18 August 1921
Blackwood Manor
Mid-afternoon
Now that Rose had moved in with Gideon and had already met his family once, she was a lot more comfortable with them. When Lavinia told her that her mom was planning his birthday party, she told the girl that she wanted to help. So began a couple days of lunches with his mom, Lavinia, and sister-in-laws. Still feeling a pang of jealousy, Rose felt wholly accepted by the Blackwoods and really that was everything to her.
Life at the townhome had been perfect; never having to leave Gideon to return to her flat was a dream, and Fiona was settling in nicely as well. She loved life. Finally. And she felt as if she was being judged much less.
She took Gideon’s hand in his, squeezing a bit as he held onto Fiona, and they vanished and reappeared in the fireplace at Blackwood Manor. Familiar faces this time, thank god. Rose grinned at his mom and began handing out hugs.
“Fiona, dear, the twins have been waiting for you. They’re in the playroom,” Rose watched as the little girl excitedly jumped out of Gideon’s arms and hugged the adults before running to the playroom.
Again, it was just the family that was gathered for the birthday celebration, which was nice. Rose was excited to get to know them better. She felt so much less nervous, and less overwhelmed. Thank god.
As she hugged Catrin, Gideon’s oldest brother’s pregnant wife, she smiled. “Are you feeling better? Did that potion help?” she asked, referring to the woman’s rough morning sickness she’d been experiencing.
“Oh yes, thank god. I was finally able to get out of bed without getting sick. Thank you for that.”
Gideon wasn’t surprised at the birthday party in his honor. The Blackwood family loved to celebrate, so any reason to get the family together was a party in the making. What did surprise him was the collaboration between Rose and his mother. Emery Blackwood was not one to hand over the reins, so for her to allow Rose input, was an unspoken tick in his Girlfriends PRO column.
As they green Floo powder flame ushered them to his parents house, Gideon held onto Rose’s hand firmly. Holding Fiona in his arms felt right. Keeping them safe would always be the priority. As they familiar room came into view, They stepped out into the living room and were immediately enveloped into the fold.
“Oh Gideon my love, Happy birthday!” His mother said, before directing Fiona to the play room. Didn’t have to tell her twice, with a leap from his arms and a few half hugs, the girl was off. He chuckled at how quickly she made herself at home. Peaking at Rose and Catrin talking, he went towards his mother, kissing her on the cheek in welcome. “Mum, you look good. Thanks for throwing this together.”
She looked at Gideon as only a mother could, filled with love and condescension. “Well of course. Like we would miss your birthday. And Rose was a blessing to work with. I just love her Son.” She said with a sigh, quieter for only those closest to hear.
Kissing his mom on the temple he smiled, not taking his eyes off of Rose. “You are not the only one mother.”
The hello’s took a few more minutes to get out of the way. Just as they were walking towards the outer terrace a booming voice from the kitchen rang out. “GIDEON, YOU OLD STOGY BASTARD, WHERE ARE YOU?”
The voice attached to the friendly barbs caused his entire body to turn in shock. “Hayes, you filthy con artist, what the hell are you doing here?” He said, pulling his youngest brother into a tight hug. Hayes, the smartest of the sons, and only Ravenclaw, typically didn’t come home for family functions. He liked to stay in the shadows, running the less legal sides of the Blackwood businesses.
“I’m home for a week dealing with some business, thought I would stop by and see how many grey hairs you’ve sprouted,” he said, picking away at Gideon’s dark hair. “Ohhhh, shit brother, looks like quite a few.” Pulling a hair out, Gideon laughed and smacked Hayes upside the head. “You fucking twat, keep your hands to yourself.”
“Rose, come here Love. Let me introduce you to the black sheep of the family. Please, don’t believe anything this asshole tells you.” Gideon pulled Rose into his side, kissing her temple. “Roisin Byrne, I hate to have to do this, but please meet Hayes Blackwood. I’ve been told he is blood related, but the lab tests are still pending.”
Everyone laughed at the brothers' antics. Even with the jibes, you could tell there was love flowing through them. He took the offered glass of whisky, taking a sip while everyone stood and talked in the bright sun of the summer day.
Emery Blackwood, MOM
Rupert Blackwood, DAD
Hayes Blackwood, Youngest Brother
Wesley Blackwood, Oldest Brother
Catrin Blackwood, Sister in law
Archer Blackwood, Middle Brother (b/w Gid and Hayes)
Rose grinned at Catrin, so thankful that she could help the woman. She was so sweet, and she would have felt horrible if her suggestion hadn’t worked for her – or made things worse for her.
She bit her lip and glanced over at Gideon, wondering briefly about him. The thought of having a child with him – not one of hers from before, but one that they created together – well, it made her blush. Catrin noticed and nudged her.
“I hope you do,” the woman whispered to Rose. She bit her lip and nodded, her cheeks still rosy from the thought.
After making her rounds, Rose began to make her way towards the terrace until a loud voice cut through from the kitchen.
“GIDEON, YOU OLD STOGY BASTARD, WHERE ARE YOU?”
A smirk crossed her red lips as she turned and watched another man come from the kitchen – one she hadn’t formally been introduced to, but was familiar none-the-less.
“Rose, come here Love. Let me introduce you to the black sheep of the family. Please, don’t believe anything this asshole tells you.”
She wrapped her arms around Gideon’s waste, because she couldn’t help herself, and then smiled at the kiss on her temple.
“Roisin Byrne, I hate to have to do this, but please meet Hayes Blackwood. I’ve been told he is blood related, but the lab tests are still pending.”
“Hi, Hayes, pleasure to finally officially meet you,” she said as she held her hand out to him. She’d seen him at Hogwarts, but they didn’t run in the same circles. She didn’t know him well, more knew of him. Did he recognize her? She wouldn’t be offended if he didn’t.
“No Shit, Rose Byrne. What in the hell are you doing with this asshole? I thought you knew better. You always seemed smarter in classes."
She smirked and shook her head. “And you haven’t changed a bit,” she responded. “You were always loud as hell. Quite the opposite of the average Ravenclaw.”
“And you haven’t changed a bit. You were always loud as hell. Quite the opposite of the average Ravenclaw.” Gideon chuckled, taking another drink. He had forgotten Rose and Hayes were at Hogwarts together. “Oh now please,” Hayes said, pulling Rose out of his arms and hooking their elbows as he pulled her further onto the terrace. “Come, let me regale you with stories of my big brother and all the things he did that my parents still don’t know about.”
Peering over his shoulder, Hayes winked at Gideon, while Gideon scowled at his brother. “Watch your mouth Numbers, I have plenty of stories too.” Hayes laughed at his childhood nickname. The smartest of the Blackwood clan, Hayes was a wiz with numbers.
“Now, Rose. I was going to tell you about the time Gideon snuck out and tried to steal a horse from the man down the street. Vin had said the word pony and, well, that was all it took. The man is a sucker for the women in his life. Which I assume you are well aware of.” He said with a tone of interest in his voice.
Hayes looked at Rose closely, Gideon watching from afar while talking with his father. He then looked at his brother and smiled. “I have to say dear Rose, I don’t think I have ever seen Gideon this happy. Or relaxed for that matter. And from what Mum says, it all has to do with you and your adorable daughter. For that, I thank you. He deserves to be happy, just don’t tell him I said so.”
The sweet voice of Gideon’s mother rang out. “Come on you lot, dinner is ready. Grab a drink and take a seat.”
Hayes sighed, walking towards the dining room, leading Rose with his hand on her lower back. “I guess the story will have to wait for another time, but I don’t want to leave you hanging. If Gideon is ever being a right git, ask him about Vin’s pony. Or shall I say, the donkey from down the road named Brutus. Mom had to buy a rug to cover the stains in the floor.” he was still laughing as they took their seats.
Gideon, taking his spot next to Rose eyed Hayes with unease. “Should I be concerned with the look my brother is giving me?” He asked Rose, kissing her quickly on the lips.
The food was set out and everyone dug in with vigor. Roast chicken and vegetables, wild rice and warm rolls. Everything smelled fantastic. Filling his plate, Gideon took a bite and sighed. Nothing like his mothers cooking. Placing his left hand on Rose’s knee he squeezed, needing the connection.
Rose loved seeing the banter between the two brothers. She had no idea how their mother did it; it must have been difficult to have so many boys to keep up with. She only had Evander, and even he – once he learned to walk – was hard to keep up with sometimes. And he was only two!
She appreciated Gideon’s hand on her knee because even though she was more used to being around so many people who were genuinely happy to see her, it was still a bit overwhelming. And she had a nagging thought in the back of her mind that she wished she could provide this from her side. But she couldn’t.
Her mom was dead. Her dad was to blame. The rest of her mother’s side of the family had died off years ago. Her cousin Finn… he was holding on, but had retired to… she couldn’t recall where.
Everyone on her side was split, and it was sad.
Rose finished the food, and looked over at Fiona, who had finally taken a few bites. She was much too busy with her cousins – was it okay to call them that? – to focus on food. Why did it already feel like she was part of the family? She wasn’t.
Not yet.
She wanted to be.
Rose leaned into Gideon as the dessert plates were taken away. Fiona was already up and running around with the other children. She was so happy she had found him, and had found a great place for her daughter to not be alone anymore.
Once they gathered in the sitting room, Rose made herself comfortable next to Gideon. Fiona walked up to him and handed him a gift she had carefully wrapped. The paper, originally white, had been painted various shades of pink and was shedding pink glitter all over the place.
“She insisted, and I just couldn’t deny her,” she said with a laugh as she picked up a pinch of glitter and let the flecks fall into his hair.
Relaxing in the sitting room with his family, Gideon was content and happy. It was a long time coming, and all thanks to Rose and Fiona. Dinner had been a loud affair, Hayes, Weston and Gideon attempting to one-up each other with tales of their childhood. Vin chiming to set the record straight. She had a great memory for her brother’s misdeeds.
Now, it was time for presents. There was nothing he needed, but that didn’t stop his family from getting him things. A new bottle of expensive Irish Whisky from Hayes, a box of cigars from Weston, a new wool coat and gloves from his parents. All things he would get use out of. And then the next gift was placed in his hands and he immediately started to chuckle.
“She insisted, and I just couldn’t deny her,” Rose said with a smile in her voice. There was pink glitter everywhere, and with the help of Rose, some landed in his hair as well. Fabulous. The pitter patter of little feet caught his attention just as little Fiona came running up to him.
Skidding to a stop right in front of him, Fiona put her sticky little hands on his cheeks and squeezed. Eyes wide with astonishment, she whisper yelled the next part. “Gideon! Aunt Livvie took me to your store and did you know they make pinks things for BOYS!?” The entire room of adults were trying to keep it together, but she was just so damn cute it was hard not to crack into fits of laughter.
“Do they now?” He said in mock shock, “It’s been awhile since I went into the store, I can’t believe it.”
She took her hands off his face and began ripping into the pink glitter wrapped present. “THEY DO! LOOK!” She said, holding up a matching pink pocket square and tie. Never, in a million years would he have picked them out for himself, which Lavinia knew very well. He was allergic to bright colors, but with little Fiona so excited about her find, he may never take them off.
“Wow, those are the pinkest things I think I have ever seen. Shall we put them on?” Fiona nodded excitedly, while Gideon took off the blue tie he had put on before the party, and expertly tied the new pink tie and put it in place. Adding the pocket square, Fiona stared in astonishment. “Wow, you look so pretty.” She said, kissing him on the cheek then running back to play with the twins.
Gideon laid his forehead on Rose’s shoulder and laughed silently, his whole body shaking. “It is utterly impossible to say no to her, isn’t it.” He said with a sigh, face now sticky with speckles of pink glitter everywhere.
Rose sat there, next to Gideon, watching her daughter take his face in her sticky hands. She laughed as the little girl whispered in excitement:
“Gideon! Aunt Livvie took me to your store and did you know they make pink things for BOYS!?”
She covered her mouth to try to stifle her laughing, but it was a poor attempt. Fiona was just so excited to have him wear pink.
She watched the exchange, as her daughter tore open the present – essentially unwrapping it for him. Nothing warmed her heart as much as it did when she saw Gideon accept the present and put the tie on. Her daughter then kissed him on his cheek and ran off to keep playing.
He was laughing silently and Rose wiped tears from her eyes.
“It is utterly impossible to say no to her, isn’t it.”
“It’s definitely not easy,” she said and giggled, feeling more fulfilled than she ever had before in her life. Perhaps even more compared to when she still had her mother.
When he lifted his face up, Rose busted out laughing. His brothers would definitely not let him forget this moment. “Your Snakes are going to absolutely love that,” she commented, picking a tiny fleck of glitter off his cheek. She kissed his lips gently.
“And I think we need to get you some more pink to wear.”
He couldn’t believe the last year. When he celebrated his 32nd birthday, he was a depressed man with no love interest, starting a new career and avoiding family and friends at all costs. He always left their presence feeling more upset at the lack of love and happiness in his life. Not that he was actively looking for it.
And then it walked into his office and smacked him in the face. Figuratively speaking.
Now, celebrating his 33rd birthday, Gideon was smiling from ear to ear, laughing and genuinely enjoying his time with family. Sitting on the couch with Rose by his side, hands interlaced and resting on her knee. His thumb absentmindedly stroking the skin of her knee. He was content for the first time in his life.
“Your Snakes are going to absolutely love that,” Rose mentioned. Gideon groaned, not wanting to think about the green loving house he was in charge of. They would be brutal, but he did have the power of detention, so there was that.
“Gideon my love, I’m so glad you let us celebrate you. It’s been years since you let us throw you a party.” Emery said, smiling at her son. Gideon nodded, understanding that pulling away hurt more than just himself. “Did you get everything you wanted for your birthday?” She asked, with genuine curiosity.
Smiling, Gideon lifted the pink tie and raised his eyebrow to his mother. “Clearly,” he said with a chuckle. Even though pink was his least favorite color on the color wheel, he would wear the matching set with pride.
Looking over at Rose, he kissed her briefly on the lips and smiled sweetly. Still looking at Rose, he answered his mother with a longer answer to her question. “Actually mum, there is one thing I didn’t get.”
Standing up abruptly, Gideon pulled Rose to her feet and kissed her left hand. Hand in his pocket, he pulled out a small black velvet box as he dropped to one knee. Gasps rang out throughout the room, his mom could be heard whispering to his father, “Rupert, it’s happening!” with an audible slap to the poor man’s chest.
“Roisin Byrne. You walked into my life when I least expected it. I lived in a dark place and you brought me light and sparkle.” He chuckled, “So much sparkle. The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew my life had changed for the better. They say love at first sight is a myth, but that was it for me. We fought it, weakly, but love won out in the end. You make me smile, you make me laugh, you have woken up my heart and given me a reason to wake up in the morning. I love you and Fiona more than anything in this world. My dearest rose, Will you marry me?” Gideon cracked open the small velvet box to show a beautiful rose gold RING with a pink diamond nestled in a feminine flowery setting. “Give me the one birthday gift that only you can give me.”
Time was moving slowly, like someone had hit pause but it was still managing to eek by. Rose was standing, Gideon was down on one knee, a velvet ring box open in his hands. Was she dreaming this? She had to be dreaming this. She felt frozen, but so excited and just overwhelmed all at the same time.
“Give me the one birthday gift that only you can give me.”
Footsteps came running over and Rose could barely feel her daughter’s tug on her hand.
“Mama, you have to say yes! Look! It’s pink!”
Rose took a breath and the world began spinning again. She grinned at Gideon, tears threatening to roll down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe this was happening; she had been hoping – had been waiting – but also didn’t want to push him. He’d been here before, of course in a less than ideal situation, but he still had been here before and had been deeply hurt when his first wife died.
And now. Rose nodded and bent down, her hands on either side of his face as she kissed him deeply. Fiona was there beside her, happily screaming about another smoochie kiss.
“Of course, yes. I love you,” she breathed and watched as he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly.
The absolute second that Rose stood up, Fiona launched herself at Gideon. “DOES THIS MEAN I FINALLY GET TO CALL YOU DAD NOW?!” she exclaimed, and Rose’s heart melted. This is what she and her daughter needed in their lives. She wished she could have given it to the little girl sooner, but life didn’t work out that way.
The rate at which his heart was beating was probably in the dangerous territory. The adrenaline coursing through his veins would have a dramatic crash, but for now, Gideon was wired. Slipping the ring on Rose’s finger, the smile on his face wouldn’t be dimming anytime soon.
He could see his mom with tears in her eyes, dad had his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Both smiling wide at the proposal. His siblings were in varying stages of shock and happiness, except Catrin who was sobbing. Wesley hugging her close mouthed ‘Hormones.’
He had no idea what that meant and he wouldn’t be asking anytime soon.
Suddenly a small bundle of glitter jumped into his arms. “DOES THIS MEAN I FINALLY GET TO CALL YOU DAD NOW?!”
Gideon’s eyes went wide. Sure, he had thought about it, but he thought it would come in time, not so soon. He wanted nothing more than for Fiona to be his. Fiona Blackwood had a pretty good ring to it.
With the question out in the open, Catrin was sobbing harder, his mom looked thrilled, if that was possible with tears streaming down her face. Gideon didn’t want to overstep, even though it would be the second greatest birthday present he could receive. Looking at Rose, a question in his eyes while holding Fiona close in his arms. Her eyes answered the question. Tears shining, she smiled and nodded.
His eyes stung with the tears he was holding back. Clearing his throat, full of emotion, Gideon hugged Fiona and kissed her on the temple. “It would make me the happiest man alive to have your mom for my wife and you as my daughter. Yes, you can call me dad.” His voice was raspy with emotion. Keeping it at bay was becoming increasingly difficult. Pulling Rose into his arms, hugging his girls close, he kissed them both again. Fiona on the cheek and Rose briefly on the lips.
“Ughh, more smoochy kisses! You’re going to do that a lot now aren't you?”
((Power Play okayed by Rose's Human))
|
