Authors' note: Those of you who like the Hogwarts story can be rest assured that they will be back front and center in next week's chapter. This week---you get Darla and Liam and a cute scene with Jon, Allie and their children! Enjoy!
Darla pulled the blanket over her son's rocker seat as she carried him into the healer's office. He was due
for a checkup and Liam had agreed to see them that day.
Once inside, she smiled as Rafe glanced up at her. "Hi, you." she said softly.
Rafe gazed up at her with a gummy smile.
Darla laughed. "You're a charmer, just like your dad."
"Hello, Darla," the receptionist said warmly. "And Rafe."
"Hi Nicole," Darla said. "How are you?"
"Very well," Nicole said smiling at her. "I'll just let Healer Thornhart know you're here."
"Thank you," Darla said, lifting Rafe out of the seat.
Darla hugged him to her and carried him over to the sofa.
"We're just going to make sure my best boy is all healthy," she said, nuzzling him to her.
An older woman came in the office carrying a suitcase and looking uncertainly around. Darla smiled at the woman. "The receptionist will be right back," she told her.
"Thank you..." the woman replied, still looking a bit uncertain.
Darla watched the woman as she sat down beside her. The older woman smiled as she looked at Rafe. "How old is your son?"
"He'll be a year old in June," Darla replied.
"They grow up so fast," the older woman said wistfully. "I have two sons, myself."
"How old are they?" Darla asked politely.
"My oldest, Conor, is thirty-four," the woman replied. "And my youngest, William, just turned thirty-one."
"Oh," Darla nodded. "That's lovely."
The two women were startled by the door opening and Darla smiled when she saw Liam. He, however, looked like he had seen a ghost.
"William!" the older woman exclaimed rushing toward him.
"William?" Darla echoed.
"She's the only one who can get away with calling me by that," Liam managed as he hugged his mother. "Mum, what are you doing here?"
"Your mum?" Darla asked, shocked.
Fiona Thornhart smiled proudly at her son. "I---I thought I'd visit you and see how you were."
"I'm doing all right," Liam said. "I just... had no idea you were coming."
"I've missed you and Conor so much," she said, tearing up. "And Christmas---well, it wasn't what we all expected."
"Um..." Liam looked over at Darla. "Mum, I've got some patients to see right now..."
"Oh," Fiona said following her son's gaze. "Of course!"
"I can reschedule," Darla offered.
Fiona waved her hand. "You'll do no such thing."
"Um," Liam said. "Darla Feinbach, this is Fiona Thornhart."
"Hello," Darla said, a bit nervously to Liam's mother. "It's lovely to meet you."
Fiona grinned at her. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Mum why don't you just wait in our back area?" Liam asked. "I only have two patients after Darla."
Fiona picked up her suitcase. "Take your time, son."
Liam nodded and ushered them both back.
"And I'll take that from you," Liam said taking her suitcase. "Just---just make yourself at home, Mum."
"I will love, thank you." Fiona replied.
Liam turned to Darla. "Come on then."
Darla carried her son into the exam room. "Your mother seems like a lovely woman," she ventured.
Liam closed the door behind her. "How's Rafe?"
"He's good," Darla said. "Been sleeping through the night and everything."
Liam made some notes on the chart. Rafe cooed happily in his mother's arms.
"Liam?" Darla asked softly. "Are you all right?"
He nodded. "Yes, of course."
"No, you aren't," she said perceptively. "Why are you upset about your mum showing up?"
"I know you too well," Darla pointed out. "I can tell when you're upset."
Liam gingerly took Rafe from her. "And I know my mother well. She was smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes. Something happened with my dad, I imagine."
"I'm sorry," she said.
"No need to apologise," Liam said. He looked down at Rafe. "Okay, buddy. Let's see how you're doing."
Rafe seemed to recognise him and grinned toothlessly.
Liam laughed. "The charmer."
"Yes he is," Darla said, also smiling.
Liam started to run some tests and Darla was again in awe of how great he was with Rafe. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised given he was a healer. "You know, you'll make a good dad someday," she found herself saying.
"I suppose," he shrugged.
"You will," Darla told him.
"It's not something I've really given much thought to," he said.
Darla blushed. She had not meant to say that out loud. "So, how are the plans coming for Saffy's wedding?" Liam asked her conversationally while he checked Rafe's temperature.
"Great," Darla said. "They're both very excited."
"So she's not gone Bridezilla on you?" Liam asked.
Darla laughed. "Hardly."
Liam grinned. "Well, this little guy is going to be teething soon."
"Uh oh," Darla said. "No more sleeping through the night for us then."
"He's just told me he promises not to be too hard on you," Liam teased.
Darla smiled at him. "You talk to him a lot, aye?"
"This little guy will talk your ear off," Liam said. "In fact, he just told me that he wants you to admit that I'm the better poker player."
"Oh he'd never betray his mummy like that," Darla replied. "Nice try."
Liam laughed. "Don't even get him started on those strained peas you've been trying to feed him. He hates those."
Darla swatted his arm
"Very funny, William," Darla teased.
"Hey now," Liam said. "I told you, only mum is allowed to call me that."
"Okay, okay," Darla said.
"Everything looks good," Liam said. "He's healthy as can be."
Darla exhaled in relief. "That's great news. Isn't it, Rafe?"
Rafe cooed at her.
Darla picked him up and gave him a hug. "That's my big boy."
Liam patted her shoulder. "I'll want to see him again in about three months."
Darla nodded. "I think we can pencil you in."
Liam smiled at her. "What else is new with you?"
Darla sighed and shook her head. "Well..."
"What?" Liam asked.
"I sent Hans the divorce papers," Darla confessed.
Liam looked at her. He knew that was a huge step for her. "You did?"
"Just a few days ago," she admitted. "I think it was the hardest thing I've ever done."
"And have you heard from him?" Liam asked
"Not yet," she said. "I'm filing for sole custody, as well. I don't know if he's going to fight me on that one or not."
"Sole custody?" Liam asked. "Wow."
"I can't bear the thought of Rafe living over there," Darla shook her head. "Visitation... I can handle."
Liam nodded. "I can certainly understand that."
"It was just nice to be in here and laugh a little," Darla said.
Liam smiled. "I'm glad to help, Darla. You know that."
"You're a good friend," she nodded. "One of my best friends."
"I feel the same," Liam said softly.
"Thanks," Darla gave him a hug/
Liam laughed. "What are you thanking me for?"
"For everything," Darla said. "But I don't want to keep you from your mother."
Liam nodded. "She's probably redecorated my office by now."
Darla smiled as she collected her son into her arms.
Liam held the door for her and sure enough his mother was chatting with Nicole and Lizzy like they were old friends.
Liam stifled a sigh. "Mum."
"Son," Fiona smiled.
"We can talk back here," Liam said quietly.
Darla walked over to join Lizzy while Rafe led his mother to his office. "Nicole and Elizabeth are so nice," Fiona gushed. "Elizabeth was telling me she has triplets!"
"Aye, she does," Liam nodded. "Keeps her busy."
"Your office is lovely," Fiona said looking around.
"Why are you here?" Liam asked directly.
Fiona's smile faltered. "I told you. I wanted to see my sons."
"When was the last time you wanted to see us?" Liam asked. "Conor hasn't' been around in ages."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Your father doesn't like to travel."
"And you don't want to do anything without him," Liam said, trying to keep the sarcasm from his voice.
"William, he's been sacked," Fiona told him.
"Let me guess," Liam said. "He showed up pissed again, didn't he?"
Fiona nodded.
Liam shook his head in disgust.
"Thomas is a good man, deep down," Fiona said defensively.
"I don't know how you can defend him," Liam pointed out. "He's done nothing but hurt you."
Fiona nodded. "I know that. Which is why I'm here. I---I didn't have anywhere else to go."
"What did he do to you?" Liam asked.
Fiona sat down on the sofa and put her head in her hands.
"Mum?" Liam asked.
"He's been awful to me," Fiona admitted. "He was sacked three weeks ago, William. He---said it was my fault and he took it out on me." She saw the look of alarm on her son's face. "No, he didn't hit me. But, his words---"
Liam shook his head. "You can't go back to him this time."
Fiona nodded. "I was hoping to stay with you or Conor until I figure out what to do."
"You can stay with me," Liam nodded.
Fiona hugged her son tightly. "Thank you, son. Thank you so much."
Liam hugged his mother back. Despite his disappointment in her, he did love her.
"I'll see if Lizzy can see my next patient," Liam said. "And I'll see you to my flat."
"Thank you," Fiona smiled at him.
"It'll be okay, Mum," Liam said to her. "I promise."
Fiona followed her son out and saw his partner along with the same redheaded woman who he had seen just before coming into the room with her. She thought she'd remembered him saying something about her before... the name Darla sounded so familiar.
The baby in Darla's arms gave Fiona a toothless smile. Fiona grinned. "That's a handsome boy you have there."
"Thank you," Darla said. "He's the best thing in my life right now."
"Lizzy?" Liam asked his colleague. "Would you mind seeing my next patient? I'm going to get my mother settled in."
"Of course," Lizzy nodded.
"Do you need some help?" Darla asked him.
"I think we're okay," Liam replied.
"Mrs. Thornhart," Darla said. "I was just going to take my son to the park. Would you like to join us? We could even get a bite to eat and then we can come back here and Liam can take you to his place."
"Darla," Liam started to protest.
"Then you could see your patient," Darla interrupted.
Before Liam could answer, Fiona nodded enthusiastically. "If you don't mind, I'd love to."
"Lovely," Darla smiled. "Since it's not too cold, I wanted to get him some fresh air. We won't be gone more than an hour."
Liam walked over to Darla. "You don't have to do this, you know?"
"I want to," Darla told him.
Liam grinned at her. "You're pretty great, you know that?"
"Tell me something I don't' know," she said. "We'll be back in a bit."
Liam pecked her on the cheek. "Thanks, Darla. I really appreciate it." He looked at Rafe. "Buddy, you look out for these two, okay?"
Rafe grinned at him.
Darla tapped her wand on the carrier and it turned into a pram. Darla gingerly put him inside. "There we are."
"He seems to be a lovely little boy," Fiona said as they set out. "He hasn't made a peep."
Darla nodded. "He is a great little baby. He's been sleeping soundly through the night, but Liam's told me he's going to start teething and my quiet nights are going to come to an end."
"Rub a little whisky on his gums," Fiona advised.
Darla looked at her. "Really?"
"It worked for both my boys." Fiona nodded.
"And they've turned out so well," Darla said. "One's a healer and the other's a banker. I've never met Conor, but Liam's amazing."
"You care for my son," Fiona said.
Darla remembered what had happened at the Ministry ball at New Year's. She and Liam had not discussed it, but it seemed like the big elephant in the room when they were together. "He's one of my best friends."
"I'm glad he's made some good friends," Fiona replied.
Darla smiled. "And now that I have you alone, you can tell me what he was like as a boy."
Fiona laughed. "He was always very curious."
"Was he now?" Darla asked.
"He would often run in with a bug or if he could, some sort of animal or snake, even." Fiona recalled.
Darla laughed. "Ewwwwww."
"One time he found a baby bird and nursed it back to health," Fiona said. "I think he was around ten.
"Awww," Darla said thinking that sounded exactly like something Liam would do.
"He's always had that in him," Fiona said, looking at Rafe who was gazing up at them.
Darla smiled down at her son. "What is it, love?"
"Such a sweet, sweet boy," Fiona said. "So like my Liam."
Darla nodded. "Oh, they're thick as thieves."
"I always thought he would make a good father," Fiona said. "But he's never really been serious with any girl."
Darla did not know why she was relieved by this, but she was.
"I suppose when he's ready he'll find his girl," Fiona said.
Darla did not say anything to this.
They reached the park and Darla pushed the pram to her usual bench and sat down.
Darla told Fiona about the time she and her family had lived in Ireland. "It's such a beautiful place. I didn't really appreciate it when I was a girl, but I do now."
"It's a beautiful country," Fiona agreed. "I don't know how I'm going to leave it behind."
Darla was not aware of what had happened to bring Fiona to London, but she figured it had to do something with Liam's father. "Well, at least you'll be able to visit with your sons."
"If Conor will even see me," Fiona sighed. "I'm sorry, love. I shouldn't be involving you in our family troubles."
"It's okay," Darla reassured her. "I mean, Liam's told me a little about what's been going on."
"I'm glad he's found someone to confide in," Fiona nodded thoughtfully.
"Me too," Darla said softly.
"I'll be staying with Liam for a little while," Fiona said. "Until we figure things out."
"I think that will be great for both of you," Darla said smiling at her.
Fiona nodded. "He's a good boy."
"He loves you very much," Darla said.
"I'm lucky for that," Fiona replied.
"I hope this little guy feels the same," Darla said lifting Rafe out of his pram. "Would you like to hold him?"
"That's okay--" Fiona began.
Darla laughed. "Come on. You know you want to."
"All right," Fiona said with a smile.
Darla handed Rafe over to her. "Ah, you're a natural, Mrs. Thornhart."
"Having two boys, you don't forget how they are," Fiona said with a little laugh.
"That's what my mum says," Darla said. "Except she has six of us to deal with."
"Six?" Fiona asked. "My, my..."
"Josh, Jon, me, my twin sister Drew, Maddie and RJ," Darla told her.
"She must have kept busy with all of you," Fiona said, patting Rafe's back.
Darla nodded. "We kept her and my dad on their toes."
Fiona passed Rafe back to her when he began to fuss. "It sounds like a hungry cry."
Darla nodded. "I have a bottle in my bag. Could you get it for me?"
"Of course," Fiona answered.
Fiona handed the bottle to Darla. "Here you are."
"Thank you," Darla guided the bottle to her son's mouth. Rafe put one little hand up against it.
"Someone was hungry," Fiona smiled.
"He usually is," Darla said. "My family is known for their appetites."
Fiona laughed. "Is that so?"
"My dad and my younger sister are especially known," Darla nodded.
Fiona remembered her son telling her that he was going to spend Christmas with his friend's family. This must have been Darla's family. Of course, she knew her son well. She had seen the way he'd interacted with the red-haired woman.
"It sounds lovely," she said. "Like a family that really cares for one another."
"We definitely do," Darla said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without them."
Fiona smiled sadly. She wished that for her own family.
"Your boys love you," Darla said seemingly reading her mind. "And I think you're incredibly brave."
"Thank you," Fiona said softly.
Darla smiled. She could certainly empathize a little with Fiona Thornhart. It was never easy to make a decision that would seemingly turn your world upside down.
"Well..." Darla said. "We should get back. I imagine Liam's done with his patient by now."
Fiona nodded. "Thank you for today. This was just what I needed."
"I'm glad to have helped," Darla carefully set Rafe back into the pram.
"It was nice to be out in the fresh air," Fiona said.
"It's such a nice day, especially for January," Darla agreed as they headed back to the office.
"Spring is just around the corner," Fiona said looking up at the sky. "That's my favourite season. It always holds such...promise."
Darla nodded thoughtfully. "It's got to be a better year than the last."
"Wasn't a very good year for you, then?" Fiona asked.
"You could say that," Darla answered vaguely. "Aside from Rafe, of course."
Fiona knew that children made it all worthwhile. That was one of the reasons she had stuck it out with Thomas like she had. Perhaps Liam and Conor would have fared better if she had left years ago. There was nothing she could do though to change the past, but for the first time in quite awhile, she felt hopeful.
Meanwhile across town, Jon had taken the day off to look through papers with Allison. With a fourth child on the way, their home simply was not big enough.
"This one has four bedrooms and two and a half baths," Jon said circling another listing. "Caroline and Em would still have to share a room, but I don't think they'd mind."
"Caroline will be going to Hogwarts this fall, too." Allison pointed out. "They'd really only have to share in the summer."
Jon smiled at his wife. "Where did the time go, huh? It seems like just yesterday, I was teaching her how to ride a bike and now she's going off to school."
"I know," Allison said wistfully. "I had a few tears in my eyes when she got her letter on her birthday."
"She's your little shadow," Jon said reaching for her hand. "She reminds me so much of you at that age. She always has."
"Inquisitive," Allison smiled.
"Sweet," Jon said.
"And very sensitive," Allison added wryly.
"Oh, she gets THAT from me," Jon said cheekily.
Allison laughed. "Yeah right."
"I'm very sensitive," Jon said nudging her.
"Sensitive here," Allison poked his side.
Jon laughed. "You got me there."
Allison smiled and turned a page in the paper. "What about this place?"
"What about it?" Jon asked.
"I like the location," Allison said. "It's slightly out of our price range..."
"How much out?" Jon asked.
"About ten thousand above," Allison sighed. "Never mind..."
Jon looked at the listing. "It can't hurt to take a look at it. It says here an estate agent is on duty until four. We can pick up Em and Caroline from school and run over there and check it out. Besides, that price is just a starting point. I'm a good negotiator."
"I guess it couldn't hurt to take a look," Allison agreed.
"Absolutely not," Jon said. He looked down at his son, who was playing with his toy cars. "Right, Adam?"
"Okay," Adam said.
Jon grinned. "Come on, then. Let's get ready, buddy."
"I want to play," Adam protested.
"You can play," Jon said picking him up. "You and I are going to fly upstairs..."
Adam laughed. "FLY ME!"
Jon lifted his son high above his head. "Ready?"
Adam stuck his arms out. "Fly high!"
Jon carried Adam out of the kitchen and Allison laughed as she stood up. Absently, she placed a hand to her stomach. There was a slight bump now.
"Hello little one," Allison said. "We're making all kinds of plans for you."
"A new house," Allison said looking around at the home they'd had for years.
She knew Caroline wouldn't be happy about moving. they had been in this place all her life.
"Allie?" Jon asked. She turned around, startled. He and Adam were watching her.
"Hm?" Allison asked.
"Come on, Mummy," Adam said smiling up at her. "Go get Sissy."
Allison picked her son up. "You are such a good boy."
Adam smiled sweetly at her.
Allison kissed his cheek. "I haven't called the realtor yet," she told Jon.
Jon nodded. "I'll do that."
"Thanks," Allison smoothed Adam's messy red hair.
"Where's the baby?" Adam asked his mother.
"In here," she patted her stomach.
Adam grinned. "Really?"
Allison nodded. "Right in the same place you were."
"Em and Sissy too?" Adam asked.
"That's right," Allison replied.
"Em," Adam frowned.
"Adam Jonathan," Allison said. "Be nice to your sister."
Adam grinned and put his arms around his mother's neck.
"You're just like your daddy," Allison told him.
"Which is a good thing," Jon said as he hung up the phone. "The estate agent said she'd meet us at the house. Let's go and get the girls."
"Great," Allison said, grabbing her cloak.
"Come on, Maxi!" Adam shouted. Max ran toward the little boy, but Jon held up his hand. "He can't go, Adam."
"Why?" Adam asked.
"Because," Jon said picking his son up and placing him on his shoulders. "And he has to guard the house, right?"
"From the monsters," Adam nodded.
The three of them set off for Emma and Caroline's school with Adam talking animatedly to his parents. He enjoyed having them all to himself.
"And then Maxi flew into the sky," Adam finished his story.
"Max did that?" Jon asked looking up at his son who was patting the top of his head. "Ow, mate. Go easy on your dad."
"Ow, mate." Adam said.
Allison stifled a laugh. "He's even starting to sound like you, Jon."
"I want to be just like Daddy," Adam told her.
"Merlin help us," Allison said opening the door to the school. "We can barely put up with one."
"Hey," Jon said with an injured look.
"Only kidding," Allison said pecking him on the cheek.
"Pick up Sissy first," Adam demanded.
"Caroline's classroom is first," Allison said. "Just this way..."
"I want to walk," Adam began squirming.
Jon set him down. "Here you go, mate."
"Sissy!" Adam called, running ahead of them.
Inside her classroom, Caroline heard her little brother. She grabbed her school bag and waved goodbye to her friends. "Adam!"
Adam launched himself at Caroline.
Caroline laughed. "You're getting fast, Adam!"
"I know," Adam said. "New house!"
The smile on Caroline's face fell. "Oh."
"Come on!" Adam tugged at her hand.
Caroline reluctantly followed them. She had heard her parents talk about moving, but she did not realise they were at the point of looking at actual houses. Didn't they care that their home was special? Caroline did not want to think about living anywhere else.
"Hi," Caroline tried to muster some enthusiasm.
"Hi, Angel," Jon said mussing her hair. "How was school?"
"Good," Caroline replied.
"Let's go get Em," Allison said. Emma was not waiting for them, however. She was sitting in her desk, fidgeting. "Emma Madeline, you can't just get up during lessons because you want to," the teacher was telling her.
"I just wanted to dance," Emma pouted.
"There's a time for dancing and there's a time for learning," the teacher said. "You're not getting a gold star today."
"But I want one!" Emma protested. "I'll be good tomorrow, I promise."
"I'm afraid not, Emma," her teacher replied. "If you're good tomorrow, you'll get one. You just have to remember to pay attention."
Jon knocked on the door frame. "Is there something wrong?"
"Mr. Weasley," the teacher said warmly.
"Is my little mermaid misbehaving again?" Jon asked.
Emma shook her head. "No, Daddy."
"I'm afraid we just had a little situation," the teacher said. "Emma decided to show off a few dance moves in the middle of a lesson."
"Ooh!" Adam clapped his hands. "Em in trouble!"
"Adam," Allison said sternly.
Adam shrugged.
"Apologise," Allison told him. "Right now."
Adam looked down at the floor. "Sorry, Em."
"Emma," Jon said warningly. "We talked about this."
Emma nodded. "I'll do better, Daddy. Promise."
"Tell your teacher you're sorry," Jon told her.
"Mrs. Cooper, I'm sorry," Emma said sweetly.
"We'll try again tomorrow, Emma." Mrs. Cooper nodded.
Emma smiled. "Gold star tomorrow."
"I hope so," Mrs. Cooper smiled at her.
Emma grabbed her things and took her mother's hand. "Can we get ice cream now?"
"Perhaps," Allison said. "First, we're going to all go look at a new house."
"Ooooh," Emma said excitedly.
"Why do we have to move?" Caroline asked.
Jon looked down at his oldest daughter. "The house we have now is so small, love. It was fine when it was just us, but with a new baby and Max, we need a bigger space."
"Oh," Caroline said quietly.
"And we just want to take a look at this house," Jon told her.
"We don't have to buy it?" Caroline seemed relieved.
Allison smiled. "You know how you'll go shopping with your Aunt Frankie and she'll tell the shop girl that she's just browsing? That's kind of what we're doing."
Caroline finally smiled. "Okay."
Jon put an arm around her. "But, unlike your Aunt Frankie, we're not going to break the bank."
"Perish the thought," Allison replied.
It only took them a few minutes to walk to the house and Emma and Adam's eyes grew large as they saw the house for the first time. "Wow!" Adam squealed.
"It's so big!" Emma jumped up and down.
Allison and Jon looked at each other and smiled.
The realtor met them at the door and they all looked through the house. Allison thought it would be perfect for their expanding family but was still worried about the cost.
"The backyard is quite large," she told them. "The family that lived here previously left a swing set..."
"A SWING SET?" Emma shrieked, tearing towards the rear of the house.
"Em!" Adam hurried after her.
"Wait just a minute," Jon called, but Emma and Adam were already outside.
The realtor laughed. "I think your children like it, Mrs. Weasley."
"Yes well..." Allison said. "My husband and I need to discuss the cost..."
"Of course," she said. "I'll just be in the kitchen. Take as much time as you need to look around."
"Thank you," Allison said.
Caroline reached for her mother's hand. "Can we look upstairs, Mummy?"
"Sure, sweetheart," Allison agreed.
Jon walked outside to keep an eye on the two younger children while Allison and Caroline toured the upstairs area.
"How many rooms are up here?" Caroline asked.
"Four," Allison told her.
Caroline nodded.
"You'll still share one with Em for awhile," Allison told her. "When you're home from Hogwarts."
Caroline turned away.
"Angel?" Allison asked concernedly.
"I don't want to move, Mummy," Caroline said, wiping at her eyes.
"Why not sweetheart?" Allison smoothed her daughter's hair.
"I love our house," Caroline replied. "I love my room and I love our yard and the seat on the window where I read..."
"I know you love it there," Allison told her. "But there's not enough room for us and the new baby."
Caroline bit her bottom lip. "What if the baby shared a room with Adam? And Em and I can still share?"
"Not if it's a girl, sweetheart," Allison told her. "It's just time we got a bigger place."
Caroline gave her mother a hug.
"It's not the first time you'll move," Allison told her. "And far from the last."
"And I keep thinking about going away to school," Caroline admitted. "I've never been away from home before, Mummy and you'll need me to help you with Adam, Emma and the baby."
Allison laughed. "Caroline, we'll manage, I promise. You'll go to school and learn all sorts of new things."
"And I'll have Katie and Mia," Caroline said softly.
"That's right love." Allison reassured her.
Caroline gave her mother another hug. "This is a really nice house," she admitted.
"I do like it," Allison agreed.
"Which room would Em and I get?" Caroline asked.
Allison grinned. "You pick."
Caroline giggled. "Well, you and Daddy would get the biggest room."
"Naturally," Allison said. "I think this one looks perfect for you two."
Caroline walked inside the room and looked around. The window had a great view of the backyard and Caroline smiled when she saw her little sister twirling. Allison helped Caroline with the window. "Em!" Caroline shouted. "Come up here! I found our room!"
Emma stopped and stumbled a bit. "I'm coming!"
Caroline grinned. "Daddy! Come up with Adam too!"
"Be right there, Angel." Jon called.
A few moments later, Caroline heard Emma coming up the stairs. "Where are you?" Emma called out.
"In here," Caroline replied, poking her head out the door.
"The backyard is so cool!" Emma gushed. "It has a slide and four swings!"
"Wow," Caroline said. "One for each of us."
Emma stepped into the room. "This one is bigger than ours at home, Caroline!"
"I know," Caroline nodded. "We'd get to share it."
"I like it," Emma said to her mother.
"We have some things to discuss," Allison looked at Jon.
"I can watch Adam and Emma," Caroline said.
"Why don't you three go out and try that swing set," Allison told them.
Caroline nodded. "Come on, Em. Adam, I'll push you."
Adam jumped up and ran out the door excitedly.
Emma waved at her parents before following her brother and sister. Jon looked at his wife. "We can't let that lady know how much we like the house. She'd never come down on the price."
"I know," Allison replied. "It's nice, but I'm not prepared to spend that much."
"We'll negotiate," Jon said thoughtfully.
"We'll have to," Allison nodded. "Or we'll have to find another place."
"Do you like it?" Jon asked her.
"So far," Allison admitted. "But I haven't seen the whole thing yet."
"Well," Jon said taking her hand. "Let's take a look..."
Allison liked the kitchen. It was roomier than the one they currently had and it was open to the dining room.
She could see her family sitting around the table, with the newest member of the family sitting in her high chair.
The sitting room was also roomier, with a fireplace tucked against one wall and built in bookshelves on the adjacent wall.
"Lovely, isn't it?" the realtor asked, coming into the room. "The perfect home for a growing family."
"That's what we have," Allison touched her stomach.
Jon looked around the room catching his wife's eye. He winked at Allison before turning to face the realtor. "I suppose its okay. I mean, the paint job isn't that great...and the kitchen isn't as big as what my wife and I are used to."
"Well this kitchen is enhanced with all the things you would need for your family," the realtor said.
"The appliances are a bit out of date," Jon said. "We're a more state-of-the-art kind of family."
"I see," the realtor said. "Well, aside from the full swing set in the back, this place also includes the built in bookcases, gas fireplace--"
"Gas fireplace?" Allison asked looking at Jon.
"We like wood burning, personally," Jon replied. "Have no use for a gas one."
"Oh," the realtor replied. "Um, well, that could be fixed."
"If we were to fix it, how much would you be able to knock off the price of the house?" Jon bargained.
The realtor looked taken aback. "Mr. Weasley, this house is already quite a steal at three-hundred and fifty thousand pounds."
"That's really steep, actually," Jon replied. "We've looked at one with the wood fireplace for around two, ninety."
"Two, ninety?" the woman asked chuckling. "I doubt it was this nice, Mr. Weasley."
"We liked it a lot," Jon looked at his wife. "Didn't we, Al?"
Allison nodded. "In fact, we were going to put in an offer..."
"Well," the realtor said hastily. "Perhaps I can work something out with the current owner. He did say he was looking to sell quickly.
"You have our number," Jon said to her. "Let us know what he says, but we are looking at other places..."
The realtor nodded. "I will be in touch in the next day or so, Mr. Weasley."
Jon shook her hand as did Allison before the two of them walked into the backyard. "Fantastic acting, Mr. Weasley," Allison whispered.
"I did learn from the best," Jon put his arm around her.
"I love this house," Allison said.
"It'll be ours," Jon said confidently.
"You think?" Allison asked.
"Definitely," Jon replied.
"Hold on, Adam," Caroline said giving her brother a push on the swing.
"Kids," Allison called. "Let's go."
Adam looked at Allison. "Wait, Mummy! Watch me go!"
"All right," Allison said with a grin.
"Caroline's 's'posed to push me now!" Emma exclaimed glaring at Adam.
"We'll have to save that for another time," Allison said. "We have to go."
Emma frowned.
"It's not fair," she said, crossing her arms. "Adam got a turn!"
"Okay, but be quick about it," Allison relented.
Emma's frown turned into a grin as she ran back to the swing set.
Caroline followed her. "Okay, Em...get ready."
"Push me HIGH!" Emma squealed.
Caroline giggled. "I will."
"Higher!" Emma squealed.
Allison leaned against her husband. "She has absolutely no fear."
"None," Jon agreed.
Adam toddled over to his father and held up his arms.
"Hiya, buddy," Jon picked him up. "What's up?"
"Fly," Adam told him.
"Not now," Jon told him.
Adam yawned and rested his head on his father's shoulder.
"I guess Adam's too tired for ice cream," Jon joked.
Allison laughed. "Such a shame too..."
"No," Adam said. "Not tired."
Jon grinned. "I thought that might perk you up, mate."
"Mr. Weasley! Mrs. Weasley!" The realtor called after them. She appeared on the back patio and smiled at them. "I just had a quick word with the owner. He would be willing to go down to three-hundred thousand pounds."
"Hmmm..." Jon looked at Allison. Three hundred was exactly what they had been hoping for, but it would still be a stretch.
"Two ninety if you would cover the fireplace replacement yourself," the realtor countered.
Jon grinned broadly. "I think we can manage that."
The realtor's grin matched his. "Fantastic. I'll draw up the papers."
Jon waited until the realtor had gone before letting out a whoop.
"What's going on, Daddy?" Emma and Caroline asked.
"You girls like this place, right?" Jon asked them.
Emma nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!"
"Well..." Jon paused. "It's OURS!"
Emma jumped up and down. "YAY!"
"Well, not just yet," Allison said. "But pretty soon it will be. And you three know what this means?"
"What?" Caroline asked.
"Cleaning rooms, packing up, and getting rid of things you don't want anymore," Allison replied.
Emma started to twirl around again. "I don't want to get rid of nothing!"
"I can probably get rid of some clothes and toys I don't use anymore," Caroline said.
"You can give some of them to your cousins," Allison said putting an arm around her oldest daughter.
"Or us," Emma said mischievously.
"Em!" Caroline giggled.
"I like your dresses," Emma replied.
"I'll let you have some of them, but it'll be awhile before you fit into them," Caroline told her.
"That's okay," Emma replied.
"Okay," Jon said setting Adam down. "Let's go and celebrate with ice cream."
"ICE CREAM!" Adam shouted happily.
Allison looked at Caroline. "You sure you're okay with this, sweetheart?"
Caroline nodded. "It's a nice house."
"I felt the same way when your dad and I moved out of the flat over the shop," Allison recalled. "Everyone thought I was being silly because we were moving into this new house from a very small flat, but it was the first place that had really been ours---together."
"Your first place," Caroline nodded.
"But, you know what?" Allison asked her. "Home isn't always a place, sweetheart. It's your family."
Caroline nodded.
Allison gave her a hug. "I think we'll be happy here."
"Me too," Caroline said. "Em and Adam and the new baby will love it a lot."
Emma fell into step beside them. "I love it already."
Allison ruffled Emma's red hair. "I can tell, baby girl."
Caroline giggled. "Mummy, do you remember when you found out you were having Adam and Emma kept going around saying 'Em still baby'."
Emma laughed. "I was so funny!"
"You're still funny," Allison said fondly.
"Em ate Maxi's food," Adam chimed in.
"No I didn't!" Emma put her little hands on her hips.
"You did," Caroline told her. "You took a bite from his dish once."
"Eww!" Emma wrinkled her nose.
"It was only once," Caroline reassured her. "You spit it out afterwards."
"I like muffins better," Emma decided.
"Me too," Adam agreed.
"And ice cream!" Caroline exclaimed.
"And pizza," Allison said.
"Can we have that for dinner?" Emma brightened.
"Maybe," Allison said. "We'll have to see."
"Or we could run by the pub," Jon said.
Caroline nodded. "That'd be great. Audrey's working!"
"Aunt Audrey," Emma giggled. "Someday!"
Jon came up behind Emma and scooped her up. "Someday, eh?" The red-haired girl giggled.
"Do you know something we don't, baby?" Allison asked her with a grin.
Emma giggled. "No, Mummy! Daddy, put me down!"
"I thought my little Emma liked to fly," Jon said.
Emma nodded. "I do, but it's time to eat!"
Jon laughed. "That it is."
"Is Uncle Josh working, too?" Caroline asked.
"He should be," Jon said, setting Emma down to swing Adam back on his shoulders.
"Adam, do you think Max will like the new house?" Caroline asked her little brother.
Adam nodded. "Can Maxi have his own room?"
Allison looked up at her son from his perch on Jon's shoulders. "Well, I think he's going to have the backyard and we'll set his bed up like we did in our house now."
"Okay," Adam agreed clapping his chubby hands together.
Allison hurried in front of them to get the door. "I'm starving..."
"The baby's starving," Emma sang.
Allison laughed. "That's right, baby girl."
"Is it a boy or a girl?" Emma asked.
"A boy," Adam replied.
"Girl," Emma countered.
"Girl," Caroline agreed.
"No fair," Adam complained.
"I'm with Adam," Jon said grinning up at his son. "We're going to even things out."
"No," Emma shook her head. "We should ask Kiera if it's a girl."
Caroline nodded eagerly. "We should. She would so know."
"Girls, Kiera is just a baby," Allison said. "Granted, a baby with quite an ability, but I don't think she can tell gender."
"Can't hurt to ask," Caroline said thoughtfully.
"Girls," Jon said in the same tone as his wife.
"Hiya, Weasleys," Audrey said coming over to them.
"Aud!" Emma ran over to her.
"Princess Ariel," Audrey knelt down and gave her a hug. "How lovely of you to grace us with your royal presence."
Emma giggled. "We're hungry!"
"You are in the right place," Audrey said.
"Guess what?" Caroline told her. "We got a new house!"
Allison nodded and reached into her bag for the pamphlet that showed pictures of the house. "Jon
's negotiating helped."
"Congratulations!" Audrey exclaimed. "This looks like a beautiful place!"
"We love it," Jon said.
"Swing set!" Adam exclaimed.
Emma started to tell Audrey about the house and Audrey smiled at the little girl's enthusiasm.
Jon disappeared into the back to go see his brother. "Hey, mate." he said when he saw Josh in the office.
Josh looked up in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Got some good news," Jon replied. "Al and I just bought a new house."
Josh grinned. "Really?"
"I do have a bit of a favour... well... a really big favour to ask of you though," Jon said.
Josh leaned back in his chair. "What's that?"
"Al and I have to sign on the house tomorrow," Jon said. "But we won't be able to pay until we put ours on the market and sell it..."
Josh nodded.
"I just wondered if you could maybe... just help me out." Jon finished. "Just until we sell our place. I'd pay everything back."
Josh knew how hard this had to be for his brother. "Of course."
Jon grinned at him. "Really?"
Josh laughed. "Yes, why do you act so surprised?"
"It's just a big favour," Jon answered. "A lot of money."
"I know," Josh said. "But, I also know how important this is to you and Allie."
"Especially with number four on the way," Jon replied, pushing his hair back.
"Lizzy and I are happy to help," Josh told him.
"Thanks mate," Jon stuck his hand out.
Josh shook his hand. "No problem."
"The kids are here with Al," Jon said. "I'm sure they'll want to tell you all about the new place."
Josh stood up. "Let's go and see them then."
"Uncle Josh!" Caroline squealed when she caught sight of him.
"Hiya, Caroline," Josh grinned at her. "I hear you lot are moving."
"Mummy and Daddy found us a new house," Caroline told him. "And at first, I didn't want to go, but I think it's going to be really cool."
"I think so too," Josh said.
"Casey, Aidan and Noah will have to come play on our new swing set," Emma said.
"They'll never want to leave," Josh joked.
"Mummy," Adam tugged at her hand. "I'm hungry, 'member?"
Allison nodded. "Yes, what does everyone want to have?"
"A big cheeseburger," Emma replied, rubbing her hands together.
"That sounds good," Jon said.
"Pizza!" Adam said.
"I want pizza too," Caroline said to Allison.
"I suppose you and Adam can split one," Allison said.
"What can I get for you, Allie?" Audrey asked.
"How about some fish and chips?" Allison asked.
Audrey nodded. "Sure."
"And I'll join my little girl in a burger," Jon replied.
Emma grinned at him. "Daddy and me."
"On the house tonight," Josh told Audrey.
Jon looked at his brother. "Josh--"
"I want to," Josh grinned at him.
Jon grinned back. "Thanks, mate."
Though he and his brother had the occasional disagreement, they had both made an effort to make their partnership work.
Allison squeezed her husband's hand under the table. She knew how much he liked working with his brother now that they were getting along.
Allison squeezed her husband's hand under the table. She knew how much he liked working with his brother now that they were getting along.
"Come on guys," Audrey said to the children. "We have some new games in the back that you have to see." The children eagerly followed Audrey while Josh excused himself to get back to work.
Jon told Allison about what he had asked his brother. "I know it's never a good idea to borrow from family, but we'll pay him back, Al."
"Of course we will," Allison said. "I was going to talk to you about that later."
"He was really great about it actually," Jon said.
"You two have gotten closer," Allison noted.
Jon nodded. "After all these years..."
"Took long enough," she nudged him.
Jon laughed. "I guess I should have listened to you long ago."
"You already know that," Allison replied.
Jon gave her a kiss. "You're always right."