Poppy/H.S

Chapter 53

Harry's POV

I manage to close the car door with the small amount of energy I still have remaining, feeling extremely drained. Driving has always been a very relaxing activity for me, however, now I feel like I don't want to get back into that car for a good few days, at least. I've driven back and forth between London, Manchester and Brighton today.

The moonlight makes it easier for me to see the time as I glance at my watch, sighing when I notice it's already past midnight, the twenty-third of July.

Having arrived at my final destination just after midnight is what finally makes this exhausting day feel worth it. I squint my eyes, feeling relieved when I notice the lights are still on. I smile when I see she's still up, while my daughter has gone to sleep a good few hours ago, I bet.

Tomorrow, well, today is her sixth birthday.

The location of her birthday party still remains secret to her, since I want to surprise her once we get there. Trying to find the perfect present for her has always been a struggle, so this time, the party will be the majority of her present from me. I've invited me and Poppy's closest family, also selfishly wanting to utilise the family gathering to announce that Valentine and I are officially dating.

With the party taking place at a location in Brighton, many of my family members have already been suspecting my reasoning, since Poppy's birthday parties have always taken place at my house in London until now. However, with the launch of the Manchester Co-op Arena kicking off soon, I haven't had much free time recently. Otherwise, I would've much rather devoted my time to decorating the house for the party or ordering catering.

One of the final meetings took place in Manchester today. I was extremely annoyed when I found out I couldn't join in via zoom, because it ruined my plans for the day. Thankfully, Valentine was an angel and offered to babysit Poppy for me. I dropped my daughter off at her place just before I departed to Manchester, feeling extremely guilty.

She's already babysat for me several times, and I can't help but feel like I'm using her, even though it's not true. She has always deliberately offered, saying she loves spending time with Pops. I never wanted us to be a bother to her, but it seems like she really doesn't mind. My daughter sees her as the ultimate role model, and I couldn't be more grateful for that.

She's already done so much for me that it feels like I will never be able to repay her with all the money I have.

I open the boot of my car and take out the box, recalling how I spent at least half an hour wrapping it up. I wanted to get something for her other than the flowers I usually get her. I want her to know how much I love and appreciate her.

"Flower, do you think Val likes the colour red?" I ask my daughter, squinting my eyes at my laptop screen as I try to figure out which colour to get her.

She'd look extremely hot in red.

"What are your options?" She sighs, obviously not satisfied with my colour choice as she still manages to concentrate on her Legos.

"Red, pink, white, blue, and uh, green," I read out what I see on my screen, waiting for her verdict.

"Green. She'd definitely pick green," she replies without a second thought, picking out the red plastic bricks to build a roof on her lego house.

"Are you sure?" I raise my eyebrows, "I've never seen her wear much green," I think out loud.

"She uses green pens," she shruggs her shoulders, "Says it reminds her of your eyes."