Samuel always wanted a family, he was now on his way to getting that. He had his mum and sister sure and he loved them dearly. But he wanted a family he could head. If anyone thought about it, they would see it as his attempt to correct the wrongs of his father. Samuel was much better with his finances than James could have ever been. In fact he was doing better than some people would realise. Unlike other people, he didn't advertise that though. He had money to spend, it could be seen in his wardrobe and in the muggle items he had. Having been a Gryffindor didn't mean he showed off in every aspect of his life. Samuel preferred to limit that to his work as a Spell Inventor and a Professor. Now hopefully he got the chance to do that as a husband to. But perhaps what he was most excited about was becoming a father. He couldn't wait to see their child grow and reach every milestone.

He couldn't wait to hold their son in his arms. It was unfortunate he had missed such an important appointment where they had found out they would be having a boy but he would be there for each appointment from now on and he would speak to the headmistress about taking time off once the baby was born. He knew that parental leave did exist in the magical world, having heard about it from Sophia but he was the father, so he could only suppose that he would be entitled to take it too. Samuel was definitely going to be more committed to his family than his own father had been. Additionally he knew that Calli was scared (or perhaps even petrified) about becoming a mother. She had lost her tragically during childbirth and nothing could ever make up for that. Samuel knew that despite her father and him having different views on the magical world, they did agree that raising a family to be happy and healthy was what was most important. Surely imparting one’s beliefs on their offspring would only come second. At least he hoped that was case when it came to his soon-to-be (probable) father in law. He had already asked the man for his permission but it had rather come out as a statement rather than permission for him to ask his daughter to become his wife.

Now that Calli had broken the news of their baby’s gender to him, he had to do his bit. The real reason why he had brought her here tonight. Finding out they were having a son was a wonderful added bonus. ”I think my sister was harder to raise for mum but then again she was the younger one” he commented, not being too sure if it was true or not. Hannah was three years his junior and she had still being learning things when their father had left them and from what Samuel could remember, she had been lost. ”If you were the demon child love, you are vastly better now” he joked, evident by his playful smile. He caught the gist of her jab at him. It was true he was the protective older brother in every sense of the word. Samuel would just make sure that their son would not go to the extremes he had go through with what he had with Hannah with her leaving them too. He couldn't bear to see his son upset with mistakes that could have been avoided. If only Samuel had been not so protective Hannah would still be around now and would get to see her nephew born and watch him grow too.

Names were always tricky, being a Professor they had been some names he had to wrap his mind around, that was after mispronouncing them a few times. But for the most part he had gotten most of the names of his kids correct. He also had be mindful of their nicknames or if they preferred to be called by any short form of their name or in some rare instances their middle names. But about to become a dad meant he had to give his son a decen monicker. Samuel didn't want their son to resent him or Calli later on in his life. He thought about the names she offered and how they sounded. ”I do like Jeremy Austin love, Jeremy Austin Copeland….has a nice ring to it” he took her hand and kissed the back of it. ”Like it?” he asked her gently as he dropped her hand slowly and began to look over the menu. They would probably need some sustenance to recover from all the excitement and name choosing.

"From what I've heard younger siblings are the worst! They get away with murder and always blame you for things that they did and because they're so little and cute they get away with it." Calli responded, she was more thinking aloud than replying to Samuel, in a way she was pleased that she was an only child, if she'd had a younger sibling she wouldn't have had the patience to be blamed for everything, she would have eventually snapped. The brunette couldn't be sure if that information was true though, she'd heard it from a few of her friends and acquaintances but it could be argued that it was just siblings being bitter, she'd heard of middle child syndrome too and she was always sceptical when she heard these terms and phrases when it came to having siblings, she was just glad that it was only here, she'd never run the risk of being blamed for something a younger child did and the fact she was her dad's first, she'd never have run the risk of middle child syndrome. She wondered if she would have been one of those annoying younger siblings if she hadn't been her parents first though.  

Calliope laughed and grinned at Samuel, "If..." She echoed. "Trust me, I was a terror. But I could have been worse." She mused, tilting her head and looking thoughtful. "You made me a better person." She informed Samuel, knowing that it probably sounded cheesy and cliche but it was true, her personality and entire approach to things had improved when she met her wizard. That was one of the things she loved about Samuel though, their sense of humours matched and there was very rarely a time that one or both weren't laughing when they were at home together and it was one of her favourite parts of their relationship. She kept her gaze on Samuel when he stopped talking and she narrowed her eyes a little, she had learnt from past experience that if Samuel went quiet in the middle of a conversation then there was something on his mind and she had a feeling she knew, of course she couldn't be certain but she had a feeling that his own family life was probably on his mind, the witch knew that neither him or his sister had been troublemakers as children as such but she also knew that his sister had been very headstrong and even though she still hadn't met Hannah but some people would argue that his sister was a  terror when she was younger... and now. She had just disappeared after all. 

Calli squeezed Samuel's hand to show that she understood why he'd gone quiet, the pair often found they could silently communicate and knew what the other was sometimes thinking without needing to say anything at all. She rested her free hand on her stomach when she felt their son shift a little before kicking and she winced, but the smile remained in place, even if it had faltered ever so slightly when the movement caught her off guard. "I do like it... I love it." Calliope agreed when Samuel said their sons name out loud and her smile grew. She pulled the menu away from his face when he started to read it to kiss him softly. "Just like I love you." She murmured against his lips before she moved away and picked up her own menu and starting to scan over it.

Samuel listened to Calli speak of younger siblings in general. She was an only child so she could only go of anecdotal information that she had been told by him and by others, or so he supposed. It wasn’t a bad thing necessarily but Samuel had to remind her of one thing. ”Don’t mention any of that in front of my mum, she is the youngest of three girls” he winked at her as he if was providing her with a nugget of information. Though the man had a feeling that his mother would not disagree with what his witch had mentioned since she would have seen that with her own children. Samuel had to hand it to his mum, having raised two children on her own and even now with muggleborns being considered as undesirable. Samuel would try his hardest to protect his mum. He had to do so after all she had done for him and Hannah. He just wanted his sister here. It wasn’t something that Cali would likely understand since she had no siblings but at least she let him vent about his sister at times or recount stories of when they were little and used to annoy each other endlessly. If he and Calli were to go on have more children after their son, Samuel wondered if history would repeat itself and it would be him and Hannah all over again.

He was in no rush to have a second child of course but at least tonight especially, he could at least try and imagine what it would be like. Samuel gave the witch a lopsided grin as she delivered the cliche line. He could have made her a better person. They had certainly come a long way from their first night together have meeting up at the singles bar. He did not regret that night for he had fallen in love with Calli and was excitedly looking forward to making her his wife. ”Calliope...you have given me more purpose in my life than anyone else” he smiled at her tenderly. It was true though, Samuel had more ambition now. It was more than he felt as a professor even, though he liked to think the kids were more or less his own at times. He knew that it was silly for him to think like that because he was only their professor but at times they came to him with their problems and their issues. Sometimes Samuel had to encourage the students, particularly the girls to explain what was wrong and he knew it was embarrassing for them but he was there to help them. Tiwaz sometimes used to take the mickey out of him but thankfully now that the wizard was having his own child and a girl too, he had cooled off when it came to teasing Samuel. He always mentioned it had to do with the good looks of his best friend that made so many girls nervous to talk to him.

When Calli squeezed his hand, she kind of jolted him out of where his mind had wandered to. ”Sorry...it’s just, well you know….” he looked at her apologetically. She was very patient with him and he knew that she had her own demons and he in return tried to be patient with her. It was important that they treated each other mutually after all. ”I love you too” he smiled at her before he also picked up his menu. ”Is there anything you want to try?” he asked before he gestured the waiter over and began to order the bruschetta and the coconut crusted prawns.

”Maybe your mum will say I'm right and surprise you.” Calli laughed, tilting her head thoughtful, that was something she'd have to remember for future references that Samuel had two aunts somewhere, she wondered if she'd meet them or if they talked at all. Or if they were even muggleborns or just simple muggles. He could only assume he spoke to at least one of the family members, after all she'd met Malcolm but she wasn't sure in what way he was related to his uncle Sam. Calliope wasn't ignorant to the fact she had no actual knowledge of siblings but she liked to try and listen and learn and observe, it was no easy feat because she didn't really have many friends, she knew Sophia was close to Penelope and that Ti had a brother who he hated. She'd learnt about both those siblings, but Samuel… he was different, she knew enough about Hannah that it almost felt like she knew her even if they'd never met, it was complicated though because she did want to meet Hannah, she was just hesitant too, Calli knew that her upbringing was something the family opposed and even though Carol and Samuel knew she wasn't like that because Hannah was out of the picture when she and Samuel got together, the younger Copeland had no idea what she was like.

Calliope had never expected to fall so hard and so easily for someone but Samuel had done something, the way he'd treated her and his perseverance in getting her attention after what was originally supposed to only be a one night stand that had all led to her being in this position, it had been a first having someone want to be with her even with all her flaws and when she'd told Samuel about her past with Lucas, he'd further proven to her that he was the right one for her and whilst she had been petrified of entering a relationship, it was a leap she was glad she'd done. When he spoke she felt her cheeks heat up and she smiled tenderly at him. ”Well… I'm glad. For us in all of its entirety.” She said gently. There were so many things about Samuel that made Calli's heart swell, too many to name really, but she loved him at his best and at his worst, the way he made her feel and the way his students looked up to him. She'd seen first-hand what some of his students had been like towards him when they'd been out and about during the school holidays and it fascinated her. The way the girls pined after him always amused the brunette too and she had to admit, she couldn't blame them but then again, she was biased.

The witch smiled and shook her head when Samuel apologised for getting lost in his thoughts and she kissed his knuckles again, ”It's okay… are you alright?” She asked gently before her smile grew when he told her that he loved her, those were words she knew she would never tired of no matter what the situation because she knew they were true and she hoped that Samuel knew she meant it every time she said it. Calliope picked up the menu and scanned it curiously before ordering salmon mousse and the chefs special with a smile, before turning her attention to Samuel again, ”So, why did you decide to bring us on another date here?” She asked, her curiosity starting to get the better of her.

In all honesty Samuel never got nervous. The last time he had been remotely this nervous was when he had started at Hogwarts and wasn’t sure how the students would receive him but now that was all forgotten. The nerves the man was currently experiencing were vast different from that time. The question he was about to ask Calli was life changing. There were already on their way to become parents, this was another step in the direction. It could be put simply that the only thing would change form them marrying was that they would both wear an additional piece of jewellery and that Calli’s surname would change. Other than that their son would have his parents with him and Samuel was strong willed that he would not repeat the mistakes that his father had made. He of course was not stubborn but he was a fighter. He supposed that having been the self-labelled man of the house since he was six had enabled him to know right from wrong. He had put that kind of thinking ever since then and now he was in good place in his life, well he hoped it was a good place. It was not ideal because his sister was not here but he was not the boss of her and could not dictate where she went or what she did. Samuel had tried that before and that had backfired on him big time. ”Knowing my mother, she probably would side with you” he laughed. Speaking of family Samuel made a mental note to introduce his aunts to Calli, especially since she would be entering the family and since the witch already had met Malcolm so she may as well meet his grandmother too.

Samuel wondered if his mother would go as far as his aunts had when they had found out they were going to be grandmothers and insist in decorating the nursery but the two of them had just settled on a house so only time would tell. He wouldn’t mind honestly if she did go overboard but it was going to be expected with the first grandchild. Time would tell if Samuel and Calli had more children of if Hannah would have children. He missed his sister a lot but he had no way of bringing her back, he didn’t even know where she was. He would just have to trust that she was safe. Samuel had to focus on Calli and their son now and he was so happy that they now knew what they were having. He was going to be adamant in bringing his son in a very different way to how his father had raised him but then again there had been their influence factors when it came to James Copeland. He was not going to name his son James in anyway, first or middle name, his father did not deserve that and Samuel didn’t want to burden his son with that either. ”I’m very happy too darling, you have no idea” he responded, hoping he didn’t come across as too nervous.

One thing that Samuel had not planned on happening tonight was him was getting upset. It may have been a minor thing but he soon pushed it aside as Calli questioned him on it. ”Yes I’m fine love, how are you? Is he settled?”he enquired his gaze lowered to what would be her baby bump on the other side of the table. Samuel wanted to ensure she was comfortable before he proposed. He had planned to propose after their meal but maybe he would switch it up. After all, a proposal is something that only happens once in a person’s life and it should be memorable. He chuckled a little to nervously at her question. Settle down mate, he reminded himself. ”Well, why not? I mean look at this view…” he said as he made a sweeping motion with his hand in the hope that she would look around at the view (given that it was a rooftop restaurant) and that would give him enough time to move to her side of the table and get on one knee. The man waited until she did just that and made his way quickly to her side and knelt on one knee and bit his lip and looked up to her.

”What can I say, your mum loves me.” Calliope grinned, it was odd to think that just over a year ago she'd been nervous to meet Carol and now she loved to spend time with the older witch and she knew it would become more frequent when their son was here. She didn't want Carol or her own father to miss out on anything when it came to their grandchild, she knew her dad was still more than likely surprised that the wild child he called his daughter was now in a steady relationship and about to start a family, Merlin, even she was surprised with herself but she wasn't going to complain. She knew she'd changed and she'd definitely changed for the better. If it wasn't for Samuel she'd probably still be waking up in a different person's bed each morning and causing trouble for her father and more than likely Anicka, if she ever got wind of how reckless she used to be. She had a feeling Anicka knew but she wasn't sure, after all, she'd not said anything to her about it.

Moving into a bigger place had been a huge step for the couple and Calli was trying her best to keep on top of cleaning everything, it could be argued that because it was a new place the cleaning should be minimal, but with them having to move everything from their old place to their new place, the house was in a bit of disarray, it was handy that Samuel was home for Christmas now because it meant that Calliope didn't exhaust herself as much as she had with unpacking everything. Of course, she did still tire even when doing little things which was to be expected but she tried her best to not let it control her, even though some days she knew not to push too much and luckily for her, Samuel made sure to keep her from overexerting herself too much, she appreciated it although it did annoy her slightly, not because of Samuel looking after her, but because she hated that she was limited in what she could do, it made her feel guilty to see Samuel working away on unpacking or decorating whilst all she could do was sit back and watch. A tender smile graced Calliope's features and she nodded, ”I know exactly what you mean.” She said gently, the witch noticed Samuel's voice quiver a little and she could feel her smile falter into a look of concern for a brief moment before she plastered the smile back on her lips and decided not to pry. If something was on her boyfriend's mind, she was confident he would talk to her whenever he felt ready.

”I'm fine, he's settled a little bit, but you know what he's like, a little wriggler.” Calliope replied, resting her hand on her stomach. Jeremy often kept her awake at night or caused her some discomfort but he always settled as soon as he heard Samuel's voice and a few chords on the guitar, it calmed her as well, hearing the man she loved to sing to them both, and more often than not both she and their son relaxed and fell asleep to the sound of Samuel singing to them both. Calli raised a brow at the laugh that escaped Samuel's lips, there was no doubt in her mind that there was something on his mind and she felt bad for finally asking, but she was worried. Samuel never got nervous or uneasy so the fact he was like that right now set off alarm bells for the witch. She kept her brow raised before she followed his hand and looked out over the area, it was a beautiful and captivating view, the way the street lights twinkled below them were oddly one of the prettiest views for her. ”It is a stunning view.” She agreed, ”And I have fond memories of our first date here.” She chuckled, finally tearing her gaze from the sights and back to Samuel only to find his seat empty.

Her gaze ran to the floor beside her and she turned to Samuel with a look of pure confusion before the way he was kneeling caught her attention and her eyes widened, she knew what he was doing… or she hoped she knew what he was doing, she felt her heartbeat quicken and a slight excitement filled her before she tried to squash it, in case she was getting ahead of herself. ”Samuel...” She said, looking down at him and biting her lip.

Samuel loved that his mum and Calli got along so well. It warmed his heart see both witches in his life bond so wonderfully. Of course he would have wanted his sister to be here to and bonding with Calli as well but that was not possible right now. He would just have to wait and see if she ever came back and to what kind of situation she returned to. Surely Hannah had to know that the magical world in Britain was changing for the worse. She would not be so ignorant to that fact. She was just as smart as him after all. She just had different skills to him and in actual fact it made both siblings get along reallly well. Well at least he hoped they got along well if she ever returned but he had to see if that was ever going to happen. ”I don’t mind being second favourite love, but I hope you know once our son gets here, you’ll be number two, right?” he chuckled as he looked her over and gaze briefly landed on her baby bump.

Their baby son was in there right now and the man was eager to meet him but he knew that this time next year he would have him in his arms and it would be a constant battle between both parents who got to carry him more. Samuel was not against Calli having the first hold when he was here as she was the one doing all the hard work here. Sure he was the one moving stuff around their new house and unpacking and a little bit of decorating here and there in a few rooms, but she was the one pregnant here. His moving in activities would cease much sooner than her pregnancy would be over but he knew that it was all worth it in the end and that both would be relieved when Jeremy was here. Now that they had decided on a name, he could actually all his unborn child Jeremy and not just ‘it’. He would be happy regardless if they were having a boy or a girl first. Since he knew now their first child would be a son, he made a mental note to teach Jeremy how to behave with his younger sister if they had a daughter later on. Samuel would not want his son to go through what he had with Hannah leaving. Maybe both parties were to blame where her leaving was concerned, but he could only look at it from his perspective. Calli knew that he took it hard that his baby sister was not here but he appreciated that she gave him his space where that topic was concerned.

Samuel hadn’t had to think twice when it came to where he wanted to ask Calli to marry him. They had been to many places for dinner over the time they had been dating but he saw no better place to propose then where they had had their first date. It had been their first ‘proper’ date considering they had met in a singles bar. While Tiwaz had teased him about it, he knew his brother/best friend supported him and was happy for him taking this next step in his life and starting a family with a beautiful witch.

The man had to stop himself from laughing when he saw her reaction to finding his seat empty. It was one of the few times that he had to be quick with him. It was evident she was lost for words and that made him smile. That was the reaction he wanted. ”Uhh...yes, hello” he said, trying not sound too nervous as he smiled up at her. ”I hope the little wriggler stays still while daddy does this” he said he rested one hand on her stomach before he withdrew it. ”Calliope, there is no one ore I want to spend my life than you and of course our son” he paused with a laugh as he reached into his pocket to pull out the ring box. ”Will you marry me? he asked opening the box and facing it to her and looked up to her anxiously.