My Soldier - Missing Home

My Happiest

A/N ~~ I mean.. What better way to wake up on a Morning..? Let me see those hands at all times everybody!


~~Boxing Day Morning, L.A.~~

Normal POV

As much as I don't want my body to wake up at all right now, feeling Lizzie's feather-like kisses against the backs of my clothed shoulders is too cute to ignore. I can feel her finger tips tracing patterns under my t-shirt and over my slightly tense stomach, her lips pulling into a small smile as soon as I start to stir next to her making me smile to myself. "Morning beautiful.." I whisper as I turn my head slightly to try and catch a glimpse of her but she is still hiding behind my shoulder. "Good morning Soldier." She mumbles into my back making me laugh lightly as I slowly and carefully roll over onto my back so I can see her better. As soon as I am on my back, my vision is less blurry and I am met with the brightest emerald eyes to ever exist. The adoring look in her eyes is all I need in this World as she looks down to meet my gaze, nothing else mattering right now other than her. "Wow.." I breathe out gently making her eyebrows furrow slightly in confusion as she leans her head on her free hand as her other is still resting against my stomach. "I just.. Really missed waking up to those eyes every morning." I whisper into the small space between us and instantly I catch a red tint taking over her cheeks as she searches between my eyes. "I missed falling asleep in your arms Harley.." She whispers in reply making my heart tug a little knowing how hard it is. "I'm sorry.." I begin but she quickly shakes her head and starts scratching lightly at my skin to ground me from spiralling. "It will get easier, for both of us. It just takes time.. But for now, I want to enjoy having you back with me." I can't help the smile that pulls at my lips hearing her be so positive and understanding about everything. She is really is amazing. "That sounds good to me baby." I whisper before pulling her body closer and burying my head into her neck as her body ends up pretty much lying on top of mine, and not one part of me is complaining..

"Is someone still tired?" Lizzie finally asks as even I can feel my breathing getting heavier the longer we lie like this. I nod my head against her shoulder making her giggle as she slowly pulls herself back from my body and leans against my chest so she is looking down at me again. "Do you want some more sleep Angel?" She asks sweetly but I just shake my head softly, knowing if I over-sleep, it'll will just make me feel even worse. "No it's okay. I'll wake up properly after a shower and getting dressed.." I explain and she nods her head softly as her eyes flicker between my own with her bright morning eyes and small smile. I catch her thinking about something before she takes her bottom lip between her teeth as her eyes drop to glance at my lips then lift back to meet my curious gaze as my hands continue to stroke up and down her back. "Well.. How about we share that shower? You know, we'd be saving on water and maybe it'll help you wake up.." I can't help but chuckle at her hint of nerves coming through past her wandering gaze as her free hand is now running along my jawline and neck. "Hm. That would help me wake up.. And saving on water is very important." I tease back in a hushed voice making her shiver in my arms as she looks back to find my eyes that have never moved from hers. "I'll go get it started and you just, join me when your ready.." She whispers leaning into my lips, leaving the smallest kiss before pushing herself up from my body and walking over towards the bathroom. My eyes following her every move before she disappears past the door and I hear the water start to run. I rub my hands over my face, willing away my tiredness as I hear her t-shirt hit the bathroom floor followed by the sliding glass doors opening and closing. Suddenly my body is very ready to get out of bed..

My clothes are gone by the time I reach the shower and as soon as I slide the doors open, I'm met with a soapy goddess as she is busy washing her hair, not paying any attention as I slip into the space behind her and close the doors behind me. Once my eyes properly adjust to the steamy room, I slowly step forward and reach for her forearms gently, careful not to startle her as she stops her movements as soon as she feels my touch. I gently move her hands away from her hair and take over massaging the shampoo into her long hair, her head leaning back slightly into my touch as I make sure to not be too rough with her hair in my hands. A few quiet hums later and I slowly turn her body so I can help her wash out the shampoo under the water, her eyes closed as she puts her trust in me to guide her to where she needs to be as I make sure it washes out before pulling her back to her original place and reach for the conditioner, repeating the process again. Only this time, I feel her entire body lean back into mine, her hands beginning to wander over my legs and hips as she hums quietly over the sound of the water. Once all the conditioner is out of her hair, her eyes finally flutter open slowly and a smile quickly follows as she wipes away the water from her face and pulls my under the water with her. I dip my head under the shower head before stepping back and rubbing my hands over my face, the water instantly helping wash away the last of my tiredness. As soon as my eyes are open again, they start to wander over Lizzie's perfect body infront of me standing under the shower. My mind racing with how much I've missed her, how many times I've wished to be back with her, to be able to touch and kiss her. To hear her angelic voice up close. I get lost in a small trance before a pair of lips find my chest and neck.

"I love you so much Harley.." Lizzie whispers against my lips, my hands holding her by the waist, keeping her close as her hands are running through my wet hair under the constant stream of warm water. "I love you too baby." I whisper back slightly breathless from the heated kiss but I don't hesitate to attach my lips back to hers, taking the breathe from her lungs as I ease her back against the wall of the shower, a small gasp leaving her throat at the change in temperature. I can't help but laugh lightly, breaking the kiss as she laughs with me. My lips leave hers and find her neck with ease, slipping slightly with the water coating her skin as I trail kisses and nips down from just under her jaw to her soft spot. Her body releasing a moan as soon as I start to suck just below her pulse point, her fingers gripping into my hair as I run my tongue along the skin. "Harley.." She huffs out past my ear making me smile against her neck before I pull away slightly to face her again, seeing her tinted cheeks and darkened eyes looking back at me. "Yes baby?" I whisper back with a slight smirk making her whine quietly as her legs squeeze around my thigh between them. "I need you.." She breathes out heavily as her eyes flicker rapidly between mine. "I'm right here baby." I tease back, taking her bottom lip between my teeth causing her to moan and roll her head back against the wall. "Please.." She huffs again as I release her lip with a pop. "Are you sure you can be quiet enough..?" I ask playfully as my hand starts to slowly make it's way south from her waist, down past her hips towards where she wants it to be. "I will.." She nods her head as her breathing becomes heavier, my finger tips grazing past her hip bones following down between her legs. I subtly move my leg away to make room as my hand replaces my thigh and a moan follows as soon as she feels my touch..

I don't waste any time, knowing we can't be here too long without someone getting suspicious, and feeling how much Lizzie's body is craving the contact. I lean in my body to help keep Lizzie upright as I tease between her legs, already feeling her tensing at the friction. My free hand is wrapped around behind her to keep her up as her hands tug and pull at my hair and back, nails scratching into the skin. "Bite my shoulder if you need too.." I whisper and I feel her nod breathlessly before slipping one then two fingers into her entrance. Both times feeling her teeth sink into my shoulder to suppress the sounds wanting to leave her lips. I don't move too roughly, knowing she has to be able to act like nothing happened when we are done, so I move my fingers in a way I know she enjoys and instantly I can feel her moans being muffled into my skin as she scratches and bites down to help as I kiss up and down her neck. It doesn't take too long until I feel her pull away from my shoulder and look right into my eyes with an intense, darkened gaze. "I'm.. Close.." She tells me breathlessly and I nod my head, moving my thumb to tease her clit to send her over the edge. I watch as her eyes roll to the back of her head at the new feeling before she crashes her lips into mine to muffle her moans. She bites and pulls at my bottom lip before she can't do anything but hold her breathe as her body gets sent over the edge, her legs clenching around my hand as her entire body shivers and shakes. "Fuck Harley.." She mumbles, holding back her voice as I help her ride it out before she calms down slightly, her lips finding mine again telling me she isn't done just yet. I slowly remove my fingers, causing her to groan against my lips, giving me chance to move and leave a trail of kisses from her neck travelling down her body. I give every part of her body as much attention as I can, my hands wandering and massaging her as she lays back against the wall savouring every second with her head rolled back before I nip playfully at her hip, causing her to jump and look down.

"Harley.." She whispers, protesting weakly as her eyes stare intensely. "Tell me to stop, if that's what you want." I whisper loud enough for her to hear from where I am now kneeling down infront of her body. Her eyes blown again as she reaches for my hair and tugs it playfully making me smirk as I reach behind her leg, grasping behind her knee and lifting it and tucking my shoulder underneath. The small action making her gasp in surprise before covering her mouth with her free hand. "Do you want me to stop baby?" I whisper up to her as she removes her hand and looks down to meet my eyes. She shakes her head with a small smile pulling at her lips making my grin only grow. "Sure?" I check once more and she shakes her head again. "I never want you to stop Soldier.." She teases taking her bottom lip between her teeth. This girl is going to be the death of me. I groan and pull myself away, moving my mouth between her legs, hitting everywhere I possibly can with my tongue feeling her legs buckle under the sudden new contact. Her fingers tugging at my hair as the other keeps her standing, using my shoulder to help as she moves her hips to where she wants me the most. The water sprinkling over my head keeps my eyes shut as I rely on her body telling me what she wants before I feel her hand reach for mine, lacing our fingers together and gripping tightly as she holds them both against her stomach. I get too carried away and can hear her moans getting louder the longer I am here, already feeling her body hit one orgasm but I am enjoying myself far too much to stop. I can feel her nails digging into the back of my neck, trying to stop herself from moaning but still my name slips past her lips over and over as I tease her with my tongue. I focus my attention on her clit, her body squirming under my movements as I slip my finger back inside her, adding to her pleasure which quickly sends her over the edge for the third... And fourth time.

I continue to roll my tongue between her legs as she rides out her high before I feel her tug my hair back so I pull away, her body slipping down the wall as her legs buckle again. I quickly catch her in my hands and lower her onto when I am kneeling, keeping her close as she wraps her arms over my shoulders. The water sprinkling over both our bodies as her breathing evens out against my neck as my hands move up and down her back soothingly. "That was.. Wow." She mumbles into my shoulder making me chuckle lightly and turn to trail kisses up her neck before reaching her cheek. "Do you need more sleep now?" I tease making her giggle and pull away to face me again, straddling over my legs with her hands scratching lightly at the back of my neck. "Maybe.. But it will have to wait until later." She teases back, leaning in to kiss me now she is calmer. The kiss quickly heats up again, my hands gripping at her body as hers pull at my shoulders. "Let me make you feel good.." She whispers against my lips, nipping at my bottom lip. I groan as she pulls it teasingly, clearly giving her my answer as I feel one of her hands trail down from my shoulder, tugging gently at my dog tags before reaching my stomach where she scratches at the skin and crashes her lips into mine again. "Open your legs.." She whispers breathlessly into my mouth, sending a shiver down my spine at her tone as I move my legs carefully with hers still on top, giving her the room she needs to lower her hand between my legs. My breathe catching my throat as I feel two fingers quickly start running through my folds, teasing exactly where she knows too. My head falls to her shoulder as I try and breathe and not moan too loudly as she quickens her movements and applies the right amount of pressure to push me so close to the edge already after enjoying myself too much pleasuring her just before..

"Fuck baby.." I grit my teeth and feel her grip at the back of my neck, keeping me close as she pushes me over the edge, kissing and biting my neck as she does driving me crazy. She doesn't stop there, instead of letting my body calm down she keeps going, pushing me towards a second as my breathing is beyond heavy at the point. My hands are wandering her body, her breathing matching my own as her hips begin to rock with what she is doing to me. I can't help myself as I move my hand back between her legs, a loud gasp leaving her mouth as I match what she is doing between my legs. I match her movements and pace, which she seems to catch on too as she buries her head into my neck. Our bodies moving in sync, our breathing heavy under the warm water. "Harley.. Fuck I'm so close." She mumbles into my skin before biting down. "I am too baby.. Fuck I am too!" I reply easily, causing her to pull away but before she can go too far, I crash our lips together, muffling both our moans with a messy, heated kiss. We both hit our highs at the same time, our foreheads pressed together as we fight to stay quiet and ride out the unbelievable highs we are experiencing. Our chests rising and falling almost in rythm as we slowly move our hands and just hold each other close. I will never get tired of how she makes me feel, and the feeling I get when her body reacts to my touch is something else. "Fucking hell Harley.. I don't know how you do it but somehow that just keeps getting better and better." She says breathlessly making me laugh as I pull back to look at her surprised expression. "I just have a good partner, that's all." I tease and wink playfully making her giggle adorably before we share a more passionate and loving kiss, not heated in anyway now. Lizzie leans her forehead into mine, her hands running up and down the back of my neck as I hold her close on my lap. "We should really get ready now to avoid any suspicion." I tease and she quickly nods her head giggling. "Good idea." She whispers against my lips but shows no effort to move just yet.

Eventually we get up to actually have a shower, washing each other's bodies before I tell Lizzie to go and get ready whilst I quickly wash my hair since it only takes a couple of minutes and she was starting to shiver a little. As soon as I am done, I turn off the shower and wrap myself in a towel and grab a smaller one to dry my hair before brushing my teeth infront of the mirror. When I come back into the bedroom, I find Lizzie doing her hair at her small make-up desk so I walk over and leave a kiss on her shoulder, catching her blush in the mirror before I go to my bag to get my clothes out for the day and lay them out on the bed. I finish drying off then start getting myself dressed, opting for some dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt to go under my second Christmas sweater I brought with me. Before putting my sweater on, I take my towel back into the bathroom then style my hair infront of the mirror with some hairspray then spray some aftershave on my neck and wrists so I am pretty much ready. I slip my sweater on over my head and check over everything in the full length mirror, catching Lizzie's attention as she quickly moves to come behind me and wrap her arms around my stomach and lean into my back. "You alright back there?" I ask smiling as I feel her quickly nod her head against my back. "No wobbly legs?" I tease causing her to hit my back playfully as she pulls away and I turn around to face her. "That's mean.. But yes, they are a little wobbly." She says a little shyly as I lean down slightly and wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her into a cuddle. "Make sure you be careful okay? Don't want you having an accident today." I say genuinely making her smile against my neck as she nuzzles closer and hugs around my neck tightly. "I love you Harley." She tells me against my skin making my smile grow impossibly bigger. "I love you too Lizzie, with every part of me." I reply easily, feeling her smile grow as we just savour the small moment before hearing her Sisters calling us down for breakfast.

Lizzie quickly finishes off getting ready as I slip on some socks and wait for her on the bed. As soon as she is finished with her hair, she reaches out for my hand and we share a kiss before she pulls away and looks down at what I am wearing with a huge smile growing across her face. "This is adorable by the way.." She teases making me laugh as she leaves another quick peck against my lips then turns to lead us downstairs. We are quickly met by MK, Ashley and Jarnie in the kitchen plating up some breakfast for everyone. We seperate to say Good Morning to everyone before Jarnie ushers us all to sit down and eat together at the table. Lizzie moves to make some coffee for everyone then sits by my side and we all fall into some easy conversation over some home-made waffles with strawberries and cream. My smile never faltering at how easy it has been with everyone at the table until MK asks what time David is due to arrive today. It feels like a punch to my stomach as the realisation hits me that I have to meet Lizzie's Dad today. I had completely forgotten until now and all of a sudden, my heart is racing and my chest is tightening. "I'm not sure Sweetie, just whenever he gets here." Jarnie replies and Lizzie seems to catch on to my sudden change as she reaches for my hand under the table. I look over and see her smiling as she squeezes my hand in hers. That alone enough to give me some reassurance as I try and calm my heartrate down and focus on Jarnie's questions she suddenly starts to ask about my early days in the Army as we all finish breakfast and enjoy our coffees. The mood shifts a little when we end up talking about James but Jarnie is quick to comfort me and try to apologise but I wave her off. She soon asks a little about him and it feels nice to talk about him and seeing her genuine smile at what I am saying eases my discomfort as I feel Lizzie lightly scratching at the back of my neck as she listens with the Twins.

After some more questions, we all help in clearing the table as the Twins wash up and Jarnie checks on everything for the second dinner she is cooking today. Lizzie is setting the table ready for dinner later so I give her some help, teasing and making her giggle as we do before Jarnie begins to usher us out so she can start cooking. "Okay so since it's been over 24 hours, I am technically no longer a guest and therefore I can help with the dinner today.." I state confidently to everyone in the kitchen, making the Twins and Lizzie laugh as Jarnie looks with an amused smile on her face. "So Jarnie, I insist you let me help you today." I say playfully and see Jarnie trying not to laugh before she throws me a hand towel. "Since you insist Captain. How about you get started with the veg?" She gives in finally and I celebrate subtly with my victory making Lizzie and the Twins just laugh even more as I turn to look at them. "You heard Jarnie, time to vacate the kitchen your three." I tease pushing the sisters out the kitchen playfully. MK and Ashley hold their hands up in defeat, complaining I know how to use my bare hands to kill someone so they rush off, leaving Lizzie behind giggling at me. "Your too much Soldier.. But I love you for it." She whispers, stealing a quick kiss before following her sisters into the other room. "Behave yourselves!" I call out teasingly making her just giggle even more before she disappears and I head back to stand with Jarnie as we get started between us. I follow her instructions on how she wants things done as we easily find things to talk about as some music plays softly filling the kitchen.

Time seems to pass over quickly and dinner is coming along great. Being around Jarnie is so easy, I had no idea she would warm to me so quickly but there is never an awkward moment, even though it is just the two of you. She isn't shy about her questions so it's been easy for her to get to know me. She's asked about joining the Army and what I have been through. She seems so genuinely interested in everything I am talking about and it makes me a little emotional since I never had this with my own Mother. We seem to get lost in talking about Afghanistan when a strong knock at the front door snaps me from our conversation. Instantly my entire body tenses, somehow knowing who it is without having to answer the door. Jarnie seems to catch on pretty quickly and moves to reach her hand on my arm nearest to her to pull my attention back to her. "Hey, don't worry about David sweetie. Just be yourself, we're all here with you." I seem to be able to relax slightly hearing her kind words and she squeezes my arm as I nod my head. "Will do. Thanks Jarnie." She smiles before quickly moving over to the cupboard behind her as I look down at the chopping board infront of me and try to calm my breathing before it can get any worse. Then suddenly a glass tumble is placed infront of me, surprising me as she pours out what looks like whiskey into it before pouring herself one. I look up and see her smiling subtly to herself as she puts the bottle back. "For the nerves.." She says past her grin making me chuckle and nod my head in understanding before lifting the glass in my hand towards here Jarnie is holding out hers. "Everything will be fine." She says confidently before we clink our glasses and down the whiskey in one go. The warm liquid hitting my throat but I welcome it as a small distraction from what is about to come..


~~Boxing Day Afternoon, L.A.~~

Lizzie POV

I don't think anything could take away how happy I am today and it's no where over yet. Not only did I have an amazing sleep in Harley's arms last night, I got to wake up to her still in bed with me. I was expecting her to struggle to sleep at all never mind in bed with me but waking up to her beside me was the best feeling ever. I know it might take a few days for her to catch up on her sleep and start to feel more awake on a morning, which will be easier once we are home together and she doesn't have to get up for any reason. I was completely taken by surprise by what happened in the shower, I was not expecting anything like that to happen but being so close and intimate with Harley that way was incredible. I can never deny how crazy she drives me with her touch so being so close with her this morning made everything even more amazing. I don't think I could love her anymore than I do right now, seeing her be around my family so easily as if she has known them for years is more than I can ever ask for. Seeing how nervous she was to meet them all only yesterday to now hearing her laughing and talking with my Mom as they cook together is almost too much to believe. And even more so, seeing Trent take to her almost instantly surprised us all. A small part of me is still waiting for all this to be a dream but then I feel her hand in mine or she kisses me and I realise it is all really happening. The past 24 hours only cementing my feelings for her. I knew she was different from the moment I met her, something about her drawing me in like a magnet, but now I know for sure we were always meant to be together. She is my soulmate. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her, because there is no way I am letting her go. Nothing can come between us, I know it. She is my forever.. I get snapped out of my daze on the couch by a familiar knock at the front door. Dad. MK and Ashely jump up to answer the door and suddenly I am the one who is nervous as I follow behind them to greet my Dad at the front door..

"Hey girls! Merry Christmas." Dad announces once I reach the front door making me smile as we let him inside before he greets us all one by one. As soon as I get my hug from him, I excuse myself to go to the kitchen, knowing Harley is going to be nervous about meeting him and I want to be the one to introduce her so I quickly make my way back to the kitchen as I hear the Twins ushering Dad towards the living room with his bags. As soon as I walk into the kitchen, I smile seeing Mom and Harley standing talking with smiles on their faces. "Dad's here.." I announce once they both look in my direction and instantly I catch Harley's smile falter slightly before she tries to brush it off. "Yay, my ex-husband." Mom jokes making us both laugh as she takes off her apron and puts it on the table. I catch her squeezing Harley's arm as she passes her before she comes infront of me. "Mom.. behave." I warn her playfully before she kisses my head and turns to leave the kitchen. "I always behave.." She complains jokingly as she makes her way out the kitchen towards the living room to greet Dad so I turn and make my way over to Harley who has yet to move. I can see her chest rising and falling heavily as her eyes wander around the room before I get infront of her and her gaze meets with mine. "You okay?" I ask softly looking up at her as she wraps her arms around me. "Sure.. Not nervous at all." She shrugs off making me giggle. "Liar." I call her out easily making her chuckle and kiss my forehead. "You got me.." She defends quietly making my smile fade slightly seeing she is genuinely nervous. "You'll be fine. I'm right here with you." I assure her and she nods her head and lets out a deep breathe. "I know you are." She replies quietly leaning her forehead down into mine. "Come on, it's now or never." I encourage her, not wanting her to stress out any longer. "After you.." I lean up and kiss her before leading us both out to where everyone else is.

I can hear everyone in conversation as I walk slightly infront of Harley, her hand in mine as I hold it tightly, my own nerves building as we get closer to the living room. As soon as we both walk in, all conversation dies out and everyone looks to us both as we walk into the room, Harley standing slightly behind me to the side with her hand still firmly in mine. I look straight towards my Dad, who seems to be trying to work out who Harley is as he looks her up and down. I don't let him wonder for long as I smile and squeeze Harley's hand before clearing my throat to find my voice. "Dad, I'd like you to meet Harley. Harley, this is my Dad, David." I announce and catch my Mom and the Twins' proud smiles as they stay close to us all but don't say anything for now. I can see my Dad's gears turning in his head but before the silence gets too much in the room, I feel Harley step forward confidently and clear her throat before letting go of my hand and reaching it out infront of my Dad. I've never seen her standing so strongly, but something about it tells me this is something like how she stands at work. "Pleasure to meet you Mr Olsen." She says in a very dominant, confident voice, surprising my Dad as his eyes widen slightly. I don't know where this Harley has come from but a part of me likes it.. "Harley.. What brings you here with the family for the Holidays?" Dad finally finds his voice but doesn't make any attempt to shake Harley's hand. Instantly I catch my Mom shaking her head but thankfully, Harley just shrugs it off, keeping her confident demenour without a falter. I play Dad's words in my head a second time and realise that this is my turn to talk, not wanting Harley to have to answer something like that right now, especially with Dad being difficult.

I take a quick step forward, reaching my hand onto Harley's forearm to let her know I am still here with her and I feel her relax a little under my touch as I keep my attention on my Dad for now. "Dad. Harley is my Girlfriend. We met whilst I was filming in London." I explain and I can see him instantly tense at the word girlfriend. This is what I was so nervous about but I don't want to hide Harley from anyone, not even my Dad. Not when she makes me the happiest I have ever been. "London huh." He almost scoffs making everyone in the room a little more uncomfortable. "Yes Dad. She was just starting her leave when we met." I say confidently, hoping the fact she is a very well respected Soldier and Captain might help him relax a little around her, as much as I hate to think that way, I know Harley will understand. "Leave?" He asks and looks back to her with judgmental eyes. "Harley is a Captain and Medic in the British Army Dad.." I answer proudly and I catch Harley's slight grin out the corner of my eye but the look in my Dad's eyes is unreadable right now and that worries me. "I see.." He scoffs and continues to look Harley up and down. I can't help but feel a little defeated, and feeling how tense Harley is just makes me feel worse. I hoped he would be different, but that's not happening right now and there seems to be no way out of this situation. "Well, as fun as this is, I am going to steal back my assistant to get Dinner ready. Harley?" Thank god for Mom and her ability to read a room so well. "Of course, Mr Olsen, pleasure to meet you but I am needed in the Kitchen." Harley quickly catches on to my Mom's intentions as she begins to leave the room to give Harley a chance to follow. "Yeah.. Sure." Dad replies half-heartedly but as Harley turns to face me, I see her small comforting smile and I can't help but smile in return as she mouths a subtle "I love you" before kissing my forehead then heading out towards the kitchen. That alone making me feel so much better after what just happened..

Once Mom and Harley are back in the kitchen, I move to sit with Ashley as MK and Dad sit on the opposite couch as we all catch up with him before he gives out some presents for us and we return ours to him. We make small conversation as we open our presents and thank him for what he got us. There is still some tension in the air and I can feel Ashley keep checking on me as she squeezes my arm from time to time, sensing how uncomfortable I was before. After some time talking after opening our presents, a small silence that fills the room is quickly cut short by laughter coming from the kitchen. I can't help but laugh with Ashley and MK as we hear Mom laughing with Harley about something. It instantly warms my heart hearing Mom's genuine laugh with Harley but Dad is quick to comment on it making my laughter die down. "Your Mom seems to like Harley huh?" He comments with a tone that wasn't genuine making me cringe slightly in my seat but before I can try and think of what to say, Ashley comes to my rescue. "She does. They only met yesterday but Mom loves her already. It's like they have known each other for years." I reach for her hand subtly and squeeze it in a silent thank you making her smile as Dad seems to be thinking about something before MK adds to what Ashley said. "Harley is great Dad, even Trent took to her straight away." I smile over at MK and she quickly returns it before Dad looks up to see what I have to say. Fuck.. "She wasn't even supposed to be here but she came home early and flew here a day after getting home to surprise me. She arranged everything with Ash without me knowing.." I ramble a little but it doesn't look like Dad was even listening so Ashley comes to my rescue again to get his attention. "She's just really great Dad. We all love her.." I try not to laugh at her as Dad looks between us and gives us a weak smile. "I'm sure she is.." Well, this could have gone better..

I zone out of what Dad and MK are talking about as my thoughts turn to worry about Harley. She has been nothing but amazing towards me and my family but yet Dad is not even giving her a chance. I need to make sure Harley is okay. I quickly get up and excuse myself from the room, giving Ashley a small smile before heading for the kitchen. My heart racing thinking over everything that has happened but as soon as I enter the room, my body relaxes seeing Mom and Harley sitting at the kitchen table deep in conversation. Genuine smiles and a glass in hand as they don't even realise I am here. Instantly I feel so much better as I walk over without interupting them and stand behind Harley's chair. I give my Mom a quick smile as she glances up at me as my hands fall over the back of the chair and onto Harley's shoulders as I lean down and leave a kiss on her cheek just as she stops talking. They both look up and smile in my direction making my heart glow seeing them like this together. "You both okay in here?" I ask, leaving my hands resting on Harley's shoulders from behind where she is sitting. "Of course we are sweetie. Are you okay?" Mom asks a little concerned before taking a sip of her wine. "I am Mom. Is she keeping you captive in here baby?" I ask Harley playfully, after reassuring Mom, as I move to stand beside her chair so I can see her better. "She is.. Have you come to save me?" She jokes with me instantly, holding onto my arm as she tilts her head back to look up at me making me and my Mom just laugh at her. "Maybe later.." I tease back, scrunching my nose down at her making her perfect smile grow even bigger. "You two are too cute together." Mom comments making us both look across at her, seeing her beaming smile as she watches our little interaction. God I love this girl more than anything.

Mom gets up to check on dinner so I take her seat just next to Harley as she takes a drink of her, I'm guessing, Whiskey. I smile as she reaches out for my hand and laces our fingers together before her deep Hazel eyes find my gaze staring back at her. "Everything okay in there?" She asks with a small smile and I just nod my head. "I have my Sisters for back-up since you stole my Mom." I tease and instantly they both laugh. "I'd say I am better protected.." She teases back making me giggle as Mom looks over to us. "Flattery will get you everywhere with me Harley so keep it up.." Mom jokes playfully making us both laugh as she turns back to finish dinner. "You, Harley Lane, are adorable. You know that right?" I say quietly so only she can hear, making her smile grow impossibly bigger. "I know." She teases and winks cheekily making me giggle as I shake my head. "Your too much." I comment back making her laugh and break character before Mom interupts us by coming over to squeeze Harley's cheek in one hand. "She's my new favourite." Mom teases making us both burst into loud laughter as Mom walks away as if nothing happened. I never thought I could be this happy but the girl sitting across from me is making it a reality without having to try. I catch myself admiring her before we are both called upon to help with getting everything out for dinner as the Twins and Dad come and sit at the table. Thankfully, the Twins take the seats next to Dad so I move to sit with MK and Harley sits opposite me next to Ashley and Mom so nothing to awkward over dinner but nothing seems to work as the conversation seems to die out quickly. I can't help but feel guilty about the change in atmosphere, but I know this had to happen at some point and Mom will never be against me being myself, even if it causes this with Dad. I just hope none of this pushes Harley away any. I know she is used to being judged this way, but I can't help but let myself worry more and more just as I was starting to feel at my happiest..

Maybe I won't get my happy ending..?


A/N ~~ How we all feeling after that Rollercoaster of a Chapter..?