Authors' note: This is a fluffy chapter with Ethan, Maddie and the Potters and Weasleys celebrating little Kiera's 1st Birthday! We hope you enjoy and please take a moment after you read to let us know what you thought!
'Ethan, Maddie and Kiera were settling in quite nicely with the new baby. Kiera and Gwyn were now sharing a room. Kiera was a sound sleeper and she rarely woke up when Gwyn would cry during the night.
Though Maddie had her hands full with two daughters, she didn't want to neglect Kiera's first birthday. It was hard to believe that her oldest daughter was now one year old.
"I think from now on we should just combine their birthdays into one party," Ethan said.
"They are so close," Maddie said smiling at him as she finished icing the cake.
"That looks fantastic," he said winding his arms around her middle.
Maddie leaned against him. "I just hope Kiera likes it."
"She'll love it," Ethan said. "She's your daughter, after all."
Maddie laughed. "Why don't you go and wake her up from her kip?"
"Will do," Ethan stole a kiss from her.
Ethan walked upstairs and into the nursery. To his surprise, Kiera was already awake and just looking up at the ceiling.
"What's going on, baby girl?" Ethan asked.
"Daddy," Kiera's eyes brightened when she saw him.
"Did you have a nice kip?" Ethan asked.
Kiera stretched her little arms towards him.
Ethan picked her up. "Happy Birthday, Kiera Faith."
Kiera giggled. "Hi. Baby?"
Ethan carried her over to Gwyn's crib. "She's still sleeping."
"Oh," Kiera said.
Ethan kissed her cheek. "You want to go downstairs and see Mummy?"
Kiera nodded.
"And Blue?" Ethan asked.
"Buh!" Kiera said enthusiastically.
Ethan tickled her side. "Come on with you, then. Let's go and see that crazy pixie."
Maddie met them in the corridor. "Happy Birthday my sweet little girl."
Kiera giggled. "Mummy!"
"Everyone's coming over to see you," Maddie told her daughter.
"Em?" Kiera asked.
"No Em," Ethan shook his head.
"But they sent over a present for you," Maddie said. "And so did your Uncle Josh and Aunt Lizzy."
Kiera looked quizzically into the sitting room.
"But, your grandparents will be here," Maddie told her. "And your Aunt Julie, too. Saffy wanted to be here but she's home with Ellie."
"No Sa?" Kiera asked.
"No, but we'll see her tomorrow," Maddie promised.
Kiera frowned.
Ethan kissed the top of his daughter's head. "She wanted to be here, love. Maybe we'll sneak over there later and send her and Andrew a piece of cake?"
Kiera smiled up at him.
"That's my girl," Ethan grinned back at her.
"Hello?" Hermione's voice called out. "Ethan?"
"Hi!" Kiera called out.
Hermione and Harry appeared in the doorway. "Happy Birthday, Kiera!" Hermione exclaimed.
Kiera grinned and kicked her little legs excitedly.
Harry held out his arms and Ethan handed her over to his father. "Fly!" Kiera told him excitedly. Harry laughed as he lifted her over his head.
"When it gets warmer I'm going to take her up on a broom with me," Ethan said.
Hermione grimaced. "Ethan, no!"
"Mum it'll be fine," Ethan said.
"I took all three of ours up when they were Kiera's age," Harry said. "They all liked it, except for Julie who screamed her head off."
"That's because she's Mum in disguise," Ethan joked.
"I think Hermione just brainwashed her," Harry said winking at his wife.
"Very funny," Hermione said.
Harry spun Kiera around and the little girl squealed happily.
A cry was heard from upstairs. "Gwyn's awake," Maddie excused herself.
"Baby," Kiera told Harry.
"That's right," Harry said. "You are a smart girl, Kiera."
"I'm really glad you guys could make it," Ethan said leading them into the kitchen.
"We wouldn't have missed it," Hermione assured him.
"It's not everyday that your granddaughter turns one," Harry said making a funny face at Kiera. She reached out and grabbed his glasses.
"Hey," Harry blinked. "Sweetheart... I need those."
Kiera put the glasses on.
Ethan laughed. "What are you doing Kiera?"
"That's so cute!" Hermione said laughing, too.
"It's very funny," Harry said. "But I can't see..."
Kiera took off the glasses and handed them back to him. "No see, Gampa."
Harry blindly reached for them. "How did she even know what those are for?"
"She's brilliant," Hermione said affectionately.
"She's becoming so verbal," Ethan said. "I can't believe how many words she knows at a year old."
"She'll be solving math problems soon," Harry joked, tickling Kiera's side. "Right, birthday girl?"
Kiera giggled. "Where Buh?"
"In his cage in the sitting room," Ethan said. "I'll go let him out."
"Brace yourself," Hermione joked.
Ethan laughed. "I'll be right back."
Maddie came into the kitchen with Gwyn. "Next year, Ethan and I decided we're going to do a joint party for the both of the girls."
"Great idea," Hermione said.
"How's she doing?" Harry smiled at his newest granddaughter.
"She's great," Maddie replied.
"Look at those blue eyes," Hermione gushed.
Maddie smiled. "Would you like to hold her?"
"Of course," Hermione didn't hesitate.
Blue chose that moment to fly into the room and he immediately zeroed in on Kiera. Kiera clapped her hands and squirmed in Harry's arms.
"Buh!" Kiera screamed happily.
Harry laughed and set her down.
Kiera stumbled, grabbing one of the chairs to keep herself standing.
"Way to go," Harry said smiling down at her.
Kiera giggled and reached for Blue.
Ron and Luna appeared in the doorway. "Where's my birthday girl?" Luna asked.
"HI!" Kiera cried. "Hi!"
"There she is!" Luna exclaimed.
Kiera let go of the chair and tried to propel herself over to Luna.
Luna knelt down. "You can do it, baby. I'm right here."
"She's trying to walk," Ethan said. "Took her first few steps in the sitting room the other day."
Luna and the others watched as Kiera tentatively took a step forward.
"That's good," Ron encouraged.
Kiera held out her hand.
"That's it," Luna reached for her.
Kiera giggled and put her arms around Luna's neck. "Gam-ma."
"What a big girl," Luna said proudly.
Ron felt a little emotional as he watched his granddaughter. She was so like Maddie.
"I think a big girl like yourself should get a big girl birthday present," Luna told her.
Kiera giggled.
"What do you say?" Maddie prompted her daughter. "Thank..."
"...you," Kiera finished.
"Good girl," Maddie said approvingly.
"Let's get this party started," Ethan said.
"Buh!" Kiera looked for the pixie.
Blue flittered at her side just as Julie arrived with Nick. "Sorry, we're late!" Julie exclaimed. "I had to chaperone the Hogsmeade trip."
"How was it?" Harry asked.
"I had to break up two teenagers snogging in their carriage," Julie said.
"At least it wasn't one of our daughters," Nick said.
Julie laughed. "Thankfully."
"I bet they're looking forward to coming home for break," Harry said, sitting down next to Hermione who was still cuddling Gwyn in her arms.
"They are," Julie agreed. "They're both eager to meet Gwyn and Ellie."
Gwyn let out a tiny cry as she heard her name and Kiera craned her neck to see her sister.
"Baby, baby, baby," Kiera said.
"Such a talker," Ethan said, lifting her up.
"She's made out quite well," Julie said looking at the gifts on the table.
"Everyone sent a little something over," Maddie said.
"One of the benefits of coming from a large family," Ron said to Kiera.
"Sa?" Kiera asked.
"She wishes the brat could be here," Ethan said as he set a tray of food down on the table.
"You know," Saffron said hitting him on the arm. "You can stop calling me that anytime now."
Ethan turned. "What are you doing here?"
"Andrew and I decided we couldn't miss Kiera's first birthday," Saffron said.
Kiera beamed at her. "Sa!"
"Hello birthday girl," Saffron said happily.
"Thanks for coming," Maddie said smiling at her. "It means a lot."
"Of course," Saffron hugged her sister in law.
Blue sat down on the tray of Kiera's high chair.
"What are you looking for?" Maddie asked her pixie.
Blue cackled at her.
"You are something else," Maddie held out her hand.
Blue flitted over to her.
"I bet you want some cake," Maddie said to him.
Blue nodded and he turned to watch as Ethan brought the birthday cake out. "Okay...let's all sing to the birthday girl."
Kiera's eyes grew wide as Ethan came over to her with the cake.
"That's for you," Saffron told her.
Kiera stared around as everyone sang happy birthday to her then looked at her father. "Eat?"
"Blow out your candle first, baby girl," Ethan told her.
"I'll help you," Saffron said. "One, two, three... blow!"
Kiera didn't know what to do, but she mimicked what her aunt did. To everyone's delight, the candle flickered out.
"Way to go," Saffron kissed her niece's cheek. "You get your wish."
Kiera clapped her hands. "Cake!"
"I'll cut a piece for everyone," Ethan said carrying it back into the kitchen.
Ethan needed a moment to himself to reflect on what this day meant. A year ago today, his wife had gone through labour with Kiera and he hadn't been there.
He looked over at Saffron, who was sitting down next to Andrew and Ellie.
Saffron looked up and met his eyes.
She seemed to understand what he was thinking because she got back up and came over to him. "I still think about all that too sometimes. Not as much as I used to... but still."
Ethan nodded. "You know, you're the only one who understands what it was like."
"I know," she agreed. "It's something... I can't really talk to anyone else about. No one else was there and went through what we did."
"And look at us now," Ethan said. "You're a mum and I'm a dad."
"I can't believe it," Saffron looked over at Andrew and Ellie. "So much has changed."
"For the better," Ethan agreed.
Saffron nodded. "I feel so happy now. I feel very fulfilled."
"I can tell," Ethan said.
Saffron hugged her brother. "We've got everything we wanted."
"And then some," Ethan said patting her back. "If anything good came out of that, we both learned not to take anything for granted."
"Absolutely," Saffron nodded.
Ethan grinned. "Come on...we'd better get this cake sliced before Maddie and her dad go mental."
Saffron smiled. "I'll help you serve it."
"Thanks, Brat," Ethan said.
"Thanks Saffy," Ron said when she brought him a piece. "But you'd better make it two."
"Pace yourself, Uncle Ron," Saffron joked.
"Just saying," Ron said, wolfing down half the slice.
"Maybe I should have just made one cake for you," Maddie said thoughtfully.
"That would have been an excellent idea," Ron nodded.
"I'll remember that next year," Maddie promised.
"What about for Christmas?" Ron fished.
"Speaking of that," Hermione said. "Harry and I would like to host all of you on Christmas Eve."
"That sounds like fun," Andrew said.
"If you're going to cook, I'm definitely there," Saffron said to her father.
Harry hid his grin. "I promise you'll have a great dinner," he said.
"I can't wait," Ron said.
Harry shared a private smile with his wife.
Kiera dipped her finger in the icing and grinned before sticking it in her mouth.
"That's a girl," Ron nodded at his granddaughter. "I have to show you the finer ways of eating."
Kiera laughed.
"And I'm sure your cousin Emma will want a hand in that," Ron touched a bit of icing to the little girl's nose.
Kiera giggled. "Gampa."
Ron never got tired of hearing any of his grandchildren talk to him. "Can you get it off?" he teased.
Kiera looked at him for a moment before dipping her hand back in the icing. She held out her finger.
"Eat," she said to Ron.
Ron looked down at his empty plate. "My cake's all gone, love."
"Eat," she held her finger out to him.
Ron shook his head. "That's yours, baby girl."
"Eat," Kiera insisted.
Ron laughed. "Okay...""
Ron ate the bit of frosting off her finger. "Delicious!"
Kiera grinned. "Yummy."
"Here you go," Saffron put a bigger piece down in front of Ron.
"That's my girl," Ron said happily. "Thanks, Saffy."
"I'll take care of you, don't worry," Saffron joked.
"Maddie made the cake," Ethan told everyone.
"It's delicious," Hermione said. "I'd love the recipe."
Ron guffawed. "What for?"
"Just... uh... just in case I have Harry make it for me," Hermione covered.
"Can I have the recipe?" Ron mimicked. "Minister Potter's going to burn down the estate."
Hermione turned red.
Ron chuckled. "That's a good one, Hermione! I still remember you burning the toast last summer at the beach house, remember?"
"She's not that bad," Harry said in defence of his wife.
"Or that time that she put salt in that cake," Ron continued. "Or that---"
"We get it," Hermione said sharply.
"Uncle Ron, how are things at the shop?" Nick asked, changing the subject.
"We're having a great season," Ron said.
"And how are things at the paper?" Maddie asked her mother.
"Going well," Luna nodded. "We're doing some big features starting in the new year."
"Not to mention the first photos of this little one," Andrew said looking down at Ellie.
"You should see the little red dress Lexie got her," Saffron said. "I'll have her in it on Christmas Day."
"Baby?" Kiera asked.
"That's right," Saffron said, bouncing Ellie a little in her arms.
"Baby, baby," Kiera said looking back and forth between Gwyn and Ellie.
"I think that's her favourite word," Ethan said.
"Ellie's first word is going to be 'mama'," Saffron said confidently.
"That's because you're already coaching her," Andrew said.
"I am not," Saffron said smiling down at her daughter.
"It's all right," Andrew said. "Because we know she'll grow up a Wimbourne fan."
"Half of a Wimbourne fan," Saffron relented.
"I'm getting there," Andrew said, pumping his fist.
"But, when we play against each other, she's going to pull for me," Saffron said gleefully.
Andrew just shook his head.
"You know there's a chance she might not even like Quidditch," Hermione pointed out.
Saffron and Andrew both gave her a disbelieving look.
"You never know!" Hermione said defensively.
"Yeah right," Ron cracked.
"That little girl has Quidditch in her blood," Ethan said motioning to Ellie.
Hermione frowned. "Perhaps..."
"She might be a free spirit," Luna said thoughtfully. "Like Maddie and Kiera."
"Nothing wrong with that," Ethan said.
Kiera grinned and held up her icing covered finger. "Cake, Dad-dy."
"I see, sweetheart," Ethan told her.
Kiera stuck her finger in her mouth.
Ethan laughed. "Good isn't it?"
"Yum," Kiera said.
"That's my girl," Ethan kissed her head.
"I can't believe she's a year old," Luna said.
"It's gone by fast," Maddie agreed.
"It always does," Harry said. "It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Saffy's first birthday."
"I hardly remember that," Ethan said.
Saffron grinned at him. "I imagine it was much better than your first birthday, Ethan."
"Why would you say that?" Ethan asked.
"Because I'm Mum and Dad's favourite," Saffron replied. "They didn't tell you because they didn't want to hurt your feelings."
"Here we go," Ethan said.
"Excuse me," Julie said. "I'm the favourite since I was first."
"NONE of you are a favourite," Hermione said. "We love you all equally."
"Absolutely," Harry agreed.
"They'll say that--" Saffron began.
Hermione held up her hand. "Saffy---"
Saffron sat back against the sofa.
"Would you mind if I held my granddaughter?" Harry asked his daughter. "I never get to when your mum's around."
Saffron grinned. "Of course, Dad."
Harry took Ellie from Saffron.
"Hi there," Harry made a goofy face at her.
Ellie looked up at him and gave him a gummy smile.
"She loves you," Saffron said.
Harry smiled. "I love her, too."
"You were always such a good dad," Saffron said. "I know you'll be a good grandparent to her too."
"Thanks, Saffy," Harry said to her.
"Sometimes I look at her and can't believe she's here," Saffron said.
"I feel the same way when I look at Kiera and Gwyn," Maddie said softly.
"That's how I felt when I held this one for the first time," Ethan said, bouncing Kiera.
"I'll never forget the look on your face when you saw her for the first time," Maddie said.
"Neither will I," Hermione said.
Ethan said. "I never expected to come home to this."
"It's been a good year," Harry said. "And I think the next one is only going to get better."
"Too right," Ron agreed. "Bigger and better for all of us."
"Our wedding will come pretty quick," Andrew put an arm around Saffron.
Saffron grinned. "I can't wait."
"Me either," Andrew kissed the side of her head.
"Drew and Darla are looking forward to planning it for you," Maddie said.
"If it's anything like your wedding it'll be more than perfect," Saffron said.
Maddie smiled. "It will be fantastic especially in the gardens at the Minister's mansion. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting."
"Definitely not," Saffron said. "And then the reception in the ballroom."
"You ready to dance in front of a crowd?" Maddie asked Andrew.
"I'll do all right," Andrew said with a grin.
"I'll practise with him," Saffron said.
"Of course," Andrew said. "I can't be tripping over her feet."
"You'll be fine," Saffron said. "I don't know why you don't like to do it more often, Andrew."
"Not in my blood I guess," Andrew shrugged.
"It's in mine," Saffron said looking at her parents.
"Still in ours," Harry said. "Maybe one of these days we'll go to a club and have some fun."
"I'd love that," Hermione said.
"Maybe Luna and I will join you," Ron said.
"You guys should do that," Julie said.
"After the holidays," Harry said
"It's a date," Hermione said.
"Daddy?" Kiera asked. "Cake?"
Ethan laughed. "You want some more, baby?"
Kiera nodded.
"Okay," Ethan grinned.
"Just a small piece," Maddie said. "She's still got to have her dinner."
"Right," Ethan said.
"I'll have another piece seeing as how I won't ruin my dinner," Ron got up.
"I thought so," Ethan grinned. "Sit down, Ron. I'll get it."
Ethan cut his daughter a small piece then put the rest of the cake onto another plate. "Here you go," he said to his father in law in a smartarse tone.
"Thank you," Ron grinned.
"And then we can open your presents, Kiera," Maddie told her.
"Oh," Kiera was obviously more interested in her cake.
Maddie laughed. "That's my girl."
"Completely takes after her mum," Ethan said.
After they'd finished their cake, they settled in the sitting room to open presents. Saffron decided to help her niece.
"This one is from your Uncle Jon, Aunt Allie, Adam, Caroline and Emma," Saffron said.
"Em?" Kiera asked.
"That's right," Saffron nodded.
Kiera patted the box.
"Tear the paper back," Saffron urged, showing her one year old niece how to do it.
Kiera did like Saffron suggested. With Saffron's help, she opened the box and squealed when she saw the doll. "Baby!"
"Your very own," Saffron said, handing her the doll.
Kiera grinned and hugged the doll to her.
"You still have more, sweetheart," Saffron told her.
"This one is from Aunt Julie and Uncle Nick and Katie and Ashley," Saffron said setting another present before Kiera.
Kiera looked at it then back up at Saffron.
"We'll open it together," Saffron told her. "Remember like I showed you?"
Kiera touched the wrapping paper.
Saffron laughed and looked over her shoulder. "Blue? Come here and show Kiera how it's done."
Blue cackled as he flew towards the box.
Kiera clapped her hands. "Buh!"
Blue tore open the paper with his tiny little hands.
Inside the box were a set of blocks that played a tune.
Kiera looked at them then over at her mother.
"We can build a tower with those," Maddie told her. "Really high."
"I used to build towers all the time," Saffron said.
"Me too," Ethan remembered. "Thanks for getting those for her, Jules and Nick."
"No problem," Nick said with a grin.
"This one is from your Grandpa Ron and Grandma Luna," Saffron said winking at Luna as she set the present down before Kiera.
This time, Kiera grasped the edge of the paper in her hand and pulled.
Ron grinned. "She's getting the hang of it."
"She's a smart girl," Hermione said.
"Let's see what Grandma and Grandpa Weasley got you," Saffron said.
Ron and Luna had bought her a beautiful plush teddy bear.
"Bear!" Kiera squealed.
"Her first bear," Maddie said fondly.
"It's so cute, Aunt Luna!" Saffron gushed.
Luna smiled at her. "We always like to get all the kids their first one."
"Love bear," Kiera said hugging it to her.
"She really is such a talker," Saffron said. "A lot of words for a one year old."
"She's a smart girl," Ethan said proudly.
"I'm sure Gwyn will be the same way," Luna gazed at the infant in her arms.
"She talks to me all the time," Ethan said with a grin.
"Yeah right," Saffron rolled her eyes.
"She does," Ethan said. "She and I have nice little chats."
"Whatever, Ethan." Saffron said.
"Okay," Hermione said handing Saffron a present. "This one is from Harry and me."
Kiera's eyes grew wide as Saffron placed the very large box in front of her.
Ron nudged Luna. "We can bet it's not a kiddie oven."
"Not yet," Hermione said as Kiera and Saffron pulled away the paper. She knew it might be a bit too early, but they'd gotten Kiera an old fashioned doll house.
"Ooooh!" Kiera clapped her hands.
"Mum that's beautiful," Saffron said.
"We found it at an antique toy shop," Hermione said.
"How lovely," Maddie said. "She can play with this for a long time."
Hermione grinned. "I'm so glad you like it."
"Love it," Maddie nodded. "Thank you, everyone."
By the time Kiera had opened the rest of her presents, she was nearly half asleep. She climbed up into Ron's lap and rested her head on his chest.
Ron kissed his granddaughter's head. "Are you sleepy, sweetheart?"
Kiera nodded.
"Come on," he said. "We'll put you upstairs with Gwyn."
Kiera closed her eyes.
Ron carefully took his granddaughter upstairs and laid her in her crib. "Sweet dreams, love."
Kiera looked up at him for a few moments before she closed her eyes.
Ron watched her for a few moments. In sleep, she looked more like Maddie than ever.
Luna came up behind him and put her hand on his shoulder. "This was a good day."
Ron nodded. "Yes it was."
"She reminds me so much of Maddie," Luna whispered.
"Right now she looks exactly like her," Ron agreed.
Luna nodded. "She even has her hand under her chin like Maddie used to do..."
"Almost like going back in time," Ron put his arm around his wife.
Luna leaned against him.
They stayed up there a few more minutes before joining everyone downstairs.
"Thanks for taking her upstairs, Dad," Maddie said hugging him.
"Anytime," Ron said. "She's just like you when you were a baby."
"I think she's a lot sweeter than I was," Maddie said.
"You were always a good girl," Luna said.
Maddie smiled. "Thanks, Mum."
"I think Andrew and I have to get going," Saffron came up to them. "It's Ellie's bedtime."
"Oh, okay," Maddie said. "Thank you so much for coming. It meant the world to all of us!"
"I didn't want to miss it," Saffron said. "Seeing as how she's my goddaughter and all."
Maddie gave her a hug. "Thank you."
"We'll see you lot on Christmas Eve," Saffron said.
"Thanks, Brat," Ethan said giving her a hug.
Andrew and Saffron headed home. "I'm going to see if she's hungry before I put her down."
"Okay," Andrew said. "I'll start dinner for us."
"Great," Saffron said. "Just something light- I'm not too hungry."
"You've got it," Andrew said pecking her on the cheek.
Saffron carried Ellie into the nursery. "Are you hungry, my love?" she asked softly.
Ellie looked up at her.
"Let's see," Saffron said, sitting down.
Saffron gazed lovingly at her daughter.
"You were a hungry girl," she said as Ellie nursed.
Andrew came into the nursery. "I just made us sandwiches."
"Great," Saffron said.
"Mum sent us an owl," Andrew said. "Wants to know when we can come by for Christmas."
"How about Christmas Eve morning?" Saffron suggested. "Then we can still go that evening to my parents?"
Andrew nodded. "She says she hasn't gone overboard with Ellie's presents, but I have a feeling..."
"I don't know where we're going to put it all," Saffron said.
Andrew laughed. "And it's not like she can play with any of it yet."
Saffron grinned. "She's all set when she's ready."
"She's all set for the next ten years of her life," Andrew joked.
Saffron moved as Ellie finished feeding. "Your favourite part," she said.
"The burping," Andrew grinned.
"All yours," Saffron handed him the cloth.
Andrew draped the cloth over his shoulder and took the baby from Saffron.
Saffron leaned against the crib as Andrew sat down in the rocking chair with their daughter.
"El, I know you've got a good one in you," Andrew said.
"She certainly ate enough," Saffron commented.
Andrew laughed. "She's a growing girl."
"She's already grown quite a bit," Saffron said. "Healer Parkinson measured her the other day."
Ellie let out a small burp.
"Come on," Andrew encouraged.
Ellie looked at him.
"She's a lady," Saffron said.
Andrew grinned. "So are you, but you can belch with the best of them."
"I do not," Saffron turned red.
"Uh-huh," Andrew grinned. "Ellie and I know the truth."
"Shut it," Saffron said, taking Ellie back into her arms.
Ellie cooed happily.
Saffron kissed Ellie's forehead. "I am so glad you take after your father."
"She takes after you," Andrew argued.
"I wasn't this easy," Saffron replied.
"Knock on wood," Andrew said.
"True," Saffron carefully laid her daughter into the crib.
"Night, Ellie," Andrew whispered.
Saffron turned out the light and they left the room, heading to the kitchen.
"You already have my present?" Andrew asked her with a grin. "Because I already have yours..."
"Of course I have yours," Saffron said. "I had it before Ellie was born."
Andrew gaped at her. "How--"
Saffron smiled at him.
Andrew laughed and shook his head. "You do that every year and I don't know how you do it. Starting so bloody early."
Saffron laughed too. "I have my ways."
"Are you finished with ALL of your shopping then?" Andrew asked. Saffron's response was a smug smile. "Saffy, you're done with all of your shopping?"
"I am," she nodded.
"When did you finish?" Andrew asked. "July?"
"Don't worry about it," she told him.
"Well," Andrew said. "I'm going to go and finish mine up tomorrow then."
"That's fine," Saffron nodded.
Andrew took a bite of his sandwich. "I should have had you do my shopping."
"Perhaps next year I will," Saffron said.
Andrew smiled. "Next year, Ellie will be a year old."
"I know," Saffron nodded.
"Saying 'daddy' and crawling all over the place," Andrew grinned.
"She'll be saying Mummy and WALKING all over the place," Saffron corrected.
"Want to put your money where your mouth is?" Andrew asked.
"What do you have in mind?" Saffron asked.
"If and when she says 'Daddy' first," Andrew said after thinking about it for a few moments, "we'll dress her in nothing but Wimbourne clothes for a month."
"And if she says Mummy first," Saffron said. "Nothing but Puddlemere for a month."
"Deal," Andrew said extending his hand.
Saffron shook it. "May the best woman win."
"Exactly," Andrew agreed. "Wait--"
Saffron laughed. "That works."
Andrew shook his head.
Saffron slid next to him. "You know even when I win, I'll still love you."
"You know you have this over-confidence problem," Andrew told her.
"Me?" Saffron said innocently.
"You," Andrew gave her a kiss. "I'm going to win and you know it. Most kids say 'Daddy' first because it's easier than 'Mummy'."
"I said my mother's name first," Saffron said.
"Well, you're odd anyway," Andrew said dryly.
Saffron poked him. "A fine thing to say to the mother of your child."
Andrew laughed. "You love me just the same."
"Yes I do," Saffron leaned against him.
"That's my girl," Andrew said kissing the side of her head.
"I love you," Saffron said softly. "I can't wait until we're married."
"I can't wait, either," Andrew said holding her close.
"After the wedding we'll have to start looking for a bigger place," Saffron said.
"What did you have in mind?" Andrew asked.
"Well we looked at that house a year or so ago," saffron said. "Something like that, maybe?"
Andrew nodded. "I'd like that. I want Ellie to have a backyard she can play in when she's older."
"And if she has a brother or sister..." Saffron said.
Andrew grinned. "A brother or a sister, eh?"
"Eventually," Saffron said.
"I like that idea," Andrew said.
"Me too," Saffron replied.
Andrew gave her another kiss.
"I wish we could take this to the bedroom," Saffron said, her lips against his.
"Just a few more weeks," Andrew said wistfully.
"It'll go by fast," Saffron said.
"Lots of cold showers in my future," Andrew said.
"I'll go easy on you," Saffron promised.
"Thanks," Andrew said pushing back from his chair and grabbing their plates.
Saffron watched him deposit the dishes in the sink. "Are you tired?"
"A little actually," Andrew admitted.
"It's only half past nine, but we can go to bed early," Saffron replied.
"Maybe watch a little telly," Andrew suggested.
"Sure," she said with a grin. "That does sound nice."
"I'll meet you upstairs," Andrew told her. "I just need to owl my mother about Christmas Eve."
"Sure," Saffron squeezed his hand. "Tell her to let me know if she wants me to bring anything."
"I will," Andrew promised.
Saffron hurried to the nursery to check on Ellie. Her daughter was sleeping peacefully.
Saffron grinned and whispered. "Mummy. Remember that, Ellie."
She kissed Ellie's soft little head then went into the bedroom to get herself ready.
She changed into her pyjamas and brushed her teeth. She climbed into bed and waited for Andrew.
It didn't take him long to come into the bedroom. "All set," he said, smiling at her.
"Did you check in on Ellie, too?" Saffron asked.
He turned a bit red. "Just for a second."
"It's okay," Saffron said. "I did, too."
"This is going to be a tough competition," Andrew said.
"Yes, and you aren't going to fight fair, are you?" Andrew asked.
Saffron smiled innocently.
"I didn't think so," Andrew said climbing into bed with her.
Saffron waved her wand to turn on the telly. "I hope there's something good on."
"An action film," Andrew said.
"Or a nice period piece," Saffron said.
"Well that's guaranteed to put me to sleep," Andrew said dryly.
Saffron nudged him.
"It's true," Andrew laughed.
"An action film would keep us up all night," Saffron objected.
"How about a comedy?" Andrew asked.
"Sure," Saffron agreed.
"Let's see," Andrew said.
Saffron leaned back, closing her eyes as he changed the channels. "What do wizards and witches do without a telly?" she asked.
"Listen to the wireless, I suppose," Andrew replied.
"Boring," Saffron said.
"Or read," Andrew said.
"That I like," Saffron said, cracking her eyes open.
"Or coaching their babies," Andrew teased.
"We'll have plenty of that soon," Saffron poked him.
Andrew laughed. "Yes, we will."
Saffron snuggled up next to him.
She smiled as she heard the sound of his heart beating. It was one of her most favourite sounds in the whole world.
"What are you grinning about?" he asked her.
"I'm just happy," Saffron replied softly.
"Me too," Andrew slid his arm around her. "I love you, Saf."
"I love you too, Andrew," Saffron said closing her eyes.
"I'll take Ellie duty tonight," Andrew said. "Just get some rest."
"Okay," Saffron said sleepily. She hadn't realised how tired she really was until now.
Andrew smiled at her. "Night."
"Night," Saffron mumbled.
*** *** ***