The next four months went by quickly, Charlie was home more regularly and they settled into a domestic life. Esme woke up on Jessie's second birthday to an empty bed. She missed Charlie so much he had been gone since the beginning of the month.
"Mummy, it's my birthday!" Jessie exclaimed.
"I know."
"Where's daddy?"
Esme sighed. "I miss him too. I hope he'll come for your birthday."
Suddenly Esme sensed something behind her, effectively startling her. She knew only one person who could do that.
"Hey love," Charlie grinned at her.
Esme smirked, turned towards him still holding their daughter. "I hate when you do that, Charlie."
"You're still so easy to startle, love."
Esme smiled at her boyfriend.
"Daddy!" Jessie exclaimed reaching out for her dad.
Charlie grinned wider and took their daughter from Esme.
"I've missed you so much, Charlie."
"Same here, love."
They left the nursery and walked to the kitchen to see Bill making some tea.
"Uncle Bill!" Jessie yelled
Bill smiled and turned around. "Hey Jessie, happy birthday!"
Charlie handed Jessie to Bill.
"I have a feeling this was planned," she smirked at her boyfriend and his older brother.
"What gives you that idea?" Charlie asked.
Esme smiled. "I'm very observant. You know that."
"Well, you caught us. I planned the surprise. I couldn't miss Jessie's birthday."
Esme smiled and kissed Charlie passionately.
"Oí, we have young eyes here!" Bill laughed.
The couple broke apart.
"So, are you ever going to introduce your girlfriend to mum?" Charlie asked.
Bill smiled. "Actually, she's going to be my fiancée."
Charlie and Esme stared at Bill like he had grown a second head.
"Is anyone going to say something?"
"This should be interesting."
Bill said. "I know, you have it easy you're dating someone mum already knows and adores. I know Fleur is hard to like especially for someone like mum."
"I'm lucky I suppose," Charlie sighed.
"You could soften her up by saying you two are getting married instead."
"We'll be there for you Bill but you'll have to stand up to Molly sometime," Esme laughed.
"You're no fun, Esme," Bill complained.
"I can't say I won't be the same when my little Jessie starts dating," Charlie laughed taking his daughter from Bill.
"I never thought we'd settle down to be honest, but you're madly in love with Esme and I'm completely in love with Fleur," Bill said smiling at his little brother and Esme.
"I've been smitten since we met."
"As cheesy as it sounds it was love at first sight for me and Fleur. I mean she's a Veela but I honestly don't think she used her allure on me."
They celebrated Jessie's 2nd birthday quietly at home.
—
Charlie and Esme were on their way to the Burrow a week later.
"You ready, love?"
"Just about."
Charlie nodded holding Jessie. A few minutes later they flooed to the Burrow
"Charlie, Esme!" Molly greeted hugging her second oldest and his girlfriend.
"Hey mum,"
Molly took Jessie from Esme's arms and walked to the kitchen.
Bill and Fleur were already there since they had been staying there for a few days.
"So, have you told her yet?"
Bill shook his head. "No, but we will. She'll have a distraction in Jessie."
Esme glared dangerously at Bill. "William Arthur Weasley, if you think you're going to use my daughter and your goddaughter as a distraction. You've thought wrong."
"There goes the plan," Bill sighed running his hand through his hair.
"Molly, can I have my daughter? I'm sure everyone wants to see her," Esme asked.
"Sure, sweetie," Molly handed the little girl back to her.
"I'll see you in the living room, Charles," Esme said tersely striding away.
"Well, Bill thanks a lot, she's pissed at me now she tends to use my full name when she's mad."
"Mum?" Bill asked.
"Yes, dear?"
The oldest redhead said. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Fleur and I are engaged."
"Engaged! You've only been dating a year."
"We love each other, mum," Bill said.
Molly turned to Charlie. "Please don't tell me you and Esme are planning on getting married too or she's pregnant again."
"We're barely adjusting to living together, let alone talking about marriage or her getting pregnant again."
"See Bill, can't you be sensible like Charlie and Esme."
"Mum, this isn't fair. Esme is my best friend. Give Fleur a bloody chance!"
"William Arthur Weasley, you will not talk to me that way!" Molly screamed.
"I'm of age and have been for eight years! I'm an adult and I love Fleur."
"She's only interested in you because of your looks, dear."
"I bet you wouldn't say that about Esme, mum," Charlie challenged.
"Charles Septimus Weasley, I encouraged your relationship with Esme. She would never just like you for your looks."
Charlie shook his head. "Talk about a double standard, mum. Fleur was perfectly cordial to us when we met her."
Bill smiled thankfully at his little brother. The argument ended and the two of them walked back to the living room. Charlie sat next to Esme.
"How did it go?"
"So, you're not mad. I thought you were mad when you used my full name," Charlie said.
"I'm not mad, I just love saying your full name, it's sexy," she smiled.
Charlie smiled and wrapped his arm around her.