Chapter 4: Family complete

'Ding don' the bell of the Halliwell Manor sounded. Darryl was standing in front of the door. Prue had called him, telling him that she needed to show him what good magic could do.

''I'll be right there!'' Prue yelled as she made her way to the door. ''Hey Darryl'' She said as she opened it.

''Hi Prue. You wanted to show me something.'' Darryl said a little agitated. Prue decided to let that pass and take him straight to the attic.

''Darryl!'' Andy said enthusiastically when he saw his old partner enter the room.

Darryl's face showed a mix of emotions. Happy to see his old friend, but most of all confusion. ''Aren't you supposed to be dead?'' He questioned.

''Yeah, but I got over that. Prue summoned me.'' Andy replied before the two men shared a brotherly hug.

''You seem concerned.'' Leo said noticing the expression on Darryl's face.

''It's Sheila, she thinks that I'm spending too much time with you guys. It's putting some pressure on my relationship. So I'm sleeping on the couch the past week.'' Darryl admitted.

''Well, than go home Darryl. I mean, you saw Andy again and there's not much to do here anyway.'' Piper said.

''Are you sure?'' He asked.

''I'm sure'' Andy replied. ''Go''

Darryl left the Manor and decided he would take the rest of the day of to spend with his wife. In some ways she was right, he was spending less time with her. Not that he had much choice, but now he did. He would take her out to dinner and spoil her the rest of the night.

At the Bay Mirror

''Phoebe! Where do you think you're going?'' Elise asked. She was the head-editor of the Bay Mirror, the one who hired Phoebe in the first place.

''Elise, I'm sorry. I need to get home –'' Phoebe started.

''One of your family emergencies'' Elise cut her off.

''Well, yes uhh no. I'll finish my column at home, I promise. But I just can't be here right now.'' Phoebe said, trying to explain herself. She didn't do a very good job at it.

''Phoebe, you're one of my biggest assets. That's why I won't argue with this. And I know that you'll get your work done. But could you please stay one full day in the office next time. It would be much appreciated.'' Elise told her.

''I'll be there tomorrow, I promise. '' Phoebe said, before she left the building on her way home.

The Halliwell Manor

''I'm home!'' Phoebe yelled through the house.

''Attic!'' Piper called back.

Phoebe put her laptop down in the living room and walked up stairs. She wanted to change her close, but found her bedroom door locked. Although she found it strange, she decided that it wasn't worth another thought and walked up the stairs to the attic.

''Piper, do you know what's wrong with my bedroom door? It doesn't open.'' Phoebe asked while walking into the room.

''No sis, but Leo will take a look at it later.'' Piper told Phoebe.

''Thanks Leo.'' Phoebe said while she shot him a smile. Having a live-in handyman certainly was handy.

''No problem. I've gotta go now. They're calling.'' Leo said while looking up to the ceiling.

''Alright honey, and could you ask who those demons were please.'' Piper said to her husband.

''Of course my love.'' Leo told her, gave Piper a kiss and orbed out.

''Demons? What demons?'' Phoebe asked her older sister.

''A couple of demons just attacked us. They tried to hurt Piper earlier.'' Prue told Phoebe.

Phoebe looked around at the ravage that the attic had become. It was then that she noticed Andy. She walked over and hugged him.

''Hi Andy, long time no see. What brought you here?'' She said.

''Prue did. And congratulations on your marriage.'' Andy said.

Phoebe sighed. ''Urgh, can we not talk about that please''

''Why not? Isn't he the love of your life.'' Andy said, not knowing that Phoebe and Cole weren't on the same page right now. He didn't know that Phoebe came home from work to get away from all the drama.

''Yes he is, I love Cole more than anything, but… I thought we weren't going to talk about that.'' Phoebe chuckled.

''Are you sure there's nothing wrong with the two of you? You sounded so upset on the phone.'' Prue said, making sure her sister was okay.

''You guys, I love Cole. You know I do. But lately he's been fixated on me. Almost forcing me.'' Phoebe said.

''I told him: she's not ready, take it slow. Don't scare her away.'' Piper started rambling.

''You talked to him?'' Phoebe asked a little angry.

''Yeah, and apparently he didn't take my advice so well.'' Piper said.

''You shouldn't have done that.'' Phoebe sighed looking down. A silence fell.

''Alright than, anyone want something to drink?'' Prue asked changing the subject.

''Yes, me!'' Andy said, playing along with Prue's game.

All lost in their own thoughts they went down stairs. Prue looked at the mess that the dining room had become after the demon attack and wondered if they were always going to clean up after them. Demons would always barge in and make a mess, trying to kill one of them and leave. At one point she just wanted a normal life. Phoebe on the other hand didn't want to think or talk about her normal life. Discussing her marriage with her sisters wasn't an option right now.

''What would you like to drink?'' Prue asked Andy while opening up the fridge.

''Some Ice tea, if you have some.'' He replied.

''Sure, anyone else?'' Prue said while she poured herself and Andy a glass. Both Piper and Phoebe nodded 'no'.

''I'm home'' Cole shouted while entering the Manor through the back door.

''I thought you said he was at work.'' Phoebe whispered to Prue with tension written all over her face.

''At the time yes.'' Prue replied to Phoebe.

Cole had put his laptop and documents down and walked over to Phoebe. He greeted her and planted a firm kiss on her mouth.

''Hai honey.'' Phoebe greeted him back, trying not to feel as uncomfortable as she felt.

''So, you're Phoebe's husband who makes her heart beat faster.'' Andy told Cole. Prue shot Andy a look which made him wish he didn't said the last part. Good thing he was already dead.

''Uhh yes, and you are?'' Cole questioned.

''I'm Andy, Trudeau. I'm sort of Prue's boyfriend.'' He replied. Prue smiled.

'' What do you mean 'sort of'?''

''He died two years ago, trying to protect us from this demon Rodriquez.'' Prue answered Cole's question.

''So, he's a ghost. From flesh and blood.'' Cole stated, not quite sure if he got it right.

''Yes, something like that.'' Prue said while she smiled at Andy.

''Cole, our bedroom door is locked. So, if Leo can't fix it we should find another place to sleep.'' Phoebe said.

''Jah maybe.'' Cole said, thinking about the bedroom which he had turned into a romantic get-away just a few hours ago. ''So, Piper, what's for dinner?'' He asked, changing the subject.

''I don't know yet. But I was going to start right now. With dinner as well as the vanquishing potion.'' She replied.

''Make sure you put the right ingredients into the right pan, otherwise I won't exist anymore.'' Cole chuckled.

''And that would be a bad thing?'' Prue joked, receiving a soft slap from Cole. Everyone laughed at her comment.

''No Cole, I think I know how to do it by now. I don't want to have demon flesh all over the place.'' Piper said.

''Wait, he's a demon. Shouldn't you guys vanquish him than?'' Andy asked in disbelief pointing at Cole.

''Hé, now you've hurt my feelings Andy.'' Cole said mockingly.

''I wouldn't wanna lose my husband Andy, now do I?'' Phoebe said and smiled.

''Our relationship started with the intention of me killing the Charmed ones –'' Cole started to explain their love story to Andy. ''But after a few failed attempts I realized I was head over heels in love with her. I couldn't kill her, she awakened my humanity. Something that I thought had died a long time ago, my ability to love. I would do anything for her.''

Phoebe shot her husband a smile. She knew that whatever trouble they may have in their relationship they would figure it out. The love they shared was forever. Cole would do anything to keep their love, as passionate as it was. And Phoebe was much the same. He made her whole again.

''At the time, I didn't know he was Belthazor. I thought they were two different beings. Even when Leo tried to convince me that Cole was Belthazor, I refused to believe him because I was in love. It wasn't until Cole morphed into Belthazor that I knew Leo was right. Prue and Piper came to Cole's apartment, wanting to vanquish him. But Cole kidnapped me, confessing his love and wanting me to vanquish him to prove it. But I couldn't because I loved him and I still do.'' Phoebe finished Cole's story.

''True love does conquer all.'' Andy stated by hearing all of this.

''Yeah, but what about you and Prue? You seem to know each other for a long time.'' Cole asked Andy.

''It's a long story.'' Prue told Cole, she didn't really want to get into the details to much. It would all resurface and his death would too. At this time, Prue couldn't handle that. She was happy that she got to spend time with him right now.

''That story starts at the time that Prue and I were still in High School.'' Andy said shooting Prue a smile, thinking back about the good old days.

''That is a long time ago.'' Cole agreed with Andy, even though his opinion of a long time was different to Andy's.

''Well, since you are starting on the potion Piper, why don't I start with the vanquishing spell?'' Phoebe suggested.

''Good idea Pheebs.'' Prue said happily. ''You want me to help you?''

''No that's okay. You just get reacquainted with Andy.'' Phoebe told Prue, and gave her a wink before she disappeared into the living room. Cole followed her.

Prue pulled Andy's jacket, suggesting that they would amuse themselves. He left with her voluntarily, passing Phoebe and Cole in the living room, while walking up stairs.

The spell didn't come along quite as Phoebe wanted to. On one side because she was lost for words and on the other because Cole was pacing back and forth in front of her. He wanted to start a conversation with her, but didn't know how to. He sat down next to her and took her hand, forcing Phoebe to look up at him.

'' Am I forcing you into something?'' Cole questioned his wife.

''No, you're not.'' Phoebe replied, lingering as if she wanted to say something more. Cole gave her a look, urging her to go on. ''Alright, maybe a little. '' She admitted. ''Look, Cole, don't take this the wrong way… we've been married for two months now and I love being married to you. I love you more than anything else in this world –''

''But?'' Cole asked, looking down to the floor. He hated to have this kind of conversations with Phoebe. He just wanted her to be happy.

''I think we're moving a bit fast on the children front. I mean, I want kids with you, demon or no demon, I've told you that. Just not now, and I hope that you're okay with that.'' She replied.

Cole took her in his arms and leaned back into the couch. He gave her a kiss on her head before saying ''Phoebe, I'm sorry if I wanted to force you into something you weren't ready for. I just didn't want to lose you. Why couldn't you tell me before?''

''I don't know. I didn't want to disappoint you. And maybe if I were pregnant, I would become more excited to the idea.''

''You could never disappoint me. I love you and I would be thrilled to be a father, but if you're not ready than we're not ready.''

''Thank you Cole, I love you.'' Phoebe said before they shared a kiss.

''I have a surprise for you.'' He told her, before handing her the box from the jewelers store. ''Open it.''

''It's beautiful.'' She said looking at the neckless in awe. Cole took the liberty to put it softly around her neck, kissing her neck and her lips after.

Prue's bedroom

''Prue, can I ask you a question?'' Andy asked, while he was looking out of the window. He thought about all those times that he had walked those steps on his way to her. Because he just knew that she had something to hide and that it had something to do with all his unsolved cases.

''Sure.'' Prue replied from the closet.

''What was it like when I died?''

''You don't want to hear that.'' She answered him, hoping to close the subject. Why couldn't he understand that his death was the most difficult time for her? And that she just wanted to enjoy every minute she had with him.

''I do want to know Prue. If you don't want to tell me, I won't push you.'' Andy said, sensing that his death still wasn't an easy subject.

''The days after you died I didn't want to be a witch anymore. What good was being a witch if all it did was get the people we love killed.'' She said exiting the closet in her evening dress.

''How did you get –wow, you look beautiful.'' Andy told her once he looked up, completely lost in Prue's appearance. Her dress was a shade of blue, hugging all of her curves and making her even more attractive to Andy than she already was.

''By trusting that they would once walk inside this house again.'' She said coming closer to him, finishing what he wanted to ask in the first place.

''Dinner is ready!'' They heard Piper yell through the house.

''Shall we go downstairs Prue?'' Andy whispered against her lips, before he took her hand and guided her down the stairs.

''Prue, you look amazing!'' Phoebe exclaimed once she saw her sister on Andy's arm.

''Thank you. And you are wearing a pretty neckless.'' She replied.

''Thanks sis, Cole gave it to me.'' Phoebe said beaming.

''Come on guys, dinner's getting cold.'' Piper said from the dining room. She'd just put the last pan with potatoes on the table.

''Shouldn't we wait for Leo?'' Andy asked.

''No, he'll get here when he has time.'' Piper replied and sat down at the table. Everyone else sat down too, to enjoy the family dinner.

Inside the demon cave

''Shana, why am I granted with your presence?'' The Master asked.

''I had a vision of your demise. The Charmed Ones will look right through Andy's possession. Take my advice and finish the job yourself.'' She answered.

''Are you questioning my orders?!'' He yelled.

''No Master, I'm only trying to save you and your hold over the Underworld.'' Shana said quietly.

''I'll end this how I see fit! Go!'' He said loudly.

The Halliwell Manor

''—and that was exactly the moment I walked in on him.'' Prue said and they all laughed. The whole family was together with dinner for once. Leo had orbed in only five minutes after they'd start eating. And now, halfway through the evening nobody was thinking about demons, only about family.

''Ah'' Piper said clutching her baby bump.

''What is it?'' Phoebe asked, immediately concerned.

''The baby, she kicked'' Piper said with a smile on her face. She took Leo's hand and guided it to where she felt the baby seconds ago. Leo's face beamed with pride as he felt the same thing that Piper had felt earlier.

''Alright, it has been fun, dinner was delicious as always, but I've got some business to attend to.'' Cole stated as he got up.

''Where are you going?'' Phoebe wanted to know.

''You'll see.'' He said and shot her a smile that made her go weak at her knees. Then he shimmered into their bedroom. He replaced the old candles with new once and changed into something a bit more comfortable than his work close.

Suddenly a little box appeared in front of Phoebe. Inside she found the key to her bedroom door and a note that read: Meet me upstairs. She smiled, Cole still found new ways to surprise her. ''Look'' Phoebe said as she held up the key for everyone to see.

''I guess, Leo doesn't have to check your door anymore.'' Piper said.

''I don't think so.'' Phoebe said. ''I know it's a lot to ask in this house, but when I go upstairs to see my husband privacy is welcome.'' She said while she looked at Prue and remembered the time when her older sister had barged in while she was in bed with Clay. Re-runs like that weren't exactly welcome.

''Don't worry about that.'' Prue replied, who knew what she meant. It wasn't like Prue had planned it on purpose, she just wanted Phoebe to know that Clay was a criminal. Not that Cole was much better in Prue's opinion.

Phoebe got up and walked towards the stairs. When she disappeared from the dining room's view, Cole shimmered behind her. She immediately felt his presence and his strong arms around her waist. Sensation washed over her as he picked her up bridal style and carried her to their bedroom.

''Do you have the key?'' He asked her with a playful smile on his face when they reached the bedroom door.

''I certainly do.'' Phoebe replied as she opened the door. ''Oh my god.'' She let out in a whisper as she laid her eyes on the sight in front of her. In that moment she felt so important, so loved, nothing else mattered but the two of them.

Phoebe turned around to meet Cole's gaze and crashed her lips onto his. He responded to kiss and tucked at the hem of her shirt while lifting her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and they made it to the bed. Tonight they wouldn't make love, love would make them.