Loving in Scarlet {Book Two in the Loving Series}

Chapter Six ~ Surprise?

Chapter Six

Surprise?

       Rose woke up happy. She always did lately, knowing her baby was safe and Scorpius was beside her in their new home-they’d decided to call it Dune House, because of the large sand dunes that at the moment were covered in snow. The house was fully unpacked with old and new furniture, much of it from Malfoy Manor’s storage unit-furniture seemed to be packed in like a hoarders den, and Rose and Scorpius had helped themselves. It was now Christmas morning, as the couple had decided to spend Christmas Eve and morning by themselves, then dinner at the Potter house with Rose’s parents, Harry and Ginny; James and his girl friend; Albus, Leanne and Willow; Olivia, Ian and their children; and Hugo and his girlfriend Fiona.

“Scorp?” she whispered, snuggling close only to find Scorpius wasn’t sleeping beside her. She sat up, fear trickling through her. “Scorp, were-”

But the rest of her sentence was cut off by something small, black and wriggly landing on the bed. Crying out in surprise, Rose took the puppy in her arms and beamed at Scorp, who stood at the end of the bed, smiling like crazy.

“Merry Christmas, Rose.”

“You got me a puppy?!” she said, holding the wriggling pup close “Oh Scorp, I-I-I love it!”

“It is actually a female Portuguese water dog,” said Scorp, climbing into bed and kissing her temple “And she’s all yours.”

“What’s her name?”

Scorp shrugged “They’ve been calling her Jill, but I don’t think it fits, do you?”

Shaking her head, Rose let the puppy lick her nose fondly “She’s so sweet, Scorp-my present is nothing in comparison!”

Capturing her lips with his, Scorp rested a hand on her stomach “You’re giving me the best gift in the world Rose, this little bundle is the least I could do.”

            Snow fell in a heavenly pattern around Rose and Scorp as they walked towards the Potter house, hand in hand with Rose’s puppy bounding around them.

“Are you warm enough?” Scorp asked again, gazing worriedly at her.

“I’m fine Scorp, honestly.” She said, shaking her head “I’m wearing a sweater dress, a wool jacket and a long knitted sweater. Is that enough?”

“Never.” He said, pulling her close and kissing her, the puppy winding the leash around their legs.

“Hey, lovebirds!” Albus’ voice brought them out of their dream land and Rose giggled “Dinner’s getting cold while you two snog!”

Still giggling, Rose tugged Scorp towards the house. They came in and were greeted with delighted cries of ‘you got a puppy!’ and ‘Rose, you’re looking marvellous!’ Rose had always thought that ‘pregnancy glow’ was a myth, but every other person had told her she looked wonderful.

“What’s her name?” Hermione crooned “Hello love, I’m your grandma.”

Rose smiled secretly at Scorpius, both finding it funny-Hermione knew she was grandmother to more than a puppy. “Her name is Bea.”

“She’s very sweet, Rosie.” Ron said “Can we get one, Hermione?”

“When you start taking your boots off at the door I may consider it.” The whole party laughed and moved into the sitting room, barely big enough to hold all of them. Harry popped open the wine and Albus got the glasses, Willow attached firmly to his leg. As glasses went around, Rose shook her head at Ron and he nodded-no one seemed to notice, and the couple decided to just get it over with.