incorrigible," Audrey laughed.
RJ took her hand in his and they set off down the beach. "Are you having fun?" he asked her.
"I love it here," Audrey said.
"I do too," RJ said squeezing her hand.
"And I love you," Audrey gazed at him dreamily. "You've turned me into a fool, Weasley."
RJ grinned. "Have I?"
"A lovesick fool," Audrey wound her arms around him.
RJ gave her a kiss. He was happy that they had this time alone without Becca. Becca had rung Audrey every single day though.
"Mmm..." she said softly. "I've been waiting to get you alone all day."
"Me too," RJ said kissing her again.
"I was thinking," Audrey said. "Later... we could sneak out around midnight or so?"
"What did you have in mind?" RJ asked her.
"I don't know," she grinned.
"You want to raid the icebox?" RJ asked teasingly. "I'm always game for that."
"No," she poked him. "Let's just be spontaneous."
RJ gave her a lazy grin. "I like the way you think."
"Of course you do," she laughed.
He was about to lean in for another kiss when they heard giggling coming from somewhere.
"Shhh!" Katie hissed at Caroline and Mia.
"I think we're being watched," Audrey said dryly.
"Where are they?" RJ whispered in her ear.
"I'm not sure," Audrey replied.
RJ grinned. "Maybe we could have some fun with this..."
"Oh yeah?" she asked.
RJ nodded. "Let's continue walking," he whispered in her ear.
"Okay," Audrey said following his lead.
Mia, Caroline and Katie watched the couple start down the beach again. Katie nudged Caroline. "Come on...let's follow them. And don't giggle!"
"I'll try not to," Caroline promised.
Mia nodded. "Me too."
"Good," Katie motioned for them to follow her.
RJ looked sideways and saw the three girls were now following them. He stifled a laugh.
"What should we do?" Audrey asked.
"Just keep walking," RJ said.
"Okay," Audrey said, hurrying alongside him.
He waited until they had a good lead on the three little girls before he Apparated. Katie, Mia, and Caroline were tiptoeing along behind them. "Where'd they go?" Caroline whispered.
Katie shrugged. "It's too dark! I can't see!"
"Well they have to be here somewhere," Mia said.
RJ reached out from behind them and grabbed Caroline. All three girls screamed.
"Gotcha," RJ laughed.
"Uncle RJ!" Caroline exclaimed, trying to catch her breath. "You scared me to death!"
"Well why were you three following us?" RJ countered.
"We were just curious," Mia admitted.
"About what?" Audrey asked.
"Just cause," Katie said swatting at RJ. "That didn't mean you had to scare us!"
"Yeah well that'll teach you not to spy," RJ told her.
"What should we do with them?" Audrey asked RJ.
"I don't know," RJ said. "Toss them in the ocean?"
Caroline shook her head. "No!"
"Oh yes," RJ moved towards her.
Caroline backed away. "No, Uncle RJ!"
"I think Katie should go in first, actually..." RJ turned.
Katie gasped. "No!"
"We're sorry," Caroline said quickly. "Please don't put us in the water!"
"Come on, RJ," Audrey said putting a hand on his arm. "We could show them mercy..."
"I guess this time," RJ said. "But don't follow us again. Or anyone else, for that matter."
"We promise," Caroline said solemnly.
"All right," RJ said. "You'd better get back to the house."
Caroline looked at him. "You won't tell Mummy and Daddy, will you?"
"Not this time," RJ said.
Caroline hugged him. "Thanks, Uncle RJ."
RJ smiled at her. "See you lot later."
"Thanks, Audrey," Mia said waving at the older girl before she and her friends ran back toward the house.
"Those three," Audrey shook her head.
"I think I can guess the ringleader," RJ said chuckling to himself.
"So where were we?" Audrey asked.
RJ grinned and put his hands on her waist. "I think we were right about here and you were talking about doing something after midnight..."
"Something spontaneous," she agreed.
"Just as long as you don't try and take advantage of me," RJ said.
"I won't need to do that," Audrey grinned at him.
"Really," RJ said nuzzling her neck.
"Because like you said the other night," Audrey said. "I can have you anytime I want."
"Am I that easy?" RJ asked with mock affrontation.
"Never easy," she replied. "Always worth it."
RJ grinned. "I love you, Aud."
"I love you too," Audrey kissed him.
While RJ and Audrey enjoyed their time alone, Liam was talking with Lizzy and Josh.
"Thank you so much for the invite," Liam said to them.
"I'm glad to see you outside of work," Lizzy said. "Eating real food."
Liam laughed. "It was nice to eat something that didn't come in a paper sack."
"Good point," Lizzy said with a grin.
"Sorry you didn't get to see the triple terrors in all their glory," Josh said motioning to where his three children were sleeping on a chaise lounge.
"There will be other times, I'm sure." Liam smiled at the triplets.
"You're welcome here anytime," Josh told him.
"Thanks mate," Liam shook his head. "You lot have been more than hospitable."
"And thanks for taking on the extra hours," Lizzy said. "You know you can ring me here if you need anything, Liam."
"Will do," he promised.
"You're leaving?" Darla asked coming up behind him.
"I have an early start tomorrow," Liam told her.
"Oh," Darla said frowning. "I'll---I'll walk you out."
"That'd be great," he smiled at her.
Darla led him back into the house. She had enjoyed the evening very much and realised that she hadn't thought about her husband.
"Liz mentioned something about having me back soon," Liam told her. "So you may see me again in a few days or so."
"You had better," Darla said. "You know what they say about all work and no play..."
"Makes Liam a dull healer?" he joked.
Darla laughed. "Something like that."
"It was nice seeing you outside the office in a more casual setting," Liam told her.
"It really was," Darla agreed. "I had a really nice time."
"Me too," he said. "Well... I should... get going."
Darla nodded and extended her hand. She felt stupid doing so, but she didn't know what else to do.
Liam smiled and shook it. "See you soon, Darla."
"Good night, Liam," Darla said softly.
She closed and locked the door after him, still gazing out the window as he Apparated away.
"Hello, sweetheart," Luna said coming downstairs.
"Hi Mum," Darla smiled at her mother.
"I just put Adam down," Luna said. "He fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow."
"Hopefully Rafe will sleep tonight too," Darla said. "Last night he kicked and kicked."
Luna smiled. "You and your sister used to keep me up at night doing the exact same thing."
"Great," Darla groaned. "And the genetics kick in."
"Maybe he'll go easy on you tonight," Luna said patting her on the arm.
"Hopefully," Darla rested a hand on her stomach.
"Are you feeling okay?" Luna asked her.
"Just tired, I guess." Darla replied. "I think I'll go to bed."
"Okay," Luna said. "If you need anything..."
"I'll let you know," Darla nodded.
Luna smiled and touched her daughter's cheek. "I love you, Darla."
"Love you too," Darla said, hugging her mother.
Darla walked upstairs to her bedroom. She checked her voice mail and was disappointed, but not surprised to see that she had no messages.
"Whatever, Hans." she sighed, pulling up on her shirt.
She smiled as she remembered something Liam had said. She had worried that seeing him outside of the patient healer setting might seem odd, but there was no awkwardness between them.
He was becoming such a good friend to her, and it was nice to talk to someone aside from her sister.
It wasn't a secret that her family wasn't too fond of Hans right now. She knew they tried not to say anything bad about him to her face.
"I guess I can't blame them," she said aloud. "He really hasn't been around in months."
When he was here, he seemed so preoccupied, but there were traces of the man she loved still in him.
"Rafe, I wish I knew what to do," she said to her son. "You deserve to know your father, but not the way he is now."
She knew though that she had a great support system in her family. They had all stepped up these last few months and helped her out whenever she needed it.
Rafe kicked out again and Darla put her hand on her stomach.
"I'm going to make sure that you grow up loved and so happy," Darla said softly.
"You are going to have the best of everything, and I'm going to spoil you rotten," she continued after rubbing where his foot kept kicking.
"Your uncles---Josh, Jon, and RJ are going to teach you how to fish," Darla said grinning as she thought of the three of them on the boat with her son. "And then...your Aunt Maddie will tell you the best stories. Your Aunt Drew is going to tell you stories about me, only half of which are true."
Drew knocked on her sister's door. "Dar?"
"Come in," Darla called out.
"Just seeing if you needed anything before we turn in for the night," Drew said.
"Could you sit with me for a moment?" Darla asked.
"Of course," Drew replied.
"Thanks," Darla said moving over so her sister could sit down.
"What's up?" Drew asked.
"Just sitting in here talking to Rafe," Darla admitted, resting her head on her sister's shoulder.
"He's been pretty active this weekend hasn't he?" Drew asked with a grin.
Darla nodded. "Liam said that's normal."
"You two seem pretty chummy," Drew commented.
"He's great," Darla said softly.
"He's a really nice guy," Drew agreed.
"Funny too," Darla said. "He had me in stitches."
"I bet," Drew nudged her.
"What?" Darla asked.
"You hardly left his side all night," Drew said.
"Well, he didn't know anyone," Darla said defensively.
"True," Drew nodded.
"He's been great to me," Darla said. "But, that's all it is."
Drew nodded. "All that matters is that he helps you bring Rafe safely into this world."
"In just a few months," Darla said.
"You're going to love being a mum," Drew assured her.
"I just hope I'm as good at it as you are," Darla said.
"You will be," Drew told her.
"I just wish Hans was---" Darla said, but stopped herself.
"Was what?" Drew asked.
"Here," Darla said.
"I wish he was too, for your sake," Drew replied.
"He's a good man," Darla said. "He's just been blinded by this new life."
Drew nodded, although she had some less than stellar words to say about her brother in law.
"Maybe things would be different if I lived in New York," Darla said thoughtfully.
Drew looked at her in alarm. "You aren't thinking of going, are you?"
"I don't know," Darla said. "But, he's my husband, Drew. This obviously isn't working with things like this..."
"But Dar..." Drew sighed. "I'm sorry. It's your marriage and you deserve to be happy with it."
"I don't know what to do," Darla admitted.
"I think you'll figure it out in time," Drew said softly.
"You think?" Darla asked.
"Definitely," Drew told her.
"How's Chloe?" Darla asked.
"Out like a light," Drew smiled.
"I'm not surprised," Darla giggled. "She was running around at full speed all day."
"I love seeing her with the other kids," Drew said. "She loves the family so much."
"She does," Darla said smiling as she thought of her niece.
"And she is SO excited about Rafe," Drew told her.
"You think?" Darla laughed. "Every time I see her she wants to feel him kick."
"You were sweet to let her do that earlier," Drew said. "I know he finally had quieted down."
"You can't say no to Chloe," Darla said.
"It's pretty impossible," Drew laughed. "She's just like Maddie and Emma."
"With a dash of Brian and you thrown in," Darla said grinning at her sister.
"Right," Drew hugged her sister.
"Thanks, Drew," Darla said.
"I'll always be here for you, Dar." Drew told her.
Darla felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Drew! Now you've gone and done it..."
"Pregnancy hormones," Drew teased.
Darla wiped at her eyes. "Good night with you."
"I'll see you in the morning," Drew said.
"Uncle Harry's making waffles," Darla said happily.
"Then I'm sure everyone will be up at the crack of dawn," Drew replied.
"Me included," Darla said smiling at her sister. "Thanks again for sitting with me, Drew."
"Anytime," Drew said.
Drew closed the door behind her.
Darla turned off the lamp and closed her eyes. She wondered if moving to New York would help her marriage.
It couldn't hurt, she reasoned.
She didn't want to move though until after the baby was born. As emotional as she was at the moment, she couldn't imagine how she'd be like thousands of miles from her family.
"Just till you're born, Rafe." Darla said sleepily.
On the deck, the party was dying down.
Gabriel was sitting with his father and Lavender. Alexa had gone inside for a few moments to help Saffron. Lavender was looking through one of Gabriel's textbooks and grimacing.
"Is that really a BRAIN?" Lavender looked like she might faint.
Gabriel nodded. "Amazing, isn't it?"
"Disgusting, more like!" Lavender closed her eyes.
Gabriel laughed. "Yours looks just like that one."
"I certainly don't need to think about it!" Lavender shuddered.
"You'll eat raw fish, but this grosses you out?" Gabriel teased her.
Lavender gave her stepson a look.
"He has a point," Seamus admitted.
"Sushi is wonderful," Lavender said defensively.
"So is the brain," Gabriel grinned.
"I'm getting nowhere with you two," Lavender waved her hand dismissively.
Seamus laughed. "Come on, love."
"I'll see you two in the morning," Gabriel said.
"Good night, son," Seamus said.
Gabriel watched his parents go back inside and waited for Alexa to finish up.
"Alright, Gabe?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah," Gabriel said. "In a place like this, who couldn't be?"
"Even with your nose stuck in a book," Andrew joked.
"I tend to do that a bit often," Gabriel said sheepishly.
"You have to from what Saffy tells me about your course load," Andrew commented.
"It's pretty harsh this semester," Gabriel said. "I wish it wasn't, since Lexie's moving over there, but I want to get it over with."
Andrew nodded. "More power to you, mate. I couldn't do it."
"I just keep telling myself that someday, I can maybe save someone like I wish I could have saved my mom," Gabriel said wistfully.
"I bet she'd be really proud of how hard you've worked," Andrew commented.
"I hope so," Gabriel replied.
"Your dad sure is," Andrew said. "I heard him singing your praises earlier."
Gabriel grinned. "Yeah?"
Andrew grinned back. "Sure did."
Gabriel smiled to himself.
"Don't tell RJ, but Lexie and I just made an extra batch of biscuits," Saffron said coming outside on the deck carrying a plate.
"Our lips are sealed," Andrew said. "Well, for RJ. I can't wait to dig in."
"Extra chocolate chips," Alexa said sitting down with her boyfriend.
"You know me too well," Gabriel slid his arms around her.
"Tomorrow, if you play your cards right, we might make fudge," Alexa leaned against him.
"Hmmm..." Gabriel said. "Sounds good to me."
"These are fantastic if I do say so myself," Saffron said before popping another biscuit into her mouth.
Andrew nuzzled her neck. "Can I snag one before they're gone?"
Saffron grinned. "Sure..."
"And I'll take a few before you both eat them all," Alexa teased.
Saffron handed her the plate. "We make a good team, Lex."
"Always have," Alexa grinned at her.
"Always will," Saffron grinned back.
Andrew caught Gabriel's eye and rolled his good naturedly.
"What were you two chatting about?" Saffron asked.
"Just schoolwork and stuff," Andrew replied.
"Which you know all about," Saffron teased, nudging Andrew.
"I was telling Gabe better him than me," Andrew joked.
"He's going to be the best doctor," Saffron said grinning at her cousin.
"I hope so," Gabriel replied.
"He is," Alexa said proudly. "And I'll write all about it."
"You'll be a famous doctor and you'll be a famous journalist," Saffron said. "And Andrew and I will be famous Quidditch players. It all works out!"
"You and Andrew are already famous Quidditch players," Alexa said.
"So you just have to catch up," Saffron teased.
"Oh," Alexa laughed. "Is that all?"
"Sure." Saffron said. "Easy as pie."
"You two raised the bar when you went and got engaged," Gabriel teased. "Famous Quidditch players to marry..."
Saffron leaned against Andrew. "He broke a lot of hearts when he gave me this ring."
"Wizard McDreamy," Alexa giggled.
Andrew shook his head. "I'll be glad to give that title up."
"You'll always be my Wizard McDreamy," Saffron said grinning at him.
"That's the only way I like that," Andrew gave her a kiss.
Saffron felt such happiness at that moment. These few days at the beach had been heaven on earth.
"You tired?" Andrew asked her.
"A little," Saffron admitted.
"We could go to bed," Andrew replied.
Saffron nodded. "I just need to say goodnight to my parents."
"Sure," Andrew stood up and offered her his hand.
Saffron took his hand and looked over her shoulder. "Good night, Lexie. Night, Gabe."
"Night Saffy," Alexa said.
"Guess what I heard?" Saffron told Andrew as they went into the house.
"What?" he asked
She told him about Katie, Caroline and Mia following Audrey and RJ on the beach. "Lexie and I heard them whispering about it."
Andrew laughed. "He threatened to throw them in the water?"
Saffron nodded. "I think he was joking..."
"He probably was," he said.
"Just the same, we'd better watch out," Saffron said. "The three of them might start following us."
"True," Andrew said. "Guess I'll have to snog you senseless in our own bedroom."
"I like that idea," Saffron grinned. She and Andrew found her parents in the sitting room.
"We're turning in," Saffron told them.
"All right sweetheart," Hermione smiled.
"I heard a rumour you were making waffles," Andrew said to Harry.
"It's a secret," Harry said.
"Ron?" Andrew guessed.
Harry nodded. "And Emma."
Saffron grinned. "She'll love it, Dad."
"I'll see you in the morning, baby." Harry stood up to give his daughter a hug.
"Good night, Daddy," Saffron said hugging him tightly.
"Night, sir." Andrew said.
Saffron gave her mother a hug. "You and Daddy should go for a walk on the beach."
"Maybe we will," Hermione said.
"It's very romantic," Saffron winked at her.
Hermione laughed. "Subtle, Saffy."
Saffron laughed. "Night, Mum."
Andrew followed her upstairs. "I'm pretty knackered too."
"It's been a long day," Saffron said squeezing his hand.
"But a good one," he smiled at her.
"A great one," Saffron corrected.
"Right," Andrew slid his arms around her.
"I love you, you know?" Saffron asked grinning up at him.
"I love you too," Andrew rested his forehead on hers.
"What do you want to do tomorrow?" Saffron asked him.
"Long as I'm with you, I don't care." Andrew told her.
Saffron kissed him. "Good answer."
It didn't take them long to change and curl up together in bed.
Saffron giggled. "I just realised I'm sleeping with the enemy..."
Andrew chuckled. "Traitor."
"I don't mind," Saffron grinned.
"Well what do you know...?" Andrew said. "I don't mind either."
Saffron gave him a kiss. "You make me so happy."
"Good," Andrew said. "Cause that's the most important thing to me."
"Well," Saffron laughed. "That and giving RJ a hard time."
"That just goes with the territory." Andrew said.
"It's so easy," Saffron said. "And we're both soooooo good at it."
Andrew laughed. "Better than anyone."
"Well, Jon does fairly well at it," Saffron said. "And Audrey can more than hold her own."
"Very true," Andrew wrapped his arms around her.
"And," Saffron grinned at him. "I know something else that we're very, very good at..."
"Tell me more," he nuzzled her ear. "Or show me..."
Saffron gave him a kiss. "There's that..."
"What else?" he asked.
Saffron trailed her hand down his chest. "And there's this..."
Andrew sucked in a sharp breath.
Saffron smiled seductively at him. "That's what I was looking for..."
"Yeah?" he choked out.
"Mmmhmm," Saffron murmured before kissing him.
Andrew slid his hands up her back under her nightshirt.
"Andrew," Saffron whispered closing her eyes.
He skimmed his lips along her neck and she whimpered.
"I love you," Andrew said softly.
"I love you too," Saffron said.
Andrew lifted her nightshirt up and eased it over her head.
"Yes," Saffron said softly.
Andrew tossed it to the floor and Saffron made quick work of getting him out of his boxer shorts.
"There we are," she purred.
Andrew grinned. "Unwrapped?"
"You can say that," she laughed softly.
Andrew positioned himself over her. "I can't tell you how it feels to hear you laugh or see you smile..."
"Like I said," Saffron looked up at him. "You're the reason..."
Andrew kissed her.
Saffron tried to keep her moans quieted so no one would hear them.
"Saffy," Andrew groaned as she arched against him.
"That's it," she said through clenched teeth.
"Merlin," Andrew gasped.
"Andrew," Saffron breathed. "Andrew..."
Andrew kissed her again as he pressed himself against her.
"Harder," she managed.
Andrew put his arms around her waist and pressed further into her.
"Ooooh," she closed her eyes.
Andrew buried his face in her shoulder.
She clutched onto him, digging her nails into his skin.
"Saffy," Andrew managed to choke out.
"Please," Saffron begged.
Andrew kissed her to stifle his own groans as he thrust into her one last time.
Her body rose against his then fell back onto the bed. He collapsed off to her side and offered her a lazy grin.
At first Saffron felt too overcome to say anything. After a moment, she burst into tears.
"Saffy?" Andrew asked, concern etched across his face. "Sweetheart?"
"I'm sorry," she managed, wiping at her eyes. "I don't know what's wrong with me."
"Did I hurt you?" Andrew asked.
"You never hurt me," Saffron sniffled.
"Are you okay?" Andrew said touching her cheek.
She nodded. "I just need a moment."
Andrew was at a loss as to what to do.
Saffron forced a smile to her face. "Really... I'm okay."
"You can tell me..." Andrew started to say.
"I'm okay," she said, feeling better. "I promise."
"Come here," Andrew said.
Saffron went willingly into her fiancé's arms.
"Everything's going to be fine," Andrew said softly.
"I know," she said.
Andrew held her, unsure of what else to say.
Saffron was quiet for a few moments too. "You know I wouldn't have made it through the last few months without you."
"I'm always going to stand beside you," Andrew said.
"That's why you're so perfect," she said, tearing up again.
"I'm far from perfect, Saffy," Andrew said holding her close.
"But you're perfect to me," Saffron said. "You always have been. Since the very beginning. I could never repay you for all you've done for me."
"You don't have to," Andrew said looking at her. "I love you more than anything in this world, Saffron."
"That's how I feel about you too," Saffron buried her face in his chest.
"We're going to be really happy," Andrew reassured her. "You, me, and whoever else might come along."
"I really want to have your children... someday." Saffron told him.
Andrew smiled. "A little girl with your green eyes..."
"Or a little boy with yours," Saffron countered.
"She or he will be athletic and very smart," Andrew said thoughtfully.
"Of course," Saffron allowed herself to daydream.
"And they'll never want for anything," Andrew said kissing the top of Saffron's head.
"One of the most loved children in the world," Saffron added.
"And she's going to have everyone wrapped around her little finger," Andrew said with a grin.
"Or he," Saffron smiled at him.
"Or both," Andrew tickled her side.
Saffron snuggled against him. "I feel better."
"Good," Andrew said.
Meanwhile, Gabriel and Alexa were still outside, "It's gotten a bit chilly," she said.
"We can go inside," Gabriel suggested.
"But then I don't get you all to myself," Alexa said.
"How about I go and get a blanket then?" Gabriel asked. "We can stay out here."
"Sure," Alexa gave him a kiss. "That sounds great."
Gabriel smiled at her. "Don't go anywhere."
"Won't move a muscle," Alexa promised.
Gabriel walked back into the house which was quiet, except for muffled voices coming from the kitchen. He grabbed a blanket from the sofa and then headed back outside to join his girlfriend.
"Gabriel?" a voice called. "That you?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said turning around.
Seamus came out of the kitchen. "What are you up to?"
"Lexie and I are just sitting outside and talking," Gabriel told him. "How about you?"
"Just having a late night bite to eat before going to bed," Seamus replied.
"Anything good?" Gabriel asked.
"Just some leftovers from dinner," Seamus grinned.
"There were leftovers?" Gabriel laughed.
"Not anymore," Seamus quipped.
"Good night, Dad," Gabriel grinned.
"See you in the morning," Seamus headed back into the kitchen.
Gabriel stepped back onto the deck and held up the blanket. "This should keep you toasty warm."
"And you," Alexa smiled.
Gabriel sat back down on the lounge with her. He pulled the blanket tight around them.
"Much better," Alexa snuggled next to him. "This is as close to perfection as life can get."
"I couldn't agree more," Gabriel said, putting his arms around her.
"I love you, Gabe." Alexa murmured.
"I love you too," Gabriel whispered. "I'm sorry that I haven't been very available to you since we got here. I just have to stay ahead..."
"I understand," she reassured him. "We'll get to spend more time together when I move to California."
"You can keep me company while I study," Gabriel joked.
"Definitely," Alexa said.
He kissed the top of her head again. "I know this is a big step for you. Moving away from your family and friends..."
"But I'll get to be with you and that's all that matters," Alexa told him.
"So Saffy was only joking when she said she was going to make me pay for taking you away from her?" Gabriel asked.
"Oh there's a catch," Alexa teased. "You have to keep me happy."
"Oh, I can do that," Gabriel said with a grin.
Alexa leaned in and kissed him.
"We'll have to make her come and visit a lot," Gabriel said. "Since you're going to be her maid person..."
"Maid of Honour," Alexa poked him.
"Oh, excuse me, Miss O'Leary," Gabriel tickled her side. "Maid of Honour."
"Get it right already," Alexa laughed.
"Does this mean the others have no honour?" Gabriel asked.
"Pretty much," Alexa deadpanned.
"Talking trash about your fellow maids," Gabriel joked, tickling her again.
Alexa laughed. "Gabriel!"
"I'm going to tell every single one of them," Gabriel laughed.
She poked him harder this time. "You better not."
"I'm not afraid of you, O'Leary," Gabriel grinned.
"Well you should be," Alexa teased, grabbing his book.
"Lex, come on," Gabriel said reaching for it.
"Uh," she shook her head.
Gabriel reached for it, but Alexa got up just before he could get to her. "Lexie..."
"Come and get it!" she laughed, backing away.
Gabriel took off after her down the beach.