Chapter 98 - How They Do Grow

Lizzie was growing quickly and with her Dad's red hair and her Great Grandfather's green eyes she was bound to be noticed as she grew up.

Both of the twins had inherited their Dad's hair.

As long awaited additions to the family, they were showered with love and attention. Merlin seem to become alive again with his toddler grandchildren.

Owen watched with pride as they began to walk and talk. Owen was a doting father. He was home from the office on time and spent his weekends playing with his little ones. He was so grateful that he had them after the long years of trying.

Owen's nieces were also growing fast and had now started school. 

Hermione had announced she was pregnant again and Dominic had become the head surgeon in the local hospital and his reputation was starting to spread. 

The River family living in Owen's street all seemed to be flourishing, but when Owen turned his gaze further outward he found that wasn't so for all of the rest of the vast River tribe.

Owen's biggest concern was for his older cousin Aidan. 

Aidan was now the father to three children by Sadie Wolf. All of which lived with their mother whilst Aidan kept his bachelor pad. Owen felt that this was very wrong and that Aidan was shirking his responsibilities.


Owen decided it was time to pay Aidan a call.

Aidan's face showed his surprise to see his cousin, as they have never been close. Yet Aidan genially invited him into his home and Owen decided to get down to business right away.

"As head of the family I have to say that I think its time you thought about settling down. You have three children by Sadie, but whilst you live in this mansion they live together in a much smaller house. I think its time this changed, I want you to face your responsibilities and propose to Sadie."

Aidan's face clearly showed surprise at the beginning of the conversation, quickly followed by outrage once he realised what Owen had come to talk to him about,

Aidan growled "Why is this your business?"

Owen drew himself up and replied "I am the head of the family and also Mayor of the city. Maybe you don't respect me as the leader of the family, but let me point out to you as Mayor I have a lot of power in this city. I could make things really difficult for you."

Owen's face softened and he went on "I know you must care about her as you have been together so many years and she must care about you to stick with you even though you treat her like this. Think what you are missing out on, children are such a blessing and with them all in the house with you, you could be a real father."

Aidan said nothing, he was thinking over all that had been said.

Owen left him to it, wondering what he would or could, do next if this didn't work. A week later however Aidan announced his engagement and Sadie was heard excitedly telling of her wedding plans and her plans to move in.

Owen hoped Aidan would adjust to his new life and learn to be grateful that he had stepped in to talk to him.

It wasn't to be the only family wedding to take place. Harry River (the younger brother of Hermione) married his childhood sweetheart and second cousin Demelza Nagi.

They moved into a small house across the other side of town and Owen heartily wished them a long and happy marriage like his own.