Authors' note: Tonight's chapter takes a break from the Saffy drama. You'll get to see Hannah in this chapter along with Jon, Allie and the kids as Jon has an interesting proposition for his twin brother. Happy New Year!
In the corner, Hannah was sitting at a table by herself while her parents mingled. Emma had been sitting with her, but she had gotten up to get a piece of cake. Hannah picked up a crayon to colour something when someone else sat down beside her. "That's a pretty picture you're making," a woman's voice said.
Hannah looked up. "Thank you," she said shyly.
"My name's Mallory," the woman said smiling at her.
"I'm Hannah," she said softly.
"It's nice to meet you, Hannah," Mallory said extending her hand.
She eyed the woman suspiciously.
"I knew your mother," Mallory said.
Hannah still eyed her strangely. Her mother was throwing this party- a lot of people knew her. She wondered why this woman had singled her out.
"You look---" Mallory started to say when she felt someone tapping on her shoulder. "Mrs. Barron---"
"Can I help you?" Frankie asked coolly.
Will picked up Hannah. "Come on, love. I promised you a dance."
"Okay," Hannah said, putting her arms around Will. "Who is that lady, Daddy?"
"No one," Will said, carrying her to the dance floor.
Frankie folded her arms. "You have some nerve sneaking in here---"
"You haven't returned any of my phone calls," Mallory said.
"We don't have anything to say to you," Frankie said. "My husband and I contacted the social worker and she told us that Abbie Wright had no siblings."
"She was misinformed, then." Mallory said. "Abbie was my sister but we stopped talking when she took up with David Wright."
"What on earth would possess you to sneak in here like this?" Frankie asked her. "My daughter has been through enough pain. She has no idea who you are."
"I'm her blood relative," Mallory argued. "Her real aunt. I have a right to see her- to know her!"
"I'm not going to subject her to that until you can provide proof," Frankie said firmly. "Now, you either leave here on your own or I'll have security see you out."
"I don't want to have to fight you on this," Mallory said. "But if I have to, I will."
"I'm her mother," Frankie said. "We adopted her. She is my daughter and there's nothing you can do to change that."
Mallory shook her head. "I'm not a bad person, Mrs. Barron. I hoped you would see that. But you'll hear from me soon."
Frankie looked at her. "Don't you ever try anything like this again."
"I won't have to," Mallory replied.
Frankie gaped at her.
"You'll hear from me," Mallory said again before turning to leave.
Frankie was fuming. She believed Mallory when she said that she was a good person, but she couldn't believe this woman would try something like this. All she and Will wanted was proof that she was who she said she was.
Frankie shook her head as she made sure Mallory was off the premises. She told security to alert her if Mallory tried to sneak back in.
She also knew that it helped to have connections and she sought out her father. "Daddy?"
"Hi sweetheart," Neville said. "You did a great job with this party."
"Thanks," Frankie replied. "Can I have a word?"
"Of course," Neville said.
Frankie led him outside so no one could overhear.
"Sweetheart, is everything okay?" Neville asked.
"Not really," Frankie said. She told him about Mallory, the woman's first visit and what had just occurred.
"And Mrs. Roman told you that Abbie had no siblings?" Neville asked.
Frankie nodded. "We rang her after Mallory's first visit and she checked again."
Neville squeezed his daughter's hand. "You're really worried, aren't you?"
"I just... I don't know. We were told from the start nothing could jeopardize the adoption, but what if she IS related to Abbie?" Frankie said.
"David Wright signed over his parental rights and Abigail Wright is deceased," Neville said. "For all intents and purposes, you and Will are Hannah's parents."
Frankie nodded. "And we love Hannah, more than anything. She's as much our biological daughter as Izzie."
"I'll run a background check on this girl for you," Neville offered.
"Thank you," Frankie said gratefully.
Neville gave her a hug. "She's my granddaughter. I'd do anything for her."
Frankie was grateful. "Thank you so much."
"It's going to be okay," Neville reassured her.
Frankie felt better. "We should get back in."
Neville nodded and followed her back inside. Frankie caught sight of her husband and Hannah on the dance floor. Hannah was standing on his feet and grinning up at him.
Frankie smiled. She wondered how it was possible not to want children.
"No one's going to take her away from us," Frankie said to her father. "Right?"
"Not a chance," Neville assured her.
"Thanks, Daddy," Frankie said.
Neville squeezed her arm before going to look for Cho. Frankie headed for the refreshment table to make sure everything was full.
Her boss came by to congratulate her on the job she had done on the party and Frankie was so preoccupied she could barely manage more than a polite 'thank you'.
Will joined her a few minutes later. "What happened? How did she get in here?"
Frankie shrugged. "She snuck in. "
"Well what did she say?" Will asked impatiently.
"She said that Mrs. Roman was mistaken and that this wasn't the last we'd seen of her," Frankie told him. "I spoke with my dad and he said he'd run a background check on her."
"Good," Will nodded.
"Where is Hannah now?" Frankie asked.
"Sitting with Emma and Caroline," Will motioned to the corner of the room.
Frankie sighed in relief. "I'm just so glad you saw Mallory approaching her."
Will nodded grimly. "Let's hope she realises we are serious about wanting proof. That's all we're asking for."
"And if she is Abbie's sister, what then?" Frankie asked.
"I don't mind her visiting, as long as it doesn't bother Hannah," Will said.
"Right," Frankie agreed.
Will rubbed her shoulders as they turned to look at their daughter. "It'll be okay."
"Let's go and sit with her," Frankie said. "I want to be near her."
"Sure," Will took her hand.
They passed a blissful Andrew and Saffron on their way to Hannah. The happy couple were dancing and seemed to only have eyes for each other.
"We could turn the extra bedroom into the nursery," Andrew was saying. "The room that's closest to ours."
"That sounds perfect," Saffron said, her head on Andrew's chest.
"It does," Andrew said. "Little Ellie or Little Robbie and you...that's all that I need."
Saffron smiled at him. "That does sound like quite the family."
"I really am complete shite at this dancing," Andrew said. "I've stepped on your feet twice now, right? You must really love me since you haven't said a word."
"I don't mind," Saffron said. "You can step on my feet all you want."
"Famous last words," Andrew teased.
"Well... you can massage them later," Saffron grinned.
"That can be arranged," Andrew promised.
"We can finally move in to our flat," she said.
"You mean that I can move everything in and you can tell me where to put it," Andrew said cheekily.
"I like that idea," Saffron said.
"Imagine that," Andrew said. "You like the idea of getting to boss me around."
Saffron smiled. "Want to go sit down for a bit? Have some cake?"
"That sounds good," Andrew replied.
They walked over to the table, got food and sat down next to Gabriel and Alexa.
"Hi, you two," Alexa said.
"Hi," Saffron smiled at them.
"I know you've heard this from a hundred people by now, but I really am happy you're back together," Gabriel said.
"I don't think I'll get tired of hearing that," Saffron said. "Thank you."
"And I am thrilled to see my best friend smiling again," Alexa said.
"Feels like it has been ages," Saffron took a big bite of cake.
"It has," Alexa said.
"I'm starved," Saffron said. "This cake is so good."
"Chocolate is your favourite," Andrew grinned, sliding his plate over to her.
"Thank you," Saffron said, happily digging in.
Alexa laughed. "I'll have to bring you some of my mum's fudge, Saffy."
"I'll take anything," Saffron said.
"Here's my mum and dad," Andrew said, nudging Saffron.
Saffron finished her cake as Tricia and Andy approached them. She wasn't sure what to say to his parents.
"Excellent match today, Saffron," Andy said to her.
"Thank you," Saffron said.
"We're so happy that you and Andrew reconciled," Tricia said.
"Thank you," Saffron said again as Tricia hugged her. "It's been an emotional few weeks."
"And I hope you know we're going to spoil that grandchild of ours," Tricia said. "It's our first."
Saffron's eyes filled with tears at Tricia's words. "Then it's going to be one lucky baby," she said.
"And a Wimbourne fan," Andy said winking at his future daughter-in-law.
Saffron shook her head.
Andy laughed. "I had to try."
"Save it dad," Andrew said wryly. "I've been trying from the start."
"We'll work on him or her when she arrives," Andy said.
"I've still got six months to prep the baby," Saffron said. "Puddlemere scores all the way."
"She never loses a fight, Mr, Kirke," Alexa said. "Not once."
"I can see that," Andy said with a grin.
Tricia gave Saffron another hug. "You and Andrew should come by the house for dinner soon."
"We will," Saffron promised. "Mum wants to have a big family dinner soon too."
"You just let us know," Tricia said. She moved to give her son a hug. "I'm so proud of you, Andrew."
"Thanks Mum," Andrew said.
Saffron sat back down and looked at Alexa. "You ready to tell me that you told me so?"
"Do I need to?" Alexa asked pointedly.
Saffron laughed. "No."
"Didn't think so," Alexa smiled at her.
"Thank you for standing by me," Saffron said. "I know I didn't put you in the best position..."
"You're my best friend," Alexa said. "I'd do it all over again if I had to." she paused a moment. "But please let's not, okay?" she grinned.
Saffron laughed. "Deal."
"You still get to help me move," Alexa told her.
"I wouldn't miss that for the world," Saffron promised. "Besides, I have to meet this roommate of yours and make sure she's a good person."
"We know she won't compare to you," Alexa said.
Saffron waved her hand. "As if she could!"
Alexa laughed. "No contest."
"I imagine she's not as scary," Gabriel joked.
"I am not scary," Saffron informed her cousin.
"Terrifying would be a more accurate description probably," Gabriel said.
"Very funny," Saffron shook her head. "You're lucky that I'm feeling on top of the world today."
Gabriel laughed. "Duly noted."
"How about we go get a bit of air," Alexa said to her boyfriend.
"I'd like that," Gabriel nodded.
Alexa took his hand in hers and led him towards the door. "I just wanted to get you alone for a little bit."
"In just a few short weeks, you will have me all to yourself," Gabriel said.
"When Nico's not around that is," Alexa grinned at him.
"True," Gabriel laughed. "You know it's going to break his heart when he finds out Saffy's engagement is back on. He actually thought he might have a chance."
"No one else ever had a chance," Alexa deadpanned.
"Don't tell him that," Gabriel shook his head.
"My lips are sealed," she promised, leaning against him.
"Are you getting excited?" Gabriel asked. "I know you're upset about leaving your folks and Saffy..."
"I'll miss them, but I can't wait to study journalism." Alexa said. "And see you as much as I want."
"You're going to be great," Gabriel said. "And you know Saf can visit you whenever."
"Exactly," Alexa gave him a kiss.
"I love you, Lexie," Gabriel said.
"I love you too," she said softly. "I'm so glad when you're here and we can be together."
"Me too," Gabriel said. "So, Miss O'Leary. Would you like to dance?"
"I would love to," she said.
Gabriel offered her his hand. "Just make sure you stay off my toes, Lexie."
"Well if that's not the pot calling the kettle black," she teased.
"Hi, Gabey!" Emma exclaimed when he walked back into the hall.
"Hello there Emma," Gabriel said. "Or is it Ariel today?"
Emma blushed. "It's Emma."
"Just making sure," he winked at her.
"You look pretty today, Emma," Alexa said.
"Thanks," Emma twirled around. "Why are you out here?"
"The better question," Gabriel said picking her up. "Is why you're out here, Miss Weasley."
"Just looking around," Emma said.
Gabriel tickled her side causing the little girl to giggle. Alexa laughed, too. "Gabe, why don't you dance with Emma first?"
"I suppose that can be arranged," Gabriel swung Emma up into the air.
"Yay!" Emma squealed. "Let's boogie!"
Gabriel started laughing so hard he had to set her down.
"Emma Weasley, you are too much!" Alexa exclaimed.
"I try," Emma replied with a grin.
"Come on you," Gabriel said taking her hand.
Alexa watched her boyfriend pick up the five year old and dance with her.
"That just might be the sweetest thing I've ever seen," Alexa said as she sat back down with Saffron and Andrew.
"She has such a crush on him," Saffron said. "She calls him Prince Eric at those princess club meetings."
"I didn't know that," Alexa said.
"I overheard them when we were in Brighton," Saffron said.
"He's really great with her," Alexa said.
"They don't' call me anything at those meetings," Andrew complained jokingly.
"Wizard McDreamy isn't enough for you?" Alexa joked.
"I want it all," Andrew shook his head.
Saffron cut a piece of her cake and offered it to him. "I don't know about all that, but I'm willing to give you a bite?"
"That'll do," Andrew smiled at her.
Saffron felt herself go all mushy inside when he smiled at her like that. It was hard to believe that a few hours ago, she'd felt downhearted and pessimistic. And now, she felt as if everything was finally working out like it should.
"Are we going to stay at the flat tonight?" she asked him.
"Is that what you'd like?" Andrew asked her.
"It'll be good for us to talk there," Saffron said. "And it's foolish that we're paying for it and not using it yet."
Andrew leaned in. "How about we cut off of here early then?"
Saffron nodded. "Just a little while longer. I don't want Frankie to think I don't appreciate all she's done today."
"Okay," Andrew agreed.
Meanwhile, Jon was just arriving to the party after pulling a shift at the pub. He looked for his wife to tell her his big news.
Allison was sitting with Adam at a table. "Bite, Mummy!"
"Okay Adam," Allison said, laughing.
Jon sat down. "Sorry I'm late."
"That's okay," Allison smiled at her husband. "How was work?"
"Good and bad," Jon replied.
"Daddy, want cake?" Adam asked, holding his fork out to his father.
"Thanks Adam," Jon said, taking the fork.
"What's going on, Jon?" Allison asked eagerly.
"Vic's moving," Jon said. "To Fife. Her husband got transferred up there."
"But, she's owned the pub forever," Allison protested. "She's just going to give that up?"
"She's going to sell out," Jon said. "If I had the money to buy her share, I'd do it."
"You really want to do that, don't you?" Allison asked.
"It would be so much more money coming in," Jon sighed. "But I don't even think I could buy her out."
"Maybe we could take out a loan from Gringotts," Allison suggested. "Or borrow from our parents..."
"She told me what I'd have to get," Jon said. "I don't know if it's possible, Al."
Allison reached for his hand. "We'll work something out, Jon."
Jon nodded. "That would be great, if I could scrape the money together."
"Money," Adam parroted.
"Adam," Allison chastised. "That's enough of that. Have some more cake."
"Kay," Adam said happily.
Allison smiled reassuringly at her husband as she went to get her son another slice of cake.
Jon leaned back in his chair. He wanted this more than anything, but he didn't want to put his family in debt to get it.
"Daddy," Adam looked over at him. "Go fish?"
"Not tonight, little guy," Jon said smiling at him.
"Why?" Adam asked.
"It's dark for one thing," Jon grinned.
"So?" Adam asked. "Big fish like dark."
"You," Jon said tweaking his nose. "Are definitely my little boy."
Adam grinned at him.
"Daddy!" Caroline exclaimed running over to him. "Mummy said you were finally here!"
"Hi Angel," Jon said as Caroline hugged him. "Are you having fun?"
Caroline nodded. "I danced with a boy!"
"WHAT?" Jon asked loudly.
Caroline blushed.
"Al," Jon said. "Caroline's dancing with boys? When did we agree to this? When--"
Allison held up a hand. "She danced with one boy, Jonathan."
"That's one more boy than she should be dancing with," Jon replied.
"Okay, Neville," Allison joked.
"That's not funny," Jon snapped.
"Eat your cake," Allison told him. "It was one harmless dance."
"Daddy I don't like him like THAT," Caroline was clearly upset now. "He's just a friend and we didn't dance that close."
"And she's only nine," Allison pointed out.
"I suppose next it'll be okay if Emma kisses someone," Jon grumbled.
"Jon," Allison said reaching for his hand.
Jon just shook his head.
Caroline walked over to her mother. "Is Daddy mad?"
"He's just a little frustrated, Angel." Allison reassured her. "It's nothing to worry about."
"I'm going to go find Mia," Caroline told her.
"You go have fun," Allison told her. "I'll let you know when it's time to go."
Caroline nodded and hurried off in the other direction.
"Eat your cake and relax," Allison turned back to her husband. "We'll work something out. Don't let this bother you."
Jon sighed. "I overreacted. It's just been a long day, Al."
She rubbed his shoulder. "I know."
"I'm good at this, Allie," Jon said.
"Yes you are," Allison agreed. "You're a fantastic people person and that's why you've helped make that pub what it is today."
Jon smiled at her. "Thanks."
Allison gave him a kiss. "There's the husband I know and love."
"I just wish there was some way to--" Jon's voice trailed off as he caught sight of his twin brother.
"About time you made it," Josh said with a grin.
"Josh," Jon said grinning back at him.
"What's going on, mate?" Josh asked. "How's the pub?"
"It's great," Jon replied thoughtfully. "My partner's leaving though."
"Really?" Josh asked in surprise. "Why's that?"
Jon told him about Victoria's husband. "She's offered me her half, but there's no way I can raise that much money in such a short period of time."
Josh nodded thoughtfully. "I see what you mean..."
"We'll think of something, Jon," Allison said.
Jon nodded. "I hope so."
Josh looked at his brother. "What would you think of...me?"
"What?" Jon asked. "Think of you about what?"
"As a partner?" Josh asked.
Jon stared at him. "YOU?"
Josh laughed. "Me."
"Since when did you want to get involved with the pub?" Jon asked,
"Since you needed my help," Josh replied.
Jon shook his head. "Josh--"
"Josh, this is a big responsibility," Allison pointed out. "Jon and I would never ask you to --"
"But I think it could be interesting," Josh said. "And while I help you at the pub, I can still work on my book."
"Josh, are you serious?" Jon asked. He loved his brother, but they rarely saw eye to eye on things. Going into business together might be a potential disaster.
Josh nodded.
"I don't know what to say," Jon admitted.
"Come on," Josh said. "I think this could be really good."
Jon quickly weighed over the pros and cons of this decision in his head. Short of working in their father's shop when they were kids, Josh had no experience in business. But, Josh was smart and a quick learner.
He also knew the law quite well, and that could help out quite a bit.
"Do you think you should talk this over with Liz?" Allison asked Josh.
"I will," Josh nodded.
"Then, I guess you and I are partners," Jon said extending his hand.
Josh grinned at him. "I'll talk to Liz tonight and tomorrow we'll set things in motion."
"Pardners," Adam said before smearing his face with chocolate icing.
Jon, Josh and Allison all laughed.
"You are a mess, Adam Jonathan Weasley," Allison said.
"Mess," he agreed happily.
Josh grinned. "I'll see you lot, later."
"Bye, pardner," Adam waved an icing covered hand at his uncle.
Allison laughed and reached for her napkin. "Come here, little guy."
"No," Adam said. "Mess!"
"No mess," Allison told him.
"No clean," Adam pulled away.
"How about you give your mummy a big chocolate kiss?" Jon asked his son with a grin.
Adam laughed. "Kiss Mummy!"
Allison laughed. "No kiss."
"Kiss!" Adam shouted.
Allison picked him up and placed him in her lap. "One kiss, but afterwards, you have to let me wipe your mouth, Adam Jonathan."
Adam grinned mischievously.
"You see that face right there?" Allison asked Jon. "That's you."
"I know," Jon said smugly.
Allison gave Adam a kiss. "There you messy boy."
"Mummy mess too!" he said happily.
Allison reached for her napkin. "Yeah, yeah..."
She wiped her own face off then dabbed at her son's. "There we are."
"There's something else I was thinking about," Jon said looking at her. "I was wondering if you'd like to be the full time cook at the pub."
"Full time cook?" Allison asked. "Really?"
Jon grinned. "Yeah. You'd be great at it and everyone's loved it when you pitched in before."
"I'll think about it," Allison said. "I don't want to leave Mum's studio in the lurch."
Jon nodded and reached for her hand. "You know if you're worried about the boss, he'd put in a good word for you."
Allison shook her head. "You are incorrigible."
Jon chuckled. "I try."
"Daddy!" Emma came up behind him.
"Hi baby girl," Jon said. "Where have you been?"
"Dancing," Emma replied, swaying in place.
"Dancing, eh?" Jon asked. "Not with any boys I hope."
Emma giggled. "Gabey."
"Uh oh," Allison said with a grin.
"Emma Madeline, how about you dance with your old dad and tell me all about it?" Jon asked.
"Okay," Emma agreed.
Jon stood up and looked at his wife. "You're next, Al."
"Sounds good to me," Allison said.
Jon took Emma's hand. "Come on, little diva."
"Diva!" Emma sang.
Allison laughed and looked at Adam. "Emma's a diva, isn't she?'
Adam nodded. "Em diva."
Allison stood up with him. "You want to dance, too?"
"No," Adam said.
"What do you want to do then?" Allison asked him.
"Cake?" Adam asked.
Allison mussed his hair. "Adam..."
"Cake?" he asked again hopefully.
"One more piece," Allison said.
"YAY!" Adam shouted, clapping his hands.
Allison laughed. "You're easy to please."
Adam clapped again. "Chloe wants cake too!"
"Chloe is all the way across the room, Adam," Allison told him.
"Ask," Adam squirmed.
"Okay," Allison said carrying him through the crowd to Chloe's table. "Hiya, Brian. Adam wanted to eat cake with Chloe."
"Cake!" Chloe sang happily.
Brian laughed. "I guess that's your answer."
"If you don't mind watching him for a minute, I'll get them some cake," Allison said.
"Of course," Brian replied.
"Chocolate!" Adam called.
Drew came over to join them. She had just stepped outside to check on her sister. "Darla's bored to tears and wishes she could be here."
"She can't come by even for a little while?" Brian asked.
"I don't think she wants to take any chances," Drew said. "I was thinking we could leave early so I could stop by and check on her."
"Allie just went to get Chloe and Adam some cake," Brian told her.
Drew made a goofy face at her nephew. "Hi, Adam!"
Adam laughed. "Aunt Drew! Silly!"
"I'll show you silly," Drew said tickling his side.
"Me too!" Chloe said.
"It's the tickle monster," Drew said tickling her daughter.
Chloe shrieked with laughter.
"This has been a great night, hasn't it?" Drew asked her husband.
"It's been a blast," he agreed. "That game was fantastic."
"I'm so happy for Saffy," Drew said.
"Me too," Drew said as Allison returned with two small pieces of cake.
Adam clapped his hands. "Cake!"
"There you two go," Allison said. "Adam, that is your last piece."
"Thank, Mummy," Adam said happily.
Allison sat down across from Drew and Brian. "How's Darla?"
"She's resting," Drew told her. "Going to take it easy tonight."
"Give her my best," Allison said. "I'll stop over and see her soon."
"She'd love that," Drew said.
Darla was completely and utterly bored out of her mind. She had watched countless movies and read books. Molly was staying with her in case she needed anything and for that, Darla felt guilty. She knew that Molly would have liked to be at the party tonight.
"Nana if you want to go, I understand--" she began.
"Nonsense, love," Molly said waving her hand dismissively. "I'm right where I want to be."
"Thanks," Darla said, lying back against the pillows. Rafe had his foot lodged in her rib cage and it was really quite painful.
The doorbell chimed and Molly smiled. "I'll go and get that. It might be Drew."
"She's stopping by?" Darla asked.
"She said she might," Molly said walking out of the room. She hurried down the stairs and opened the door. "Healer Thornhart. What a nice surprise!"
"Hello Mrs. Weasley," Liam said. "I was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd stop by to see my patient."
"Please, come in," Molly said standing back to let him inside.
"Thank you," Liam said. "How's she doing?"
"Bored," Molly replied.
He laughed. "Mind if I go visit?"
"Of course not," Molly replied. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
"I'm fine, thank you." He said
"Her room is the second one at the top of the stairs," Molly told him.
"Great," Liam said.
Liam knocked on her bedroom door. "Darla?"
Darla pushed herself up. "Liam? What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to check on you," Liam replied. "Can I come in?"
"Of course," Darla said.
Liam opened the door and smiled at her. "Hi."
"What brings you by?" she asked.
"Would you believe a date?" Liam asked her sheepishly.
"A what?" Darla asked.
"A blind date actually," Liam replied, his cheeks reddening a bit.
"You have a blind date?" Darla asked.
"Had," Liam replied. "Had a blind date."
"Was it bad?" she questioned.
Liam chuckled. "Bad? No, it wasn't bad. It was a nightmare and the worst part, a mate of mine set this up. Some friend, eh?"
"Tell me more," Darla said, eager for details. "I need to hear something other than those bloody daytime shows and the same magazines."
"You have to promise you won't laugh," Liam told her.
Darla raised an eyebrow. "I'll try."
Liam sat down. "Well, a mate of mine from University set us up. This girl was apparently a friend of a friend. He said she was smart, funny, and confident. Seems like a winner, right?"
Darla nodded. "Very much so."
"He neglected to tell me about the cats," Liam said dryly.
"You don't like cats," she guessed. "Or... allergic?"
Liam shook his head. "I don't mind cats. But, she took this to the extreme. She has over 30."
"What?" Darla exclaimed. "You've got to be kidding me!"
"Oh, I wish I was," Liam said shuddering at the memory. "And she wanted to take two of them with us."
"Where did you go?" Darla asked.
Liam put his head in his hands. "We had reservations at The Promenade. Well, they didn't want to allow pets inside, as you can imagine. Miranda, my date, didn't take too kindly to that, mind you. "
"What did she do?" Darla asked, wincing.
"She kept yelling at the hostess," Liam said. "So, I told her I had an emergency call and brought her and the two cats home."
"Do you think she'll try to ring you?" Darla asked.
"I certainly hope not," Liam said. "What a mess."
Darla patted his arm. "You'll find the right woman someday."
Liam smiled. "I don't know about that, but I'm positive about one thing---I'm never letting my mates set me up with anyone ever again."
"Good idea," Darla said.
"So how have you been?" Liam asked.
"Bored," Darla said. "Out of my mind, crazy, just about ready to tear my hair out bored."
Liam laughed. "And the little guy?"
"His foot is in my rib cage right now," Darla said. "It's been there for a few hours."
Liam pulled out his wand. "I can do something about that."
"You can?" she asked hopefully.
Liam nodded and tapped her belly with his wand. "This won't hurt him. It just moves him a little..."
Darla breathed as she felt her son shift inside her. "Oh Merlin..."
"Better?" Liam asked.
"So much better," Darla said. "You're a Godsend."
Liam smiled at her. "No problem."
"Now I can relax a bit," she said in relief.
Liam sat back down. "Anything else?"
Darla shook her head.
"I'm sorry that you couldn't go to the party," Liam said.
"It sucks," Darla said. "But Nana's here and Drew said she's stopping by."
"You look great," Liam told her.
"Liar," she said dryly.
"I'm not lying," Liam said with a grin. "You do."
"Thank you," she said.
There was a knock on the door and Molly came in carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. "I know you said you didn't need anything, Healer Thornhart, but I thought you might have changed your mind."
"Thanks," he said. "In any case, if Darla's hungry, then we have something to eat."
"I'm always hungry," Darla said. "Thanks, Nana."
"I'll be downstairs knitting," Molly said.
"You're the best," Darla told her.
Molly smiled and ducked out of the room.
"Wait until you try my nana's chocolate chip biscuits," Darla told him.
"I'll have a few," Liam said. "I am a bit hungry. I didn't get to eat."
"I'm sure you could have snuck some catnip from your date," Darla teased.
Liam laughed. "Very, very funny."
Darla smiled innocently at him. "I couldn't resist."
"Those are excellent," he nodded.
"Told you so," Darla said before popping a biscuit into her mouth.
"So where's your sister today?" he asked.
"She and most of my family are at the charity Quidditch match after party," Darla replied. "She's supposed to stop by later."
"Oh right," Liam nodded. "I forgot about that."
"I would have liked to go," Darla said wistfully.
"I know," he said. "But it's better for Rafe when you're as still as possible."
Darla nodded and put her hand on her stomach. "He's everything to me."
Liam smiled at her. "As he should be."
"And I imagine after he's born, I'll be wishing for time to just lie down and rest," Darla said.
"Probably," Liam said. "At least, that's what I hear."
"How are things at the practise?" Darla asked.
"Fine," Liam nodded. "I'm glad to have Lizzy back."
"I can imagine," Darla said. "It must have been hard to juggle it all by yourself."
"I did all right," Liam shrugged modestly.
Darla grabbed another biscuit. "You're brilliant."
"I'm like any other healer," he said.
"You go above and beyond," Darla said. "And it seems like you really care about your patients."
"I do," he nodded. "Because I think it makes a good healer."
"It does," Darla said thoughtfully. "I, for one, have never regretted my decision to choose you as my healer."
Liam smiled at her. "I'm glad to hear that."
"And yours is the first face my little guy is going to see," Darla said.
Liam laughed. "Hopefully he won't be too scared."
"It's a good face," Darla said without thinking. "I mean, as far as faces go..."
"Thanks," he said, reaching for another biscuit.
Darla wondered what had made her say something like that.
"Do you need anything else?" he asked, not noticing her discomfort. "How's Rafe- not back in your rib cage, I hope."
Darla shook her head. "No, no I'm fine.'
"Good," he said, reaching behind her and fluffing her pillows.
As he did so, Darla got a whiff of his cologne. Had he always smelled this good?
He smiled at her. "Okay?"
"Perfect," Darla whispered.
"So what have you been reading?" Liam nodded towards her magazines.
"Witch Weekly, Magical Bride, The Quibbler," Darla replied.
"Your mother writes for the Quibbler, right?" Liam asked, picking up the paper.
Darla nodded. "Since my grandfather retired, she's more or less the editor-in-chief."
"Wow," he seemed impressed. "When I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer."
"Really?" Darla asked.
He nodded. "It was a toss up between writing and being a healer. Obviously you can see which one won out."
Darla smiled. "I think you made the right choice."
"I always hoped so," he said with a grin.
"Do you still write?" Darla asked.
"Not really," Liam said. "I don't exactly have the time."
"Right," Darla said. "I was never much of a writer, but I love to read. And I used to spend summer hols helping out at the paper."
"That must have been fun," he commented.
"It was," Darla said. "I loved spending time with my grandfather and my mum."
Liam was about to respond when she yawned. "Tired?" he asked wryly.
"A little," Darla admitted, but she wasn't ready for him to go.
"Get some sleep," he said. "I don't want to keep you up if you need a kip."
"I'm really happy you stopped by," Darla said softly.
"Me too," he agreed. "I like to think we're friends, not just healer and patient."
"Me too," Darla said.
"I'll let you rest," he said, moving to get up. "And I'll talk to you soon."
"Good night, Liam," Darla said touching his arm.
"See you soon, Dar." he said with an easy smile.
"Soon," Darla said smiling sleepily back at him.
"I'll see myself out," Liam said.
Darla nodded and watched him go. She wondered if her hormones were responsible for the way she had reacted to him tonight.
She had always thought in a neutral way that he was good looking, but tonight she'd noticed more about him than she ever had.
There had been that twinge of disappointment she'd felt when he'd told her that he'd had a blind date.
Darla felt strangely and stupidly jealous of this daft woman who didn't appreciate what she could have had.
Darla sighed. It had to be the hormones that were making her react like this and the loneliness she felt since Hans has officially moved out.
She missed her husband very much. He'd rung a few times but Darla had refused to talk to him. It was still too soon for her.
She honestly didn't know what the future held for them and it scared her.