GEORGE
I can't stop grinning as I watch Mädchen flit around the room, her laughter bouncing off the walls like a melody I hadn't heard in years. There's a different kind of magic in the air now, one that's been missing for far too long, like the house itself is taking a deep breath of relief. We've just returned from the Burrow, after an emotional send-off from the family—hugs that lingered a bit too long and promises to write that were too eagerly made. But now, here we are, back in our space, packing for a honeymoon we had only dreamt about for years.
"We're really doing this," I say, barely believing the words myself as I watch her fold a soft cashmere sweater, tucking it neatly into the suitcase. The sunlight filters through the window, catching in her hair and casting her in a golden halo. She looks up, meeting my gaze with that familiar grin, the one that used to make my heart race when we first met—and it still does.
"Just make sure you leave room for all the treats I plan to bring back," she teases, tossing the sweater into the bag with a careless grace. I laugh, feeling that heady mix of excitement and nervousness bubble up inside me. Sweden. A whole month. Just her and me.
The kids, thank Merlin, are at the Burrow, safe under mum's watchful eye. I imagine them now, probably causing chaos with their cousins, completely oblivious to the fact that we're about to be oceans away, basking in the romantic glow of a Scandinavian spring.
But even though they aren't here physically, their presence still linger in the air, like ghosts of their earlier jabs. I can practically hear Poppy's voice ringing in my ears.
"Seriously, can you two tone it down a bit?" She had rolled her eyes dramatically earlier, sitting cross-legged on our bed, watching us pack. "It's like you're teenagers again."
"Yeah, it's kind of embarrassing," Rory had chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm pretty sure I've seen more snogging from you two in the last week than I have in my entire life."
Mädchen had laughed, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, looking every bit the girl I'd fallen in love with so many years ago. "What can we say? We're in love, and we're excited!" she had replied, her voice full of that infectious warmth I adored.
"I know, I know," Poppy had said, her hand waving dramatically as though it could shoo away our love like a pesky fly. "But you don't have to show it all the time. It's a bit... cringey."
"Cringey?" I asked, playing along as I stepped closer to Mädchen, letting the distance between us disappear. I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her into me, feeling the familiar warmth of her body against mine. "You'd rather us act like we're not completely head over heels for each other?"
"Exactly!" Rory had groaned, folding his arms across his chest, his smirk turning into a full-on grin. "A little less of the mushy stuff would be nice."
Mädchen, always the playful one, had leaned into me, her laughter like soft bells in the wind. "Oh, come on. It's good for you to see us happy together. You two need to understand that love can be wonderful, even if it makes you cringe."
Poppy had snickered from the bed, shooting her brother a look. "Sure, but can't it be a little less public?"
I turned to face them both, feigning a serious expression, though I couldn't hide the grin threatening to break free. "You're just going to have to get used to it. Your mum and I are getting away for a month to rekindle our romance. There will be a lot of hand-holding and kissing."
"Oh, great," Rory had muttered, pretending to gag. "I think I'm going to be sick."
Mädchen had only laughed again, and I could feel her happiness radiating through the room like sunshine. She had stepped closer to me, resting her head on my chest. "It's a love story, and you're stuck with us."
