Chapter 29 – To Italy and Beyond

The first leg of Ginny's journey back to Italy was a seven and half hour train ride from Paris to Milan. Once in Milan, she had two hours until her train left from an alternate platform and she and the kids went to a restaurant in the station. The food was average, but it was convenient. After their stopover, the second leg of the trip from Milan to Taranto took another twelve hours. Ginny once again had reserved a sleeper car and they slept through most of the trip. Once in Taranto, they took their third and final train a half hour to Chiatona. When they arrived, Fran and Bartolo were both waiting and ran for her. They both flooded her with rapid Italian and Ginny found herself trying to catch up, having not used the language in a while. Eventually the flood slowed and Ginny was able to get in a couple of words. Fran was beside herself with the kids and fussed over Ginny. She had told the older woman that she was pregnant, but Fran still seemed shocked. Once all the greetings were finished and they calmed down, Bartolo took the bags while Fran directed them to the car.

The drive to their house took only a few minutes. When they arrived, Fran immediately settled Ginny and the kids in one of the spare bedrooms that had been vacated when their children left. After a quick breakfast, Bartolo had work to attend to, but Fran took Ginny to the coffee bar, where she had to check on her employees. Upon reaching the bar, Ginny was flooded with happy memories. This was where she had first settled for a long stretch after leaving home, and this was where she had brought her first baby home to. Everything was going well at the coffee bar, so Fran and Ginny wandered town, talking and catching up. They separated not long after lunch and Ginny took the kids to the beach for a couple of hours before returning to the house for naps. That night at dinner, Ginny detailed her travels so that Bartolo could hear as well. As she wound down, Fran finally blurted out the question that she had obviously been harboring for a while. Her Italian was fast, but Ginny just managed to catch the question.

"Jen, it sounds like you've had a great time traveling and I'm impressed with all you've done, but what about this new child? Who is the father? Does he know? And, honestly, I'm worried about you caring for all of them by yourself. Don't you take precautions?"

Ginny sighed and figured it was time to be at least partially truthful with her good friends. When Dean had visited, she had only told them that Seb was the result of a brief liaison with a friend. They had no idea he was actually planned. After a few seconds to organize her thoughts, she began to explain her rainbow dream. When she finished, both her friends looked shocked. Then Fran threw her hands up as she looked to the sky.

"Blessed mother! You planned all this! Like some kind of experiment."

"Yes Fran. But I'm quite happy, as are the kids. All of their fathers are as well and are in regular contact with us."

Fran just nodded and the table grew quiet for a few minutes, worrying Ginny. Meals with the couple were never quiet and Ginny wondered what they were thinking. After a few minutes, Fran sighed deep and looked at her.

"Alright Jen, I guess I can accept this. It still seems so unnatural, but the children are cared for and loved."

Ginny thanked them for understanding and the conversation moved on to lighter topics as they discussed Ginny's plans during her visit.

The following day, Ginny and Fran went into Taranto for a symphony performance and some shopping, leaving Bartolo with the kids. While they were there, she stopped in the clinic where Seb had been born to have an exam and another ultrasound. The midwife was happy to tell her that she was expecting a boy. Ginny was elated to give Seb a little brother and her thoughts drifted to the names she had been considering. Fran was overjoyed as well and seemed to have gotten over the shock from Ginny's revelations. They went out for a celebratory lunch and then enjoyed the symphony. They arrived back in Chiatona shortly before dinner and Ginny was happy to find both kids playing while Bartolo cooked and talked to them through the small pass-thru between the kitchen and living room.

Later that evening after putting the kids to bed, Ginny had made her decision and decided to call Brett. Calculating the ten hour time difference, she figured it was close to lunchtime in Montana and hoped he would be available. Elaine was the first to answer and wanted to talk, but Ginny needed to talk to Brett first. She also hoped to talk to Mary and was glad to hear that she was visiting and helping with the vegetable garden. Brett wasn't in for lunch yet, but he wasn't far and Elaine called him in. When he came on the line, his voice warmed Ginny.

"Ginny! I haven't heard from you in a while. I know, I should call more, but you're busy traveling. Where are you now? How are you feeling?"

"I'm good Brett. I'm in Italy visiting friends."

"Italy! God, you do get around. So, how are the kids? By the way, I loved the pictures from Oklahoma."

"We're all good. And yes, I thought those pictures were too adorable. I actually called because I have news. I had a checkup and scan today at the clinic where Seb was born. It's a boy."

The silence on the other end lasted for a half second before Ginny's ear was blasted by a loud cheer. Then she heard a bunch of jostling of the phone and wondered if Brett was doing cartwheels. She heard Elaine's voice in the background wondering what was up and Brett relaying the news. Then the phone was put on speaker so that everyone could talk. Elaine sounded choked up when she came on the line.

"Oh Ginny, Brett just told us. That's wonderful. A little boy. Seb will be so happy. So, you're in Italy? Are you still coming back here to deliver?"

"Yes. I'm in Europe visiting friends. I'm not due for a few months yet, but I thought I'd like to be back by August. I usually get quite tired for the last few weeks and like to be settled. By the way, is Mary there?"

"Yes Ginevra, I'm here, as is Greg."

"Great. I wanted to talk to Brett about names. I've been thinking about a boy name and a girl name for a couple of months. My other kids have names related to the countries they were born in or their cultural background. I wanted a good Western name and the one I like for a boy is Wyatt."

"Excellent! I like it Ginny, and mom and dad are grinning, so they seem good as well."

"Great. Now, about the middle name. I had thought of a name that lends to his Crow ancestry, but I'm not sure if I would be permitted or if it would be an insult. I don't know how those names are granted by the tribe."

Mary spoke up next and Ginny hoped that what she was suggesting would be well received.

"You worry too much Ginevra. There is no approval needed for naming a child. I would be honored to have the child know his Crow ancestry, but you know that when my people give names, they have to have meaning."

"Yes Mary, I know. Has Brett told you about the strange dream I started having in New Mexico? It doesn't come as frequent now, but I just had it again last night."

"Yes. An unusual dream, followed by the child's late night movements."

"Well, I think the dream is a sign and I'd like to make his full name Wyatt Laughing Wolf."

"Hmm, yes, that would seem appropriate. And I quite agree that it is a sign. I think your little one may be quite a prankster when he is older."

"Great, he is going to take after my brothers then. I will definitely have my hands full. Brett, what do you think?"

"I've been standing here thinking Ginny and I like it. It's different. I never thought about including an Indian name, but with your dream, it does make sense."

"Yes Ginny dear, I completely agree. I can hardly wait to meet my grandson."

"Well, I'll call in advance once I have a plan on when I'll be arriving. So it seems this little one has a name."

Everyone agreed and Ginny talked to Brett for a couple of more minutes before saying goodbye and going to bed. As she fell asleep, she had a quiet conversation with Wyatt about his name.

Over the next couple of days, Ginny set a casual routine with Fran and Bartolo. They both had tasks to attend to with the several businesses they ran around town and Ginny would help where she could, then they would take time in the afternoons and go with Ginny and the kids to the beach or they would take trips to the neighboring villages. Five days after her arrival in Italy, Ginny happily received a call from Dean.

"Hi Dean. How is spring in Hawaii? Gorgeous I'm sure. By the way, I have news."

"Hawaii is always gorgeous Ginny. I also have news, but you go first, you sound excited."

"I had a checkup and all is going well. I'm having a boy."

"Wow, that is fantastic news. Seb must be thrilled."

"I think so. I'm not sure he fully understands, but he seems happy. Also, I have a name picked out. I spoke to Brett and his family and they agreed. His name is Wyatt Laughing Wolf. I wanted a good Western name with a nod to his Crow heritage as well."

"Well, that is definitely different. I like Wyatt. I suppose the middle names are related to that strange dream that you keep having?"

"Yes, I thought it was a sign and Mary agrees. She also says she thinks this little one will be a prankster. So, what's your news?"

"Ooh, sounds like you will be busy. I don't envy you handling that one then. Now, I called to let you know that my client in Germany wants a new mural for a secondary office they are opening. They want it to coordinate with the mural I did before for them. Ken has never been to Germany, so we're going to combine business and pleasure. We'll be there in a week. I don't know what your plans are, but I thought since we would be on the same continent, that maybe we could meet up. We'll be staying in Munich, although the office is outside of town a bit."

"Munich, hmm. I've never been to Germany. I know Fran and Bartolo like having me here, but I don't want to wear out my welcome. I think I will join you."

"Excellent. I can't wait to see you and have you meet Ken. When I'm busy working, you two can keep each other company. I know you'll get along great."

They talked for a few more minutes and Dean gave Ginny the hotel information so that she could make reservations. She then called and made train reservations.

The next morning at breakfast, Ginny told Fran and Bartolo her plans to leave in five days. They seemed a bit sad, but she knew that they would be happy to have their normal schedule back. Over the next days she had with them, they spent lots of time at the beach and also took a couple of trips into Taranto. They were a dear couple and she was grateful for their friendship and acceptance after telling them the truth about her growing family.

The day for her departure arrived and Fran insisted on driving Ginny into Taranto and saving her at least one short train ride. When she said goodbye, there were a few tears, but Ginny promised that she would visit again. She then boarded a very early train for the four hour ride to Naples. As soon as the train began moving, she tucked both kids in and got them back to sleep before dozing herself. When they arrived in Naples, Ginny had less than an hour to change stations and catch the next train heading north. She had one stop in Bologna three and a half hours later, where she thankfully only had to change platforms. From Bologna, the ride to Munich took another six and a half hours. While her previous trips at night had been good to allow for the kids to sleep through much of the journey, Ginny did enjoy the daytime travel and being able to see the Italian, Austrian, and German countryside. She did her best to keep the kids busy with games throughout. When they would get fussy at different points, she would take a walk between the cars and stop to talk with different passengers. They arrived in Munich at dinnertime and Ginny caught a taxi to her hotel.

Dean and Ken had arrived earlier that day and Ginny had the front desk call up to their room to let them know she had arrived. Only a couple of minutes later, they were in the lobby and Dean embraced her and the kids before starting introductions.

"Ginny, it's so good to see you. You're looking sexy and pregnant."

"Thanks Dean, but don't let your boyfriend hear you say that."

"No worries, I'm sure he'd agree. Ginny, this is Ken Ikemura. Ken, this is of course the lovely Ginevra Weasley. Also, our son Sebastien and her daughter Amaia."

Ginny looked at the man who stepped forward to hug her and she had to admire Dean's taste. Ken stood just over six feet tall with a light olive complexion, dark black, spiked hair, deep brown eyes and a ready smile. He looked to be Japanese, although she knew that Dean had said he was native Hawaiian for at least a couple of generations. Then he spoke and the deep voice that she remembered melted her again.

"Hi Ginny, it's good to finally meet you. And Dean is right, you do look sexy and pregnant."

Dean laughed and Ginny shook her head as Ken smirked at her. She like him instantly, although she supposed that wasn't a surprise since she and Dean were so close and he and Ken seemed well matched. The three of them talked for a couple minutes, but then Seb started to squirm in Dean's arms and Ginny decided she should get to her room and then feed the kids. Ken took hold of the luggage and they all proceeded upstairs to drop off Ginny's bags.

Once that was done, they went across the street from the hotel to a traditional beer garden. Dinner was happy and festive, as they shared several large dishes passed around the table. Key among the dishes were several kinds of sausage, as well as a fried potato and onion dish, a vegetable stew and a selection of breads and cheeses. The kids' moods improved as soon as they were fed and the adults managed some time to talk and catch up. Ginny began to get to know Ken and found him to have a subtle, wicked sense of humor, as well as being extremely smart. He was a software engineer who worked on a contract basis for an hourly rate, hiring out to anyone who could afford him. Eventually the night grew late and Ginny declared it was time for kids to be bathed and in bed. When they arrived back at Ginny's room, Dean paused for a moment and turned to Ginny.

"Ginny, would you mind if I help? I miss the nighttime rituals with the kids."

"Of course Dean, like you have to ask. I will never say no to help."

"Dean, I'll leave you then and go back to our room."

"Nonsense Ken, come in. You can sit and watch the fun. Seb likes to make sure that whoever is bathing him gets a bath of their own."

Ken laughed and they all proceeded into the small living room of Ginny's suite. Dean actually took Amaia first and bathed her, before handing her off to Ginny. Then he and Seb disappeared and soon the squealing and splashing of a happy boy could be heard. When Ginny had Amaia in her pajamas, the little girl was already about to drift off and Ginny offered her to Ken. He grinned and happily accepted her. By the time a quite wet Dean emerged with a wet and squirmy little boy, Amaia was fast asleep on Ken's chest. Dean's face softened and he crossed over to kiss his boyfriend.

"Ken my love, you and Amaia make quite a beautiful picture."

"She is sweet. Of course, all little ones are when they're asleep."

They kissed again and Ginny stood to the side, smiling. It was obvious how in love they were. Ken looked over at her and then back to Dean.

"Maybe we should control ourselves a bit more around Ginny and the kids."

"No Ken, there is no reason to control yourselves. I'm glad Dean has found love. And I think it's important for the kids to see love comes in a variety of forms. Although, if you go much further, you're going to get this pregnant woman very hot and bothered. Dean will tell you that the hormones can be a bit crazy."

Ken laughed and then looked at Dean, who had a sly grin.

"Oh yes Ken, the hormones are quite something. They can keep a man busy for hours."

That caused them all to laugh and Amaia began to stir as the chest she was sleeping on was no longer quiet. Ginny reached and took her daughter to put her in the crib provided by the hotel. While she did that, Dean began the process of clothing his son while Ken set up the pullout for him. A few minutes later, Ken and Ginny sat to the side, listening as Dean and Seb read together. Ken had been a bit surprised to hear the boy read and was impressed even more with Ginny. Soon the little boy nodded off and his father tucked him in. Dean and Ken said goodnight and left Ginny's room. After she finished her own nighttime rituals, Ginny sat down with her journal to write about the trip and her first meeting with Dean's love.

The following day, the five of them met downstairs for breakfast and talked over plans. Dean didn't have to begin work until the following day and was happy for a bit of time to spend with Ginny and the kids. They decided to catch the U-bahn and go into the heart of the city. When they arrived at the city center, Dean took over pushing the stroller as they wandered the old streets. Ginny kept her camera busy as they passed several of the old churches, as well as the Residenz and then strolled through the Hofgarten before circling back to Marienplatz just before noon. Promptly at noon, the glockenspiel in Marienplatz sounded the hour and began its twice daily show as the figures danced and the bells rang. Both kids were enthralled with the show. Once it finished, they found a nearby restaurant for lunch and then caught the U-bahn to the English garden. The garden was massive and allowed the kids a chance to run. Dean bought a small, colorful kickball from a vendor and they all played for a while. Ginny bowed out early, as well as Amaia. She reluctantly had to admit that the pregnancy was slowing her down. After Seb began to tire, they decided to head back to the U-bahn station. On the way, they found a flock of ducks and bought some feed. Both kids enjoyed throwing food everywhere as the ducks quacked and fought over it. When the food was gone, they went to the U-bahn and made their way back to the hotel for afternoon naps.

The following day, Dean left early to begin working on his mural commission and Ken, Ginny and the kids decided to go to the German museum for the day. The museum had a lot of interactive exhibits for the kids and kept them quite busy for the entire morning. After leaving the museum, they picked up some sandwiches and went to a local park. The kids ate and then played on the playground, before collapsing on a blanket under a tree.

While the kids napped, Ginny and Ken talked as she got to know him better. He was indeed Japanese, although his great grandparents had moved to Hawaii eighty five years previously and his grandparents and parents had all been born there. She found out that there was a large and active Japanese-Hawaiian culture in the islands. While he was still mostly Japanese, he did have a grandparent on each side of his family that were native Hawaiian and he had been raised with both cultures. He spoke a bit of Japanese, but was close to fluent in the native language. When he spoke some of it, Ginny was fascinated. During her travels, languages had been a focus for her and the Hawaiian language was completely unique. Ginny in turn talked about her upbringing as a pureblood witch in England. That brought the subject around to magic and she was curious how Ken, a muggle, had come to know of the magical world. He explained that Hawaii was steeped in ancient beliefs that, while not exactly magical, were not mundane. Those beliefs meant that magic existed quite easily alongside the native beliefs and was a poorly kept secret among the locals. While he had known of people with 'special abilities' before meeting Dean, it wasn't until their relationship became serious that Dean had fully disclosed magic to him. He now accepted it happily as part of the man he loved.

The next couple days proceeded much the same with Ginny, Ken and the kids spending time around the city while Dean worked on his mural. He told them he was making good progress and the mural was half the size of the previous one he had done, so it shouldn't take him much longer. At the end of each day, he would have dinner with Ken, Ginny, and the kids and seemed a bit envious of the fun they were having. On Friday night, as he and Ken prepared for bed, they talked about the previous days and the plans for the next day when they would be taking the kids to the zoo.

"So Ken, I'm glad you've been having a good time with Ginny. I was a bit concerned that you would be bored while I was working."

"I don't think it's possible to be bored with Ginny around. I have to say that when you told me about your relationship with her and how she's really the only woman you've ever felt a great attraction to, I was a bit unsure, but now I understand. If I was even a bit less gay, I could easily finally myself interested. And since I know that you have more attraction to women than I do, it isn't hard to see the two of you together. And now you've got a beautiful child together. She was quite right, the mix of the two of you is gorgeous. And Seb is a sweetheart."

"Well, most of that is due to Ginny. She really is a great mom. Not that I was ever surprised. I'm glad that we have this time for all of us to spend together. Thank you for being so understanding about our relationship. You know I'm committed to you."

Ken just nodded and pulled Dean to him, giving him a long kiss before leading him to the bedroom to show him just how committed he was.

The following day they all took the U-bahn and went to the zoo. Of course Ginny had been to a number of zoos with the kids, but they never tired of seeing the animals. The zoo was quite large, but they managed a large portion of it. The kids were so tired on the way back to hotel that Ginny suggested they stay in for evening. After naps, Ken and Dean went out and collected a selection of takeaway. Ginny then set up a picnic on blankets in her small living room as they ate, talked, and laughed through the relaxed meal.

On Sunday morning, Ginny stayed in with the kids while Dean and Ken did some sightseeing near the hotel. After lunch, they all met up again and went for a boat tour on the River Isar, where they got to see a number of landmarks from a different perspective. The kids didn't care about the sights, but they did love the boat and Ginny was glad that neither seemed to have any motion sickness problems.

On Monday, Dean was back to work with his mural and Ginny and Ken had planned to head back into town to visit a different part of the English Garden, but Ken received an emergency phone call on Sunday night. A former client was having issues with a new piece of software they were developing and needed his skills to work on debugging it. He worked through most of the night and on into the next day. Ginny assured him that she understood and took the kids out on her own. That night at dinner, they all got together again to talk about the day. Dean was enthusiastic as he delivered his news first.

"Well, the mural is almost done. Just finishing touches and a bit of outlining of a few details. One more day and I'll have it wrapped up."

"That's fantastic Dean. So you'll be able to explore the city with us after tomorrow? How much longer do you and Ken plan on staying?"

"Hmm, I don't know. I have a gallery opening in about ten days back home, but nothing else pressing. Ken, you've been busy today. How did things go? Anything you need to be back home for?'

"Yes, I've put in nearly fifteen hours on this emergency project. They were really in a bind. Anyway, they're paying me top rates for calling like they did. I've made enough to pay for most of this trip. As for getting home, the only thing I have is my sister's birthday in a week."

Ginny was shocked. She knew the hotel wasn't cheap and Dean had insisted on paying for her suite, not to mention the fact that they refused to let her pay for the major meals.

"And I see you look surprised Ginny. I'm not full of myself when I tell you that I'm one of the best at what I do. I can ask what I want and those who really need me figure out a way to afford it. Which is why I tell you not to worry when we pay."

"Speaking of which Ginny, how are you on funds? I know the books paid some, but you're not a New York Times bestseller. At least not yet."

"I'm fine Dean. Last I checked I still have about sixty and change in the bank. And that's in pounds. The twins have kept up the deposits, so some of the Wonder Witch items I designed are still selling. My jaunt to South America wasn't cheap, but Javier flew me over here and I've been staying with friends until now and I'm not paying for the hotel. When I get back to the States, I'll be back to frugal living out of the RV. You know I'll always find a way."

"Yes, I know, but I still worry about you. Alright, so we have to be back home within a week. Given the travel time, we maybe have four days left. Does that sound good Ken? Ginny, will you be going back to the States right away?"

"Yes four days sounds good Dean."

"Actually Dean, I've been thinking that the kids and I may do a bit more exploring before we head back. I was thinking about seeing Scandinavia now that it's summer. I've been reading and there is a train from Hamburg to Copenhagen. Did you know the train actually goes on a ferry? That sounds really interesting. It takes about eight hours total."

"Wow. A train on a ferry. I bet the kids would love that. I wish I could go now. Alright, so you've got your plans. That leaves us with four days to enjoy our time together before we leave you."

Ginny nodded and tried not to think about how much she would miss both of them.

The next day Dean spent a few hours in the morning finishing the mural before returning to the hotel where Ken, Ginny, and the kids were waiting. They then spent the next three and a half days touring and enjoying the city. All too soon the morning of their departures arrived. Dean and Ken were on a mid-morning flight and Ginny's train from Munich to Hamburg left about an hour before their flight. They left the hotel together and said a long goodbye before each taking separate taxis to the airport and the central train station. The ten days in Munich had been wonderful and Ginny now felt doubly pained, as she would not only miss Dean, but Ken as well. Soon though her thoughts were redirected when she arrived at the train station to begin the long six hour journey to Hamburg.