Candlelight

Candlelight

With a wave of her wand, the lights dimmed and the curtains gracefully slid over the windows of the dining room. Checking over the table to make sure everything was ready, Lily Potter waved her wand again at the white candles place around the room and the walls were suddenly bathed in the soft glow of the candles. Everything was perfect. Glancing at the clock on the mantel, Lily hurried upstairs to get dressed. James would be home soon.

Twenty minutes later, James Potter unlocked the door to his home and stepped in quietly. "Lily?" he called, taking off his traveling cloak and stepping into the kitchen. "Hey there, beautiful," James said, grinning at his wife as she joined him in the kitchen.

"Hey yourself," Lily replied, grinning back and stepping into his open arms for a long, sweet kiss.

"You're all dressed up," James said when they finally parted. "Is something special going on tonight?"

Lily took a step back and stared at him. "You are joking, aren't you?" she asked, disbelief etched into her face.

James watched her blankly. "No. But for some reason I've got these flowers and I can't think of anyone to give them to."

Lily rolled her eyes as James pulled out half a dozen red roses. "What, Sirius wouldn't take them?" she asked, hiding a smile as she placed the beautiful flowers in a vase.

"He said he was flattered but didn't think of me like that," James said seriously. "Come here," he said, pulling her back to him and kissing her forehead. "Happy anniversary," he said softly, hugging her tightly.

Lily grinned up at him. "So you did remember," she said, pulling him into the dining room.

"Of course I remembered," James said. "And this looks amazing."

Lily smiled. "Don't change the subject."

James grinned at her. "I love you," he whispered.

"James?"

"Mmm?"

"I have something to tell you."

"What? Is everything ok?" he asked worriedly.

"No, no, everything is perfect," Lily said, smiling.

"What is it?"

"James..." Lily took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

James stared at her. "What? You're- you- I- really?"

Lily grinned at him and nodded. "Six weeks."

"I-" James laughed, picked her up, twirled her around, and kissed her. "We're going to have a baby!" he said, in amazement. Lily nodded, laughing. James gazed at her in mingled disbelief and excitement, taking in her whole face, her brilliant emerald eyes, her long auburn hair. "I love you so much," he breathed.

"James," Lily whispered. "You're going to be a father."

James stared at her for a moment, a grin forming on his face, and laughed. "Can you imagine what Sirius is going to say?"

Lily laughed. "Probably some crude joke about you."