Hello again friends! Thank you for the continued comments and reviews. So glad my story is so well received!

Please note, I do not have a set 'schedule' for posts, especially being that I'm writing this as I go. My weekly goal is at least once a week in the beginning of the week (Monday/Tuesday) unless I post over the weekend. Anything more is a bonus! So please be patient in between updates as life tends to interfere with writing lol. (work...kids...all of that fun fun stuff) More will always come! Until it's complete anyway ;)

Five weeks did not fly by. Those were the slowest five weeks of my entire life, I swear! Not even Thanksgiving and holiday prep could make them go any faster. I was borderline miserable without Ron, so much so that Rose picked up on it.

"Mom," she curled up next to me on the couch one Saturday evening. "Are you feeling okay? You seem so...I don't know…"

I sighed and put an arm around her. I couldn't expect to keep my mood from her for too long - never could. Even since she was in the womb she was always very in tune with whatever I was feeling. (I knew because I attended a funeral late in my pregnancy for one of my mom's co-workers who lost her young daughter and was feeling particularly anxious, jumpy and sad, and Rose was doing somersaults inside me. She was quite calm for much of my pregnancy otherwise.)

"I'm mostly fine," I told Rose. I thought for a moment, wondering if now was the time to tell her. At that point I had known Ron for just about two months. Maybe I should…

But I didn't want the first time I told Rose about Ron to be associated with the sad way I was feeling. I also felt a bit silly feeling this way after such a short period of time - In the two months we've known each other we'd spent less than ten days in each other's physical presence after all. How would that look to my daughter?

No...not yet.

"I'm okay," I kissed her temple. "Probably just a bit of the winter blues."

She nodded, knowing that I was no stranger to experiencing a bit of melancholy during the winter months.

I had, however, told my parents about Ron. But that was only because of my mom's sudden insistence on setting me up on a blind date while we were there for Thanksgiving.

"His name is Zacharias, and he's this sweet old lady at my center's grandson," she was saying as I helped her finish the final preparations for dinner in the kitchen. She leaned against the counter and sipped her wine as I tossed the salad trying not to roll my eyes. She always seemed to get extra motivated to set me up with every Tom, Dick and Harry around the holidays. "He always comes to volunteer and is an accountant in Manhattan. I thought maybe you could connect with him that week after Christmas since you'll be staying in the city too?"

I scoffed. I would be in the city...but not alone.

I finished fixing the contents of the salad into the serving bowl and turned back to my mom. "I'll be pretty busy while I'm in the city mom."

"Too busy for one evening with a charming gentleman?"

Well, here goes. "Incidentally," I said slowly, picking up my own glass of wine - she always had the best red. I secretly hoped she would gift me a couple of bottles for Christmas like she had the previous year. "I already have plans that week to spend every evening with a charming gentleman." My mom lowered her glass and eyed me as I took a measured sip.

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, I've met someone. I'm dating someone actually." Her eyes lit up and I could practically see the wedding plans flashing through her mind. "It's still new, mom," I said quickly. "We only met in October." She listened intently while I told her about Ron - how we met (leaving out the obvious interactions), what he does, about his family and life. By the time I was finished, dinner was all set but we had yet to call anyone out of my parent's den to join us in the dining room, which was right off the kitchen. "I haven't told Rose yet," I warned her. "So, feel free to tell dad but don't mention anything in front of Rose until I say something. I'd like to tell her myself." She nodded in understanding. "And please, give my regrets to Zacharias," I teased. "I'm sure he's delightful. But I'm so happy with what's already happening."

My mom hugged me then, a somewhat rare occurrence. I wasn't sure if it was the wine, the holiday atmosphere or everything I just told her, but I welcomed it regardless. "I'm so happy for you Hermione. You deserve happiness and love."

Those long weeks between Ron's impromptu visit and Christmas dragged on. And on, and on… Ron left for England the day after Thanksgiving, which threw a bit of a wrench in our daily communication. Being on different continents and in different time zones made it harder. We weren't waking up at the same time or going to sleep at the same time anymore but we made it work. Most mornings he would wake me up with a call as he took his lunch break - he was working out of his family's London office while he was there - and some evenings he would catch me after dinner for a video call if he stayed up late. As texting was out, we did a lot more emailing during those weeks than anything else.

But that was finally behind us. After a fun three days with Rose in the city for Christmas Eve and Christmas, she was safely at her dad's (I dropped her off early and was lucky enough to enjoy pleasantries with his mother since Viktor was still asleep) and I was standing by my car at JFK Airport eyeing the door that led out to the pick up area from the arrival gates.

My eyes scanned and scanned the crowds for a flash of copper red hair. Finally, there he was. Tall, freckled and handsome in his jeans, navy blue sweater and dark gray tailored wool peacoat. He walked out of the double doors with his duffel flung over one shoulder, and his laptop case in his other hand. I smiled slightly as I observed him before he saw me, his eyes clear and blue running over the crowd until they landed on me. He smiled so widely then that my own smile had no chance but to grow itself. He strode over to me quickly and practically dropped his bags to lift me into his arms.

I threw my arms around his neck and just stopped my legs from wrapping around his waist as he buried his face in my neck. "God, I missed you," he said softly. His grip on my back tightened even more as if he was trying to breathe me in completely. "I missed you so much."

I pulled back and looked into his eyes, my thumb rubbing along his cheek now. "I missed you too." He captured my lips with his then and I whimpered. It felt so good to be in his arms again, that I found I didn't even care about the hundreds of people milling about us. I was too busy to be embarrassed.

Until a security guard passing by honked for us to get moving. Oops.

Ron put me down and grabbed his bags as I waved sheepishly to the security guard and hurried into the front of my car.

We drove back into the city holding hands and telling each other about our respective Christmases. I told Ron how much Rose loved the hotel - Ron reserved his suite a few days early for Rose and I to stay in until he returned - and about our excursions around the city to Rockefeller Center and the Macy's windows on Christmas Eve and quiet Christmas in the hotel room opening gifts and binge-watching Christmas movies. He told me about Christmas at the Burrow with his siblings and many nieces and nephews, his mom's amazing cooking and all that they get up to.

"It all sounds so amazing," I said as we were pulling into TB Suites garage. I used the pass Ron had Chloe send me to get in.

"Maybe...maybe next year I could take you and Rose?"

I parked the car and sat staring straight ahead for a moment, my heart beating fast and a smile stretched across my face. Next year...England with Ron….meeting his family.

I looked at him and grinned wider. "That sounds lovely Ron."

We spent the rest of 'Boxing Day' rolling around in the huge King Sized bed in Ron's suite, getting reacquainted after weeks of separation - plus napping as Ron was a bit off his time after all.

The next day Ron went into the office for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Apparently he had a big tour and meeting the afternoon of New Years Eve that he had to do some preparations for. "I promise that we'll be done as early as possible so you and I can ring in the New Year just the two of us," he had said to me when he told me. He also promised to get everything set so he would be back early for us to go to dinner that evening and avoid the office for the rest of the week until the all important meeting.

I hung out in the room while I waited for him to return and read, relishing in the quiet. Until my cell phone rang.

"Hullo Hermione," came the thick voice over the phone.

I sighed. "Hi Viktor, is everything alright?"

"Oh, yes yes, everything is fine. Rose is fine, do not worry. I was calling to ask you something."

I sat up straight in the chair I was lounging in. "Okay?"

"Well...It looks as if I will be spending New Years Eve in the city - I have a small engagement with the League, but Rose will be having her own sleepover at the house with her cousins, so she will be occupied. I thought... since you are in the city alone and I will be in the city, we could have dinner and perhaps some drinks?" I could almost hear his eyebrows wagging suggestively.

I wanted to cut him off because I saw where this was going before he finished, but I refrained and let him get out his spiel before I spoke. I won't lie, the general assumption that I'm all alone in the city bothered me - even if that is usually the case most other years.

I made a decision then and there. "I won't be alone Viktor," I said slowly but sternly. "I'm actually seeing someone and we're spending the week together."

I held my breath for his reaction. He was quiet but I could almost hear his thoughts whirring through the phone. I knew I wasn't breaking his heart or anything - he didn't truly want me and certainly didn't love me. I was always just another conquest to him. I was just the conquest that also happened to fall pregnant.

I also always suspected that because I had his child, that even if he did not love me or necessarily want to be with me, he still saw me as his property, in a slightly narcissistic way. I bore his child, therefore I should always be his and available to him and no one else. I had a strong feeling that this was what drew him to acting as if he wanted more from me than he truly did. I was having his child, so I should be his wife - the one at home who dotes on him and cares for his children. I knew Viktor well, and was very familiar with how his mind worked.

And I was nervous that this would raise jealousy from him - and not in a welcome way - as well as tension in our co-parenting relationship. But, despite my worry, he needed to know that I was not his, and that I am not available to him whenever he so desires - it was time he understood that once and for all.

"Oh," he finally muttered. "Is...is it serious?"

"I like to think it is, yes."

"Does he treat you well?"

"Very well, Viktor. I'm extremely happy."

He was silent for another moment. I was about to go ahead and end the conversation when he asked the question that I had an inkling would come.

"Has he met Rose? She hasn't mentioned…Has he been spending time with our daughter?"

"He has not met Rose," I stated. "And I haven't told her as of yet, but plan to soon. Likely after the New Year. So I would appreciate it if you did not mention this to her." He made an affirmative grunt that he understood. "He knows about Rose, and is looking forward to meeting her, but understands that it will happen on my time - and hers. And you should know that no matter how serious I may get with him - or anyone - that will never change your relationship with your daughter. That will never by my intention, nor will I allow any man in our lives with such intentions. You know that, right?"

"Yes, yes...I-I trust that you will not...I mean thank you. For that."

"Of course." Just then Ron let himself into the room and smiled at me. "I have to go," I said cheerily into the phone. "You and Rose know how to reach me if you need me." Ron looked over and raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, of course," Viktor said quickly. "Take care of yourself Hermione. Happy New Year." I did my best to ignore the somewhat defeated tone in his voice. It was not my problem after all.

"You too. Happy New Year." I hung up and stood to give Ron a quick kiss. "Everything settled for your meeting?"

He nodded, his hand lingering on my back as he pulled me into him. "Everything's sorted," he answered. "This will be a pretty big opportunity for us, if we land a partnership with this organization. Major advertising opportunities and guaranteed business and all."

"That's great!" I kissed him again and stepped away. "Ready to head out? I'm starving!" He smiled and nodded.

"Who was on the phone?" He asked tentatively.

"Rose's father," I answered quickly as I gathered my purse to go. "He was apparently asleep when I dropped her off yesterday morning so he missed his opportunity to be his usual charming self..." I stopped and rolled my eyes, hopefully indicating that I really didn't care. "Anyway, all is well. He was just letting me know he'd be in the city New Year's Eve for some engagement in case I wanted to have dinner with him...since I'd 'be alone'. Or so he thought."

"Oh," he paused with his hand on the door and turned to me. "And what did you tell him?"

I smiled at Ron, amused by his obviously jealous tone he was trying to cover up - now this was a welcome jealousy. "I told him that I am not alone and was very happy about it." I stood on tiptoe to place a kiss on his now red cheeks.

He grinned.

The rest of the week was amazing - and way too fast, as usual. I was already getting tired of the hellos and goodbyes we were steadily having, and wondering if two months was too fast to bring up changing that.

I knew it was...but wondered if Ron did. I hated the goodbyes already. So much. Even the hellos were slightly tainted with the knowledge that in just a few days…

And repeat.

I did my best to stay in the moment each day rather than think about another departure that was quickly approaching on New Year's Day. I stayed present for each morning we spent having breakfast in bed, talking and laughing and enjoying each other's presence and bodies. I focused all of my attention on him when I took him around to explore the city as he had not yet seen it and soaked up all of his pampering each night whether we hit the town or stayed in. I tried so hard to slow down each moment, thinking maybe I could slow down time.

But, before I was ready, it was New Year's Eve.

"How is it," I whispered as we lay in bed, my finger tracing the scars along his arm that was draped across my body, "that every other year the week between Christmas and New Year's is the slowest week of the year, but this year, when I needed it to be slow, it flew by?"

Ron sighed and tightened his grip around me. "I don't know but I want to rewind and do it all again." I smiled wondering if I should say what was on my mind. "You could just stay," he said quietly.

I turned to face him, our bare legs tangling under the sheet. "Stay?"

"I know," he chuckled. "It's barmy. But sod it all, I don't want you to leave. Ever."

I brought my forehead to his and breathed him in. He really did smell so delicious. It almost made me forget what we were talking about. "I don't want to leave either Ron...but -"

"I know," he whispered. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to push you."

I shook my head. "No, it-it's been on my mind too."

"Really?" I nodded. He pulled me in for a passionate kiss then, our bodies flush with one another. When he pulled back he looked into my eyes. "Let's do something then."

I propped myself up on my elbow. "Do...what?"

"I think that for both of us, it may help to...set a date."

"A date? What...to-to...what?"

"Not a date to live together," he laughed, likely at the flustered look on my face. "Just a date to re-evaluate things and discuss the possibility." I thought for a moment and nodded slowly. "This way, at least we know when we're going to at least discuss putting an end to our periods of separation. I think it will help make it easier for both of us in the meantime. At least...that's my hope." I thought about what he was saying some more, my head still nodding absentmindedly. It made sense...a date to discuss it. To see where we are and what we can possibly change. Make this part of our life a season rather than our norm. "What do you think?" He asked, a worried look on his face.

I smiled. "I think it's brilliant."

"Wicked." His grin remained plastered to his face even as he planted kisses along my shoulder and neck.

"So," I said through his attentions, "Tomorrow is January first...What say you to having this conversation - oh! - on April first?"

"I say," he murmured against my ear, "that April first seems so far away," he brought his face to mine, "but it's a date."

We enjoyed one another's naked company for another bit, until he really had to get up to prepare for his meeting. He'd been a bit vague about it all week, but I got the feeling that he didn't want to put too much stake in it or talk about it and possibly jinx it - it did seem to be a pretty big deal. So I never pushed him for more information. I figured that after things went perfectly, that he would tell me all about it tonight as we celebrated his success.

He reluctantly pulled himself from the bed and made his way around the room completely nude. Feeling like a rather naughty voyeur, I took in the sight of his tall, lean, toned body appreciatively. I'd had plenty of time to observe his arms and upper body - which were perfection, I really had to say - but rarely did I have the opportunity to set a long gaze on his ass, thighs and legs. He bent over to pick up his discarded boxers, and I bit my lip at the sight of his perfectly plump backside.

He turned and caught me staring.

"Enjoying the view?" he teased.

I felt my face burn in embarrassment and hid behind a pillow. He came over and pulled the pillow back, leaning in close. "It's all for you anyway." He kissed me again but briefly, pulling away before either of us lost our nerve.

Once Ron was ready and gone for his meeting, I got into the bath to take my time getting ready for the evening. This would be my first New Years Eve in a long time having someone to celebrate it with. I didn't really know what Ron had planned - as he so loved to surprise me, and I loved to be surprised - but I knew that getting dolled up was a must.

He already looked handsome enough to eat heading off, so I wanted to be sure I could match his dapper appearance. I knew I had a couple of hours, so I started when he left to take my time.

As I soaked in the tub I wished I knew how things were going. I could tell he had been so nervous, but I wasn't sure why. He was a natural at his job, anyone who met him loved him instantly.

And the same went for TB Suites - the hotel and the company. It was all just so wholesome and family-oriented. The staff truly all seemed truly happy with their jobs and from what I could tell, guests were constantly singing the praises of the comfort and amenities of the hotel.

All I knew about tonight, was that the organization's representatives were meeting Ron and the hotel's head manager in the lobby downstairs for a tour, then heading across the street to the office conference room for a catered light dinner, meeting and presentation. I silently wished him luck and hoped that when I met him at the office later, I would be met with nothing but a proud lopsided grin and good news.

So, I was a bit surprised when, two and a half hours later - after I received the text from him that they were wrapping up - I walked into TB Suites offices to find a scowling and slightly agitated Ron talking to Chloe who had stayed late to make sure everything went smoothly.

"They're getting ready to clear out now," Ron was saying to Chloe as I approached. "Once you see them out, you can head off. I know you're probably eager to get on with your night, but I really appreciate you staying."

"Of course, Mr. Weasley. It was my pleasure." She smiled sweetly - I still say too sweetly - then turned to me and gave me a curt nod. "Ms. Granger."

"Hi Chloe," I put on my best smile. "Happy New Year."

"Same to you," she turned and began to tidy up the waiting area.

"How did things go?" I put a hand on his bicep and noticed it was tense. That wasn't a good sign.

"Well enough," he said leaning against the welcome desk, clearly distracted. "I think so anyway. The reps seemed impressed and had nothing but good things to say." He still scowled.

"So, what's the matter?"

He shrugged. "It's probably nothing, but this one wanker really irritated me," he spoke softly so his voice wouldn't carry. "He was obviously pretty full of himself, acting as if he was God's gift to the organization and his opinion mattered more than the rest. But then he had to go and question every sodding thing I said or showed them. I mean everything was a problem! 'Vell, vill the beds be large enough for da players?' and 'Vat kind of 'otel does not serve a full gloo-ton free menu?' It was infuriating!" I stifled a chuckle at his lousy attempt at whatever accent he was imitating. My smile faltered when he mumbled something that sounded a lot like "Bloody Bulgarian Bon-Bon".

"What?"

"Nothing love...I'm sorry." He looked at me now, and seemed to see me for the first time since I approached him. "Wow...you look amazing."

I felt amazing. My dress was red and flared out ever so slightly mid-thigh showing off a good amount of leg - more than I usually show at least. My strappy silver heels matched my clutch as well as the clips that were holding my curls back into place. "Thank you, handsome." It was clear that all worries about this evening's irritant were long forgotten as his eyes darkened right in front of me.

"Might change my plans and make it a night in," he cooed as he leaned in to kiss me. I sighed against his lips, contemplating the idea. I put a lot of effort into getting ready though…

I was just pulling back to voice this when I heard a familiar voice behind us. "Hermione?"

I spun around startled. "Viktor?!"

We stared at each other for a moment then at the very same time that I said "What are you doing here?" he said "This is the man that you're seeing?"

I closed my eyes and shook it to clear it. "Yes, Viktor, it is. What are you doing here?" I could feel Ron go tense beside me, and when I looked up, his face was confused and looking back and forth between us.

"This is the engagement I told you I had this evening," he said softly, still eyeing Ron scornfully when he wasn't looking at me. "The New York teams are looking to partner with," he waved his hand airily, "this hotel, and they asked a couple of the senior players to come along for our opinions." He looked me up and down a bit too long - I could feel Ron's arm tighten around me - then he looked back at Ron. "So, this is him then? You are seeing Mr. Weasley." It was hard to ignore the sneering emphasis he put on Ron's name.

I nodded just as Ron seemed to find his voice. "What's going on? Hermione how do you know him?"

"Ron, he's-"

But Viktor stepped forward, and I recognized his 'I'm important' voice he sometimes used that drove me crazy in the worst way. "We have a child together, Hermione and I," he stated matter-of-factly. "I believe she told you about her - our - daughter?"

Ron's face screwed up angrily, his skin turning redder and redder by the minute as he looked back and forth between us. Suddenly he ripped his arm away from me and excused himself, stalking off to his office.

"Hermione," Viktor turned to me, "are you-"

"I'm fine!" I spat at Viktor. "Everything's fine!" I turned and practically ran down the hallway to Ron's office after him.