A/N: As you may have noticed, this story has been changed to M. I reviewed the guidelines and felt that the content of this story could be considered M. To be safe, I upgraded it. If such things occur, it will be mild, and non-explicit as I am not comfortable writing those scenes!
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!
Chapter 35
About an hour later, the three returned to the hospital. They stayed for a bit longer before Hugo suggested that Hermione and Jean go to purchase Rose's Halloween costume.
"Halloween is tomorrow after all," The older man reminded them.
Hermione bit her lip thinking to herself. She wanted to do this for her daughter, and her Mum, but, also wanted to spend as much time as possible by her father's side.
"Are you sure? I don't want you to be lonely here by yourself," Hermione explained quietly. Hugo made a tutting noise and waved his hand at her dismissively.
"Nonsense. I'm feeling much better. And, I'll have Ron here to keep me company," Hugo explained. Hermione's eyes flickered to Ron, who smiled and nodded back at the older man.
"Alright... but, we'll make it quick. And we'll pick up some dinner on the way back. I'm not sure how much more hospital food we can take..."
The witch left with her mother and daughter. The witch stole once last glance before disappearing behind the door. They found a costume that Rose was in love with within an hour of searching. Jean convinced her granddaughter to keep her costume a secret so it could be a surprise; a large task for a tot who was only two and a half. Hermione carried in their dinner and the family ate together happily. They all had a sense of relief that it was once again peaceful with the Granger family.
The next morning, Rose was insistent on wearing her costume, and was not at all pleased when Hermione told her she had to wait until later in the day to dress up. Ron helped tote the cranky toddler to the hospital and into the room assigned to Hugo.
"Hello Rosie!" Hugo sang, without the restriction of his oxygen mask. Hermione noticed he was back to the tube sitting below his nose. She internally hoped it was a sign of better health for her father.
The tot let go of Ron's hand and made her way to the hospital bed with a scrunched-up face. Hermione rolled her eyes, as Ron tried to stifle a laugh, before earning a glare from the witch. Jean helped Rose onto the bed where she sat with Hugo, still furrowing her eyebrows and pouting out her bottom lip.
"Er… what's happened with Rose?" The older man asked about his granddaughter.
Hermione pulled the tot's coloring book and crayons from the nappy bag resting on her shoulder, handing them to her father.
"Mummy no let me dress up Mummy," the tot muttered to herself, flipping through the coloring book forcefully and dumping out the carton of crayons on the thin mattress.
Hugo looked at Hermione perplexed, raising an eyebrow, hopeful that she would explain just what the toddler was babbling on about.
"She's upset that I wouldn't let her wear her c-o-s-t-u-m-e this morning. I knew mum wanted to help me dress her. She's a bit put out by it…" Hermione explained, watching the toddler's mood change as she chose a page to color.
"Just a bit though," Ron sarcastically chuckled. He didn't see Rose angry too often, but, if he wasn't the one her fury was directed at, he found it highly amusing.
"I see you're back on the tube instead of the mask. Does that mean you're improving?" Hermione asked with a hopeful tone, while changing the subject.
Her mother beamed at Hugo, who looked smug as well.
"Doctor says I'm doing quite well. They also received news first thing this morning that I made it into the trial."
Hermione placed her hands over her mouth in shock, gasping as she did so.
"Really? You're in?" She asked, wishing anything in the world that she had heard correctly.
Hugo nodded his head as Jean dabbed at her eyes, fresh with happy tears.
"Oh, my gosh! That's amazing!" Hermione squealed as she ran over to her father and hugged him tightly, tears slipping down her cheeks. Hugo chuckled as he embraced his daughter back just as firmly. Rose glared up toward her mum and grandfather slightly irritated that she was disturbed during her coloring, but, softening her face as Hermione and Hugo separated, seeing the tears streaming down her face with a grand smile.
"That's so wonderful, daddy," Hermione whispered, her voice tight with emotion. Ron beamed at the knowledge that there was a fighting chance for the elder man.
"It is. Congratulations," Ron spoke moving toward the bed, shaking Hugo's hand.
"Thank you. They gave me the first dose as soon as they heard I was in. Now, they're watching for any reactions for the next few hours," Hugo explained, picking up a crayon to color with his granddaughter, kissing her on her crimson curls.
Their conversations were much happier after discovering Hugo's good news. They weren't out of the woods yet, but, things were finally looking up for the family. The nurses came to monitor Hugo throughout the morning, some dressed in additions to their uniforms for the holiday. Hermione kept careful watch on their reactions, wary to see any negative features while looking at her father's vitals. Luckily, they only had positive things to say, and often stayed to color with Rose for a few moments before returning to the hall. After lunch, Ron and Hermione returned to the hotel for Rose's kip.
They followed their Australian routine, lying Rose down in her playpen to take her afternoon sleep. Hermione gave the small tot her dummy and watched as her daughter took it eagerly without waking from her pleasant dreams.
"I'm going to hop in the shower real quick," commented in a hushed tone, collecting fresh clothing from their luggage.
"Okay," Hermione replied not thinking anything of it. Instead she watched her daughter wrinkle her nose in her sleep, stirring, and flipping to her tummy, sticking her bum in the air. Hermione grinned at the sight, wondering just how long her daughter would continue to sleep that way.
Hermione heard the door to the loo click shut, reminding her of what Ron had said. Hermione thought back to what happened just a few nights ago in that very loo... Knowing that she still needed to thank him in some way. Hermione blushed hard at where her thoughts led. She didn't have much experience sexually, and she still wanted to wait a bit longer before she and Ron... But, she knew there were other things that could be done. She snatched her wand from her bag, striding over to the loo door.
Knocking quickly, the witch filled her lungs to the brim before releasing the air slowly; trying to calm her already anxious nerves, and conjure as much confidence as she could project.
She heard the sink shut off and a moment later, the door was opened, revealing her devilishly handsome boyfriend.
"Hey, did you need the loo?" Ron questioned, still fully dressed and wiping his hands on the flannel hanging from the hook.
Hermione wasn't sure what to do next. The confidence she tried to gather failed dramatically as she stared at the tall man. She swallowed thickly, thinking of the women in the secretive novels she had read.
"I j-just wanted to see if- if you wanted your gift..." She stammered through, silently scolding herself for the shaking of her voice.
Ron's brows furrowed as he cocked his head sideways. Hermione adored Ron's bemused appearance. It calmed her nerves a tad, and she gained the momentum she needed to continue.
"What?"
She slipped her arms around his neck, carefully pulling his head down as she raised on her toes to meet his lips. He returned the kiss, but, as it broke, he still wore the puzzled expression.
"I do owe you, Ron," Hermione whispered against his lips. She could see the pieces clicking together in Ron's head as his eyes grew wide and a flush spread across his freckled skin.
She leaned in to kiss him again, this time more passionately. The ginger wrapped his arms around her waist, like it was the most natural thing in the world, even though he wasn't positive he knew all of what Hermione's "gift" entailed.
Hermione's confidence grew as the snogging session continued. She began to explore his body, tracing her hands around his muscular biceps, and his detailed chest. Then, slowly trailed her delicate hand down to the waist band of his trousers. Reaching under his shirt, she traced the soft ginger hair that rested just below his belly button and continued underneath the band of his pants. Ron groaned at the connection, and nipped her bottom lip lightly before running his tongue over it to soothe the bite.
Knowing that was a positive reaction, Hermione continued lower, quickly undoing his fly, when a large pale hand grabbed her wrist, surprising her to release a gasp.
Ron's eyes were still massive, and by the growing definition in his trousers she knew that her plan had been working. But, she was confounded as to why had he pulled her hand away. Don't all men enjoy being pleasured in this manner?
"Mione," he spoke his voice as rough as gravel, causing Hermione to feel heat spread through her stomach, and quiver at his touch.
"You don't have to do this. You don't owe me anything," Ron explained, clearing this throat and lessening his grip on the witch's appendage. Hermione smiled at his caring nature, knowing that even though he would miss out on what she was offering, he wouldn't let her do it just because she thought she owed him.
"Ron, I want to do this. I want to do this for you... let me show you like you did for-"
Ron's mouth was back on the witch's before she could finish her sentence. Hermione took that as a confirmation of her actions. She drew out her wand and cast the same silencing spell as the night before. Thankful they had magic; she would be horrified if their child woke to the couple's moans.
She returned her hands to Ron's trousers and resumed her motions, placing kisses along Ron's neck as a massive grin spread across his face.
"Alright, Rosie. Are you ready to go show Daddy and Papa your costume?" Hermione asked, crouching down to straighten the tot's skirt in the hospital's loo. Jean was standing spreading the wiggling tot's curls around her headband.
"Yes!" Rose shouted joyfully, moving her body back and forth to see the dress twirl. Hermione grinned at seeing her daughter so happy. It had been the first Halloween she had someone else to dress Rose up with. Before, she had made simple costumes, since it was just the two of them. Even though she was quite depressed those years, she refused to let that get in the way of her daughter experiencing such traditions.
"Okay, let's go then." Hermione stood and took the small girl's hand, exiting the loo and pacing down the corridor.
"This costume is just darling, Hermione. I adore it!" Jean commented, carrying Rose's lamb and clipping on a matching bow to the faux wool.
"Ah, there you go, love."
Jean gave the tot her treasured toy thankfully, clutching it close to her chest.
"I'm going to speak with the nurses about some of dad's paperwork. I'll meet you back in the room."
Hermione nodded as Jean left to the nurses' station. The curly redhead and the witch were on the final stretch of the corridor when they saw Dr. James coming from her father's room. He turned and began walking in the direction of Hermione and Rose.
"Oh, it's Hermione, right?" The doctor asked, verifying his memory.
Hermione nodded rapidly and pulled Rose's nappy bag further up her shoulder.
"Good. Well, I just spoke with your father. He is being discharged as we speak," Dr. James spoke with a grin. Hermione smiled as well at his words.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Hermione enthused, as Rose began to pull slightly, wanting her mother to move toward the door. Hermione looked down at her daughter, hoping she would wait a moment more.
"Yes. His vitals are steady, and he hasn't shown any negative reactions to the trial medications. He'll need to come in twice a week for his doses, but, he'll be home in a few hours, tops. A miraculous recovery from his surgery yesterday, if you ask me."
"Thank you so much, Dr. James," Hermione beamed.
"Of course. Hugo was telling me that you're from England? Will you be returning there soon?" The doctor asked, looking down to Rose pulling on her mum's arm.
"Just a moment, Rosie," She whispered to her toddler. She looked back to the man she was conversing with.
"Yes, we'll be leaving tomorrow or the morning after. We both have work to get back to, though I wish we could stay longer," The witch explained, gloomily.
"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you. Do tell your husband goodbye for me, would you? Safe travels!" Dr. James said, as he left Hermione nodding her head, suddenly recalling the "husband" comment from the day prior.
Hermione made a mental note to ask Ron about that later, as she was tugged once more by her impatient child toward her grandfather's hospital room.
"Alright, are your eyes closed?" Hermione asked, peeking her head into the room her father occupied.
"Yes, dear. Bring her in!" Hugo replied.
Hermione rushed her daughter in, and directed her to the side of the bed.
"You can open your eyes now."
"Ta-Da!" Rose exclaimed, giggling as her papa opened his eyes and grinned at the small child, twirling.
Rose wore a flowy blue dress with a white quarter sleeve blouse beneath. Spread across her middle was a white apron, lying perfectly within the folds. Toddler sized brown boots tied her clothing together. Her hair wasn't quite long enough for the character's look, so Hermione and Jean improvised with a matching blue headband and a blue bow resting on her left side. She carried a book in her hand, and Hermione had to agree that it was fortunate that her favored toy happened to be a lamb.
"I Mummy!" Rose shouted jubilantly. As Hugo wrinkled his eyebrows in confusion.
"I thought she was Belle, from that film you liked so much when you were young," Hugo questioned.
Hermione grinned at Rose who was still beaming with all the happiness she could muster.
"She is, Dad. Rose just doesn't quite understand her name is Belle..."
That's when Ron appeared in the door, a holder full of four take away tea containers. His eyes lit up when he saw his curly redhead twirling while holding onto her books and lamb. Her azure eyes snapped to meet Ron's.
"I mummy, daddy! See? Mummy bow, and mummy dress, and mummy book!" Rose exuberantly explained, pointing out each part of her ensemble as she voiced it to Ron. Of course, he instantly recognized that Rose was dressed as the character in her favorite book. But, hearing that she believed she was dressing as Hermione in the story, and so thrilled about it, made his heart clench with how much he adored their daughter.
Ron set the tea cups down and opened his arms, allowing Rose to skip into them. Ron lifted her onto her hip, readjusting a curl behind the headband.
"You look beautiful Rose. Quite smart indeed." He kissed the tot on her pert nose.
"Now, as I understand it, candy is involved in this holiday, yes?" He looked toward Hermione, quirking an eyebrow in excitement
"We go candy daddy!" Rose's eyes grew wide with excitement.
Hermione chuckled as she picked up the wicker basket for Rose to collect candy from the employees at the hospital.
"We might even have time to go by some houses in the neighborhood if I get discharged at a decent time," Hugo added, watching the small girl wiggle until Ron released her to the floor to collect the basket from Hermione.
"You're leaving today?" Ron asked, surprised by the revelation. Rose returned to her father and held his hand tightly, tugging him toward the door.
Hugo nodded, adjusting himself higher on the bed, as Hermione picked up the discarded tea Ron brought in, and brought it to her father.
"Let's go daddy! Candy time!" Rose demanded, now pulling on his hand with both of hers, hardly budging the tall redhead's body.
"Brilliant!" Ron commented, before finally succumbing to Rose's wishes and let the tot pull him out of the room, Hermione following behind quickly.
Rose had a very exhilarating night, walking down the pavement hand in hand with her parents. Rose was thrilled with the decorations scattered about the homes; clutching their hands tighter, and pulling them closer, when she saw a particularly scary one. She would keenly walk up the drive toward the door of the house, then stop, while Ron continued. He would be pulled back until he reassured her that he would be right beside her. That's when she would finally move from her spot, walking with her daddy up to the stranger's door.
After strolling the neighborhood for a bit, Jean who pushed Hugo's wheelchair, joined them at the last few houses. Jean made sure to take plenty of pictures of Rose for her first experience trick-or-treating. It warmed her heart to see the Ron and her daughter together with her granddaughter; such a change from how she felt just a few days ago. She made sure to take plenty of photos of the young family as well. They all said their goodbyes, promising to return in the morning for a hardy breakfast during their last day in Australia.
The next morning, Hermione woke early, preparing their items for leaving later that day. She showered and changed, wearing capris and an airy blouse; comfortably dressed while also being sensible to the weather. She let Ron continue in his slumber when Rose woke, changing her daughter as she lethargically sucked her dummy. Hermione chose a light summer dress and sandals keeping her cool in the warm climate. Rose stretched and wiped sluggishly at her eyes as her mum finished. The witch held her hand out to Rose; the tot knowing full well what her mum wanted. The curly redhead crunched her face and turned away from Hermione, not wanting to surrender her prized dummy to her mum. Hermione raised her eyebrow at Rose, thrusting her hand in front of the tot again.
"Rose," Hermione warned, moving to remove the dummy herself. Rose reacted promptly, surprising Hermione, as the child had been sleepy a moment ago. She covered her face with her chubby hands, and tried to scoot away from her, up further on the mattress.
"No!" Rose squealed, muffled by the very item Hermione was attempting to remove.
"Rose, give it to Mummy," Hermione persuaded in a cheerful voice, hoping that would convince her stubborn daughter to release the object.
"NO!" Rose shouted again, this time, scrambling up the bed, and flopping on the long lump that was bundled under the duvet.
"Ugh!" The lump grunted, then groaned as it shuffled beneath the toddler's weight. Ron's head was revealed as Rose pulled the blanket, crawling to get under the article and away from her mum. Ron peeled open his eyes to see red curls bouncing, then bright azure eyes looking to his face.
"Daddy!" She shrieked, glad to see him there.
"Mummy take it a'way!" She dipped below the covers and snuggled against his t-shirt covered abdomen. His arms wound around to cradle his daughter, as he peered over the disheveled sheets to view an irritated Hermione. He glanced down to see the tot staring up at him with wide watery eyes, her bottom lip pouted for the finishing touch.
"Why can't she have it?" Ron challenged Hermione blearily, not wanting to break their daughter's heart. Hermione huffed.
"It'll ruin her teeth! She should only use it when she sleeps, that's it," Hermione explained, for what she thought was the thousandth time to the redhead, crossing her arms in her frustration.
"C'mon Mione, she's just over two… Can't she have it for a bit longer?" Ron attempted, looking at his daughter again.
"Ron! We've got to be united on this!" Hermione sighed exasperated.
"But, I hate making her so unhappy..." Ron looked beseechingly at the witch.
Hermione groaned and rubbed her temples.
"That's part of being a parent. Sometimes, you need to make decisions for your child that may not make them happy, but, it's what's best for them." She explained rather calmly. Ron sighed as well, and looked down to their daughter burrowed against his chest underneath the snug sheets.
"Okay, Rosie. Give daddy your dummy," Ron asked tentatively. The small girl looked at him with wide eyes, the pain from his betrayal shining through them clear as day. She shook her head, refusing her father's request.
"Rose. Hand it to me now."
This time his voice was not timid, but, much sterner. Rose could sense there was no joke from her playful father. She popped out the dummy and turned away from him, yet, still having her back nestled against his abdomen. Ron picked up the article of their disagreement that morning and tossed it to Hermione who stood there with her mouth hanging open.
"You've got to be kidding me! Hermione huffed, shocked at how easily Rose surrendered her dummy to Ron. Ron swathed his arm around his daughter, cuddling closer to her, attempting for a few more minutes of sleep with a smirk on his face.
They arrived at the Granger house promptly at 8:30. Ron and Rose were starved by the time they stepped foot in the home, smelling the delicious breakfast Jean had prepared. They tucked into a rather large variety of foods, and spent most the morning conversing; Ron and Hugo chatted about this and that, while Jean filled Hermione in on Hugo's treatment regimen.
After they had all had their fill, Ron helped Hugo into his recliner while Hermione peered in from the kitchen, drying the dishes the muggle way. Jean was rummaging through her collections of films and pulled one out with a massive grin on her face.
"Rosie, I think you'll like this one, dear," Jean quickly put the old rectangular tape into a whirring machine, clicking a few buttons before it began to appear on the telly. Jean lifted Rose on her hip, kissing her cheek before depositing the child on her Papa's lap. Hermione placed the film in mere seconds, smiling to herself. Ron read the ornate script of the title and smirked, knowing just how excited Rose was about to become; so much for an early kip.
"It was your mummy's favorite growing up, Rosie," the woman glanced back through to the kitchen to view her daughter.
"You're spoiling her, mum!" Hermione replied, hardly able to sound harsh at the words.
"Well, she is my only grandchild. I'm entitled to it!" Jean bantered, running a hand over the tot's curly locks, before returning to her padded chair she'd pulled to be closer to the pair.
As the music began, and a woman in a blue dress, and brown hair entered onto the scene, as gasp was emitted from the tot.
"MUMMY!" She shouted, pointing at the telly in awe, looking around to see if the others had seen.
"My mummy! My mummy sing!" Rose cheered, staring wide-eyed at the screen with a huge smile spread across her face. Ron watched the toddler be simply enchanted, a look of awe, and ...possibly pride drawn upon her features. Could a two-and-a-half-year-old feel pride? Ron wasn't sure, but, at this moment, the way she believed her favorite character in her beloved story, the one she believed to be her mummy, was coming to life on the telly; Ron certainly believed she could.
He left Rose with her grandparents enjoying the film, while he wandered into the kitchen, noticing Hermione was still drying dishes at the sink.
"Do you think he seems weaker than yesterday?" Hermione whispered, sensing Ron had entered the kitchen. He looked back at the sick man through the opening which connected to the back den.
"Not sure," Ron shrugged. "He might still be a bit tired from yesterday. I reckon it was a busy day for him," he added, wanting to please Hermione, but, also wanting to be completely honest with her.
"Hmm," Hermione hummed in thought. Ron paced over and rinsed the dishes, handing the porcelain items to be dried by the witch. They continued the actions for a few moments before Hermione glanced up at the talk man and looked back down at the flower rimmed plates in thought.
"Dr. James told me to tell my husband goodbye and that he hopes we have safe travels," Hermione voiced, sneaking another peek at Ron to see his reaction. She noticed he paused his actions for a few moments and his ears began to turn red.
"Is there a reason he thinks you're my husband, Ron? It wasn't the first time he mentioned it either," the witch questioned. Ron cleared his throat.
"Your dad... he may have told the healer-doctor-that, I was, erm, his son-in-law..."
Hermione glanced into the den toward her father who had his hands around Rose's middle, holding the excited tot in place. Hermione's thoughts raced in her head.
Did this mean her father approved of Ron...
"I'm sorry. That must had made you feel uncomfortable," Hermione apologized, continuing to place the dried dishes away in the cupboards. Ron shut the water off and turned toward Hermione.
"It didn't make me uncomfortable at all, Mione." Ron responded, shoving his hands into his pockets, shuffling them deeper within the fabric.
"Really?" The witch questioned quietly, glancing up at him under her thick lashes.
Ron felt his heart begin to beat more quickly, as his hand felt for the small box he kept in the depths of whatever pocket he wore.
"Y-yea. I mean, I've actually-" Ron was interrupted by a yell from the den.
"Mummy!" the tot shrieked, causing Hermione and Ron to jump in surprise and rush to the opening, to see their daughter scrambling down from the recliner and rushing toward them.
"It spooky, daddy! They scawy the horsie!" Rose ran into Ron's legs, clutching them tightly. Ron slipped the tot into his hold, as she clutched onto his shirt.
"It's alright, Rosie. It's just a film," Hermione explained to the tot, looking down at her mum from her father's arms. He paced into the den, Rose turned as she was brought back to the room with the telly.
"Ah!" Rose cried when bats came rushing from a tree, a gasp emitted when the characters almost fell off a cliff.
"Remember, this is in the story, love. They'll be alright. This is when they're going to find the castle," Ron reminded the tot gently.
"Caswle with daddy?" Rose questioned, eyeing her father hopefully.
"Erm, yea. The castle with daddy," Ron blushed as he produced the words.
After the scary parts, Rose returned to sit with her Papa, allowing her parents a bit of time to relax together on the couch. Rose could hardly keep her eyes open through the end of the movie, trying her hardest to stay awake, and crashed as soon as the credits appeared.
Jean suggested that they take a picnic to the beach for their last night in Australia. Hermione helped her mum in the kitchen packing sandwiches for the outing, while her daughter and father were still snoozing. Hermione had brought their luggage with them, as they were leaving later that evening. After Rose woke from her kip, she was changed and dressed in her cozzy. A one piece with an azure ruffled shoulder while the other side was held by a thin strap. Rose chose the article in a shoppe based on the colorful confetti pattern spread across the fabric. Hermione dressed in her bathing suit and slipped on an airy cover, to stay comfortable. Once they were all appropriately dressed, and all scars were concealed with magic, Jean drove them to the nearest beach; just a ten-minute drive away.
The family spent the evening enjoying the coast. It was Rose's first experience, and she thoroughly relished the warm sand, building sandcastles and burying her father's feet under the warm sand. She was apprehensive about the vast amount of water rushing onto the land, but, after taking both of her parents' hands, she had enough assurance to stick her feet into the water. Now, she was constantly dragging one of the adults toward the ocean, wanting them to kick and jump in the waves with her. Ron couldn't remember the last time he had seen Hermione smile or laugh so much. He was thrilled at how the trip ended; her father's health hopeful, the relationship with her parents repaired, and finally seeing her carefree, if not for a few moments.
Ron managed to steal a moment away with Hermione before they ended their trip. The couple walked along the beach fingers intertwined, as Ron reveled in the sand sinking between his toes. Hermione walked closest to the tide, allowing it to kiss her feet with warm saltwater; the waves splashing against her ankles and causing the sheer fabric of her cozzy gown to cling to her skin, the rest of it billowing around her limbs with the fickle breeze. They walked a good distance from where her parents were playing with Rose, to a more secluded spot down the beach.
Ron stopped and turned toward the sun which was sinking into the edge of the ocean, slowly. The sky released pink and purple hues with bright orange sprinkled in. Hermione sighed and moved closer to Ron, molding her body against his and relaxed her head on his shoulder. Ron grinned and wrapped his arm around her small waist, curling the limb so it rested on her stomach.
"It's a stunning view, isn't it?" Hermione whispered, nestling her head in closer to Ron's body.
"It is. I'm glad we could come out today. I think your dad's doing alright," Ron replied, trailing his hand along her waist gently.
"So, do I. Things are finally looking up for him. I'm pleased I made this trip. I'm even happier that you and Rose came with me."
Hermione tilted her head to view Ron's face, lifting it momentarily to kiss his strong jawline, then returned to snuggle back into his muscular shoulder.
Ron took in the moment. The sunset was incredible, and so unlike the ones they were accustomed with in England. He glanced behind him to see the Grangers enjoying playing with their grandchild. His daughter was laughing jubilantly while running from Jean, who had a grin spread throughout her face. The tot's curls were bouncing as she wobbled in the wet sand, her eyes alight with childhood joy, her toothy smile wide and free. And then, in his arms held the other most important person in the world to him. She wore such a simple bathing suit; very Hermione. Black, with a bit of ruching around the stomach area, draped with her floral cover, making her look like a goddess on the beach. He could feel her body move as her breathed. The loose hair springing from her plait tickling his bare skin. But, his favorite part was the tranquil expression she wore. Her features were peaceful in a way he hadn't seen in quite some time. Her eyes shimmered from the sun's last bit of light. She released a soft laugh as the ocean's mist peppered her cheeks.
Ron knew this was a moment he would remember for the remainder of his life; whatever that may be.
Then it hit him.
Reaching down in the right pocket of his trunks, he felt the tiny box clasped in his fist. Glancing at the witch, he silently enlarged the velvet container to the actual size. Ron had to pause and think, was this the right time? Would Hermione be ready for the next step he was about to leap into? She had certainly moved things along previously in the bathroom... but, that was much less serious than what he was about to do now...
He dropped the box and removed his hand, wiping his sweaty hand against his swim clothes, shakily returning his hand and clasping the item once more.
His heart raced as the realized he was about to ask the most important question of his life.
"Hermione," Ron spoke, clearing his throat nervously. Hermione turned her head to gaze at the ginger, smiling gracefully up at him.
"I have s-something to ask you," Ron stammered, wishing he could be more debonair in his delivery.
"And just what may that be?" Hermione whispered over the sound of the crashing waves, smiling wistfully at him.
He loosened his grip on her waist and stepped to face her more than stand next to her, swallowing nervously. He had planned everything he wanted to say to the glorious witch in front of him for weeks, just in case the perfect moment arose. Yet, in his nerves Ron was fumbling and searching for the words he had prearranged. He took a deep breath, and focused directly on just how brilliant Hermione was.
"Mione, I know you wanted-"
"Mummy!" Hermione looked past Ron to see her daughter clad in her swim clothes toddling toward her, having difficulty in the dense sand. The witch bent down to collect her daughter, lifting her to rest on her hip. Ron internally groaned at being interrupted once again by their lovely daughter.
"What is it darling?" Hermione asked the tot, gathering a cluster of curls to tuck behind the young child's ears.
"I found a sawfish!" The tot gleamed elatedly, turning to point back to where her grandparents were.
"A starfish? Wow!" Hermione encouraged Rose.
"Mummy daddy go see it!" Rose clapped, pointing again at the way she wanted her mother to take her.
"Hold on love, Daddy wanted to ask Mummy something," The witch explained as she turned back to Ron. Rose looked at her father as well; both watching with expectant eyes.
"Uh, erm, I j-just wanted to suggest we go get ice cream on the way back to the hotel," Ron fibbed, hoping Hermione couldn't read his quick change.
"Ice cweam!" Rose shouted merrily. The tot grinned and her mum.
"Ice cweam!" Rose whispered to her, as if she hadn't heard; her bright eyes wide with excitement.
Hermione looked at Ron, noticing his reddening ears, as he reached to rub the back of his neck fretfully.
"I think ice cream is a lovely idea."
"Yay!" Rose screamed, causing her parents to chuckle at the simple pleasure they were allowing their daughter.
Hermione set the tot in the sand, taking her right hand, while Ron took his daughter's left. They walked that way back to the Grangers, hand in hand, with Rose in the middle. Laughing and appreciating the family time they were able to have. Ron was adoring their excitement so much, he didn't have much time to be disappointed at the question he wasn't able to ask.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Please, please, please, leave a review!