God bless the broken road that led me straight to you -- Summer 1980 (DONE)

I sat down adn smiled.  "It's no problem.  I'm actually surprised she's drawn to me.  Makes me feel good; I'm expecting my first within the next month or so," I explained.  I thanked her for dishing out the fruit.  I wanted to tell her that she did not have to try so hard, but I was not going to embarrass her which I was sure would happen if I pointed it out.

I kissed Cathie's cheek and said, "Sit down, Cathie.  Everything is out."  I pulled out her hcair and then sat down myself.  "I was already ragging that I am going to be a grandpa."  It seemed crazy to me that I was going to become a grandpa and yet there was my four year old daughter.

I laughed and nodded as Jonathan started bragging again.  "He hardly goes five minutes without mentioning it," I told Remus.  I put some of the roast on everyone's plates.  "I'm guessing you're a mixture of nerves and excitement about the baby?" I asked, understanding how men seemed to be wtih their first baby.

I put a hand on Remus's shoulder.  "Can you cut my meat, please?" I asked.  I was remembering my manners.  I knew mummy would be mad if I forgot them.

I absentmindedly started cutting the roast for Penelope.  I was not sure if Dad had said anything about my curse.  I laughed nervously.  "You could easily say that," I answered honestly.  "I don't know how Chloe handles me sometimes."  I pushed Penny's plate back towards her with a smile.

"From what I've heard about you, you'll be a great father.  Just get used to sleepless nights," I said.  Jonathan had told me about Remus's condition, but I was not sure if I was supposed to know.  And I did not want to get John in trouble for telling me.

I smiled.  "Remus can handle sleepless nights, as we all know... I'm just a little worried about him handling the diapers," I teased.  "He's a bit of a clean freak."  I was going to have to warn Chloe if she did not already know it would be a battle to get Remus to get his hands dirty like that.

I rolled my eyes.  "I'm not that bad," I tried to defend myself.  I only took after my dad.  We were always quite clean at our house.  I could not help it... it was hard for me to be around Dean when he had a cold.  I did not like all the snot or anything; I was getting better, though.  We all continued talking and joking around.  When we were finished, I went to the kitchen with the dishes.  I started to wash them while wiping down the counters.  I told Dad and Cathie that I would clean up and I did not want them to help.  I heard movement and saw Penny.  She was handing me a couple of things I forgot to grab.  I put them in the sink and made sure nothing was making a mess while washing.  "Thansk, sweetie," I said as I went to tie the trash bag to take it out.  This was one reason why I loved magic; it made multitasking so much simpler.

I grinned.  "You're welcome," I said.  I watched him as he did so many things all at once.  I thought it was so cool.  "I have a secret to tell you," I said suddenly.  How could I not tell him my secret?  Mummy did not know I knew.  I heard her and my new daddy talking.  I wanted to let Remus in on the cool secret, though.

I was picking pu the toys in the living room.  "You're still going to tell him tonight?" I asked to make sure.  I was going to tell Penny when I got her home.  We wanted them to meet first.  I thought it would be easier for them to cope with the news of having a sibling if they could put a face to the name.

I bent down adn smiled at Penelope.  "And what's your secret?" I asked, playing into how dramatic she was acting.  I thought she was extremely adorable.  I would be able to handle having a toddler... what about a newborn, though?

I wrapped my arms around Cathie and kissed her forehead.  "Of course.  I'm going to go check on them," I said.  I knew that Penny's bedtime was coming up and that Cathie wanted to get her home and tell her about her new family.  I gave Cathie another kiss before heading towards the kitchen.

I looked around and did not see anyone else.  I returned my stare back to my big brother.  I took hold o fhis hands.  "Remus, I heard our parents talking... they don' tknow I heard, so it has to stay a secret."  I waited until he nodded.  "You're my big brother!" I said, jumping pu and down with excitement.

I had raised my eyebrows with anticipation for Penelope.  When she said that, I tried to keep my facial expression from revealing anything.  I heard someone in the doorway.  I looked away from Penny when she wrapped her arms around me.  I hugged her back as I stared at my dad in the doorway.  The look I got back told me that Penny was telling the truth.

I cleared my throat a little.  "Penny, I believe you and your mum are going to head home," I said, catching her when she ran towards m eto give me a hug.  My son was still staring at me.  I hoped he could at least compose himself enough to say goodbye to Cathie, who came up behind me.