Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 16

Ron tried to calm his breathing after the moment he and the mother of his child shared. As he reached the window he heard the bedroom door click quietly shut. Ron instantly recognized the owl as an official Ministry of Magic post carrier. He untied the scroll from its claw and gave him a treat.

He turned himself facing toward the kitchen once more, leaning his weight on the counter, and read the letter.

It was from Britton Kensington, his coworker in the Auror Department. He had looked into the situation, placing it above other standstill investigations, and discovered some discrepancies in the research he had done. He asked Ron if he would make an official detailed report now that a case was about to open. He would also need one from anyone else who had made the same accusations. If all went well, he would meet Britton with Kingsley tomorrow to discuss it.

Ron was elated and hopeful. He was also quite tired. Still a bit irritated over the incident in the park as well. 'Emotional range of a teaspoon my arse.' He smirked.

The day had not been one he was expecting. He planned on doing everything he could to convince Hermione to stay. He thought the trip to the park would help them bond as a family. And yet, it plummeted. On the way back the flat he was heartbroken. He couldn't imagine her wanting to stay after she was almost assaulted in a public park. When he approached her after she put Rose down for her nap, he was tempted to get on his knees and beg, but as soon as she spoke and the tears started flowing he couldn't. As she voiced her fears to him he felt a tiny glimmer of hope. Then as they stared in each other's eyes, that hope grew more and more. It left him feeling warm inside; sort of like a shot of fire whisky. Ron shook his head. He couldn't be thinking of that right now. He needed to be completely there for Hermione and Rose.

He glanced down at the parchment in his hand once more. This was just adding to his faith that things would be okay. They would find what happened to the letters and they would mend their relationship, just like they did all through Hogwarts. Ron clutched the parchment tightly in his hand, turned to shut the window, and headed to his temporary room to complete his report.

Hermione felt small hands press on her legs, moving up her body. As the pressure grew by her ribs she turned so she was lying flat on her back. The pressure was now in two chubby hands by her collarbone, sliding down between her arms and her chest. A familiar head of curly hair flopped in her face making her nose tickle. Hermione chuckled lightly as she breathed in her daughter's scent. She would never have to open her eyes to know that the mound of curls were bright auburn. Hermione curled her arms around her daughter's body and laid contently snuggling her two year old.

Hermione's peaceful moment was intruded by Ron clearing his throat. She quickly opened her eyes and saw him standing at the foot of the bed with his hands in his trouser pockets.

"I thought she was going to wake you up. But I guess the lazy bum just wanted to sleep some more!" Ron chuckled moving closer to the bed and sat down, being careful not to touch Hermione. She sighed, unwrapped her arms around Rose, and pushed herself up to a sitting position. Ron watched as Hermione gave small kisses to Rose's head. Rose stirred and brought herself up, facing her mum.

"She is a lazy bum isn't she?" Hermione smiled as she gently brushed the bouncy curls from her daughter's face as Ron spoke.

"I think she gets that from her father." Hermione gave a small laugh.

"I think I agree with you on that one." She glanced up at Ron giving him a smile, before returning to give Rose her attention. Ron felt his heart stop in his chest. He has always been affected by her smiles. It was like they knocked the air out of him because of the beauty that shone there. Hermione turned and read the clock on the nightstand.

"She's officially allowed to Floo." Her voice broke Ron from the haze he was in. This was one of the moments he had been nervous for. He wasn't sure what the events of the day had changed. Would she be ready to see the family? Or would she rather return to her 'home' in America? He cleared his throat and asked what he had been anxiously awaiting.

"Are you still wanting to see the family? I know today was eventful and quite exhausting..." Ron looked up to meet her eyes. Hermione was biting her lip still looking at Rose, who was playing with the fabric of Hermione's shirt. She softly flipped Rose so her back was against Hermione's chest. As Rose adjusted to the new position she saw her father, and crawled down Hermione's legs and into his arms. She thought about the question Ron asked. She knew he desperately wanted her to go. Yet, he was still giving her the option not to. It made her heart clench with the love she felt for this man. After the events of the past few days as well as this one, she felt hopeful that they could fix their relationship.

"I think they have waited long enough to meet their granddaughter." She looked up to meet Ron's eyes then and smirked as the crooked grin of joy spreading across his face. He knew he still needed her to agree to stay in England for good, but it was a step in the right direction. A damn good step if you asked him.

"Great. Ginny has sent a Patronus asking what we were doing. Would you rather me Floo in first, and warn the family before you and Rose come? Or would you rather us all be introduced together…? What would you like?" Rose turned in her father's lap to face him. Standing on his thighs, she braced herself by placing her hands on his shoulders. She faced her mum and displayed a toothy grin.

"I think…" Hermione inhaled deeply. "I think we should be introduced together. Could you see if Ginny could get the family to leave the living room while we Floo in? Then we could all walk in, as a fa- as the three of us?" Ron noticed the word she almost called them. He gave a small smile, trying to hide his excitement.

"Sure, I'll send her a Patronus to distract the family and then we'll Floo in." Hermione swung her legs off the bed and stretched.

"Okay, I'll get Rosie ready while to go while you do that." Hermione explained through a yawn. Ron couldn't help to think how adorable she was while waking up.

"No need. She has already been changed and I cast a refreshing charm on her. So she's ready to go." Ron stood up and lifted Rose with him. He pulled her in the air above his head as she giggled and reached her arms below her to reach him.

"Oh, well, thank you." Hermione spoke obviously surprised, as in the past, she had been the only one responsible for such things. "You didn't have to do that."

Ron let Rose down and placed her on his hip. He looked at Hermione with a confused look on his face. "Yea, actually I did. I'm her father, and from now on it is my responsibility to make sure she's happy and healthy, and cared for."

Hermione stared at Ron comprehending the passion he used while speaking those words. "I've told you before, and I'll say it until you believe me: you're not in this alone anymore." He spoke the last part with such intensity and confidence; it made a tingle trail down Hermione's spine, causing goosebumps to spread across her skin. She shivered slightly and nodded her head in agreement.

A pregnant silence filled the room. Ron turned to look at Rose, and spoke breaking the silence. "I'll go show you how to conjure a Patronus while mummy gets ready. Sound good, love?" Rose clapped her hands and Ron placed a kiss on the crown of her head and walked to the living room, leaving Hermione alone in the bedroom once more.

At quarter past five they were all three standing in front of the fireplace. Rose was attached to Ron's hip, as Hermione stood shuffling through her nappy bag, checking, for the fourth time, that she had all she needed. Ron shifted slightly to her and placed a gentle hand on her arm that was frantically arranging the content of the fully supplied teal bag. She paused and glanced up to the tall redhead who was currently giving her a concerned look. She closed the bag shut with an exhale. Ron pulled him arm back and bounced Rose to the other hip. Hermione stared forward and anxiously adjusted the strap at her shoulder. Ron still looked at the brunette witch, waiting for her to share her worries.

"What if they hate me?" She whispered in a much quieter voice than Ron was expecting. Usually when she was stressed and worried she would have something close to an outburst. Loud voice, flushed face, sweaty palms. He would recognize all the signs from when they were in school. But, that's not what occurred this time. Perhaps, yet another result from the war. Ron grimaced at the way they had all changed in the past few years. Living without certain loved ones, being worried about when and where you went. The physical damage left upon their bodies, emotional scares that ran deep, and mental trauma that they suffered daily since.

Rose leaned forward in her father's hold to see her mum trembling slightly; her eyebrows knit together in confusion. He turned completely towards her.

"Hey," and as carefully as he could he pulled softly at the sleeve of her upper arm to face him. She inhaled quickly and turned looking into his clear blue eyes, the deep brown staring back shimmering with unshed tears. "There is no way they could hate you Hermione." She let out a huff and a few drops slid down her cheeks. Looking away, she reached her hand up to wipe them away and once again nervously adjusted the strap of her bag.

"Of course they can. Ron, I kept their first granddaughter away from them. I lied to them. I lied to your mum." She gasped and more tears pooled over. Her hands threaded through her curly locks at her forehead hairline. Her voice seemed to raise and octave. "Oh Merlin! Your mum Ron!" Her breathing picked up in pace, looking paler by the second.

Rose started to squirm in his hold and acting quickly, her set her down on the carpeted floor and placed both arms on Hermione, holding her in place. He squatted slightly to be at her eye level. He gently squeezed her arms.

"Hermione, breathe. Calm down." She continued to breathe erratically and tears continued slipping from her closed lids. Rose was watching the scene and hugged her mum's leg. "Look at me Mione." He spoke soothingly, and she pried open her lids. She looked into Ron's calming gaze, and she felt a warmth surround her.

"Breathe." She timed her breathing to match his. After a few moments, her breathing had settled except for a stray hiccup or two.

"Better?" Ron asked, still boring into her eyes. She nodded shakily. He moved his hands slightly up and down, rubbing her arms reassuringly. "They are not going to hate you. They could never, and will never do that. If I don't hate you, then they are not allowed to either." He paused to make sure she was listening.

"Besides, mum's going to be so thrilled about another grandkid that she'll forget what happened in the first place." Ron gave a slight laugh, and a crooked smile; causing Hermione to give a tiny tight lipped smile as well. Ron released her from his hold as Hermione looked down at Rose, still clinging tightly to her leg. She scooped up her daughter and held her in a snug embrace, ending with Hermione shifting her to the hip opposite the nappy bag. Ron watched her snuggle Rose and whisper reassurances that 'mummy's okay' while Ron made a mental note to speak to the brunette about that happened later that day. Hermione gave a final kiss to her daughter's head and stepped forward closer to the Floo.

"I suppose you should go first?" Hermione glanced over her shoulder at Ron, who was in a daze observing her. He nodded and stepped forward as well. He cringed slightly as he thought about how to word his next sentence.

"I was thinking, maybe I should Floo with Rose? The family will jump all over you once they see you're here, and I know that could overwhelm her." Hermione stared into the fireplace as Ron spoke. She bit the inside of her lip and contemplated his words.

"Hermione?" Ron looked at her questioningly.

"Yea, that makes sense..." Hermione spoke quietly as she moved to hand Rose to Ron. As he secured his hold under the toddler's arm, he felt a split second hesitation to let go, coming from Hermione's end. She tried to recover quickly so he didn't notice. However, Ron was becoming much better about reading her, and this was a situation he wished he was reading completely wrong. She was still having second thoughts. Luckily, she had agreed to let him take Rose. If he'd have let her Floo over with their daughter, could he have trusted her to travel to the Burrow and not back to America? He wasn't so sure now. His jaw tensed just thinking about it.

He walked into the Floo and took a final glance at the woman before him. Hoping -praying- that she would follow him instead of leaving them both behind. "See you in a minute?" He tried looking into her eyes. However, she kept her eyes downcast and gave a ghost of a nod. He grabbed a handful of powder and steadily commanded the name of his childhood home.

As soon as the Burrow's den was visible to Ron, he quickly stepped out a few paces and turned to face the fireplace, leaning forward slightly and listening intently.

"It's about time you showed up!" Ginny spoke in a harsh whisper. "Luckily I convinced mum to have dinner in the garden- what are you doing?" She watched with a confused look at her brother who currently held her niece, facing the fireplace like a madman.

"Shh." He held a hand out in her direction, without drawing his eyes away from the fireplace, to instruct her not to talk. As each second passed, Ron's anxiety became more intense. Rose felt the tension in the room and kept hushed as well.

"Ron, where is-" Ginny's sentence was broken as green flames erupted in the fireplace, revealing a Hermione with a bit of ash on her. She stepped out and brushed off her trousers and blouse. As she looked up, she was met with Ron's gaze.

He let out a thankful exhale as he displayed a huge crooked grin; a relieved look on his face. She gave him a small smile in return. Ginny watched the two carefully, trying to sort out the situation. Ginny made her way to Hermione, effectively breaking the pair's gaze.

"I'm so glad you came!" Ginny embraced Hermione tightly. "I wasn't sure you'd come." She released her as Hermione laughed slightly.

"Really? You sounded so sure yesterday." She said with a smirk. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Well, you did have all night to come up with a way not to come, and I wasn't sure if Ron did his job of convincing you… If you know what I mean." Ginny gave a suggestive wink to Hermione.

"Ginny!" Ron reprimanded, flushing from Ginny's comment. Hermione felt a blush rise in her cheeks as well. Ginny internally laughed at her brother and best friend. It wasn't like they had anything to be embarrassed about; they had a kid for Merlin's sake!

"How is my beautiful niece doing?" Ginny asked, suddenly changing the topic. She gave a small wave to Rose who watched the redhead carefully, before giving her a tiny grin.

They heard a door close and Harry entered the room. "Glad you all made it. I'm having a hard time keeping mum occupied so she doesn't come into the house." Harry walked over and hugged Hermione, who returned it. He released her, giving her a peck on the cheek as he stepped back. He stood by Ginny and slid and arm around her waist.

"Let's head back to the garden and get this announcement over with, shall we?" They all nodded and continued through the house. Harry and Ginny walked outside, leaving Ron, Rose, and Hermione in the kitchen. Hermione peeked out the kitchen window at the family outside.

They sat in a long wooden table in the garden. Mrs. Weasley must have worked very hard on the flowers this year. The bright and colorful blooms were spread across the land. It was so beautiful; the flowers seemed to be praising the cooler weather of the evening. At the table sat Mr. Weasley, George, Angelina, Percy, Bill, Fleur, and a small blonde toddler. Harry and Ginny also sat, leaving Mrs. Weasley rearranging platters on the table.

Ron watched Hermione look out the window. He knew she needed to be assured that this would go well. He reached down and held her hand. Her concentration was broken and she quickly looked to Ron in surprise.

"It's going to be okay." Ron said calmly as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She glanced down at their connected hands and trailed her eyes back up to his face. He wore a small smile and his eyes were full of hope. She took in a big breath and nodded. He released her hand and readjusted Rose on his hip.

"Let's go meet your family Rosie." Rose, unsure of the new place she was in, snuggled into her father's embrace. Ron placed his hand on the doorknob, but Hermione moved it off. He looked at her questioningly. She took a deep breath, and opened the door. Walking out, Ron stayed close behind her. George and Ginny were having a heated conversation about Quidditch, while Percy and Mr. Weasley were conversing about the Ministry. The family turned when they heard the door open. As the trio walked through, silence spread throughout the table. Mrs. Weasley was the first to speak.

"Hermione!" She shouted, pushing herself out of her chair and making her way to the woman, when she noticed her son holding something – someone. Ron closed the door behind them and stood tall next to the curly haired witch. The family saw the three for the first time together. Mouths were hanging open, brows were scrunched, gaping stares ensued. George may have been the first one to come out of the shock. Then a smirk spread across his face, clearly putting together the pieces of the puzzle, and finding it incredibly amusing.

Hermione stood there glancing over the faces of the awestruck family. She wrung her hands as the time passed with nothing happening. The tension was making her stomach knot up, she absentmindedly leaned closer to Ron. Mrs. Weasley stared wide eyed at the three absolutely shocked at what she saw. Ron knew this waiting needed to end. He cleared his throat, causing the family to now focus on him, and spoke.

"Everyone, this is Rose. Me and Hermione's daughter." He cringed slightly at not even knowing the proper way to say it. He just wanted to be completely clear that Rose was both Ron's and Hermione's. At Ron's announcement there were many reactions. The whole family seemed to be taken back by the statement. Many questions were thrown into the air as Mrs. Weasley still stood there shocked. Angelina was the first one to move; she pushed out her chair and strode over to Hermione. She stood in front of her, the girl a bit taller than she.

"It's so good to see you Hermione!" Angelina wrapped her arms around Hermione, startling her a bit, but then forming to the embrace as well. As she stepped back releasing Hermione from the hug, and turned to Ron and Rose.

"So she's yours?" Angelina looked between the two, and as she stood there, George appeared at her side.

"Of course she is! Just look at her!" George laughed. "I'm your uncle George, and this is your aunt Angelina." He spoke to Rose, still snuggled to Ron, carefully watching the new redhead speaking to her. George added in a whisper, "I'll be your favorite." with a wink. He moved to pat Ron on the shoulder. "Gee, Ron. I didn't know you had it in ya."

"Piss off." Ron replied, smiling slightly at the eased tension.

"Ron!" Hermione scolded, which turned George's attention to her next. He crossed to her while Angelina spoke quietly to Rose.

"Welcome back sis." He gave her a tight hug. Hermione sighed a relieved breath, thankful that at least some of the family was okay with their news. George and Angelina worked their way back to their seats. By this time, Mr. Weasley was standing with Mrs. Weasley, who had still not spoken.

"She's your daughter Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley spoke quietly to the pair, striding forward with her husband at her heel.

"She is." Hermione said gesturing toward Ron. "She's ours." She looked up at the two redheads whom she loved the most, and smiled. Ron returned hers, and slid an arm around her waist. Mrs. Weasley watched the pair, glancing up at the child held in her youngest son's clutch.

"How… When…?" The family's matriarch seemed to be at a loss for words. Ron looked uncomfortable and squeezed Hermione tighter.

"It's complicated, mum." Ron shrugged his shoulder. Mr. Weasley stepped in then.

"Molly, I'd like to properly meet our granddaughter. Wouldn't you?" He spoke gently, guiding her with his hands on her arms. She nodded absently still staring at Hermione and her son. Arthur moved them both to stand in front of Rose and Ron.

"Hello sweet Rose." Mr. Weasley spoke gently, Hermione thought the softest she'd ever heard from the man, and he was already a kind person.

"That's your granddad Rosie, and that's grandmum." Ron added.

"Hello love." Mrs. Weasley spoke to the toddler with tears pooling in her eyes. "Oh, Ron, Hermione, she's precious."

She spoke as the water slid down her plump cheeks. She suddenly turned to Hermione, covering her in a warm embrace. Hermione felt relieved tears spill from her eyes as she melted into the matriarch's hold. This was the acceptance she feared she wouldn't receive. She loved the woman in her arms like her own mum. She never wanted to disappoint her or hurt her in any way. Yet, she dreaded she had done both, which she still believed Mrs. Weasley felt. However, she felt the love that poured into the hug. She knew that even though it would take time to adjust, the older woman would still love Hermione like her daughter.

When the embrace had broken, the matriarch stood and wiped Hermione's tears away as she chuckled slightly. Hermione grinned and looked up at Ron, who smiled back. Mrs. Weasley blew out deeply and spoke.

"Well, let's get supper going and we can talk about all of this. Yes?" Ron and Hermione gladly agreed. They sat at the table and the questions were flowing from those around them. They both told their sides of the story as they ate and fed Rose, who was sitting on Ron's lap. Hermione explained what her life consisted of in America, answered questions the others had for her, and overall just felt relieved about how the evening was going. The family was happy to have Hermione back, and thrilled to be adding Rose to the family.

Conversation shifted from Hermione, to work, to Quidditch. Rose played happily with Victorie for a bit, then was passed between Harry, Ginny, and her grandparents. Rose refused to be held by anyone unless Ron had been close by her. She eventually had enough of other people for the day and was returned to her mum, clearly overwhelmed by the attention she was receiving from all the adults.

Her head laid on Hermione's shoulder, Rose's breath blowing in warm puffs on her neck. She was curled up and cuddled tightly to her mum. Hermione rocked her slightly side to side and gave a peck to her head.

"So, Hermione," Mr. Weasley began, "Do you have a job lined up that the Ministry? I hear there's a head position open for the Care of Magical Creature Enforcement. Sounds like it'd be a perfect fit for you based on your internship in America."

"Oh! And I could watch Rose while you and Ronald are at work! I would love spending more time with her." Mrs. Weasley jumped in. Ron glanced at Hermione. He was extremely interested to hear her answers to the questions he was sure were to follow. She looked nervous.

"Well, I am still working for the American Ministry… They really have an opening in that department?" She looked seriously at Mr. Weasley. He nodded.

"Just spoke to Kingsley about it the other day. He was asking for any recommendations I could suggest. However, I didn't have any… so he told me to keep my eye out for someone who'd be qualified." He raised an eyebrow and smiled when he saw her face light up.

"You could return in the morning and resign from your position there, pack up the house, and meet with Kingsley later that morning. Arthur can go with you, and Rose can stay here while you are running around." Mrs. Weasley was excited at the thought; not too subtly hinting that she wanted Rose with her.

"Victorie would love to have a friend to play with when we visit." Fleur added, glancing at her husband. He nodded in agreement. Hermione began to speak, but Ginny jumped in as well.

"If you return to America, you'd just have to return for the wedding. Living in England would make much more sense… Think about it Hermione." Ginny insisted.

Hermione closed her eyes and thought. She really had the family pulling for her to stay here. A job she knew she would enjoy and excel at was awaiting her here. Ron's family (which was essentially her family) was here. She would have Molly, her family to watch Rose here. She opened her eyes, and stared forward at the table, biting her lip in concentration.

She looked to her left where Ron was sitting. He was leaning back in his chair, with his right arm outstretched on the table, tracing the bottom of his water glass. At the silence, he looked up to her, blue eyes meeting deep brown.

"Well Hermione?" He asked, visibly concerned at what her answer would be. She removed her arm from her snoozing daughter and slid it into Ron's open one on the table. She intertwined their fingers and couldn't help but feel at home.

"We're staying."

A/N: I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all those who have read my story. Another massive thanks to those who have reviewed. I read every one and can't say how grateful I am to have that feedback and support. I was just looking over the stats for this story. It's so incredible to think that people from all across the globe are seeing my work. Amazing how technology can connect people. It's Thanksgiving here in America, and I am truly feeling that thanks. I hope I continue to give you a story worth reading.

A huge shout out to the following people who have consistently reviewed and given support for this story: HeRonLove, Heavenly Survivor, JeanAndBilius, WeasleyIsMyKing540, kavyaanoop.10, chemrunner57, lovehr, LitEnthused, Emz Fan, ksouza3, AzaleaBlue, and the many "Guests." Also a big thanks to thatwitch64 for the shout out!

More to come!