Recovery

103

"I'm scared, Victoria. Every winter, dad seemed to get ill." He frowned. "He didn't think last time, right? Your daddy isn't young, but your daddy is very full of life and you, my kids, his baby, and yours? Give your daddy a reason to come back to us, okay? I promise, I'm not taking your daddy away and I'll be sure we all stay together, okay?" Victoria said and Jasper nodded, slowly getting to his feet and pulled her back to hers. "I know...it's not like Tommy or Zachary...or Draco, but can I fell?" Jasper asked and she smiled. "Of course! I'm only twelve weeks (and five days), but I have a tiny bump." She grind and pulled up her summer shirt, just enough to expose her small baby bump. Jasper smiled and put his hand slowly on her belly. "It's...still confusing. I...know what caused a baby, but...I don't understand why it takes so long to grow..." He mumbled. "To give the baby time to grow and be strong." She said. "Grandma had her baby soon after on the ship. Tommy had Johnny a little early, but he was a big baby. I'm adopting him." Jasper said. "... Johnathan is just Tommy's baby?" She asked. "Johnny is my baby, too, but...something happened to Tommy before they found us. Johnny is my boy." Jasper smiled and she did too. "You are a good young man, Jasper. I promise, we will all stay together, okay? Come on. We should really head back before it gets to late." Victoria said.

Midway back to the base, Victoria phone rang. She handed it to Jasper who put the phone to his ear. "Hi, daddy." He said. "Hey, Jasper. You...and Victoria left a while ago. Are you okay?" He asked. "She was giving me a ride someplace...and we talked. I'm okay, daddy. We are on the way back right now." Jasper said. "Alright, Jasper. Do you know about when you'll be here? Grandma doesn't want the twins to get into the cake until you two are back." James said, before jasper turned his head to face Victoria, who was still driving. "How long until we get home? I'm not good with time." Jasper said. "Roughly half an hour." She said. "Half an hour." Jasper said. "Alright, son. I'll see you two soon." James said, before he ended the call.

Victoria parked the car back in the driveway and the pair got out. She followed Jasper back into the house. "Brother! Richard's here with the girls." Jasper yelled, shutting the door before Richard, who was just getting back to work, and his two girls. Amanda had slowly became friends with the twins, who were aware of her condition. She was apprehensive, about this party, because a lot of people were in the house. So held onto her dad's arm.
Harry came down the stairs. "Captain. If needed, can I leave Kimberley here?" Richard asked. "Harry, Richard. At least in my own home. Yes, but she'll need to be picked up later. Mary is having a sleepover...and unless Amanda is staying, Kimberley won't really...enjoy herself because a lot of the kids are spending the evening at grandparents or their aunts." Harry said. "I...don't know.... Captain." Amanda said in a shy voice. "Amanda!" Mary grinned. Amanda got locked into a hug and she smiled lightly. "Go spend some time with the other girls, Amanda. If you still want to leave, you can. At least try, okay?" Harry said. "Okay, Captain." Amanda said. "So...Willow and Michael aren't here?" Kimberley frowned. "They are. You'll find them in their room." Harry said. Kimberley grinned and Hurried up the stairs.

"She is?" Richard asked, looking over at Victoria who had since picked up Daniel. Daniel was being overwhelmed. He did have autism and all the noise was upsetting the two and half year old boy. Who put his binky in his mouth and tried to hide in her neck. "She's...my step mum. Dad's girl. Her kids are running around here someplace." Harry said. "How is...Mr. Potter doing?" Richard asked. "Better, but often times he is overthinking. The transition was most difficult on Jasper, a boy who knew not a thing." Harry said. "Understood. Anything other then Apple juice?" Richard said. "In the basement, don't put it down if you have a beer." Harry said and the man nodded.

"You...could have just said Victoria." Victoria said once they wasn't in company. "I know, sooner or later...He'll marry you. He is just...I know he worried about...I'm not sure." Harry said, walking closer and give Daniel a tap. Daniel whined. He was staying just were he was. "I got him, don't worry. Your father, I know still loves your mother. He went through, along with Jasper, the unthinkable. surviving for thirty years. I understand his hesitation, but I don't want the man, or you boys worried about him leaving." Victoria said. "Your a very good woman, Victoria. I know. That's also why I know for certain, he'll marry you. It's cool. I like your kids, and Gray thought just because he was a football player, he could tattle me." Harry chuckled. "Gray can tattle boys, his age. Not quite somebody who has...your experience, in life. He's a good kid." Victoria said. "Can...you see if he'll take a nap? Something that helps." Harry asked, knowing his boy wasn't going to part with her. "Of course!" She smiled.

Victoria felt the kiss to her head, as she pulled the blanket over Daniel, who was asleep. His binky in his mouth and in some jammies, and he monkey. He didn't won't his lion today. "You...told Jasper you'd marry me?" James asked. "I did, because I don't want the boy to worry. He is, very worried about you getting sick and leaving or just leaving him. I didn't mean to put you in this position, James." Victoria said and he just give her a light smiled. "I'm thankful, really. I love your kids...and...I do love you too, I just...Need a little more time to get my mind round marriage." James said. "I understand, really." She said, slowly getting to her feet. She placed a light kiss on his lips, before they went to join the party for the now sixteen year old twins, Zachary and Mary.