Authors' note: Thank you guys so much for the response to the last chapter! The happiness continues for Andrew and Saffron in this chapter as they share the good news with their family!
Andrew looked completely dumbfounded.
Pansy smiled. "How about I give you two a few moments alone?'
"Thank you," Saffron said, her eyes welling with tears.
Pansy walked out of the room, leaving the couple alone. Andrew cupped Saffron's face in his hands. "She's ours, Saffy. Yours and mine."
"I know," Saffron began to sob. "I can't believe it!"
Andrew kissed her. "Saffy."
"I'm sorry," she wiped at her eyes.
"No need to apologise," Andrew said grinning at her. "I was already happy, but I'm completely over the moon now." He looked at the image of their daughter on the wall. "Look at her."
"I know," Saffron rested her head on his chest as they both gazed at the figure. "I'm so happy, Andrew. This is the best day of my life."
"Mine too," Andrew said softly. "February 28th. I remember that night."
"Me too," Saffron nodded.
"You made that dinner for me," Andrew said.
Saffron smiled. "Now we know what a special night it really was."
Andrew gave her another kiss. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Saffron pressed her forehead to his.
"And she'll be here for Christmas," Andrew said. "Ellie's first Christmas."
"Ellie," Saffron said softly.
"I would have loved her the same no matter what," Andrew said.
"I know," Saffron said. "You're amazing."
"You are," Andrew said smiling at her.
Saffron hugged him. "I can't believe this. I really can't."
"It's the best news in the world," Andrew said happily. "And she's healthy, Saffy."
Saffron nodded.
Pansy came back into the room. "I assume you'd like to have a photo to take home?'
"That would be fantastic," Saffron said. "And if I could, one for my parents? And one for his?"
"Of course," Pansy said.
"Thanks," Saffron said gratefully. "You've made this the best day."
"Muggle doctors mean well, but they rely too much on those machines," Pansy said shaking her head. "And their paternity tests take weeks..."
"I'm so glad this didn't," Saffron squeezed Andrew's hand. "He's going to be the best father."
Andrew smiled. "And you're going to be a great mum."
Pansy smiled as she finished doing the rest of the exams.
Pansy handed them the photographs. "She's looking great. I want to see you in a couple of weeks and you should keep taking those vitamins."
"Okay," Saffron nodded.
"Give your mother my best," Pansy said.
"I will," Saffron promised. "Thank you so, so much."
Andrew grinned. "Let's get you dressed so we can tell everyone the great news."
Saffron threw herself into his arms. "I'm so excited!"
Andrew laughed and hugged her tightly. "Me, too, Saf. Me, too."
Saffron kissed him again. "Let's go tell our parents first."
"And then we'll go to Greta's so you can get that big peanut butter and jelly sandwich," Andrew said.
"Ooooh yes," Saffron nodded. "Maybe we'll actually go THERE first..."
Andrew grinned. "How about I ring them and have them meet us over there?"
"You are perfect," Saffron kissed him. "Completely and utterly perfect."
Andrew touched her stomach. "Ellie, remember that one, too."
Saffron laughed. "I always think you're perfect."
Nearly ten minutes later, the two of them were sitting in the kitchen at Nick and Julie's. Saffron was working on her first peanut butter and jelly sandwich while Greta was making her another one. They hadn't told her yet what was going on, preferring to wait until everyone had arrived.
"Greta, this is the best," Saffron said before taking another bite.
"I'm glad you like them," Greta said. "I'll make as many as you want me to."
Saffron beamed at her. "You're the best. Isn't she, Andrew?"
"You just said that about me," Andrew teased.
Saffron laughed. "You know, someday you'll be making these for our little girl, Greta."
Greta stopped. "You're having a girl?"
Andrew nodded. "Yeah, we just found out." He showed her the photograph.
"That's wonderful," Greta's eyes were shiny as she hugged her former charge.
Saffron smiled. "It is. Oh, Greta, I'm just so happy!"
"Good," Greta said. "You deserve happiness after everything you've gone through."
"Here, here," Andrew agreed.
They heard a popping sound from the sitting room. Saffron shared a look with Andrew. "Mum? Dad?"
"Hi baby," Hermione said. "What's going on?"
Andy and Tricia Kirke followed Harry into the kitchen.
"Andrew and I were at the healer's today," Saffron told them. "And we have good news. First off, the baby is a girl."
Hermione clapped her hands together. "How wonderful!"
Tricia gave Andrew a hug. "That's fantastic news, Andrew! And she's healthy and everything?"
"She's perfect," Andrew said. "And here's the best bit of news. I'm the father. Not O'Neal."
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Andrew's the biological father," Saffron said happily. "Healer Parkinson did a paternity test, and she also figured out that Ellie was conceived before that whole... situation ever happened."
Harry gave his daughter a hug. "Sweetheart."
Saffron grinned. "It's the best news ever!"
Andy clapped his son on the back. "Andrew, this is great news."
"Thanks Dad," Andrew said with a grin.
"And we're still going to name her after Gran," Saffron said. "Elinore Granger Kirke. We're going to call her 'Ellie'."
"I think that's lovely," Hermione said softly.
"It's a beautiful name," Tricia agreed. She wiped at her eyes. "So, I guess this means she'll be arriving earlier than we planned, eh?"
"A bit," Saffron nodded. "Probably early December."
Hermione grinned. "She'll be here for Christmas!"
Saffron nodded. "It'll be fantastic."
"I can start that baby blanket now," Greta said.
Saffron looked at her. "There's something else Andrew and I wanted to ask you."
"What's that?" Greta asked.
"Ashley and Katie are both going to be at Hogwarts," Saffron said. "And we were wondering if you'd consider coming to work for us as Ellie's nanny."
Greta looked thoughtful. "I'll have to think about that, Saffron. It's not that I don't want to... but I'm getting older. I don't know if I'd be so good in caring for a newborn anymore."
"Oh," Saffron said quietly. "Greta, you're great. There's no one I'd trust more with Ellie."
"Let me get back to you," Greta touched her shoulder.
Saffron nodded. "Okay."
Hermione could see her daughter was disappointed but understood where Greta was coming from.
"What's that you're eating, Saffy?" Harry asked.
"One of Greta's peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," Saffron said. "Actually... my third."
Harry smiled. "She always did make the best, didn't she?"
Saffron nodded.
"Can I get you anything to drink or eat?" Greta offered.
"I'm fine, thank you." Harry smiled at her.
Tricia and Hermione were looking at one of the photographs. "Look at her!" Tricia gushed.
"There's one for each of you," Saffron said.
Julie, Katie and Ashley had arrived home and were surprised to see they had guests. Katie set the cage with their new snowy owl down.
"Where did you get that?" Harry asked his granddaughter.
"Eeylops Owl Emporium," Katie replied. "Isn't she beautiful?"
"She looks like my old owl Hedwig," Harry told her.
"We named her Ophelia," Ashley announced.
"They're going to share her," Julie added.
"Just wait until you see all the stuff we bought," Katie announced. "Grandma, I'm going to be the best dressed person at Hogwarts."
Hermione laughed. "I'm sure you are, love. Come on in the kitchen- Aunt Saffy has some wonderful news."
"Ooh!" Katie exclaimed. "The baby!'
"Yes," Hermione put a hand on each of her granddaughter's shoulders.
Saffron smiled at them as they came into the kitchen. "Hey, guys."
"Aunt Saffy," Ashley hurried over to give her a hug. "Mum and Katie saw Beth at Madam Malkin's."
Saffron smiled. "They did?"
Ashley nodded. "She says to owl her when you get the time."
"I will," Saffron said.
Andrew picked up Katie and swung her around. "Katherine Rose Malfoy, how do you feel about having another little girl in the family?"
Katie squealed. "You're having a baby girl?"
Andrew laughed. "Yes, we are."
"That's SO cool!" Katie said.
Ashley grinned. "Aunt Saffy, that's fantastic!"
"And..." Saffron said. "Andrew's the father. The real father."
"But, I thought---" Ashley started to say.
"We found out it's not true," Saffron said.
"That's the best news!" Ashley exclaimed.
"Yes it is," Saffron hugged her niece.
"We have to go shopping!" Katie exclaimed. "Buy her lots and lots and lots of stuff!"
Saffron laughed. "We'll definitely take care of that."
"Any excuse to go shopping," Andrew tickled Katie's side.
"It's what I do best!" Katie giggled. "Plus, Mummy ungrounded us."
"This is a cause for celebration!" Saffron joked. "The long imprisonment is over!"
"I got to see Brit and Zander," Ashley whispered to her aunt. "Zander and I are friends again."
Saffron grinned. She knew how important Zander's friendship was to her niece. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks," Ashley said. "Looks like things are finally looking up for both of us."
"Finally," Saffron said happily.
Ashley blushed a bit when Andrew smiled at her.
Saffron took another bite of her sandwich. "Ellie's first word is probably going to be peanut butter if I keep this up."
Andrew laughed. "I'll make you your favourite dinner tonight."
Saffron teared up at his words. "Oh, Andrew!"
Andrew rubbed her back. "It's okay, Saf."
"Those are happy tears, right baby?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes," Saffron nodded. "Very much so."
Harry kissed the top of his daughter's head. He couldn't have been happier for her.
"I'm really glad you're not opposed to the name Ellie," Saffron said to Andrew.
"Why would I be?" Andrew asked. "I love the name and I know how important your grandmother was to you, Saffy."
Saffron hugged him again. "Thank you."
"You still unwilling to budge on the Puddlemere thing?" Andrew asked teasingly.
Saffron smirked at him.
Ashley laughed. "You could let her choose, Andrew."
"She'll be raised a Puddlemere fan," Saffron said. "And maybe once in awhile she'll cheer on Wimbourne."
"Gee thanks, Saf," Andrew said grabbing the other half of her sandwich.
"Hey!" Saffron protested.
"That's what you get," Andrew grinned before taking a bite.
"That wasn't nice," Saffron complained. "I was just about to eat that."
"I'll make you another," Greta said patting her shoulder.
"Thanks Greta," Saffron said gratefully.
"Can I have one too, please?" Katie asked. "I'm starving!"
"Of course," Greta headed back to the counter.
Julie sat down beside her father. "It's been a long day."
"The girls tire you out?" Harry asked.
Julie nodded. "But it was fun watching Katie. She's so excited."
Harry smiled. "I hope she straightens up a bit at school. Maybe it'll help her grow up a bit quicker."
Julie looked over at her daughter who was showing some of her new things to Hermione. "There was this awful woman in the book shoppe. She made this remark about the Malfoy name not meaning much of anything anymore."
Harry shook his head in disgust. "I can't believe there are still some people out there who hang onto all that."
"It doesn't bother me that much anymore, but I'm worried about what it would do to Katie when she goes to Hogwarts," Julie said.
"She's a tough little girl," Harry said. "Much as I hate to admit it, she's got the Malfoy thick skin. Things that bother a lot of people don't faze her."
Julie nodded. "That's very true."
"I think she'll do just fine," Harry assured her.
"I hope so," Julie said. "And they were both so excited when we picked out that owl. They said they wanted one just like Hedwig."
Harry grinned. "I hope they keep to sharing her like they promised."
Julie laughed. "I hope so, too. But, at least I'll be there to monitor it."
Harry nodded. "Exactly."
"And look at Saffy," Julie said watching her sister. "I'm so glad things worked out like they did."
"Me too," Harry said. "Saffron's been through enough. It's about time things worked in her favour."
Julie smiled. "And you have all girls for grandchildren, Dad. How are you going to cope with all this estrogen?"
Harry laughed. "Perhaps a boy will come along soon."
"Maybe with Maddie," Julie said.
"No more for you, Jules?" Harry teased.
"I think Nick and I are done for now," Julie replied punching her father playfully on the arm.
Harry grinned at her. "Come on; don't forget how much later Saffron came along."
"When you were pushing 60?" Julie teased.
"Very, very funny," Harry said sarcastically.
"Grandma," Katie was telling Hermione. "Are you going to miss me when I'm away at school?"
"Of course I am, sweetheart," Hermione told her.
"I can write you all the time," Katie said. "Because we have Ophelia."
"I'll write to you all the time then," Hermione promised.
Katie hugged her. "You're the best, Grandma."
"I love you, sweetheart," Hermione kissed the top of her head. "I'm very proud of you."
"I worked really hard," Katie said.
"Yes you did," Hermione said. "Your reading has improved so much."
Katie had never told her grandmother this, but the only time Katie really liked reading was when her grandmother helped her.
"In fact, I'd like to give you something," Hermione said. She brought out an old copy of Hogwarts, A History. "I know I didn't go there, but it's fascinating to know about the castle."
Normally, Katie wouldn't have liked receiving a book. But, she was eager to learn more about the place that was going to be her home. "Grandma, I can't take your book."
"Nonsense," Hermione said. "I have several copies."
"Thank you, Grandma," Katie said beaming at her.
"You're welcome, love." Hermione kissed her granddaughter's forehead.
"Mummy!" Katie exclaimed. "Look what Grandma gave me!"
"Hogwarts, a History!" Julie said. "That's a wonderful book."
"Isn't it cool?" Katie asked.
"Very cool," Julie sent her mother a grateful look.
"I'm going to start reading it when Caroline gets here," Katie said.
"I'm sure she'll like hearing about Hogwarts," Julie nodded.
"I just wish she was coming with me," Katie said wistfully.
"Another year," Julie reassured her.
"And you can show her the ropes just like Chiaki did for Julie," Saffron said.
"Yeah!" Katie said enthusiastically.
"And you'll meet loads of new friends, too," Saffron said.
"I love new friends," Katie said.
"I met Andrew on my first day on the train," Saffron said sharing a look with him. "And Alexa."
"Oh yeah," Andrew recalled. "You came in to bug RJ."
"Oh, please," Saffron waved her hand. "I was not there to bug RJ. He was bugging me."
Andrew slid an arm around her. "I thought you were cute even then."
"I was adorable," Saffron giggled.
"Very much so," Andrew nuzzled her ear.
Ashley decided to help Greta with the dishes and she noticed that her nanny seemed distracted. "Everything okay, Greta?"
"Of course," Greta said.
"This is the best news, isn't it?" Ashley asked.
"I'm very happy for Andrew and Saffron," Greta nodded.
"Me too," Ashley said. "I can't wait to tell Brittany and Zander."
"Why did Brit get those nasty things in her mouth?" Katie asked.
Ashley glared at her sister. "Katie, they're braces and she had to."
"They look gross," Katie said. "How come she couldn't straighten them with magic?"
"Because she couldn't," Ashley said. "And I think they look great on her."
Katie just shrugged. "She looked prettier without them."
"Katie," Ashley warned. "You know, you might have to get them someday."
"I'll just have them straightened with magic," Katie informed her.
"I tried that," Saffron said. "Mum and Dad didn't go for it."
"How come?" Katie asked.
"You can't always solve everything with magic," Julie said. "Besides, it would only be a temporary solution, Katherine Rose. I knew a girl at school who tried that on her teeth and they grew back even bigger a couple of weeks later."
"Well Ashley didn't have to have them," Katie said defensively.
"You probably won't," Julie said.
"Good," Katie relaxed.
"It wouldn't be the end of the world," Ashley said. "They're just braces."
"Brit doesn't think so," Katie returned.
"I'm going to quit while I'm behind," Ashley said. "I'm taking my things upstairs."
Katie watched her sister go. "She always has to argue with me."
"Let's just drop it for now, okay?" Julie asked. "We had a lovely day, didn't we, Katie?"
Katie nodded. "I got everything I wanted."
Saffron looked at Andrew. "So did I."
Andrew slid his arms around her stomach. "We both did."
"Ellie Kirke," Saffron said happily.
"Perfect name," Andrew agreed.
"Perfect," Saffron said.
*** *** ***
A few weeks into their partnership and the Weasley twins were finding it increasingly hard to get along with each other. They had always had different personalities and different ways of looking at things, but it had never seemed more obvious than when they had joined forces at the pub. Jon was well-liked by the employees and customers alike. Josh was a task-master who seemed to want everything in a certain place.
"This storage room is a mess!" Josh thundered. "How HARD is it to keep things in alphabetical order?"
Allison looked up from her work and sheepishly looked at him. "I'm sorry. I stopped by the shops on my way in and I didn't have time to organise. I'll do it later. I promise."
"Allie I need it done now," Josh said impatiently.
"Will you watch Adam for me, then?" Allison asked, setting the bowl aside.
Josh sighed. "This is exactly why Adam doesn't belong here. Babysitting is not part of our jobs."
"He hasn't been any trouble, Josh," Allison said, trying not to get angry. She picked up her son. "Come on, sweetheart. You can help Mummy."
"Help!" Adam nodded happily.
"Like a big boy," Allison said kissing his cheek and carrying him into the storage room. Josh sighed and barged into the office he and Jon shared. "Jon, we need to talk about your wife."
"Excuse me?" Jon asked.
"I don't think this is working out," Josh said. "She seems more interested in being a nursemaid than being an employee..."
"Allison's doing fine here," Jon said. "The customers love her menu."
"It would be fine if Adam weren't here," Josh retorted.
Jon glared at him.
"And I think it's time we had a word with RJ about coming round all the time to bother Audrey when she's working," Josh said. "She ignores her customers when he's around."
"No she doesn't," Jon argued. "She's been a great waitress."
Josh chuckled. "That's rich coming from you. You don't even know the meaning of a work ethic. You're too busy carrying on with the customers..."
Jon stood up from his desk, his chair flying back and hitting the wall. "Just what is THAT supposed to mean?" he snapped. "What is your PROBLEM?"
"Dad-dy!" Casey exclaimed from the doorway.
Josh's demeanour changed instantly. "Hi baby!"
Noah, Aidan and Lizzy appeared behind her. "Hi," Lizzy said smiling at him. "The kids and I were enjoying my day off and we thought we'd surprise you."
Jon managed a tight smile at his sister in law. "Hi Liz."
"Hi, Jon," Lizzy said. She could practically feel the tension in the room. "Um, how are things?"
"Fine," Josh said. "Just discussing a few things."
Noah lifted up his arms. "Daddy, lift!"
Josh picked his son up. "What did you four do today?"
"We had a wild time at the park," Lizzy said. "Aidan loved the swings and it took all I had to get him off of them."
"I went high!" Aidan announced.
"I'll leave you to it then," Jon said. "I think I'll go help the nursemaid."
"The what?" Lizzy asked.
"Ask Josh," Jon said sarcastically before he left the office.
Lizzy looked questioningly at her husband. "What's going on?"
Josh shook his head. "Nothing."
"He looked like he was about to kill you," Lizzy pointed out.
Josh made a goofy face at Noah. "No, we were just having a disagreement is all."
"What was the nursemaid comment all about?" Lizzy asked.
"Allie having Adam here when she's supposed to be working," Josh said. "Not to mention the fact that Emma was here with him yesterday."
"So?" Lizzy asked. "Allie said the customers love seeing them."
Josh rolled his eyes. "This is a business, Lizzy."
"Relax," Lizzy advised him.
"Right," Josh said. He smiled at his three children. "I'm so glad you're all here."
"Where's Adam?" Noah asked. "I want to play."
"He's in the storeroom," Josh replied.
Casey ran out of the office. "Adam!"
Adam poked his little head out. "Hi Case!"
"Let's play," Casey told him happily.
"Uh, sweetheart," Josh said. "I don't know if this is a good place to run around. It's where Daddy works."
"Maybe Adam would like to come over to our place?" Lizzy suggested. "The triplets would love to have him."
"That would actually be great," Josh replied.
Allison looked at Adam. "Would you like that, love?"
"Yes!" Adam said happily. "Go play!"
Allison smiled. "I guess we have our answer. Are you sure you don't mind, Lizzy?"
"I don't mind," Lizzy smiled at her.
"Thanks," Allison said. She knelt down. "You promise to listen to your Aunt Lizzy, Adam?"
"I will," Adam nodded.
Allison gave him a hug. "I love you, buddy."
"Love Mummy," Adam gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Love Adam," Allison said.
Casey tugged on Adam's hand. "Let's go, Ad."
"Kay," Adam said. "Go play."
Allison smiled at her friend. "Jon and I will pick him up after work."
"No problem," Lizzy said.
Allison went back into the store room where Jon was unpacking a box and trying very hard to keep his temper in check.
"Calm down," she said soothingly.
"I'm trying," Jon said. "He's driving me nuts, Allie."
"You're not the only one," Allison replied.
Jon told his wife what Josh had said earlier in the office. "I wanted to hit him, Al."
Allison shook his head. "This is really going to his head."
"You know, I thought he would just put up the money and be more of a silent partner," Jon said.
"So did I," Allison confessed. "Who knew that he'd try to take over like this?"
"I should have known," Jon shook his head. "Adam---I love having him here and you."
"Me too," Allison said. "He's hardly in the way."
"I just wish I knew what to do," Jon said setting a box on one of the shelves.
"Maybe he'll get tired of it," Allison offered.
"We can only hope," Jon said.
"Hope for what?" Josh asked from the doorway.
"Nothing," Jon said shortly.
"I should go back to the kitchen," Allison said.
"Yes," Josh nodded. "We just got a few new customers."
"Right," Allison said. She squeezed Jon's shoulder reassuringly before she left.
"What were you talking about?" Josh asked.
Jon ignored him.
"Could you be a little more immature?" Josh asked.
"According to you it's what I'm best at," Jon said sarcastically.
Josh heaved a sigh. "IF we're partners, we need to work together."
Jon turned around and looked at his brother. "You see, I was under the impression that 'partners' meant that we were both in charge, but I guess to you, it means that you get to lord over everyone, including me."
"I am not lording it over anyone," Josh said defensively.
"You've always done it," Jon retorted. "Even when we were kids."
"That isn't true," Josh returned. "This place needed to shape up."
"Is that what you think I was doing?" Jon asked him. "Running it into the ground?"
"It sure seems that way," Josh told him. "No order whatsoever. Becca comes in whenever she wants. Audrey spends all her time socializing with RJ. Allison brings Adam into the kitchen which is extremely unsafe.... need I go on?"
"By all means," Jon said angrily.
"Fine," Josh said tightly. "The ledgers are a mess. No one can keep the stockroom organised--"
Jon held up his hand. "Well, with all that, I'm amazed Vic and I managed to keep the place going. But, since you're here now, I guess everything's perfect because of Josh and his anal-retentive ways!"
"You don't have to be such an arse," Josh said angrily. "I'm only trying to help. This is my investment now too."
"As if I could forget," Jon said. "You know what you're problem is. You're used to being the successful one. You're used to being the one who always does everything right. You can't handle it that I was actually good at something, too. It tears you up."
"That isn't true," Josh said hotly.
"It bloody well is," Jon retorted. "It's been that way since we were kids. You were the one who read first. You were the one who had the best marks. You were the one who all the professors loved. And who was I? The screw-up that could never quite live up to the bar you'd set, could I?"
"I never made you feel like you were second best," Josh pointed out.
Jon laughed. "That's rich, Josh."
"When did I ever tell you that you weren't as good as me?" Josh demanded.
Jon glared at him. "I don't have time for this. I have to re-stock the inventory. Right, boss?"
"Don't be a smartass," Josh replied.
"Yes, sir," Jon said curtly.
"I mean it," Josh said. "If you just see what I'm trying to do, things will run smoother here."
Jon turned his back on his brother and resumed his work.
Josh rolled his eyes and went back to the office.
Out in the dining area, Frankie, Hannah and Mallory had just sat down for a lunch. Will was keeping the twins at home. Frankie had ignored Mallory's calls, but Will had answered the phone this morning and said Frankie and Hannah would love to meet her for lunch.
She wanted to curse her husband but managed to sit politely while Mallory asked Hannah questions.
"How's your arm, Hannah?" Mallory asked. "I would have thought you'd still be in your cast."
"The doctor said it wasn't a bad break," Frankie said hastily.
"Oh, that's good," Mallory said. "I was really worried. In fact, I have something for you..."
"You do?" Hannah asked.
Mallory nodded and reached into her bag. She pulled out a small purple teddy bear. "I remembered that you loved purple."
"I do!" Hannah brightened. "Thank you!"
"That was very thoughtful," Frankie said quietly.
"It's nothing," Mallory said. "I just felt so bad about what happened..."
"It's okay," Hannah said. She leaned forward and gave her a hug. "Thank you."
Frankie pressed her lips together and looked away.
"Did you have everyone sign your cast?" Mallory asked.
"Yeah," Hannah said. "All my friends did."
"She still has it in her room," Frankie commented.
Mallory nodded. "I'd love to see your place sometime..."
"We have the best house," Hannah told her. "My room is right across from Mummy and Daddy's and right beside Nathan and Izzie's. Daddy's office is really nice, too. But, my favourite is the sofa because Mummy and me cuddle up under the big blanket and read."
"What do you like to read?" Mallory asked.
"Magazines," Hannah replied sharing a grin with Frankie.
"Magazines?" she asked.
Hannah nodded. "We like reading the advice columns."
"Oh," Mallory nodded.
"We read other things, too," Frankie said hastily. She didn't want to think that she just sat around reading fashion magazines with her daughter. "We read faerie tales and we watch films..."
"I love faerie tales," Hannah said. "My bedroom has a purple castle and dragon on the walls."
"I'd love to see it," Mallory commented.
"Can Mallory come over after lunch?" Hannah asked her mother.
"Um, well, I'm sure Mallory is busy," Frankie replied.
"Oh..." Mallory said. "Well... not really..."
Hannah grinned. "Then you can come over!"
"I'd love to, if that's okay," Mallory replied tentatively.
"We have plans actually," Frankie said. "My older sister, Chiaki. I wanted to stop in and see her."
"I see," Mallory nodded. "Some other time."
Hannah looked at Frankie. "We are?"
"Yes," Frankie nodded.
Audrey came over to take their orders. "Hi, Miss Hannah."
"Hi Audrey!" Hannah said happily.
"Where did you get that cool bear?" Audrey asked.
"Mallory," Hannah pointed to her.
"I'm her aunt," Mallory said proudly.
Audrey gaped at her for a moment.
"Audrey, this is Mallory Garrett," Frankie said. "She's Abbie Wright's sister."
"Oh," Audrey said. "Hello. It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you," Mallory said.
"What can I get you lot?" Audrey asked. "Allie's in the kitchen so whatever you ask for is going to be good."
"Mummy, can I get a grilled cheese sandwich?" Hannah asked.
"Of course," Frankie answered.
"And apple juice, please," Hannah said to Audrey.
"Coming right up," Audrey said with a grin.
"I'll have the turkey club and a glass of club soda," Mallory said. "Thank you."
"And I'll have the garden salad with dressing on the side," Frankie said. "Just some ice water for me too."
"Of course," Audrey said. "Hannah, would you like to go back to the kitchen and say hello to Allie?"
"Sure!" Hannah said. "Is it okay, Mummy?"
"Of course," Frankie replied.
Hannah scrambled out of the booth and followed Audrey into the kitchen.
"I'm really glad that her arm is all better," Mallory commented.
Frankie nodded. "Me too."
An awkward silence fell over the table.
"You don't like me very much, do you?" Mallory finally asked.
"I don't know you," Frankie pointed out.
"I've tried," Mallory said. "You've not returned my calls."
"We've been busy," Frankie replied.
"So you said," Mallory said quietly.
"Yes well..." Frankie shifted uncomfortably.
"I'm not trying to undermine you, Frankie," Mallory started to explain.
"Then why are you here?" Frankie asked.
"I love my niece and I want to get to know her," Mallory replied.
"But you live in the States," Frankie said.
"I'm prepared to stay here as long as it takes to bond with Hannah," Mallory said. "She's all that I have left of my sister."
"I can have her write to you," Frankie said. "Perhaps a few phone calls--"
"I'm not going anywhere," Mallory said firmly.
Frankie leaned back and looked away from the other woman.
"And I don't want to take your place in her life," Mallory said. "I'm happy that she found you and your husband."
Frankie nodded. "It's been good for her."
"So maybe we could try and be friends, too?" Mallory asked.
"We can try," Frankie said non-committally.
Mallory smiled. "Your husband---he writes textbooks, was it?"
"Right," Frankie nodded.
"And you're in public relations?" Mallory asked.
"Yes," Frankie answered.
"That must be interesting," Mallory said.
"It is," Frankie nodded. "I meet some interesting people."
"When you adopted Hannah, did you have plans to have children of your own?" Mallory asked.
"Not exactly," Frankie said.
"Oh?" Mallory asked.
"I wasn't interested in children until I met her." Frankie said.
Mallory looked across the table at the other woman. "You weren't?"
"Not until I met her," Frankie repeated. "Hannah changed everything for me."
Mallory didn't know what to say to that. Thankfully, Audrey came over with their drinks.
"Thanks," Frankie said. "Is Hannah still back there with Allie?"
"Oh yes," Audrey said. "She's helping."
Frankie smiled. "She does love to be in the kitchen."
"She's adorable," Audrey said. "Allie put her in an apron and everything."
"That I definitely have to see," Frankie replied.
Mallory, Hannah and Audrey stood up and walked toward the kitchen.
Frankie laughed when she saw her daughter. "Where's my camera when I need it?"
"You look so cute!" Mallory gushed.
Hannah giggled. "Thank you!"
"She's been a great help," Allison said smiling at her sister.
"She always is," Frankie said proudly.
Hannah grinned. "It's making me hungry though."
"Well you're in luck." Allison said. "Your food is ready."
"It looks delicious," Mallory commented.
Hannah nodded. "I helped to make it."
Mallory grinned at her. "Thanks, Hannah."
They carefully carried the dishes back out and sat down at their table.
"Did you and my mummy cook when you were little?" Hannah asked Mallory.
Mallory nodded. "We used to bake."
"What stuff did you make?" Hannah asked eagerly.
"Cookies," Mallory said. "Well... you call them biscuits. And Abbie knew how to make a really good cake."
Hannah nodded. "I remember."
Mallory smiled.
"Maybe we can bake together sometime?" Hannah asked.
"I would love that," Mallory said.
"Was Mummy's favourite chocolate chip biscuits?" Hannah asked.
"Yes," Mallory said. "Mine too."
"We used to make those," Hannah said before taking a bite of her sandwich.
Mallory smiled sadly.
"And she used to sing when we'd bake," Hannah remembered.
Frankie pushed her salad around on her plate. She didn't ever want to deprive Hannah of memories of her real mother, but she couldn't help but feel jealous. This other woman shared things with her daughter that she could not.
"She loved to sing," Mallory recalled fondly. "You are my sunshine..."
"My only sunshine," Hannah finished, nodding.
Mallory reached for the little girl's hand. "She'd be---she'd be so proud of you."
"I hope so," Hannah said quietly.
"I know so," Mallory said, releasing Hannah's hand.
Frankie put down her fork. "We should really get going."
"Oh," Mallory said, trying to hide her disappointment. "Of course."
"But I'm not finished," Hannah protested.
"Perhaps Hannah and I could finish our meals and I could drop her off at your house?" Mallory suggested.
Frankie glared at her. "I don't think that would be appropriate."
"Why not, Mummy?" Hannah asked. "Mallory's cool."
"It's just not," Frankie said tightly.
Hannah looked at her mother. "But--"
"Let's go," Frankie said.
Hannah could not understand why they were leaving so soon. She'd barely finished half of her sandwich. "I want to stay. Please?"
"No," Frankie said firmly. "Let's go."
"Why are you being so mean?" Hannah asked looking up at her.
"Its okay, Hannah," Mallory said quickly. "Your mother's probably right."
Hannah finally stood up and gave her aunt a hug. "Thank you for my bear."
"You're welcome," Mallory said. "I'll be in touch."
"Goodbye, Mallory," Frankie said.
Mallory nodded. "Bye..."
"Are we really going to see Mas and Sukie?" Hannah asked once they were outside.
"Sure," Frankie said.
"But you told Daddy we'd be right back home after lunch," Hannah pointed out.
"I'll ring him when we get there," Frankie said tersely.
"Did I do something wrong?" Hannah asked.
Frankie sighed. "No, baby..."
"But you're mad," Hannah said.
"It's okay," Frankie slowed down.
"I don't understand why Mallory couldn't come home with us," Hannah said, not wanting to let this go. "She's nice, Mummy."
"She's okay," Frankie said vaguely.
Hannah looked uncertainly up at Frankie. "She reminds me of my mummy. I feel close to my mummy when I talk to her."
Frankie felt guilty at the look on her daughter's face.
"I was starting to forget," Hannah said, her lower lip trembling.
Frankie stopped and gathered Hannah in her arms. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I didn't stop so much to think of you."
Hannah put her arms around Frankie's neck.
"Next time, I promise you can spend some decent time with Mallory," Frankie said.
"Really?" Hannah asked hopefully.
"Yes," Frankie held out her pinky.
Hannah smiled and linked her finger with Frankie's.
"My girl," Frankie said affectionately.
Hannah gave her another hug. "I love you, Mummy."
"I love you too," Frankie said. "More than anything."
Hannah wiped at her eyes. "Can we go home?"
Frankie nodded. "I think that sounds good."
"We can read," Hannah said with a grin. "You got that new magazine."
"I think an afternoon on the sofa sounds good," Frankie said. "And later, Daddy and I will have you call Mallory."
"Thanks," Hannah said happily.
"I'll do anything to keep you happy," Frankie said to her daughter.
"Me, Nathan and Izzie," Hannah said softly.
"Yes," Frankie hugged her again. "All three of you."
"Daddy's probably got his hands full with the two of them," Hannah said giggling.
"Yes he does," Frankie said. "So we'd better go rescue him."
Hannah took her hand. "All better now, Mummy?"
"All better," Frankie said.
Hannah grinned, feeling much better.
They walked in the door to see Will holding Nathan and rocking Izzie's chair with his foot.
"You survived?" Frankie asked.
"We're fine," Will said. "How was lunch?"
"Mallory gave me a bear," Hannah said holding it up for him to see.
"That's cute," Will said with a grin.
"And I helped Aunt Allie make lunch," Hannah said. She smiled at her sleeping brother.
"What did you have?" Will asked her.
"Grilled cheese," Hannah said. "Mummy had a salad and Mallory had a turkey sandwich."
"That does sound good," Will replied.
"We didn't get to finish," Hannah said.
"How come?" Will asked.
"We were planning to go and see Chi and the twins, but changed our minds," Frankie said.
"Oh," Will nodded. "Well since you're home, I'll pass Nate to you so I can grab myself a bite."
Frankie gingerly took Nathan in her arms. "He's out like a light."
"We had a very busy morning," Will answered, stretching.
Hannah knelt down beside a sleeping Isabelle. She started to sing a lullaby.
Frankie smiled. "Come on," she said to her husband. "I'll keep you company while you fix yourself something."
"Sounds good," Will said.
Will waited until his wife was sitting down at the table with a sleeping Nathan. "So are you going to tell me how it was?"
"It was okay until I messed everything up," Frankie admitted.
"What?" he asked.
She told him about what had happened. "I just---I felt left out, Will."
"Frankie you've got to let her connect," Will said. "Mallory seems legit, and she just wants to see her niece."
"I know," Frankie said, patting Nathan's back. "I just---I couldn't help it."
"I know I sort of sprang this on you," Will said. "And I won't do it again."
"It's okay," Frankie said. She told him what Hannah had said about feeling connected to her biological mother through Mallory. "I felt terrible."
"Well... I'm sure Mallory will be ringing again," Will replied. "This time we'll let Hannah have a proper visit."
"I said she could ring her later," Frankie said.
"There you go," Will nodded.
In the sitting room, Isabelle awoke and started to cry. Hannah slid off the sofa and went to her sister's side. "Hey...Izzie. It's okay."
"Ha?" Isabelle asked.
"I'm here," Hannah said softly. "Did you sleep good?"
Isabelle nodded and rubbed her little eyes.
"Look what my aunt gave me," Hannah said showing her the bear. "He's purple!"
"Ooooh," Isabelle's eyes grew big.
"Want to hold him?" Hannah asked.
Isabelle nodded.
Hannah handed the bear to her sister.
"Ha," Isabelle said softly.
Hannah grinned. "Han-nah."
"Han..." Isabelle began.
Hannah clapped her hands. "Good, Izzie!"
Isabelle laughed and waved the bear.
Hannah kissed her soft cheek. "I love you, Izzie."
Isabelle giggled. "Han... nah!"
Hannah beamed. "Mummy! Come quick!"
"What is it, sweetheart?" Frankie poked her head in the room.
"Say it again," Hannah said to Isabelle. "Go on."
"Han-nah." Isabelle repeated.
A wide smile broke across Frankie's face. "Izzie!"
"I can't believe it!" Hannah said. "She's really talking!"
Isabelle giggled. "Han-nah."
"That's very good," Hannah said happily to her sister.
Frankie knelt down. "Did your big sister teach you that, Izzie?"
Isabelle giggled at her.
"I'll take that as a yes," Frankie laughed.
"Now I just have to work on Nathan some more," Hannah said as Isabelle threw the bear at her.
"Isabelle!" Frankie laughed.
"Caught it," Hannah said.
"What's going on?" Will asked. Nathan was wide awake now.
"Our little Isabelle is being a chatterbox," Frankie told her husband.
"Han-nah," Isabelle said, lifting her hand and pointing at her sister.
"Hey," Will said with a grin. "How about that?"
"Our children are brilliant," Frankie said.
"All three of them," Will winked at Hannah.
"They take after their mum," Frankie said.
"Hey now," Will replied. "I am the textbook writer..."
Hannah giggled. "We get it from both of you."
"That's right," Will scooped her up.
Hannah giggled. "Daddy."
Will gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Want to use my phone to ring Mallory?"
"Please," Hannah replied.
Frankie watched them go and pushed down the uneasiness that washed over her. There was something about Mallory she didn't quite trust.
"Ma-ma?" Nathan asked.
"What is it, love?" she asked her son.
Nathan toddled over to her and gave her a big hug.
Frankie blinked back a few tears at her son's sweet gesture.
"Hannah's ours," Frankie said softly. "Right?"
Nathan grinned at her.
"Ours," Frankie repeated. "And nothing or no one's going to change that."
"No," Nathan repeated.
Frankie hugged him tightly. There was nothing in this world more important to her than her family.
"Love Mama," Nathan said.
Will came back into the sitting room. "She's talking to Mallory."
Frankie nodded.
"No worries," Will said trying to reassure her.
"I know," Frankie replied.
Will gave her a kiss.
"I just can't bear the thought of Mallory trying anything with Hannah," Frankie said.
"She's not going to," Will said. "And even if she did, we're her legal parents, Frankie."
"Right," Frankie nodded. "Right."
Will sat down beside his wife and took Isabelle out of her chair.
"Da," Isabelle said happily.
"That's my girl," Will said tickling her side.
In her hotel room, Mallory hung up the phone after sharing a nice chat with Hannah. She'd been surprised to hear from the girl after the way things had ended at lunch.
It had been wonderful getting to know her niece, and through talking to Hannah, she felt closer to her sister again.
Mallory genuinely liked Will Barron, but Frankie was another story. The other woman seemed intent on keeping her apart from Hannah.
She wasn't sure why. She'd never given any indication of wanting anything more than to get to know Hannah.
Perhaps Frankie felt threatened, Mallory thought.
Mallory did not want to go to drastic measures, but now that she'd found her niece there was no way she was backing out of Hannah's life.