Some weeks later.
Paige came home from work early in the afternoon. When she entered the Manor she heard laughter from the backyard. She recognized the voice of a man and woman. She smiled to herself. It looked like Leo and Piper were finally getting together again She knew Victor, Piper's and Phoebe's Dad, had announced his visit today. And Piper had talked about preparing a table in the backyard for an outdoor dinner. Curious what they were laughing about so heavily she headed for the backyard. When she stepped out in the backyard she froze. It wasn't Piper and Leo in the backyard. It was Piper with Cole. They were both snorting with laughter and holding their stomachs.
"What's going on here?" Paige asked suspiciously.
Phoebe had told her that Piper was spending time alone with Cole. Paige had dismissed it, but now she was a little worried. Piper wouldn't fall for Cole's charm, would she?
"Paige," Piper managed to get out, "Hi, Wyatt was just so funny." She giggled again.
Cole had stopped laughing the moment Paige had entered the backyard. Their ceasefire hadn't developed into anything friendly yet. He walked over to the kids and let Piper explain the situation.
Paige approached Piper and stopped next to her. "What was so funny?"
"It was ... you see Chris and Grace were playing on their blanket and Wyatt was running around chasing some butterflies. Then Mrs. Myers' cat came over and approached Chris and Grace. You know that big black cat of hers?"
Paige nodded. The old cat of Mrs. Myers often roamed their backyard in search for some mice.
"Well Grace got afraid and Wyatt recognized it. He raced over next to the little ones and his force field appeared at the exact moment the cat jumped at the blanket. The cat was thrown backwards from the magic shield and fled the backyard and all his hair stood on end. The prideful expression on Wyatt's face and the absolutely dumbfounded cat was priceless." Piper had to giggle again as she recalled the event.
"I see," Paige said, smiling herself, and looking at the kids. Wyatt was standing right next to Grace and Chris who were sitting on the blanket on the floor. Cole had crouched down next to Wyatt and laid his hand on Wyatt's little shoulder.
"I'm very proud of you Wyatt, you protected your little brother and Grace. You are a good boy." Cole praised Wyatt. Wyatt looked at Cole and then raised his little hands up.
"Up, up," he urged Cole. Cole smiled and stood up, pulling Wyatt with him, "You want up?"
Without warning he threw Wyatt up in the air but caught him safely again. Wyatt gurgled with joy and Cole threw him up again. It seemed Cole enjoyed playing as much as Wyatt did. The other two kids looked at them fascinated.
Paige inhaled sharply and looked at Piper. But she seemed at ease with it and continued laying the table.
"It looks like Wyatt is used to Cole," Paige commented.
"Yeah," Piper confirmed lightly, "we have been to the playground together from time to time."
"What does Leo say about it?" Paige investigated. She wasn't sure Leo was ok with Cole bonding with his sons.
"He doesn't have much time," Piper complained, "and I'm sure he wouldn't care. The elders give him a hard time. But that doesn't mean I will sit at home all the time just because of that." Piper closed the topic.
"I understand," Paige gave in. "But do you want Cole as a role model for Wyatt?" She couldn't bite back this question and the disapproving undertone in her voice.
Piper looked at her irritated. "Paige, Wyatt knows very well who his father is. If Wyatt has fun playing with Cole once in a while, I don't see a problem. I'm always around anyway when Cole is with the kids. So please stop worrying."
Paige didn't dare to question this matter further. Piper seemed totally convinced that she had everything under control and that Cole was no threat to her kids.
"Do you need my help with something?" Paige asked while she watched Cole and Wyatt, fascinated. Cole seemed entirely different with the kids.
"Yes, thanks for asking, can you come inside with me? I have to start preparing the food." Piper jumped at Paige's offer.
"Cole, we take the little ones in with us," Piper called towards Cole, when she picked up Chris from the blanket.
Paige was startled at the familiar interaction between Cole and Piper but didn't comment on it. Piper wouldn't appreciate any further questions on that topic, she was sure. Paige followed suit with Grace. She was amazed once again how she could be so affectionate for Grace while loathing her father with the same force.
Cole just answered a short ok. He was strolling around the backyard with Wyatt riding on his shoulders. The more space was between him and Paige, the better.
Paige and Piper entered the Manor and Paige had to vent her amazement. "I've never seen Cole like this," she wondered, "He is so different from how he behaves normally." When had she ever seen Cole relaxed and laughing? She looked questioningly at Piper.
"I know exactly what you mean," Piper confirmed, "I was very stupefied myself at first. But at times he can be a very kind and gentle person. In fact he is always with his daughter and my sons." And after a thoughtful second she added, "Add his charms and his looks I can somehow understand better what Phoebe saw in him. I'm sure she knew this hidden part of him."
Paige threw Piper a sceptical look and Piper hurried to continue, "That doesn't mean I support a new relationship between them. I'm glad we stayed up after that dinner invitation to wait for her and that they don't seem to revive a tighter relationship between them."
Her words calmed Paige down. "I'm glad you said that Piper. I feared for a moment he had made you think differently about that. "
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Paige and Piper were cutting and cleaning the vegetables when Cole came in with Wyatt. He had Wyatt hanging over his shoulder like a sack, kicking his feet at Cole's chest forcefully and yelling, "Up, up," at the top of his lungs.
Not bothered by the struggling child, Cole took Wyatt off his shoulders with a swift motion and set him on his feet. Then he slumped on a chair himself. His face was red and a little sweaty as was Wyatt's. Wyatt looked sulking at Cole.
"Your son sure has a lot of energy," Cole addressed Piper. Piper turned around and took in their exerted appearance. "You want something to drink?"
"Yes please," Cole thanked her and Wyatt piped "yes Mum."
Paige stayed silent and continued cutting the carrots. She found the whole scene rather strange. Piper and Cole got along much better than at the time Cole had been part of the family. Piper put a big glass in front of Cole and gave a small one to Wyatt. Both emptied it thirstily. When Wyatt was finished he turned to Cole again. "Up," he demanded again.
"I think you had enough action for today Wyatt. At least I had enough." Cole declined Wyatt's plea. But Wyatt was insistent and stomped his foot. "Up, Up!"
Cole rolled his eyes, "I wonder where he got his stubbornness from." His glance met Piper's and he added, "I take that back. I don't wonder."
He held his right hand towards Wyatt. "If you manage to come up here on your own..." He didn't need to finish his sentence. Wyatt grabbed his hand and climbed onto Cole's lap happily all on his own. When he had reached a comfortable place at Cole's lap he looked at Cole victoriously.
Cole was bemused. "You Halliwells always have your own way, don't you?"
Piper looked at her son. He looked a little bit tired. "What did you do all that time?" she asked curiously.
"Well, we played tag and I had him riding on my shoulders for a while," Cole smiled, "maybe you should get him a rocking horse. He can't get enough of it."
"I'm not sure that will leave you off the hook," Piper grinned.
"Hey guys I'm home!" Phoebe's voice came from the hall.
Cole tensed up immediately and Wyatt turned his head to look at him. Had he done something to displease his playfellow? Cole got up abruptly and sat Wyatt on the stool.
"I've got to be going," he announced. He didn't want to see Phoebe's repelling face.
"You don't have to," Piper answered.
Since the night out Cole and Phoebe were avoiding each other deliberately. And if they met anyhow they acted very distant towards each other. Phoebe hadn't spilled to her sisters what had happened between them exactly, but Piper had her own assumptions. Probably Cole had overstepped his boundaries and Phoebe was angry with him for that. Piper was sure it would settle eventually. Furthermore Cole and Phoebe keeping their distance was a good thing in her opinion.
"Well, I forgot I had some plans," Cole said, "A single dad has to use the rare times he can paint the town red. " Piper raised a questioning eyebrow at his statement.
Cole hurried over to Grace, who sat on Paige's lap and quickly bent down to her and kissed her on the temple. "Be a good girl Grace," he advised.
Paige pulled a face. Cole was very near to her, too near for her taste."Get out of my face Cole," Paige hissed.
He looked at her for a moment and Paige thought to have seen a hint of hurt in his blues. But without an answer he blurred out on the spot, not a second before Phoebe entered the kitchen.
"There you are! I was looking for you in the backyard. The table looks fantastic, Piper. Dad will love it." Phoebe was excitedly looking forward to meeting her dad.
"Look who's here." Phoebe had spotted Grace at Paige's lap. She went over to her and asked Paige, "Do you mind if I take her?"
Paige smiled, "Of course not Phoebe, go ahead."
Phoebe took Grace in her arms and stopped for a second. It was like she could smell Cole's aftershave in the air. But that sure was misleading.
"When did Cole bring by Grace? And why? Today is not the day she is normally with us," she asked.
"A while ago," Piper said. Phoebe hadn't asked when he had left, "and I asked him to. I want to introduce Grace to our Dad."
"That's a great idea!" Phoebe exclaimed, "Dad will just love her. I'm sure she reminds him of us when we were kids." Phoebe had placed Grace comfortably on her waist by now.
Paige shook her head. "She is not his grandchild Phoebe."
"Yeah but she is our goddaughter," Phoebe said self-confidently and Paige raised an eyebrow at the phrase 'our goddaughter', "and therefore he will like her nonetheless. Shall I help you with the cooking Piper?"
"No, but thanks for asking," Piper refused. Phoebe had many talents, but cooking was not one of them. "I prefer you take the two little ones in the backyard and leave the kitchen to me. This will get us the best results in the least time."
"What about Wyatt?" Phoebe asked. Wyatt had laid his head on his arms on the table and looked half asleep.
"I will put him down for a nap," Piper smiled.
"Ok, then let's go Paige," Phoebe hurried out of the kitchen. She was happy that she didn't need to help in the kitchen. It was much more fun to spend some time with Grace.
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It was after dinner. Leo and Piper were inside putting the children down to sleep. Paige had excused herself to meet some friends. Phoebe and Victor were sitting on a bench in the backyard. Both were looking at the starry sky. It was a warm clear night and the Milky Way was seen well.
"I followed your career Phoebe," Victor said, "and I'm very proud of you. I have the Bay Mirror sent to my office everyday just to read your column. You really give good advice. I'm sure your grandma never ever thought you would be the most successful of your sisters. You somehow were the black sheep in the family." He grinned, "Penny always said you come after me."
Phoebe turned her face to him and laughed, "It's funny how life turns out sometimes." Then she stopped laughing and continued, "and sometimes it is sad."
Victor was concerned for his youngest daughter. She seemed rather melancholy suddenly. "Phoebe, what is bothering you?" He took her hand in his and squeezed it, "you can talk to me, I'm your father, I will try to understand you and maybe I can help you."
"It's nothing." Phoebe refused to answer and turned her glance at the sky again. "Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?" she asked her father.
"The northern lights? No, I've never been that far in the north. I heard it is wonderful," Victor answered, a little bit confused by the sudden change of topic. He looked at her face and she had a far away expression on it.
"It is," Phoebe agreed still looking at the sky, "I was in the north of Sweden once at night. It was a night like this, no clouds, no moon just the northern lights flickering over the starlit sky. It was marvellous."
And very romantic, Phoebe recalled. Cole had shimmered them to a secluded hut surrounded for kilometres only by snow and woods. They had sat on the roof in their parkas and had watched the heavenly spectacle in each other's arms. Phoebe sighed slightly.
"I never knew you were in Europe," Victor said surprised, "when was that?" Phoebe was the daughter he had the most contact with and still he knew so little of her life.
"It was just one night and…it was with Cole," Phoebe admitted quietly, "he took me there for our1 year anniversary." She tore her glance away from the sky and looked bashfully at her father. "Did you still think of Mum after you broke up?" she asked him.
Victor was taken by surprise by her change of topic again and seriousness of her voice. "Phoebe, as you know, it was she who broke up with me. I always hoped that we would come together again. I thought her affair with this….white lighter was just a phase." He paused for a moment, "she died before we had a chance to try again."
"So you thought of her after the break up?" Phoebe was insistent.
"Yes," Victor told her, "a lot." He patted her hand, "I loved Patty dearly. You cannot stop loving someone like turning off a switch."
Phoebe nodded her head in agreement. How often had she wished it was as simple as that to not think of Cole.
At dinner a question had already formed in Victor's mind, but he had restrained himself from asking it. Now that Phoebe had brought up the topic he felt it was safe to ask.
"Why are you and your sisters caring for the daughter of your ex-husband? I wonder about this strange situation."
"Do you think we shouldn't?" Phoebe asked taken aback. She had had the impression that her father liked Grace.
"I just think it is hard enough to go on after a divorce without having the ex or his child around. Didn't Piper ask you before she agreed to be the godmother?" Victor was a little upset with Piper for this.
"Don't blame Piper, Dad," Phoebe soothed him, "we talked about it and I said I was ok with it. Besides, Grace is an innocent. We cannot let our personal feelings prevent us from doing our job as witches," Phoebe explained with a shrug.
Victor wasn't content with the answer and furrowed his brows. "He could have found someone else."
"Not likely, Dad," Phoebe opposed and took her hand back from him, "besides we owed Cole."
The reason why Paige had agreed to accepting Grace had been her guilt about the evil desire incident.
"I'm just a little worried about you Phoebe," Victor explained carefully, "you look worn out. You are not the carefree girl you used to be."
"Don't worry, Dad." Phoebe wiped his concern away. She put her feet on the bench and hugged her knees.
"I can manage. I just have a very stressful job on top of the witch business and additionally I have many dates – bachelors of San Fran be aware – here comes Phoebe."
Phoebe winked at her father with a smile. She wasn't that confident about finding the right guy anymore but she didn't want her father to be worried for her. He fretted enough already about his daughters witch responsibilities.
"I'm glad to hear that," Victor answered relieved, "I'm sure you will find the right guy and have your own children Phoebe."
He had seen how devoted Phoebe was to Grace this evening and it made him uneasy. The sooner Phoebe had her own family the sooner she could let go of Grace respectively of Cole.
"Well I'm working on it," Phoebe confirmed feigning enthusiasm.
In the last weeks, dating really had been work for her, not fun. But still she hadn't taken a step forward to creating her daughter lately.
"You have so much love to give sweetheart, one day you will find the guy who deserves it and loves you back just as much," Victor said, convinced, and laid his arm around her small shoulders and pulled her near. "Just give it some time and don't push it. It will happen when you least expect it."
He kissed her lightly on the head. She would always be his little girl and he wanted to see her happy.
"I hope you are right," Phoebe said quietly.
She looked at the dark sky again and thought of a small Swedish hut, with her and Cole buried in covers in front of a crackling fire.
Would her life ever get that good again?
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tbc