Love on Tour

Little Rock, AR *

Little Rock, Arkansas

"¿Me vas a extrañar?"

No answer.

"Bueno, te voy a extrañar."

There's a small giggle that escapes the toddler in your lap. The sweetest baby, always smiling and laughing with anyone. Calm and always up for a cuddle. A beautiful face who has so much to learn. When tour ends, there will be many things you will miss, but Sarah and her bub are very close on top; they'd be first if Harry wasn't already there claiming the top spot.

It's the second to last show, and you're on baby duty skipping soundcheck in favor of having time together.

"Going to make sure he's bilingual."

Mitch's low voice is welcomed with a giggle as his son quickly catches his arrival.

"More like trilingual. There's a difference between English and, well, US English," you joke.

Mitch laughs, stepping forward but makes no move to take back his son, who rests carefully in your arms. There's a small duck plushie in his hand before he extends it, waiting for his father to take it.

"Thank you, bubs."

"How was the rehearsal?" You ask Mitch seeing as he was the only one to come by. Sarah promised you'd get something to eat, but she hasn't made her appearance.

"Good. He is talking with Jeff about something for the shows. And Sarah is playing a bit more, said something sounded different."

"Ah, the two perfectionists," you mumble. "What would that make us?"

Mitch smiles a small one, "that would make us the better halves."

"I quite like that."

You and Mitch have spent a lot of time together over the few weeks since you joined tour. Mostly around Sarah and Harry, he was quiet and liked observing while you enjoyed keeping a conversation going, always trying to get to know more about someone. Mitch taught you to appreciate the quietness and take in what was happening around you. Being part of the moment is essential, even if we aren't adding anything more.

"Thank you." He expresses.

You shrug, "it's nothing," You smile down at the bub in your arms, playing with the bracelet on your wrist, having a firm grip on it. "He's the sweetest and most calm baby I've ever met."

Mitch chuckles, "I wasn't referring to my son."

You frown, the bub in your arms copying the face you just made, making you laugh. "Then for what?"

"Making Harry happy."

You freeze for a second, meeting his firm stare before shifting away. "He would be happy without me. He's on tour, living his dream every night with his best friends."

"Don't sell yourself short, Bel."

"I know I've made him happy. I do. I just don't think you should thank me."

Mitch sighs, "Everyone sees Harry as a people person, kind to anyone, and always ready to help when needed. With you, you showed him kindness and openness he had never seen because he was always the one giving it. Sure, he knew the famous you, but by getting to know Bel, he could be himself and shelf away from the persona he wears around new people. He's allowed himself to be vulnerable and open. He allowed himself to feel every emotion, something he never does."

That's a lot to take in. You didn't see the ways he changed because you haven't had the chance to know him for years, but it feels like it. You realize there is so much still for you to learn and experience, but knowing that you've brought him happiness in a way that was noticeable to everyone around him is overwhelming.