She clips a flower from the tree and presses it against her nose. For some unknown reason, he knows she is aware of his presence. She always is. Ever since she had saved him from drowning when they were kids, Roxanne's soul had connected with his and refused to let go. Her hair isn't quite red, but it isn't quite blonde. It's a disturbing golden coppery color that always catches him off guard. Her skin is light brown like cinnamon, and her brown eyes are the most dazzling part of her. He sighs and pushes his way through the hanging branches to find her smiling down at Teddy.
That's right. After he and Victoire had parted ways, Teddy had turned to Roxanne. It didn't bother anyone but the man standing there. Roxanne was eight years Teddy's junior. Maybe Teddy thought Roxanne was second best. You know? He had to have a Weasley girl. But he felt the same way. Except he didn't want just any Weasley girl. No, he wanted only the one standing a few feet away from him with her thick, straight hair flying in the wind. The way Teddy looked at her made his stomach clench. He honestly had never looked at Victoire like that. Second time is the charm?
"James." Roxanne gave him a brilliant smile as she finally noticed him.
Her hands were soft as they envelope his right hand. His gaze left her face and focused on the soft caress. And then he imagines those hands on Teddy, and he shakes his head before he forces a smile. Teddy grabs the book on the table and motions for James to follow. James gives Roxanne an awkward wave before going into the house through the open back door. Teddy motions to the steaming tea and cookies Roxanne has out for them. James declines. He never eats anything Roxanne cooks; he doesn't need another reason to obsess over her. He sits on the couch adjacent to Teddy and listens to him rattle off old names, pureblooded families that are trying to revive something that has been dead for over thirty years.
"Can you stop thinking about my wife long enough to pay attention?" Teddy frowns slightly. He chuckles when James glares at him. "You should be congratulating us. We're going to have our first child next year."
"First?" James pretends to look down at the information Teddy has taken down.
Unlike him, Teddy is detailed and thorough when it comes to investigating. It isn't that he cares about solving every case. Teddy just hates to think wrongly of anyone, so he is sure to clear the names of the innocents involved. James, honestly, thinks every person is guilty until proven innocent. His gaze lifts when he hears footsteps. Roxanne gives him an adoring smile before going up the stairs. Roxanne is always innocent.
"She wants a big family." Teddy taps the table and looks out the window. "Let's not meet up here again. Really."
"Sorry." James picks up the book and stands.
"I would say it's okay, but then I'd be lying. You're like her second brother. Don't forget that." Teddy squeezes his shoulder as he walks him to the door.
James gives him a small wave before strolling down the steps and tucking his left hand into his pocket. He had been trying, for almost twenty years, to forget that fact.