Authors' note: Something HUGE happens in this chapter. Some of you might have saw it coming…but we just ask that you read the second authors' note at the end of the chapter.
They arrived back on the dock a few minutes later and were greeted by Brian, Chloe, and Drew. Chloe squirmed in her father's arms when she saw Saffron. "Daddy, let down! Want Sassy!" Chloe squealed.
"Just a minute, munchkin," Brian said. "They need to tie the boat up first."
"SASSY!" Chloe screamed.
Saffron waved. "Hi Chloe!"
Andrew quickly tied the boat and then Saffron jumped out so she could see Chloe. Brian set his daughter down and the little girl toddled over to where Saffron stood. Saffron swung her up into her arms. "Hey, munchkin. I was wondering where you were!"
"Having waffles," Chloe told her. "They were YUMMY!"
"Did you have loads and loads of syrup on them too?" Saffron asked.
Chloe nodded. "And one with stawberry!"
"That does sound good," Saffron said tickling the little girl's side. "Did you save any for your Aunt Darla?"
"Em wanted to eat them all," Chloe giggled.
Saffron laughed. "Em always wants to eat them all. I bet Adam didn't like that."
"No," Chloe shook her head.
"He threw a napkin at her," Brian told Saffron. "And then Em started to cry which made Casey cry and then Noah and Aidan joined in..."
"Oh no..." Saffron bit her lip to keep from grinning at the scenario.
"I hate that we missed that," Andrew said dryly.
"We heard you two ducked out for pancakes," Drew smiled at them. "Good choice."
Saffron grinned. "We did. It was soooooo good."
"Sassy?" Chloe asked. "When do I get to be flower girl?"
Drew looked at Saffron. "She's so excited about that."
"Soon as we pick a date I'll tell you," Saffron said. "And then we get to find you a beautiful dress!"
"Darla and I had some ideas we wanted to run past you," Drew told Saffron. "If you wanted to meet after lunch, we could go over them."
"I'd love that," Saffron replied. "Do you need Andrew there too?"
"He can join us if he wants, but it's nothing too important," Drew replied.
"You don't have to go then," Saffron looked at him.
Andrew sighed in relief. "Good. I mean, not that I wouldn't want to--"
"There are better things to do," Saffron said with a grin.
"RJ and I can find something to do," Andrew said.
"Why don't you go fishing?" Drew suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea," Andrew said. "Brian, you in?"
"Sure," Brian said. "Sounds like fun."
"Not to me," Drew scrunched up her nose. "But you boys..."
"Hans might want to come," Brian said, not looking at his wife.
Drew snorted. "Not unless the boat was equipped with thousands of mirrors so he could admire himself."
"He hasn't left Darla's side since arriving," Brian pointed out.
"He's been here a day," Drew countered.
"And he hasn't left her side," Brian said in Hans's defence.
Drew rolled her eyes.
"I need to use the loo," Saffron said hastily, hoping to ward off a fight.
"I need to go and find RJ," Andrew said, catching on. "We'll meet you out here in a bit, Brian."
"Sure sounds good," Brian told him.
Drew took Chloe back from Saffron. She looked over at her husband once they were alone. "I can't just forget what he's done, Brian."
"But you should really keep from saying things about him with other people around," Brian told her. "He knows you don't like him."
"I used to like him," Drew said. "Until he screwed things up royally."
"I think Darla should be the judge on whether or not she wants him around," Brian said.
"She's not thinking clearly," Drew argued. "Her hormones--"
"Drew," Brian looked at her. "Come on..."
"Okay," Drew relented. "I'll be nice. Or at least I'll try."
"Mummy always tells me to be nice," Chloe said.
"And she's going to practise what she preaches," Brian said putting his arm around Drew.
Chloe giggled. "That sounds funny."
"Oh yeah?" Brian asked, tickling her.
"Yeah!" Chloe laughed. "Daddy!"
Brian grinned. "Come on then. Let's go back to the house."
"I hope they all stopped crying," Chloe said.
"I should hope so by now," Drew remarked.
"Look!" Chloe pointed. "The castle is gone!"
"Oh," Brian said. "Well, we can build another one."
"But it won't be the same," Chloe frowned.
"But you always have a picture of it," Brian pointed out. "Remember? And you and the princesses can build an even bigger one."
"Oh," Chloe cheered up. "A bigger one!"
"The biggest one Brighton has ever seen," Brian grinned at her. "Biggest and prettiest and fit for a princess."
"I want to live in it," Chloe told him.
"What about your mum and me?" Brian asked. "Where would we live?"
"In the moat?" Chloe asked.
Drew laughed. "In the moat with the dragon?"
"No dragon," Chloe said.
"Well, that's a relief," Drew said.
"There's a crocodile," Chloe replied.
"A crocodile?" Brian asked. "You'd put us up with a crocodile?"
"He's nice," Chloe answered.
"A nice crocodile?" Drew asked. "Well, that's a good thing, I suppose."
"He's like Uncle Charlie," Chloe said.
Drew smiled. "Well, that means he's a very nice crocodile."
Chloe nodded emphatically.
"You gonna live in that castle all by yourself?" Brian asked as he carried her back toward the house.
"No," Chloe replied. "For princesses."
"You better have lots of food for Emma," Drew teased.
"It's a magic kitchen," Chloe said. "Always food."
"Sounds like the Burrow," Brian commented.
Chloe clapped her hands. "Right, Daddy!"
Drew laughed as she followed them up the walk. The smile on her face faded when she saw Darla and Hans sitting on the deck. Darla was drinking some juice and Hans was massaging her feet.
Brian nudged her.
"Hi," Drew said forcing a smile. "How are you, Hans?"
He looked up in surprise. "Fine... Drew. Yourself?"
"I'm great," Drew said. "We missed you at breakfast."
"Jon set aside some waffles for us," Darla said. "They were delicious."
"You weren't here for the cry fest," Brian shook his head. "Be glad you missed it."
"We heard about it," Darla said.
Hans moved to Darla's other foot and she laughed. "Tickles, Hans!"
"I know," Hans grinned back at her.
Chloe wiggled her fingers. "Aunt Dar ticklish!"
"Come on, Chloe," Hans said. "Get her other foot!"
"Oh no!" Darla said.
Brian took Drew's hand and they sat down and watched Hans and Chloe tickle Darla's feet.
Darla was laughing so hard she had to pull herself up straight. "Not fair!"
Drew reluctantly had to admit she hadn't seen her sister this happy in quite some time.
"Now I have to use the loo again," Darla said.
Hans took the glass of juice from her. "Hurry back, love."
"I will," Darla pushed herself up off the seat.
There was a bit of an awkward silence as the three adults and Chloe sat across from each other.
"Uncle Hands are you staying?" she asked.
"I am for a couple of days," Hans told her.
"Yay!" Chloe said. "I love when you stay!"
Hans grinned. "Me too."
"Darla does as well," Drew said before she could stop herself.
Hans looked over at her. "Well, then I guess we're all happy then."
"Good," Drew replied.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Brian commented.
"Quite so," Hans agreed. "Dar and I are going for a walk later."
"That sounds like fun," Brian said. "I'm going fishing with RJ and Andrew."
"Oh yeah?" Hans asked.
"You're welcome to come with," Brian offered.
"Thanks but I'm going to stay with Dar," Hans replied.
Drew couldn't resist rolling her eyes.
"Come on," Brian said quietly to her.
"So, how are things Hans?" Drew asked.
"Busy," Hans answered. "I have a few talk shows to do when I get back and some more shoots lined up."
"You'll need to let us know when they're on," Brian said. "So we can see."
"I will," Hans nodded.
"Do you want to live in the moat, Uncle Hands?" Chloe asked.
"In the moat?" he asked.
Chloe explained to him about the sand castle. "Mummy, Daddy, and you can live in there with the crocodile."
"Sure," Hans laughed as Chloe climbed onto his lap. "The moat sounds perfect."
"He's a nice crocodile," Chloe reassured him. "And he wouldn't hurt you."
"Good to know," Hans kissed the top of her head.
Chloe beamed at him.
"I always did like that smile," Hans tweaked her nose.
Chloe giggled. "Uncle Hands is funny, isn't he, Mummy?"
Drew smiled tightly but didn't respond.
"What do you say, Dar?" Hans asked looking at his wife. "You up for the beach today?"
Darla made a face. "Long as no one makes any beached whale comments."
"If they do, they'll have to answer to me," Hans grinned at her.
"I'll go change," Darla pushed herself up.
"Yay!" Chloe exclaimed, clapping her hands.
"I'd better change too," Hans said. "Come on Dar."
Chloe followed them out of the kitchen, leaving Brian and Drew alone.
"Thank you," Brian said to his wife. "I know that wasn't easy for you."
Drew shrugged. "Long as he keeps her happy, I won't say a word."
"That's my girl," Brian said giving her a kiss.
"We should go get Chloe ready," Drew said. "She'll have half a suit on if we don't help."
Brian laughed. "Our little fashion diva?"
"You've got that right," Drew said dryly.
"She's just like her mum," Brian said squeezing her hand.
"I hardly feel like a fashion diva these days," Drew replied.
"You're the most beautiful woman here and you know it," Brian said.
"Flatterer," Drew nudged him.
"I mean every word," Brian said leading her out of the kitchen. The two of them nearly collided with Ethan and Maddie. Drew looked at her sister. "What are you grinning about?"
The pair looked at each other and laughed. "We're going to have another baby," Maddie announced.
"WHAT?" Drew shrieked.
"We just found out for sure," Ethan squeezed his wife's hand.
"That's fantastic!" Drew exclaimed giving her sister a hug. "I'm so happy for you both!"
"Kiera told us," Maddie gushed. "Just like she told Darla. I mean... I suspected it this morning when I woke up, but she... she gave me a vision. It was incredible!"
Brian grinned. "That's quite a little girl you have. Where is the little seer at anyway?"
"She's with Saffy," Maddie replied. "We were just headed down to tell everyone the good news."
Drew grinned. "We'll see you on the beach! Mum and Dad are going to be so happy!"
Maddie hugged her sister again before continuing downstairs to the sitting room.
"Ethan James Potter, Junior," Ethan said to his wife.
"Ethan, we don't even know if it's going to be a boy yet," Maddie reminded him.
"That's true," Ethan said. "You did say you saw a girl..."
"And we have loads of time to come up with names," Maddie said happily.
"So not Dolly?" Ethan teased her.
Maddie laughed. "There's only one Dolly."
"Thankfully," Ethan joked.
"Of course, I did name all of my dolls and pets that back then didn't I?" Maddie linked her arm in his.
"Madeline Junior?" Ethan asked.
Maddie laughed. "I wouldn't do that to her."
"What's wrong with your name?" Ethan asked.
"Our daughter's unique and she needs a unique name," Maddie replied.
"True," Ethan nodded. "And as you said- we have loads of time to come up with one."
"Let's go and tell everyone!" Maddie exclaimed. "Come on!"
Ethan laughed as she yanked on his arm. "All right!"
Saffron was sitting with Kiera on a blanket rolling a plastic ball in the little girl's direction. "Catch it, Kiera!"
Kiera giggled and reached for it.
"Good girl!" Harry encouraged.
Kiera sent him a toothy little smile.
Hermione laughed. "You hear that? That's the sound of her wrapping you around her little finger."
"We should get used to it, eh Dad?" Ethan asked.
Harry nodded. "Absolutely."
"Don't you two look smug," Saffron teased.
"Not us," Ethan said innocently. He watched as his daughter crawled toward Saffron.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked, looking up from the thick tome she was perusing.
"Maddie and I have some good news," Ethan said putting his arm around his wife. "We're going to have another baby!"
Everyone looked up in shock.
"Ethan!" Hermione exclaimed.
"We just found out," Maddie said. "I had an idea this morning but then Lizzy just checked me over."
"Congratulations!" Saffron grinned at the two of them.
"Thanks brat," Ethan said. "We're pretty excited."
Kiera squirmed in Saffron's arms, but Saffron was preoccupied listening to Ethan and Maddie.
"We think it's going to be a girl again," Ethan continued.
"You're outnumbered!" Saffron teased.
"That's all right," Ethan laughed. "I don't mind a house of beautiful girls."
"As beautiful as this one," Saffron said kissing the top of Kiera's head.
Kiera squirmed again and Saffron figured she was holding the little girl too tightly.
"You're going to be a big sister," Maddie said taking the little girl from Saffron. Kiera let out a cry.
"What's wrong love?" Ethan asked, reaching for her.
"Its past time for her kip," Maddie said looking at her watch.
"I'll take her up," Ethan stood.
Kiera let out a piercing cry and held her hand out to Saffron. Saffron stood up. "Its okay, Kiera. We can play again after your kip."
Kiera reached for Saffron, her little face screwed up.
"Off to bed with you, Miss Cranky Nappy," Ethan said patting his daughter's back.
Saffron bit her lip as Kiera's cries echoed through the corridor.
"She's never acted like that," Maddie said thoughtfully. "I guess being up here has thrown her schedule off a bit."
"I'm sure that's all," Hermione reassured her.
"Are you sure she's okay?" Saffron asked, wondering if she should have been the one to put her niece down.
"Ethan's good at getting her to kip," Maddie told her.
"He gets that from me," Harry said proudly.
"He does," Hermione nodded. "Harry was great with all three kids."
"That's because he's a big kid himself," Saffron said snatching her father's glasses.
"Saffy," Harry complained.
Saffron folded her arms and gave her most stern "Harry" face. "I WANT THOSE PAPERS ON MY DESK NOW!"
Hermione and Maddie burst out laughing as Harry scowled.
"I do not sound like that!" Harry protested.
"Yes you do," Hermione said. "I've heard it."
Saffron struggled to keep a straight face as she paced much like her father did when he was frustrated.
Maddie had to sit down she was laughing so hard. "She has you down, Harry."
"No she doesn't," Harry complained.
"Dad," Saffron said taking off his glasses and handing them back. "You know I only tease where I love."
"You're lucky," Harry set them on his nose.
Saffron gave him a hug.
"Love you baby," Harry kissed the top of her head.
"She's been a lifesaver," Maddie said grinning at her sister-in-law. "She's helped so much with Kiera."
"It's purely selfish," Saffron replied. "I want to spend as much time with her as I can."
"She apparently wants that too," Hermione said smiling at her daughter.
"Fine by me," Saffron sat down on the sofa.
In the nursery, Ethan was still trying to calm Kiera. "Sweetheart, come on. It's time for your kip. You can't keep crying like this..."
His daughter's little face was red and Ethan was concerned. He wondered if she was having a reaction to something she'd eaten.
Ethan picked her up from the crib and sat down with her on the rocking chair. "There, there."
Kiera stared straight up at him, her face pink and her cheeks streaked with tears.
"What's wrong, little one?" Ethan asked softly. "Hmm?"
She let out a choked little sob and if Ethan hadn't known better, he'd have thought she was frustrated.
Ethan started to sing a little of the lullaby Maddie would sing to Kiera.
It seemed to work. Her face relaxed and her eyes began to blink closed.
"That's my girl," Ethan whispered.
He gazed down at his daughter's now peaceful expression. Sometimes he still couldn't believe he was a father. He couldn't believe he and Maddie had created something this perfect.
"You're going to be a big sister," Ethan whispered.
He carefully stood up and set Kiera into her crib. "You're going to be a great big sister," he told her softly. "I don't have to read minds to know that."
He kissed her on the forehead. "Sweet dreams, Kiera Faith."
Ethan went back downstairs, baby monitor in hand. "Finally went down," he said.
"Is she okay?" Saffron asked. "I was worried..."
Ethan nodded. "Just cranky."
"Good," Saffron said smiling at him.
"So, another baby," Hermione said. "I think that's just wonderful!"
"Another granddaughter to spoil," Ethan said.
"Liz told me I'm already about four months along," Maddie replied.
"Wow," Saffron said. "Really?"
"I didn't even start getting sick until earlier this week," Maddie said.
"Well, this is wonderful news," Harry said. "Have you told your parents yet, Maddie?" Maddie shook her head. "I was wondering where they were. Have you seen them?"
"They're probably on the beach with everyone else," Hermione said.
"Come on, Mads," Ethan said. "Let's go and tell them the good news."
"Okay," Maddie said, taking his hand. "You've got the monitor?"
"I'll watch out for her," Saffron offered.
"Thanks brat," Ethan tossed it to her. "We won't be long."
Saffron smiled. "Take as long as you want."
"Maybe we'll go for a walk," Maddie said.
"Enjoy it while you can," Saffron said. "Before too long, you'll have two babies to keep you on your toes."
"Then we'll just hire you to baby-sit more often," Ethan called back.
Saffron laughed. Her parents excused themselves to go and get a snack. Saffron decided she'd go upstairs and grab a book and peek in on Kiera.
She stuck her head around the door and saw her niece sleeping peacefully in her crib.
Saffron smiled as she watched her.
"What was going on down there, Kiera?" she asked softly.
Kiera's eyes opened suddenly and she looked at Saffron. She didn't cry though to Saffron's great relief.
"Hi there," Saffron whispered.
Kiera gave her a toothy smile.
Saffron carefully lifted her up and sat down in the rocking chair. "Let's see if I can get you back to sleep before your mum and dad know I woke you up."
Kiera let out a slight laugh as she settled down with Saffron.
"What's so funny?" Saffron asked softly.
The baby cooed softly as she looked up at her aunt.
Saffron patted her back.
Kiera reached out one small hand and touched Saffron on the stomach.
"Buh," Kiera murmured.
"Are you looking for Blue?" Saffron asked fondly.
Kiera looked up at her aunt with wide eyes.
"What is it, love?" Saffron asked her.
Kiera patted Saffron's stomach again.
"I know," Saffron said. "Your mummy's pregnant."
Kiera smiled again at Saffron.
Saffron's eyebrows knit together. "What's wrong love?"
Kiera set her head down on Saffron's shoulder.
"I love you too, sweetheart," Saffron told her niece.
Kiera sighed in contentment and Saffron smiled.
Saffron closed her eyes too. "Maybe I'll kip with you, Kiera."
Kiera cooed happily.
Saffron rubbed the back of Kiera's back in a soothing manner.
For some reason, Saffron thought about one day sitting in this same nursery holding her own daughter or son.
It would have her eyes- the same eyes as her father and grandmother- but it would definitely have Andrew's smile.
"And he or she will be as sweet and loved as you are," Saffron said softly to Kiera.
Kiera cooed again and patted Saffron's stomach.
Saffron's eyes blinked open.
Kiera touched her stomach again and smiled.
"I can't be," Saffron shook her head.
Kiera insistently patted Saffron's stomach.
"Baby?" Saffron asked, her voice shaking.
"Buh," Kiera gurgled.
"But..." Saffron shook her head. "I can't be. I can't be pregnant! Maddie's pregnant, not me!"
Kiera patted Saffron's stomach again. "Buh!"
Saffron stared at her, a sick feeling settling in her gut. Her niece hadn't been wrong in a prediction yet...
"Saffron?" Hermione's voice called out from the hall. "Are you up here, love?"
"Um..." Saffron jumped. "I'm just in here with the baby..."
"I thought you'd be," Hermione said smiling at her.
"She woke up so I was just putting her back to sleep," Saffron hurriedly but carefully put Kiera back in her crib.
"You look a little pale," Hermione commented. "Are you alright?"
"Just a little tired," Saffron said. "Maybe I'll go get some fresh air."
Hermione nodded. "I'll keep an eye on Kiera."
Saffron nodded. "Thanks."
Saffron made a move for the door, but turned and looked at her mother. "Have you---have you seen Lizzy?"
"I think she was getting the triplets something to eat," Hermione said. "Why?"
"Nothing," Saffron said. "I was just--wondering."
As she quickly headed downstairs, Saffron figured it was better not to see Lizzy- she might decide to mention something to Harry or Hermione. Instead, she decided to go to the chemist and buy herself a test there.
Chances were, she wasn't pregnant, Saffron told herself.
Yet Kiera hadn't been wrong with Darla or Maddie...
The healer had said at her last appointment that there was no way to tell if she was or not right now. Saffron had taken that as good news. She didn't want any reminder of Daniel O'Neal and what he'd done to her.
She hurried down to the chemist and ducked inside hoping no one had seen her. Grabbing a bottle of water and two sets of pregnancy tests, she paid for them then began drinking the water as fast as she could.
This was going to be over in just a few minutes, she tried to tell herself. The tests would be negative and she could go about her summer as if nothing unusual had happened.
"Saffy?"
Saffron nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard someone call her name. "Lex...you scared me half to death!"
"Sorry," Alexa said. "I've been calling after you for a few minutes."
Saffron grabbed the paper bag and stuffed it into her purse.
"What are you doing here?" Saffron asked.
"Gabe had a headache," Alexa said studying her friend. "We stopped off here to pick up some aspirins for him."
"Oh..." Saffron said. "Too bad he can't have a headache cure, right?"
"Yeah," Alexa said slowly. "Saffy, are you okay?"
"Fine," Saffron said quickly. "Peachy... everything couldn't be better."
"We were just heading to the arcade," Alexa said. "Did you want to come with?"
Saffron shook her head. "No thanks. I've got a few things to do."
"Right," Alexa said after a moment.
"So I'll see you later," Saffron said, backing away.
"Saf, are you sure you're okay?" Alexa asked gently.
"Fine," Saffron forced a smile onto her face.
"I guess I'll see you back at the house," Alexa said.
"Sure," Saffron replied. "Have fun at the arcade."
Alexa gave her one last look before she turned to find Gabe.
Saffron sighed. That had been close.
She finished her water as she went back to the house, hoping to avoid anyone else. Saffron locked the door to the bathroom and pulled out the tests.
Her hands were shaking as she read the instruction pamphlet.
One test took five minutes to complete, and the other ten. Saffron didn't know how she was going to bear the wait.
Andrew.
A part of her wished he was here with her, reassuring her and holding her hand. But, another part of her, didn't want him to have anything to do with this. But, then again, if she was pregnant, chances were good that it was Andrew's. She and Andrew had talked about having children someday.
"Just might be a bit sooner than someday," Saffron said as she began taking the tests.
The wait was nearly excruciating. A thousand thoughts trickled through her mind as she waited.
"Please be negative," Saffron whispered, closing her eyes. "Please... please be negative."
She checked her watch. It had been five minutes. The first test should be ready.
Her hand was shaking so hard she was surprised she was even able to pick up the stick.
Saffron felt her knees buckle when she saw the positive sign on the stick.
"Could be a false positive," Saffron told herself as she sat down hard.
"And they're only 99 percent accurate," Saffron said aloud. "I could be that one percent."
The next five minutes were almost unbearable; Saffron was hardly able to tear her eyes away from the positive sign on the first test.
This test was different. Two pink lines meant she was pregnant. One pink line meant she wasn't. One line, Saffron said a silent prayer. Please, let me see one line.
Saffron literally felt her entire body crumple as she saw two lines. One positive sign and two lousy lines... and her life was over.
Kiera had been right.
Saffron dropped the tests on the floor and drew her knees up and buried her face in them to muffle her sobs.
Someone tried the door and Saffron looked up, glad that she'd locked it.
Whoever it was twisted the knob. "I'm in here!" Saffron called, hoping her voice didn't sound too thick.
"Aunt Saffy?" Ashley called out.
"I'll um... I'll be out in a minute," Saffron said, sweeping all the evidence back into the bag and stuffing it into her purse.
She wiped at her eyes and then splashed some water on her face to get rid of the puffiness.
Hoping she didn't look too horrible, Saffron opened the door. "All yours, Ash."
"I was just going to wash my hands," Ashley said. "I was painting..."
Her voice trailed off when she got a good look at her aunt. "Aunt Saffy, were you crying?"
"I'm fine," Saffron said, her voice higher pitched than normal.
"Did you want to see my painting?" Ashley asked.
Saffron wanted to say no, but she knew how sensitive her niece was. "Okay... for a minute. I'm really tired and need to lie down."
Ashley grinned. "Let me just wash my hands really quick."
"Sure," Saffron said quietly.
Ashley started talking about her painting while she washed her hands, but Saffron barely heard her.
"And I was thinking of giving it to..." Ashley's voice trailed off. "Aunt Saffy... are you really okay?"
Saffron shook her head.
"Do you want to talk?" Ashley ventured.
Saffron thought about this. She wanted to talk to someone, but she didn't think her 13 year old niece was the right person to burden with this.
"I'm always here if you need me," Ashley told her.
Saffron took her niece's hand and led her into the attic. Ashley was using the attic as her makeshift studio. "You, um, you can't tell anyone. Okay? No one else knows."
Ashley nodded. "I swear."
Saffron took a deep breath, trying to think of the right things to say. "You know about Maddie and Ethan, right?"
Ashley nodded. "They're going to have another baby."
"They're not the only ones," Saffron said quietly.
"Aunt Darla and Hans," Ashley said. She wondered why this would make Saffron so upset.
Saffron shook her head.
It suddenly started to make sense to Ashley. "You?"
Saffron bit her lower lip, looking away as tears filled her eyes.
"Aunt Saffy," Ashley said, unable to think of anything else to say.
"Kiera saw it," Saffron buried her face in her hands. "And I took two pregnancy tests."
"Does Andrew know?" Ashley asked.
Saffron shook her head. "No one does."
Ashley put her hand on Saffron's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll be happy. He'd make a great father and you'll be a great mum."
"But I don't know if it's his," Saffron said.
"O'Neal?" Ashley asked in surprise. "But--"
"It could be either one," Saffron admitted.
"Is there---is there anything I can do?" Ashley asked.
"No," Saffron wiped her eyes. "I don't really know how I'm going to handle this yet."
Ashley gave her a hug. "I promise I won't tell anyone."
"Thanks," Saffron said. "I appreciate it, Ash."
"You'll be a great mum," Ashley said. "You're so great with children. You always have been."
Saffron shrugged in reply.
"Um, let's have a look at your painting," Saffron said wanting to distract herself.
Ashley smiled. "Well, you remember that photograph of Great Grandma Ellie and Great-Grandpa Robert on their wedding day? I'm doing a painting of it for Grandma's birthday in September. I just finished."
"Oh..." Saffron let out a breath as Ashley turned the painting around. "Ashley... that's... that's just beautiful."
Ashley grinned. "I don't think I did Grandma Ellie justice. She was so beautiful, wasn't she?"
Saffron nodded, her eyes filling with tears again as she looked at her beloved grandparents. She missed them so much.
"Do you think Grandma will like it?" Ashley asked.
"She's going to love it," Saffron managed.
Ashley looked at her aunt. "Oh, Aunt Saffy. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry---"
"It's okay," Saffron wiped her eyes.
Ashley wished she knew what to do or say to help her aunt.
"I'm going to lie down," Saffron said. "I need to try and figure things out."
Ashley nodded. "It will all sort itself out, Saffy. I know it will."
"I hope so," Saffron said. "Thanks for listening, Ash."
"Of course," Ashley said watching as Saffron left the attic.
Saffron headed for her room and tossed her bag into the corner before flopping onto her bed and burying her face in the pillow.
A baby. What in the world was she going to do?
One thing she knew she had to find out for sure- was it Andrew's or Daniel's? Saffron wouldn't be able to do anything until she at least found that out.
Authors' note: Don't freak out. We have two words for you guys…trust us.