If You Only Knew

Chapter 28

Four Years Later...

The early morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a soft glow over the house. It was a quiet, peaceful morning, the kind that made Harry's heart swell with contentment. His little girl, Tia, was already up, her bright, curious eyes wide with excitement. She was a bundle of energy, her laughter infectious as she played with her toys on the living room floor. Harry smiled at the sight, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

"Daddee!" Tia's giggle broke through his musings, and he turned to see her running toward him, her tiny hands tugging at his leg.

"Yes, munchkin?" Harry chuckled, bending down to pick her up and hold her in his arms.

"We go get Papa now?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Harry's heart melted. The excitement in Tia's eyes was contagious, and Harry found himself grinning from ear to ear. "Yeah, baby girl, we're going to get Papa now. Can you put your shoes on for me?"

Tia's face lit up with a bright smile, and she immediately ran off toward the shoe rack, her little feet pattering against the hardwood floor. "Otay, Daddee!" she called back, her words filled with determination as she worked to put on her shoes, one clumsy step at a time.

Harry watched her for a moment, adoration in his eyes, before turning to finish his morning routine. Tia, now fully dressed and ready, came running back to him, holding up her shoes proudly.

"Daddee, ready!" she announced, her face radiating joy.

"Ready, indeed," Harry said, his heart swelling with affection for his little girl. He held out his hand, and she eagerly took it, her small fingers wrapping around his with trust and love. They walked together toward the car, the promise of their day together making Harry's heart skip a beat.

Harry carefully buckled Tia into her car seat, securing her with a quick kiss on her cheek before getting into the driver's seat. The drive to the airport was filled with light chatter, Tia babbling on about everything she had done that week without Papa, her excitement palpable. Harry listened attentively, unable to suppress his smile as she told him about her adventures—coloring, movies, and the occasional trip to the park. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty for being away from her so much, but he knew Tia was in good hands with Louis. It made him feel even more grateful that today was the day they would be reunited.

When they finally arrived at the airport, Harry parked the car and unbuckled Tia from her seat. She was already squirming in his arms, her little feet kicking with excitement as they walked toward the terminal.

"Da-dee, it's Papa! It's Papa!" Tia exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with excitement as she pointed toward the crowd of people.

Harry smiled at the sight, his heart swelling with warmth. "Go get him, Baby Girl," he said, gently setting her down and watching as she ran toward Louis.

Tia's feet pounded against the floor as she sprinted toward Louis, who had just emerged from the crowd. When he saw Tia, his face broke into a wide grin, and he dropped down to his knees to scoop her into his arms.

"Papa! Papa!" Tia squealed, wrapping her tiny arms around his legs as Louis pulled her into a tight hug. Louis's laughter filled the air as he peppered her face with kisses, making Tia giggle uncontrollably.

"Hi, little bean!" Louis whispered between kisses, his voice full of affection. He looked up at Harry, who stood a few steps away, his eyes full of love and admiration. "Hi, Curly," Louis greeted softly.

"Hi, baby," Harry replied, his voice full of warmth. "I missed you."

Harry's lips met Louis's in a kiss that was sweet and full of longing, a silent promise of homecoming. The kiss lingered for a moment, but soon enough, Louis pulled away, his eyes gleaming with joy.