Authors' note: Thanks for the response to the last chapter and the flashback for Jon/Allie. We have more flashbacks planned in the future. But, for now, enjoy Maddie/Ethan/Kiera time!
Ethan sat his daughter in her high chair and looked at her. "What do you feel like this morning baby girl? Oatmeal or Bananas?"
"Ahhh!" Kiera said.
"Oatmeal it is," Ethan said reaching into the cupboard.
"Daaa!" Kiera hit her fist on the tray.
Ethan laughed. "It's coming, Kiera. Be patient."
"What's going on here?" Maddie asked from the door.
"Breakfast," Ethan said. "Good morning, love. Sleep well?"
"Okay," Maddie shrugged. "Ethan--"
"Yeah?" Ethan asked.
"I think I'm pregnant," she said in a rush.
Ethan dropped the bowl that was in his hand.
"DA!" Kiera shouted.
"Say something," Maddie said.
"Y-you're what?" Ethan asked.
"I think I'm pregnant," Maddie said.
"H-how?" Ethan asked. "I mean, I know how---"
"I've been sick several times this week," Maddie said. "And I haven't... I haven't gotten my period in two months now."
"Da!" Kiera exclaimed again.
"I'll make her oatmeal," Maddie said hastily. "She's hungry."
"Mads--" Ethan caught her hand. "Do you know for positive that you're pregnant?"
"I'm pretty positive," Maddie replied. "I can ask Lizzy if she can run a test..."
He squeezed her hand. "Mads... you might be having our baby. Again!"
Maddie nodded and smiled at him. Ethan engulfed her in a huge hug.
"It's great, isn't it?" Maddie asked.
"Amazing," he said, kissing her hard.
"Da!" Kiera exclaimed impatiently.
Ethan laughed. "Sorry, baby."
"Oatmeal coming right up," Maddie said. "And juice..."
"I've got the oatmeal," Ethan said.
"Buh?" Kiera asked looking at Maddie.
"No love," Maddie said to her daughter. "Blue's not here."
"But a baby brother or sister might be," Ethan said happily.
Maddie was glad he was excited. "Soon as Lizzy's up and about I'll ask her what we can do."
"Sounds like a plan," Ethan said setting a bowl of oatmeal before his daughter. "And how about you, Mads? You up for some breakfast?"
"Maybe just some fruit," Maddie replied, screwing the top onto Kiera's cup and giving it to her daughter.
"Ma," Kiera said looking at Maddie for a moment.
Maddie beamed at her. "My smart girl."
Ethan made his wife a fruit plate and then sat down with her. He was too excited to eat.
"Aren't you having anything?" she asked as Kiera stuck her hands into her oatmeal.
"Maybe later," Ethan replied.
Maddie smiled. "I can tell you're dying to go wake Lizzy up."
"I can be patient," Ethan said. "And she is on holiday."
"Very true," Maddie replied.
"So, do you think it's a boy or a girl?" Ethan asked. "Or twins?"
"Oh goodness..." Maddie shook her head. "More twins in the family..."
"Triplets?" Ethan joked.
"Buh!" Kiera said, flinging oatmeal at him.
Maddie laughed. "Kiera."
Ethan flicked his wand and cleaned the oatmeal up.
"Messy girl," Maddie said picking up the spoon. "Let mummy help."
Kiera grinned at her.
Maddie dipped the spoon into the bowl and then held it out to her daughter.
Ethan smiled as Kiera let Maddie feed her.
"I take it we're the first awake this morning?" Maddie asked.
"Sure seems like it," Ethan asked. "It is only half past six."
Maddie yawned at this. "I guess I'm still a little sleepy."
"You can go back to bed," Ethan told her. "I'll feed her and when Lizzy gets up I'll talk to her."
"No, it's okay," Maddie argued.
"You sure?" he asked.
"Absolutely," Maddie replied. "In fact, we could even go and sit outside after Kiera finishes."
"That sounds great," Ethan said as she finished feeding their daughter.
Maddie lifted Kiera out of her chair. "Ethan, can you get her blanket?"
"Sure," Ethan replied. "Let me take her."
Maddie handed Kiera to Ethan. "Mummy's going to bring your juice, baby."
"Da." Kiera replied.
Ethan grinned. "I'm never going to get tired of hearing her say that."
"Me either," Maddie said, following her husband and daughter outside.
Ethan sat down with Kiera and covered her up with her blanket. He kissed the top of her head.
"Remember that first year we got together?" Maddie asked. "We sat out here together while it rained and just talked."
"I remember," Ethan smiled.
"I was so happy," Maddie said. "Hard to believe I'm even happier now."
"It doesn't get any better than this," Ethan said. "This is perfect, Mads."
"Quite so," she agreed, leaning against him.
"It's so peaceful out here," Ethan commented.
"I love it when it's quiet like this," Maddie gazed at the few people jogging along the path and out towards the ocean.
"Me too," Ethan said softly.
"Buh," Kiera said, reaching for her mother.
"I think it's time we brought Blue by for a visit," Maddie said taking her daughter.
"I'm sure we could arrange that for a day," Ethan replied.
"I miss him too," Maddie said.
"I'll get him for you then," Ethan promised.
"Thanks," Maddie said smiling at him.
"Ma, ma, ma..." Kiera said.
Maddie patted Kiera's back and started to hum the lullaby that Blue would sing to the baby.
Ethan smiled at his wife and daughter. "I can't believe we might be having another baby."
"I know I shouldn't get my hopes up," Maddie said. "There's a chance that I'm not pregnant..."
"You think she might be able to tell?" Ethan motioned to Kiera.
"Like she did with Darla?" Maddie asked. She shrugged. "I'm not sure."
"We should try," Ethan replied.
Maddie turned Kiera around so the baby was facing her.
"What do you think, sweetheart?" Maddie asked her daughter. "You see anything?"
Kiera looked up at her mother. "Ma..."
"That's right baby..." Maddie's voice trailed off as her eyes locked onto Kiera's.
Kiera reached her hand out and touched Maddie's stomach.
"Mads!" Ethan tried to control his excitement.
Kiera cooed happily.
"Ethan," Maddie breathed. "I saw... I saw so much!"
"Like what?" Ethan asked eagerly.
"Kids," Maddie said. "Lots of them!"
"Lots of them?" Ethan asked. "Um, how many?"
"I couldn't make out how many... but they were ours. I know they were ours." Maddie blinked back some tears.
Ethan reached for her hand.
"Communicating with her like that... seeing what she sees," Maddie shook her head. "It's unbelievable."
Kiera patted Maddie's stomach again and smiled.
Maddie nodded, her tears spilling over.
"What did they look like?" Ethan asked softly.
"I saw..." Maddie laughed for a moment. "I saw a lot of black hair."
Ethan laughed. "Okay."
"They were all around us," Maddie said, cuddling Kiera close again.
Ethan smiled. "We'll need to get a bigger house."
"Not quite yet," Maddie replied. "I don't want to leave the cottage just yet."
"Me either," Ethan replied. "It's our home and it's the only home Kiera knows."
"It doesn't seem like there's a rush..." Maddie looked mischievously at him. "Our daughters can share a room for a few years--"
Ethan looked back at her. "Daughters? Did you see all little girls, Mads?"
"Not all," Maddie brought his hand to her stomach. "But this one..."
"A girl?" Ethan asked.
"That's what she sensed," Maddie replied.
"Another little girl," Ethan mused.
"For you to spoil," Maddie said as Kiera's eyes blinked closed.
"That always seems to take it out of her," Ethan said patting his daughter's back.
"It can be exhausting," Maddie said softly.
"What does Smythe say about all this?" Ethan asked.
"She thinks it's incredible," Maddie replied. "Wants me to document when it happens."
Ethan was going to say something else when Harry stepped outside. He was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts and looked like he was going to go for a run. "Good morning."
"Hey Dad," Ethan said with a grin.
"Good morning, Harry," Maddie said keeping her voice down so as not to wake Kiera.
"What are you kids doing out here?" Harry asked.
"Kiera woke up early," Ethan replied. "I was feeding her breakfast when Maddie came downstairs."
Harry nodded. "You used to wake us up early too."
"I did the same with my parents," Maddie grinned. "I was always ready to start the day."
Ethan looked at Maddie wondering if they should say anything about her pregnancy just yet.
"Speaking of your parents, your father doesn't want to run today," Harry said. "So I talked Hermione into coming with..."
"Mum?" Ethan asked. "She's going for a run?"
Harry nodded. "We won't be gone too long."
"Mum hates jogging," Ethan said.
"She's with me," Harry said.
Hermione came outside looking sleepy and not too happy.
"Ready?" Harry asked.
"I can't wait," Hermione said sarcastically.
Ethan grinned. "Have fun and behave."
"Come on, Hermione," Harry encouraged. "It's a beautiful day and the sun is just coming up. Perfect for a jog."
"If you say so," Hermione yawned.
"We can do this every morning," Harry said as he stretched.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I don't know about that."
"We could do it every morning before we go to work," Harry said.
Hermione cast a look at her son, who tried not to laugh.
"Harry," Hermione said. "I don't really like jogging. I much prefer walking...and sleeping in..."
"Yeah but this really gets you going in the morning," Harry replied.
"I'm sure Saffron or RJ or even Seamus would have loved to do this with you," Hermione protested.
"Yeah but you're my wife," Harry replied.
Hermione stood back up and started to stretch. She could tell this obviously meant a lot to Harry.
Harry grinned at her.
Hermione yawned.
"Well, I think we might go back in and get a few more hours of sleep," Ethan said in a smartarse tone.
"Go easy on her, Harry," Maddie said.
"Will do," Harry said, taking his wife's hand.
Hermione looked longingly back at the house.
"Come on," Harry tugged at her hand. Ethan laughed as his father pulled his mother down to the path.
"Poor Hermione," Maddie shook her head.
"If she doesn't want to do it every morning, she won't." Ethan said.
"I know," Maddie said. "Your mum never does anything she doesn't want to do."
"Exactly," Ethan replied as Kiera cooed in her sleep.
Maddie gingerly carried her daughter back inside. "Let's go back to bed, Ethan," she whispered.
"That sounds like a great idea to me," He said.
"We can talk to Lizzy later," Maddie said. "Right now, I just want to lie down with you and Kiera."
"And our new daughter," Ethan whispered in her ear.
Maddie beamed at him. "Perfect, isn't it?"
"I don't know how it could get much better," he said as she set Kiera into the crib. "I'm going to be here for every moment of this pregnancy, Mads."
Maddie looked at him. "Oh, Ethan."
"I promise," he told her.
Maddie gave him a kiss. "I love you."
"Love you too," he said his arms going around her.
"Let's go back to bed," Maddie whispered.
"You read my mind," he said.
"That's one of my other skills," Maddie said grinning at him.
"What am I thinking right now?" he asked.
Maddie grinned. "I don't think I should say in front of our little girl."
Ethan laughed. "Good point."
"Come on," Maddie took his hand and led him back to their bedroom. In her bedroom, Saffron was wide awake. She'd been awake for quite some time, but she didn't want to move. She loved being here with Andrew. She turned to look at his sleeping face and smiled. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Not too many blokes would have stayed around given all the drama that had come her way these last few months. But, he'd never wavered in his support.
She touched the side of his face lightly with her index finger, tracing along his lips.
Saffron smiled as he began to stir.
"What are you doing?" he mumbled.
"I didn't mean to wake you," Saffron apologised.
"It's okay," he smiled drowsily at her.
"How'd you sleep?" Saffron asked softly.
"Like a rock," Andrew answered. "You?"
"I always sleep well next to you," Saffron said cuddling up next to him.
Andrew slid his arms around her. "I like waking up this way."
"We get to do this every day for the rest of our lives," Saffron said.
"We sure do," he agreed, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"So," Saffron said. "What do you want to do today?"
"I don't know," he said thoughtfully.
"We could go and play golf," Saffron said. "I haven't gone in quite some time."
"That's true," Andrew said. "Not since your grandfather died..."
"I've been thinking about him a lot lately," Saffron said softly. "Him and Gran."
Andrew stroked her hair. "Have you?"
Saffron nodded. "I miss them so much."
"I know you do," Andrew said reassuringly.
Tears welled up in Saffron's eyes.
"Shhh, baby." he said. "It's okay..."
"I'm sorry," Saffron sobbed.
"Don't be sorry," he told her. "You loved them."
"I did," Saffron said burying her face in his shoulder.
"And they knew it," Andrew told her. "I remember how you used to go home every weekend to help take care of your grandfather."
Saffron smiled at the memories. "We had so much fun, Andrew."
"And you always have those to remember," he said.
Saffron nodded. "I'm sorry for turning on the waterworks so much, Andrew. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"It's okay," he told her. "This time of year is probably tough for you."
Saffron nodded. "It is, but having you around helps."
"Good," Andrew kissed her forehead again.
"No more crying, I promise," Saffron said.
Andrew laughed. "Sometimes you need a good cry to feel better. My mum told me that once."
"Your mum was right," Saffron said laughing.
"Come on," Andrew said. "Why don't we go out to breakfast this morning? Just the two of us?"
"I'd love that," Saffron replied.
"Great," Andrew said. "You pick."
"How about Bill's Diner?" Saffron asked. "They have the best pancakes, Andrew."
"Pancakes sound good to me," Andrew gave her a chaste kiss.
"Let's get ready," Saffron said. "We can beat the crowds."
"We can shower together and save a little more time," Andrew said with a grin.
Saffron grinned back. "And we'd save water as well..."
"Very true," he said scooping her up.
"I love you, Andrew," Saffron said.
"Love you too," Andrew said softly.
Saffron gave him a kiss.
"I think we both need to brush our teeth," he said, setting her down in the bathroom.
"Are you saying I have morning breath?" Saffron nudged him.
"So do I," he replied, turning on the water.
Saffron picked up her toothbrush. "Well I didn't want to say anything to hurt your feelings..."
He nudged her.
Saffron laughed. "Only kidding."
They both brushed their teeth and took a quick shower together. Saffron was starving and nearly pulled him down the pavement towards town.
The diner wasn't too crowded to her relief, and before long, they were sitting at a corner booth. Saffron ordered a large glass of orange juice.
"That sounds good," Andrew replied. "I'll have one too, please."
The waitress nodded. "And do you know what you want to eat?"
"Pancakes," Saffron said. "Lots of them. A double stack, please."
"I'll have the same," Andrew said. "But I could also get a side order of bacon?"
"Ooooh that sounds good too," Saffron said. "Extra crispy please."
The waitress left to place their order and Andrew looked at his fiancée. "Hungry?"
"Starved," Saffron replied. "I feel like I haven't eaten in a week."
She wasn't normally a big eater. Last night, they'd eaten the fish that Josh and the boys had caught.
"Think she'll bring me some toast before the pancakes?" Saffron asked.
Andrew laughed. "Saffy---"
"I can't help it," she said sheepishly.
"How about I go and see if I can nick you some toast?" Andrew asked.
"You'd be the best fiancé ever." Saffron said.
Andrew gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back."
"Thank you," Saffron said gratefully.
Saffron did not know what was wrong with her.
"Here you go," Andrew said, sliding a plate in front of her.
Saffron's mouth watered. "That's the best looking toast I've ever seen. Thank you, Andrew."
"Sure," Andrew gave her a strange look.
Saffron quickly spread some strawberry jam on the toast and took a bite.
Andrew sat back and watched her. "You sure you're okay?"
Saffron nodded. "I'm fine. Just hungry is all."
He nodded. "Understandable."
"Do you want some, too?" Saffron asked. "I don't want to hog it all."
"I'll wait for my bacon," Andrew said with a grin.
Saffron laughed. "More for me, then."
Andrew smiled at her. "Whatever you want."
"I'm like RJ right now," Saffron said before she took another bite.
"A bottomless stomach?" he teased.
"Yes," Saffron laughed. "If he could see me now, he'd be proud."
"We'll give him full details later," Andrew said as the waitress brought their food over.
Saffron grinned. "Ooooh!"
"Thanks," Andrew told the waitress as Saffron dove into her meal.
Saffron closed her eyes as she savoured the first bite.
"That good?" he asked her.
"Absolutely," Saffron replied.
"Need anything else?" Andrew asked her.
Saffron shook her head. "No, this is fine. How do you like yours?"
"Great," Andrew replied taking a big bite.
"These are almost as good as Greta's," Saffron said.
"That close, eh?" Andrew asked.
"Nearly," Saffron said grinning back at him.
"So..." Andrew said. "My mum wanted to talk to yours about the wedding reception."
"I was thinking we'd have it in the ballroom," Saffron said referring to the minister's mansion.
"That's what I told her," Andrew said. "She's got a list of our relatives she wanted to pass on."
"Okay," Saffron said before taking another bite of her pancakes.
"And she wants to be sure we have an equal amount of groomsmen and bridesmaids," Andrew replied with a grin. "And she knows a florist and caterer that would do a really good job and give your parents a deal."
"Your mother is really excited about this, isn't she?" Saffron laughed.
"You know she loves you to death," Andrew said. "She's thrilled I finally got off my arse and proposed."
"So was I," Saffron grinned.
"In the most inappropriate setting," Andrew replied.
"It was perfect, Andrew," Saffron said. "I wouldn't have changed a thing about it."
"Well, seeing as how you said yes, I wouldn't either." Andrew replied.
"You actually thought there was a chance I'd say no?" Saffron asked.
"I think everyone has a doubt," Andrew shrugged.
"Well, you didn't need to worry," Saffron said reaching across the table for his hand. "I love you and I would never have refused you."
Andrew kissed the back of her hand.
"But if you were to have had doubts about me, I would have understood," Saffron said quietly.
"Never, Saffy." he shook his head.
Saffron smiled. "So, we're stuck with each other. For better or for worse."
"Always," he promised her.
"No matter what?" Saffron asked.
"No matter what," Andrew said firmly.
Saffron staved off her tears at his words. She knew he meant them and it made her happy.
He squeezed her hand and went back to eating his own breakfast. Saffron had finished hers and looked at his bacon longingly.
"Would you like the rest of my bacon?" Andrew asked.
"If you don't mind," Saffron said.
Andrew pushed the plate toward her. "There you go."
"You are the best," Saffron devoured it eagerly.
"Sacrificing a few strips of bacon isn't too much for me," Andrew grinned.
"I think I'm stuffed," Saffron said. "I've been craving pancakes since last night."
Andrew laughed. "Well, I will happily take you here every morning."
"Fantastic," Saffron leaned back as Andrew finished his breakfast.
"RJ would be proud," Andrew teased.
"So would Uncle Ron," Saffron patted her stomach.
Andrew reached into his wallet for some Muggle money.
"Thank you," Saffron told him.
"No problem," Andrew said. "Fancy a walk?"
"I'd love that," Saffron replied. "Maybe along the beach before we head back to the house?"
Andrew nodded. "Sounds good to me."
She took his hand in hers as they left the diner and headed back in the general direction of the beach house. "What a gorgeous day," Saffron said.
"And a gorgeous fiancée," Andrew said squeezing her hand.
She smiled at him. "I can tell this is going to be a good day."
"You can?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah," Saffron said. "You know... it was a year ago today that... Gordon..."
Andrew paled. "Saffy, I didn't realise..."
"I know you didn't," Saffron said. "I wasn't going to say anything... but I did because... well I want to prove that I've really put it behind me now."
"You've been so brave," Andrew said softly.
"Not so much at first," Saffron said. "But thanks in large part to you... I've been able to get over everything that's happened to me in the last year."
Andrew pulled her to him. "Saffy..."
"I owe a lot of things to you," Saffron told him.
"I haven't done much," Andrew protested. "I keep thinking I could have done something---"
"You did everything I ever needed you to do," Saffron said. "And more."
Andrew leaned in and kissed her tenderly.
Saffron closed her eyes as he brushed his lips over hers.
Andrew cursed himself for forgetting that this was the anniversary of her kidnapping. He had been so proud of her these last few days. He knew it was hard for her to be back here. But, he also knew that Brighton held a special place in her heart and she wasn't going to let one bad memory spoil it.
"Come on," he said. "We were going for a walk, then head back and maybe we can snag the boat for a little while before someone else does."
Saffron grinned. "That sounds perfect."
"Good," he said, pulling her close. They walked back, his arm around her shoulders and hers around his waist.
While Saffron and Andrew enjoyed their morning, Hermione was clutching her side and trying to catch her breath. Harry's idea of a brisk jog in town had turned into a death march.
"Come on, Granger!" Harry called out encouragingly.
"You..." Hermione gasped. "Stop... calling... me... that..."
Harry jogged back over to her, a grin on his face. "We just have a little ways to go...you can do this!"
She glared at him.
"You'll thank me when we're done," Harry said. "Come on...if you stand still like that, you'll get a cramp."
"Too late," she grumbled.
Hermione wished she'd brought along her wand so she could hex him. They'd run about five miles and he was perfectly fine.
"Come on," Harry jogged backwards.
Hermione willed her legs to move again.
"There you go," Harry said encouragingly.
Hermione followed him wondering why the house seemed to be so bloody far away.
"You can do it," he said. "Just to the house. You're almost there!"
Hermione gasped. She hadn't realised how out of shape she was.
"Hermione?" he asked worriedly as she stopped again. Perhaps he'd pushed her too far...
"I'm---I'm o-kay," Hermione stammered.
"You can make it," Harry said.
Hermione nodded, but was unable to speak.
Harry took her hand in his and squeezed it.
She cursed herself for the murderous thoughts she'd had about him throughout the run. He really was trying to help and encourage her. This just wasn't something she did or ever planned to do again.
She barely made it back to the house- collapsing in one of the chairs just outside the door.
"I'll go and get you some water," Harry said.
"Thank you," She said, trying to catch her breath.
Harry ran into the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water from the icebox.
"Morning," Jon looked up from where he was making waffles.
"Morning," Harry said distractedly.
"Everything okay?" Jon asked.
Harry nodded. "Hermione and I went for a run. She's a little winded."
"Tell her I made extra waffles if she wants any," Jon offered.
"Thanks, Jon," Harry said hurrying back outside. He handed his wife the bottle. "Here, love."
"Thanks," Hermione seemed to have regained the use of her lungs as she gulped half the bottle down.
"I'm sorry," Harry apologised.
Hermione just shook her head as she leaned back in the chair.
"You did really well," Harry encouraged.
"I did not," Hermione said. "I barely held it together. And I'm not doing that again."
Harry sat down beside her. "We could try a walk next time."
"A walk might be nice," Hermione replied, letting her head fall on his shoulder.
"I might have been a little over-zealous," Harry admitted. "I overdid it."
"Yes you did," Hermione agreed. "Is this how you are with Ron?"
"Yeah, but I might have baited him a lot more than I did you," Harry said.
"Harry," Hermione frowned at him.
"We're blokes," Harry said sheepishly. "That's what we do."
Hermione shook her head. "Glad I'm not one."
"So am I," Harry said putting his arm around her. "You are all woman, Hermione."
"Glad you noticed," Hermione said wryly.
Harry chuckled. "So do you forgive me?"
"This time, anyways," Hermione's lips curved up slightly.
Harry stood up and walked behind the chair. He started to massage her shoulders. "Does this help?"
"Yes," she closed her eyes.
Harry smiled. "Good."
"You know..." Hermione said after a few minutes. "A shower might be nice."
Harry grinned. "Yes, it does."
"And..." Hermione leaned back and looked up at him. "A shower with you would be even nicer..."
Harry kissed her. "You always have the best ideas."
"That's why they made me Minister," Hermione said.
Harry grinned. "I'll even carry you upstairs."
"My hero," Hermione batted her eyes.
He picked her up effortlessly. "That's me."
He carried her up the stairs without anyone seeing, and shut the door to their bedroom
"I never would have made it up those stairs," Hermione laughed.
"I wouldn't have let you fall," Harry said in her ear.
"I know," Hermione said as he carried her into the bathroom.
He got the water running at just the right temperature as Hermione lifted her shirt.
"Need some help?" Harry asked.
"If you want," Hermione replied.
"I want," Harry replied, his eyes darkening.
Hermione smiled and lifted her arms.
Harry made fast work of her shirt and bra.
Hermione barely got his shirt off before she attacked his mouth with hers.
Her actions had taken Harry by surprise, but he quickly got into the moment. With a wave of his hand, he placed a silencing charm on the bathroom.
"Good idea," Hermione said against his lips.
"I know you," Harry said huskily. "I know how you get when I do...this."
Her breath caught in her throat as Harry's hand brushed lightly over her abdomen.
Harry grinned before he kissed her again.
Hermione wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into the shower.
"You seem to have found a second wind," Harry said.
"Mmmhmmm..." Hermione said.
Harry kissed her again.
The hot water and Harry's kisses warmed her from head to toe and made her sore tired muscles un-knot.
Some time later, the two of them came out of the bathroom, wrapped in towels. "I feel so much better," Hermione said looking sideways at Harry.
"Me too," Harry said with a grin.
"That's a form of exercise that I don't mind at all," Hermione said giving him a kiss.
"I'll keep that in mind," Harry said.
"The jogging you can leave to Ethan and Saffy," Hermione said. "They'd love to go running with you."
"Oh yeah?" Harry asked. "Maybe I'll take them tomorrow."
"With those two it would probably turn into a race," Hermione laughed.
Harry laughed too. "Probably," he said, reaching for some clean clothes.
Hermione walked over to the bedside table to look at her calendar. She wanted to make sure nothing was on her agenda for the day. As she looked at the date, she felt as if she'd been hit in the stomach. "Harry? Do you know what today is?"
"Hm?" Harry asked. "No..."
"It was a year ago today," Hermione said quietly. "Saffy..."
"Shite," Harry said. "I didn't even realise--"
"Neither did I," Hermione said. "We should check on her..."
"Right," Harry replied, yanking his t-shirt over his head.
Hermione quickly dressed. She wanted to make sure her daughter was holding up well. This couldn't be an easy day for her.
They went down to Saffron and Andrew's room and she knocked softly on the door. "Saffy?"
"Are you looking for Saffy?" Alexa asked coming up behind them.
"Oh-- good morning Alexa," Hermione said. "Yes we were..."
"She and Andrew are downstairs," Alexa told them. "If you hurry, you can catch them before they leave."
"Where are they going?" Harry asked.
"They're going out on the boat," Alexa replied.
"Oh," Hermione shared a surprise look with Harry. "Thanks..."
"Come on," Harry said reaching for her hand.
"Saffy," Hermione called as she saw her daughter and Andrew heading for the front door.
"Hi, Mum," Saffron said turning around. "What's going on?"
"Are you okay?" Hermione asked.
Saffron looked at Andrew before she answered. "I'm fine, Mum. No worries."
"But today..." Hermione cast a look at her husband. "It's--"
"I know," Saffron interjected. "But, I'm okay with it. I have a wonderful family and I'm not going to let Gordon Devereaux ruin my holiday."
Harry smiled. "That's my girl."
Saffron stepped forward and hugged him. "Love you, Daddy."
"I love you too," Harry kissed the top of her head.
"You're back with us and that's all that matters," Hermione said wiping at her eyes. "I'm so proud of you, my brave girl."
"Thanks Mum," Saffron said. "It's because of all of you that I'm able to handle everything that's happened."
"We'd do anything for you, you know that," Hermione said giving her a hug. "I don't know what I would have done if you'd--"
"Hermione," Harry put a hand on his wife's arm. "Let's not dredge it back up..."
Hermione nodded. "Right. This is a happy day."
"I hope its okay that Andrew and I take the boat out for a few hours," Saffron said. "We won't hog it the whole day."
"Of course it's fine," Harry told her.
"Thanks," Saffron said, taking Andrew's hand.
"I'll make sure she behaves," Andrew said dryly.
"Yeah right," Saffron said with a laugh.
"Have fun," Hermione called after them.
Saffron felt happy as she and Andrew hurried over to the dock.
"This is a good day," Andrew commented as he watched Saffron.
She nodded. "Quite so."
Andrew untied the ropes docking the boat to the pier. "Well, that's because you get to spend it with me," he said with a cocky grin.
"That's the best part," she smiled at him.
"Start her up," Andrew called out to her.
Saffron sat down behind the wheel and turned the key.
Andrew came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
"Mind if I drive for a bit?" she asked him.
"Not at all," Andrew replied.
"Great," Saffron said as he slid his arms down around her waist.
Andrew kissed the top of her head.
Saffron sighed happily as she steered the boat towards the open ocean.
"Not as romantic as the midnight cruise we had the other night," Andrew whispered in her ear.
"That was amazing," Saffron said.
"You were amazing," Andrew said softly.
Saffron stopped the boat and turned around so she could face him.
Andrew smiled at her. "What?"
"You're always amazing," she said softly.
Andrew gave her a kiss. "I love you, Saffy."
"I love you too," Saffron said. "And I can't wait until we're married."
"Me either," Andrew agreed. "Speaking of which, where would you like to go on your honeymoon, Mrs. Soon to Be Kirke?"
"I don't know," Saffron said thoughtfully. "Nick and Julie went to Fiji and loved it. But Ethan and Maddie had a blast in the Caymans and Cabo San Lucas."
"So, you'd like to go somewhere warm then?" Andrew asked nudging her.
"That would be nice." Saffron leaned against him.
"You in a bikini is always nice," Andrew said with a grin.
"You've seen me in less now," Saffron reminded him.
Andrew grinned even wider. "Yes, I have."
Saffron leaned up and gave him a kiss.
"Saffron Grace," Andrew murmured.
"Yes?" she asked, her lips brushing against his.
"Do you know what I'm thinking?" Andrew asked.
"Maybe," she said.
Andrew pulled her closer.
"I'm all yours," she said softly.
Andrew trailed kisses down her neck.
She murmured something unintelligible in her throat as she let her head fall back.
"Saffron," Andrew whispered against her skin.
He led her over to the seat, his lips still pressed against hers.
He untied her bikini top and Saffron hoped no other boats would come by as he dropped her top on the floor.
"This okay?" Andrew whispered.
"Very," she said softly.
Andrew grinned. "I think so too."
She ran her hands up and down his bare back, sliding her fingers into his swim costume and tugging it down.
Andrew let out a groan. "Saffy..."
She grinned mischievously at him.
Andrew kissed her again. She knew just what to do which was driving him absolutely crazy.
Saffron arched her back as he removed the rest of her bikini.
"No one can see," Andrew reassured her.
"I know," she said softly.
Andrew kissed her again.
"Please," she heard herself ask. "Now... Andrew."
Andrew's eyes darkened as he looked down at her.
"What is it?" she asked.
"You're just so beautiful," Andrew said. "So...beautiful."
She smiled up at him.
Andrew smiled back at her as he positioned himself over her. He didn't want to be rough with her though he was nearly crazy with desire for her.
"Please..." she hissed through clenched teeth, her body already ready for him.
Andrew slowly pressed into her. "Saffy..."
She breathed deeply, arching her back against him again.
Andrew groaned. His thoughts of being gentle were thrown out the door when she did things like that.
"Ooooh," she said, her eyes meeting his.
Andrew pressed further into her. He would have cried out her name but she looped her arms around his neck and pulled his face down to hers for a kiss.
"Andrew," she whispered as they moved against each other. "I love you so... so... much..."
"I love you too," Andrew said. "More than anything..."
Tears filled her eyes as they climaxed together.
"Speaking of amazing," Andrew whispered.
"That always is," Saffron said as he moved to her side.
"Always," Andrew agreed. Saffron rested her head on his chest.
"That was probably just what I needed after that breakfast." she said.
"It's certainly my favourite form of exercise," Andrew joked.
She smiled and reached down for her bikini.
"Practise for the honeymoon," Andrew said winking at her.
"Exactly," Saffron replied.
Andrew quickly got dressed and then helped Saffron with the ties of her bikini top.
"Thanks," she said as his hands lingered on her skin.
"Always happy to help," Andrew said softly.
"Let's stay out here a little while longer," Saffron said. "Talk about the wedding..."
"Okay," Andrew replied. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Your bachelor party?" Saffron raised an eyebrow. "What's RJ planning?"
"He mentioned going to a club or a pub," Andrew hedged.
"And..." Saffron pressed.
"And having a drink or two," Andrew said. "Wow, would you look at that sun..."
"Andrew..." Saffron said. "He's taking you to the Veela Snatch isn't he?"
"The what?" Andrew asked.
"The strip club," Saffron said.
"He didn't give me any specifics," Andrew lied.
She gave her fiancé a look.
"Okay, okay," Andrew said. "He said we might stop in..."
"I knew it," Saffron replied.
"I'm sure Lexie and Beth and Mimi have something planned for you too," Andrew countered.
"I trust you," Saffron replied. "I guess I don't mind if you go as long as you don't let any of them touch you."
"I wouldn't," Andrew promised. "You know that. I'm not going to do anything to ruin the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Me either," Saffron said.
Andrew grinned. "So we're okay with the party then?"
"Yeah," she said. "We're okay."
"And my mum said something about us having to register," Andrew said. "For gifts?"
"Oh..." Saffron said. "I guess we should go do that."
"I really would like the new racing gloves I saw in Quidditch Weekly," Andrew said thoughtfully.
Saffron laughed. "I think we're supposed to register for things for the two of us... or for our house."
"Oh," Andrew said sheepishly. "I see..."
"I'll get you the gloves," Saffron said. "We should do something fun and get wedding gifts for each other."
Andrew grinned. "That could be fun."
"Definitely," she agreed.
"Mrs. Kirke," Andrew said with a larger grin.
"You know I don't have to take your name," Saffron pointed out. "I could be Saffron Kirke-Potter. Or you could be really forward thinking and be Andrew Potter. What do you think of that?"
Saffron threw her head back and laughed. "I'm sure THAT would go over well with your team mates."
"Oh yeah," Andrew said rolling his eyes. "They'd never let me hear the end of it."
"I don't mind taking your last name at all," Saffron said.
Andrew grinned. "I'm glad."
"It sounds perfect," Saffron said, giving him a kiss.
"You know we should do something special for Lexie before she leaves for the states," Andrew said thoughtfully.
"That would be fun," Saffron agreed.
"What do you think she'd like?" Andrew asked.
"Probably a party with close friends and family," Saffron said. "She's not one for big bashes."
"That sounds great," Andrew said. "You, me, Aud, RJ, Gabe, Mimi, Jake, Beth, Peter and her parents. We could see if Jon would let us have one of the rooms at the pub."
"Perfect," Saffron said. "We'll plan it for late this summer right before she goes."
"Can't believe she's actually going, can you?" Andrew asked putting his arm around her.
"No," Saffron shook her head.
"You and Lex have always been like sisters," Andrew said squeezing Saffron's shoulder.
"It'll just be more long distance now." Saffron said.
"And you can call her or Apparate over anytime you want," Andrew said.
"Right," Saffron leaned against him again, closing her eyes as the warm sun washed over her.
"Everything's going to be fine, Saffy," Andrew reassured her. "I promise."
"I know," she said. "It has to be."
"It will be," Andrew said. "We're together and nothing in the world can change that."
"Especially once we're married," she said.
Andrew grinned. "Exactly."
"We should head back soon," Saffron said reluctantly. "We did promise not to hog the boat."
"And the kids want to spend time with their Sassy," Andrew joked. "They wouldn't want me to hog you."
Saffron laughed. "They do cheer me up when I'm feeling down."
"They adore you," Andrew said.
"I love them to death," Saffron said. "But you're still my favourite."
Andrew laughed. "I am?"
"Always," she said.