My Soldier - You're My Home

Spoil Your Smile

A/N ~~ Guess who! Wow it's been a minute. I am so sorry for the wait, but it's been a very chaotic month. And to top it all off, whilst moving house my laptop was damaged so I'm am currently editing on my phone which is taking twice the time. So I also apologise for any mis-types or mistakes along the way.

~~ Thank you for the messages and just sticking with me through all this. Not only with the changes in my life, Christmas is a hard time of year for me so I hope my writing will get me through it.

~~ Anyways!! I hope you like the new chapter, there will be more to come sooner rather than later! And I hope everyone is doing good :) much love, TJ <3


~~Thursday Morning, L.A.~~

Lizzie POV

  After finishing on set yesterday, we were all free to leave for the Holidays. Thankfully, since we had all worked so hard, we have nearly 2 weeks off before being needed back on Set. Everyone decided on going out to have dinner together before we would be going our separate ways. We found a little place not too far from the Studio, practically filling the place as we pushed some tables together, so we’d all be sat together. We all had an amazing time, and having Harley by my side all evening was just perfect. Seeing her laughing and smiling all night surrounded by people who are special to me is something I couldn’t help but adore. She really is so strong, no matter what she is going through, she still always makes everyone around her happy. I didn’t want the night to end. But since we spent Christmas last year with my family, it was an easy decision to spend Christmas in London this year. And before we travel to London, Harley wanted to make sure we see my family first. This year, Mary-Kate and Ashley are hosting for Christmas in New York so that is where we are headed to first. I managed to book us some last minute flights for the day after we finished filming so we couldn’t stay out late, needing to pack and arrange everything before we leave. Thankfully, going to London means we don’t have to pack everything since we both have plenty of clothes at Stuart’s house which makes things a lot easier. I know Harley is going to be anxious about doing so much travelling over the next two weeks, and I want to be able to make it as easy on her as possible. So having less luggage will make that possible. I just hope we don’t have the same problems Harley and Tom had getting to Atlanta.

  Waking up in Harley’s arms is something I will never get tired of. Her extremely strong arms holding me close, her body flush behind mine, feeling her gentle breathing across the back of my neck makes needing to actually get out of bed so much harder. I could lay like this all day and never get bored. But with our flight being early, I know we needed to get moving. Gently shifting in Harley’s arms, I manage to turn around, so I am facing Harley, her arms still firmly wrapped around my body. Tucking my head under her chin, I start leaving feather light kisses across her bare collar bones. It doesn’t take long until I feel Harley’s body react to my touch, and then without warning I feel her incredibly strong arms squeeze around my body and hug me impossibly closer into her. I let out a giggle as she begins to leave kisses on the side of my head, causing my giggling to getting louder before she gently rolls on me onto my back and lifts her upper body to hover above where I am now lying on my back. My breath catching at the back of my throat when I look up and meet her still slightly dazed eyes looking down on me with a look I can’t quite place. But then I catch her lips tugging into a lazy smile and I feel my cheeks heat up as I can’t help but match her smile. My hands running slowly up and down her tensed arms, scratching at her skin as we just search each other’s features in a comfortable silence. Stuck in a trance as my mind struggles to figure out how I managed to bag myself someone as stunning as Harley. She really is something else.

  “Harleyyyy, we need to get up.” I whine playfully as Harley is leaving sweet and gentle kisses across my stomach. As much as I would love for this to continue into something else, we will miss our flight if we stay in bed any longer. I eventually manage to get Harley to stop, causing a slight pout on her lips aa we both get up and get ready for the long day ahead. After getting dressed, we pack any last things we need for New York before I make us some breakfast as Harley makes the coffee. “So, remind me again, what’s the plan?” Harley asks as we are eating breakfast, making me giggle at her slight tiredness as her eyes flutter when she looks over her coffee mug at where I am sitting next to her. I reach out my free hand, reaching the side of her neck as my thumb gently strokes her cheek. She leans into my touch, making my smile widen as her deep hazel eyes find my gaze already watching her. “Your so cute sometimes, Harley Lane.” I tease, making her chuckle as I decide I am done with my food, grab my coffee and move to sit on Harley’s lap. She wraps her free arm around my waist, keeping me close as I get comfortable before I feed her the last of her breakfast now that she is holding me instead of eating. “We fly to New York today, then get a car to my sister’s apartment. We stay there tonight, then tomorrow afternoon we are driving to see Scarlett. Stay with them for one night then fly to London.” I explain, watching as Harley nods her head along as she eats some of ger breakfast at the same time. “Does that sound okay with you, Soldier?” I ask gently, knowing we arranged to get all the visiting within a couple of days so we can relax for longer in London afterwards. “More than okay.” She agrees easily, although I can see a hint of worry behind her eyes that she is trying to hide.

  We finish breakfast and then have to get moving, so I make sure we have everything packed as Harley makes sure the apartment is ready for us to leave for a few days. Once everything is all done, I call my driver and we start to make our way downstairs. It’s still so strange watching Harley only using one crutch to get around. She really doesn’t know how strong she is. We get the bags into the car before I lock up and join Harley in the back of the car. The journey to the Airport doesn’t take too long and before we know it, we are saying goodbye to my driver and making our way inside. Of course, we are bombarded by flashing cameras. Harley does her best to keep me close, using her body to shield me as I use my free hand to hold onto her arm that is carrying her bag. Thankfully, the guys that are there are respectful of Harley being on her crutch and keep their distance so they don’t cause her any harm, but it doesn’t stop them from shouting out questions that I really don’t have the energy to deal with right now. When we get inside, we check in our bags before we make our way towards security. I head through first, not moving forward until I know Harley is with me. When I turn around, she is handing over her paperwork before another guard takes her hand luggage and crutch to put through the scanner. I can’t help but watch in worry as I see her struggle slightly staying upright without any support. When they eventually allow her to walk through, the alarms go off like always and suddenly all eyes are on us. I can see Harley tense up instantly as the security bring her to one side. But thankfully they only do a quick pat down before handing her the crutch and hand luggage as I rush over to help her before we are allowed through to wait for our flight.

  The rest of our trip is easy going, and before we know it, we are in New York and on our way to my sister’s apartment. Harley is a lot more relaxed now that we are done with the airport, and I know she is looking forward to seeing Mom again. The last time they seen each other in person was when Harley was in hospital so I just know Mom is feeling the same way about seeing Harley. The drive through New York takes a while but we eventually make it and Harley is quick to get out the car and heading to get our bags. I catch her looking up in awe as I finishing thanking the driver before joining her side. “These apartments look huge, and posh.” She jokes, making me giggle as I place my hand at the back of her neck and scratch at her skin. “You’ve got no idea now come on, everyone is waiting.” I encourage, making her beam back at me as I keep my eyes firmly on my Soldier. I lean up, giving her a quick kiss before leading us inside. The well-dressed receptionist greets us warmly and I sign us in and then lead us to the lift and press the floor number we need to be on. Harley goes a little quiet as I lean into her side but before I can ask her anything, the doors open and we are already here. “Come on, Soldier.” I nudge her arm gently, making her smile softly as we exit the lift together and head towards the only door on this floor. Harley is taking everything in aa we do, so I give her a moment to catch up before knocking on the door. I instantly hear movement and then the door suddenly swings open, revealing a beaming Mary-Kate who pulls me into her arms just as a very overly excited Ashley darts past us both and attacks Harley into a hug.

  “You know I’m right here, don’t you?” I tease Ashley as she gushes over seeing Harley on her feet again as I stand in the doorway with MK. “You were not in a hospital bed last time I seen you!” Ashley defends as she grips onto Harley even tighter. “Can’t argue with that, sis.” MK adds, making me giggle as I just watch in awe as MK joins Ashley in hugging the life out of Harley. “Is that my lizard at the door?” I hear Mom’s voice inside and take off to find her, dropping my bag at the door as I do. I catch her coming from the kitchen and rush into her awaiting arms. “Hey sweetie, it’s so good to see you.” Mom gushes as she hugs me tightly. I just relish in her arms before pulling back as I hear my sisters coming back into the apartment, catching my mom’s impatient eyes looking for my other half. “Oh my gosh, Harley.” Mom beams as she spots Harley walking in as Ashley is now carrying her bags for her. Mom’s eyes instantly gloss over when she sees my Soldier walking again between the twins as they continue to gush over her. My heart has never felt so full seeing how much my family adore Harley. I step back slightly and watch on as Mom makes her way towards Harley, and when Harley spots her she beams over towards her. My sisters taking the hint and leaving them to have a moment, bringing our bags inside for us as Ashley soon joins where I am standing. “Look at you, Harley. You look so strong.” Mom begins to mumble as she tries to hold back her tears. “Hi Mom.” Harley replies softly, and those words are enough to break the dam as Mom almost pulls Harley off her feet and into her arms.

  “I’ve never seen Mom take to anyone the way she has with Harley.” Ashley whispers, making my smile grow impossibly wider as we watch the emotional moment across the room. “I know. She was not like this with Robbie, but I get why. She knew he wasn’t who I was meant to be with.” I mumble a little teary, seeing Harley getting emotional as Mom is fussing over her. “Harley is special. Mom knew from the moment they met this is who was meant for you. And you her.” MK adds, and my heart can’t take much more of how much I needed this after everything that has happened lately. “You better go save her.” Ashley teases, making us all giggle as I nod my head and move to join them across the room. “We are all so proud of you Harley.” Mom continues as I reach them, seeing a few tears as I wrap my arm around Harley’s. “Right, come on you two, come have something to drinks so we can all catch up properly and I can stop crying.” Mom decides, making us all laugh as we move towards the kitchen. But before we move, I stop Harley, moving to stand in front of her so I can reach up and wipe away the few tears on her cheeks. “She knows just how to make me emotional.” She says softly, making me giggle as I nod my head gently. “She does. But it’s nothing to hide from, Harley. She just cares so much for you.” I add, finding her brighter eyes from the tears staring back at me. “I know, and I love her for it.” Harley adds, almost setting me off as I just wrap my arms up around her neck as I feel her arms pull me into her body for a much-needed moment before we join everyone else in the kitchen.

  We spend the early afternoon catching up over warm drinks and a light lunch Mom cooked for us arriving. The atmosphere is just what we both needed, to feel so much love and support surrounding us both is something we really needed. A couple of hours after arriving, Trent joined us and the same warm welcome made Harley a little emotional since Trent didn’t see her in the hospital, only hearing from us how she was and what she went through. We were all taken back by how emotional Trent was seeing Harley, I know they bonded easily when they first met, but to see them now surprised me massively. Just another sign screaming at me that Harley is who I have been waiting my whole life for. My perfect match. Once we all had time to catch up with Trent, he excused himself to sleep off his flight as MK and Ashley decided they want to drag me out shopping. Mom already declining and wanting to avoid the manic New York shoppers and getting a start on dinner early. As soon as Ashley asks Harley, I already know what her answer will be. She hates shopping, never mind in New York just before Christmas. I can’t help but laugh at how Ashley is pleading with Harley who is doing her best to avoid Ashley’s charms. Mom soon steps in to protect her favourite and warns Ashley off before the twins go off to get ready leaving me alone with Harley aa Mom goes to the kitchen. “I don’t have to go if you-“ I don’t let Harley finish her sentence as I cut her off with a sweet kiss, making her smile as she chuckles gently when her eyes meet mine again. I don’t know how she does it, but somehow, I manage to fall head over heels with just one look.

  “Elizabeth Chase, I love you, but please go shopping with your sisters. You don’t need to worry about me, I’ll be more then alright here.” Harley tells me with a gentle tone, I know I worry too much about her, but I just can’t help it. “I know, I’m sorry baby. Do you need anything?” I check, making her grin as she gently shakes her head as I push myself up from my seat and attempt to pull Harley with me. “You sure? I know we have everyone’s presents, don’t we?” I start to panic, but before I can spiral, Harley pulls me into her arms now we are both on our feet again. I love how it feels being back in Harley’s arms like this, feeling how strong Harley can be standing tall again. Feeling the subtle kisses she is leaving on my head as I just melt into her body, safe in her arms like always. “Come on, lovebirds! Shopping awaits.” Ashley calls out, making us laugh as I reluctantly leave Harley’s embrace and follow my sisters as I grab my coat on the way. “Be careful you three.” Harley tells us as we open the front door, making us giggle as we leave together. We make our way downstairs and all huddle together as the cold air hits us when we make it onto the sidewalk. Being sandwiched between my twin sisters, I blindly follow their lead as we avoid the stares we start to get from people passing by. It doesn’t take us too long to make it to our first store, rushing inside to get back into the warmth before we start to shop together. Of course, we are in a clothes store, my sisters are so predictable.

  “So now it’s just us, how is Harley really doing Liz?” Ashley asks, a hint of concern and so much care behind her voice. I adore how much my sisters love Harley, especially Ashley, they have such a bond already. I take another sip of my coffee before look up to meet Ashley’s patient gaze. “She has her bad days, more bad than good, I think. Some days though she falls back to being Harley before she went on Tour. So carefree and just, Harley. But since leaving London, she has so much to still overcome and I think she is pushing too hard to get better.” I start to feel my voice crack as I slowly open up, my sisters having that effect on me without having to try. They sit patiently and wait for my thoughts to spill out, and I try my best not to get too emotional since we are sitting in a coffee shop in the middle of New York. “It’s just, so hard not being able to help the way I want to. I wish I could take away her worrying thoughts so she can relax and be carefree again. She gets so lost in her head and I feel like I lose her all over again.” I wipe away the few tears that escape down my cheeks, feeling a comforting hand on my arm from MK as I do. “She’ll get through this, Liz. It will take time but we know she’ll make it through and become an impossibly better version of Harley on the other side. She has the most amazing care system around her, and the perfect partner to keep her going.” MK adds and I get even more emotional at her words. They always know just what to say, no matter what my situation is. I couldn’t ask for more caring and supportive sisters.

  After a more emotional coffee than I was expecting, we decide on continuing our shopping afternoon together. “You’re so strong, Liz. And we know it’s hard now but you’ll make it through all this. Together. Because you two are literally meant to be.” Ashley comforts as we walk to our next store, cuddling into my side. I just hug her close before we enter the store. We slowly make our way around, and I can’t help but pick up a few little things for Maisie. I know Harley will kill me for spoiling her but I can’t help it. As much as I try. I end up losing sight of my sisters for a while, just looking around on my own since it’s pretty quiet before I get so lost, I end up bumping into another customer. I quickly jump back and apologise, making sure I didn’t drop anything before my eyes search up as an overly familiar voice sends me into a state of shock. “I’m sorry I- oh, Liz, Hi.” I am slightly stunned when I meet those eyes again. What is he doing here? In New York, why, what? “Sorry for, bumping into you I got a little lost looking for something-“ He trails off and I can’t seem to find my voice until a comforting arm wraps around me and stands by my side. “Robbie, Hi. What you doing here in New York?” Ashley’s tone is a little sharp, but she tries to cover it as best she can. I suddenly snap myself back to reality with the help of Ashley being here, my eyes never leaving Robbie’s as he smiles softly and searches my features. Something that feels familiar, but at the same time feels so wrong. Those are not the eyes that make me feel safe, not anymore.

  “How you been, Liz. Long time no see.” Robbie turns his attention back to me after quickly answering Ashley’s question. I feel her grip on my arm tighten as I face Robbie, feeling so strange in his company again. “I’m doing good. Thank you. How are you, your family?” I ask on auto pilot, warning to be polite so I can leave. “I’m good, yeah. Um, thought my mom she, she’s not doing too good.” Robbie starts to falter as he begins to explain how him Mom has been in for tests recently. I can’t help but feel a little sad, his mom is lovely. I just listen as he talks before he soon starts to realise that he has been talking for a while now. “Sorry, I should, it was really good to see you, Liz. And I know there’s been some, not so nice interactions in the past but I hope Harley is doing better after what happened to her.” I look up and can’t read how genuine he is being, he made it very clear his opinion on Harley in the past so hearing this is surprising. “Thanks, she is, better. I’m sorry about your mom. If there’s anything I can do, just. Yeah.” I instantly kick myself for my words, not wanting to be drawn in by something like this but before I can back track, Robbie smiles and nods his head in reply. “That is sweet of you, Liz. You ‘ve not changed.” He says and his tone makes me feel even more uncomfortable as we say goodbye and he leaves me with Ashley who scoffs as he leaves us. “What a jerk.” Ashley huffs out before turning to stand more in front of me now as I try and shake off the uneasy feeling I have been left with by that interaction. “You okay, Liz?” She checks, making me finally smile softly as I meet her comforting gaze. “Yeah, that was just, strange.” She giggles and nods in agreement before I am pulled off to continue shopping. Hoping it helps to take my mind off seeing Robbie again.

  “So, seeing Robbie again. That must have been, weird?” MK asks once Ashley filled her in on the strange encounter. “Yeah, it was weird. I didn’t think I’d see him, never mind in New York.” I stumble, not really enjoying the topic of my ex. “And to bring uo his mom like that, dick move.” Ashley adds, making me laugh at her bluntness as MK scolds her for it. “Are you going to tell Harley about bumping into him?” MK asks, and I’m taken back a little by her question. I tell Harley everything, we have that trust but, knowing how much she is struggling maybe it could do more harm than good? I get a little lost in my head before Ashley and MK come either side of me and take an arm each as we begin our walk back to the apartment. “You know we support you no matter what, Liz. But we think telling Harley is the best option. The last thing you want is to add any stress if she found out herself and you didn’t tell her.” MK begins to voice, and I nod along with her words. “But if you decide not to tell her, we understand and support you.” Ashley adds and I smile between them, knowing they always have my back. “Thank you. I’ll tell her. I just, need to pick my moment.” I finally say, making my sisters smile as we make it inside and toward s the lift. We make it to the door and carefully head inside, wondering if anyone else is sleeping other than Trent and not wanting to disturb anyone. As I start to search for Harley, I see the door to the balcony open slightly so I move that way. Pulling the curtain back slightly and seeing my mom and Harley sitting together with teary smiles as they continue to talk just the two of them. I don’t want to be the one to spoil her smile.

~~Thursday Afternoon, New York~~

Normal POV

  Seeing Lizzie be so at home with her family is something I always treasure. She is so light and carefree around her sisters and mom. It helps to distract my own emotions from how much they have spiked today. Thankfully the flights and travelling were not too much trouble, and we got through the airport without much trouble. But arriving here and seeing people who care so much and haven’t seen me since I was laid up in a hospital bed was not something I was prepared for. Seeing her mom so emotional was a shock, I didn’t think she would be that way but then I know how amazing of a mother she is and after our talks we have had it also doesn’t surprise me. Even seeing her sisters and Trent’s reactions shocked me a little. Feeling like I really am a part of this adoring family stirred up so many emotions. In the past, my ex’s families have not been my biggest fans and didn’t like me for being me but this is so different. They genuinely care and love me and that is something I will treasure and cherish for the rest of my life. I just wish her dad would see me how they do. It still haunts me how he really hates me and wants me nowhere near Lizzie. Not giving me any kind of chance to show him the person I am and how much I adore his daughter. I just know if he seen how we are together, he would be able to start changing his view on me, on us. Maybe one day.

  “Harley, sweetie, could you help me with something?” Jarnie’s voice brings me crashing back to reality and away from my spiralling thoughts. I push myself up from lying back on the sofa staring at the ceiling, turning my head to see Jarnie smiling warmly at me from the kitchen. “Of course, be right there.” I call back, carefully pushing myself up and making my way towards the kitchen where I find Jarnie holding a jar up for me to open. I can’t help but chuckle at her soft smile, something that reminds me so much of Lizzie. I take the jar and twist it open with ease, Jarnie laughing to herself as she takes it back careful and continues preparing dinner. “Thank you, Harley.” She beams, making me smile as I nod and stand leaning against the kitchen counter waiting for my next task to help with. “You seemed, a little lost in your thoughts, Harley. Now you really don’t have to talk to me about it all but just so you know, I am here for you. No judgement, and everything you tell me stays between us.” She tells me softly, making me feel so comfortable that I could cry out months of pain right now and know I would be safe. I lean back against the counter, letting out a huge sigh as Jarnie continues chopping and mixing ingredients together as she waits for something, anything from me that I am ready to share. I don’t even know if I am ready to share anything that is going on in my head, but I think getting even a fraction of the thoughts out into the open might help even a little. At least, I hope it will help.

  “I feel so lost.”

  I feel an instant relief leave my body when I get the words out. A weight lifting from my shoulders. “Lost?” Jarnie questions so gently as she just continues to do what she is doing, allowing me the room to process and get out what I need to. I let my thoughts rush forward, wanting to get them all out now but it’s still hard to find the right words. “I don’t feel like myself anymore. Since what happened, I feel like I lost myself on that Tour. In that cage.” I hesitate to go on any further, not wanting to re live it all just yet. Not like this. I take a breath, making sure to remember to breath as I feel my heart beating harder in my chest. “I know physically I lost my leg but, I feel like I lost some of myself out there too.” I continue as I feel my eyes gloss over when my vision goes a little blurry. Focusing so much on my breathing that when I feel a hand on my arm, my body jumps involuntarily. “I’m sorry sweetie, it’s just me.” Jarnie soothes gently, holding my arm still in her hand aa I try and shake away the emotions bubbling up in my chest. “It’s okay, just my jumpy PTSD.” I reply making her smile sweetly and rub my arm soothingly. “How about we grab a drink, and go sit on the balcony so we can talk?” Jarnie asks, and I nod with a small smile in agreement. “Go grab your coat and I’ll follow you out.” Jarnie encourages seeing me not move. I smile and carefully do what she says, grabbing my coat and making my way out to the balcony where there are some comfy seats and an electric fire to keep us warm.

  “Thank you.” I reach out and take the cup from Jarnie, smelling the hot chocolate instantly that makes me smile. “It’s an adult hot chocolate.” She teases, making me chuckle as I take a sip and taste the alcohol. “Yes, it is.” I joke back, making her laugh lightly as we both get comfortable around the little electric fire in front of is. A small, comfortable silence fills the air as we look out over a cold New York, hugging our drinks before Jarnie finally breaks the silence with her calm tone. “It’s only natural to feel how you are feeling after everything you have gone through, Harley. It’s unimaginable and cruel but it happened. Now it’s just about the recovery.” Jarnie begins and her tone is enough to help make me feel better. But I listen what she is saying, feeling myself nodding slowly as I let them sink in. “You may not have had control over what happened out there, but you do have control over how you move forward from it.” This woman is so wise. I can’t help but smile softly as I take in every word she is saying. “I feel like I am moving, just very slowly. I want to be strong again and living my life but then something happens that knocks me back a thousand steps.” I start to open up again, feeling the safe space around me is enough to get my thoughts out in the open rather than having them claw at me from the inside out. “It feels like there is always going to be something to stop my body and mind from recovering. Like a never-ending cycle that I am stuck in and can not see a way out of.” I add and let my body breath again, feeling Jarnie taking in all my words carefully so she can help however she can. Not knowing that she is already helping just by giving me this safe space to open up in.

  “One of biggest fears, is losing Lizzie.” I finally admit after what feels like hours we have been talking. I catch Jarnie taken back a little by my words before she quickly turns and places her hand on my arm, squeezing gently for comfort as she allows me to keep talking. “I feel like something is going to come between us. Whether I get so in my head I push her away, or it gets too much and it breaks us up. Something out of our control or because of my injury that takes away our future.” I wipe away the tears that are rolling down my cheeks at the thought of losing Lizzie. A reality that is always at the back of my mind now more than ever. I feel Jarnie still squeezing my arm as her thumb rubs my arm whilst I take a moment to compose myself. Not knowing just how much J needed this until now. “My Liz will never give up on you that easily, Harley.” Jarnie begins so confidently it brings a genuine smile to my face. “I know my daughter, and she is stronger than people think. She may struggle with her anxieties and insecurities, but deep down she is one of the strongest people I know.” She continues and I carry on smiling, hearing how passionate she is about someone who means so much to both of us. “She adores everything about you, Harley. From the moment I saw you both together for the first time I knew you were who I wanted for my lizard.” We both share a laugh at the nickname, but the tears are still flowing between us both now. “You make each other stronger, Harley. And there is no one else I would trust with my daughter’s heart.” She has no idea how much her words mean to me. Just hearing how much she supports us being together even still is not what I expected, but exactly what I needed to hear.

  “I’m just, what if I can’t give her the future she wants. She wants so much, kids, a home, stability. But now my future is so unsure. What if I can’t give her all that.” I begin to ramble, feeling my heart racing as my breathing becomes so heavy and erratic. “I mean, I don’t even know how she still looks at me with half my leg missing.” I add, feeling all my emotions bubbling to the surface as Jarnie wraps her arms around me tightly. I lean my head on my shoulder and cry aa she rubs my back soothingly. Giving me a few moments before I calm down and she talks to me softly again. “Lizzie does not see you any differently, Harley. No one does. We just see you for the strong, selfless, incredibly brave person you are. And we all love you for it. Especially Lizzie. She adores you so much and that will never change.” I stay in her arms, feeling a comfort I’ve never had before. A mother’s comfort. And I have no idea how she does it, but what feels like only minutes later, we are both laughing together as we end up talking about Lizzie growing up. Jarnie sharing stories only a mother could to make me smile again. I really did get lucky to be welcomed into this family, if only David felt the same. “Don’t do that, Harley.” Jarnie suddenly says, snapping me from my growing thoughts. “Hm? Do what?” I quickly try and cover, making her smile softly as she shakes her head gently. “Let those thoughts consume you. I know how hard it can be, but when you feel them, push them away. Do not get lost in your head or you will miss what is right in front of you.” I take a moment to let her words sink in, she really is very wise. But before I can say anything more, an angelic voice makes my smile grow wide as I turn to meet those eyes that have my heart.

  “Hello you two.” Lizzie greets us aa she comes out to join us on the balcony. I turn and meet her warm gaze, but when I meet her eyes, I can see something else behind them. Something troubling her that she is trying to hide. I watch her closely as she hugs her mom before moving to sit on my lap and bringing my arms around her to keep her close. “How was shopping?” I ask, seeing Jarnie just beam over at the two of us as Lizzie lays her head on my shoulder. “Chaotic. But nice.” Lizzie replies gently, a hint of tiredness to her voice as she cuddles up into my body aa much as she can. “I guess your sisters are putting away all their bags inside?” Jarnie asks, and Lizzie nods her head in reply. “Well, I am going to start on dinner so we can all get some much-needed rest tonight.” Jarnie decides, getting up and heading inside. As she passes, she places a kiss on both of our heads, making my smile only grow before she heads inside and Lizzie leans back slightly to leave a kiss on my lips. “I missed you.” She whispers against my lips, making me chuckle lightly as I kiss her again to make her smile. “I missed you too.” I whisper in reply as she snuggles back into my body. “You and mom been out here for long?” She asks, and her tone suddenly wavers a little, making me cuddle her closer hearing that something is still troubling her. “A little while, we’ve just been talking and drinking some adult hit chocolates.” I tease, making her giggle softly before a small silence falls between us as I wait for her to gather her thoughts to try and tell me what is going on.

  “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” I finally ask, feeling her breathing heavily against my neck, a sign she is stuck in her thoughts. I feel her move slightly before she sits up and faces me properly. A worried look behind her eyes which causes me to sit up a little straighter. “I um, I have something to tell you.” She begins, her eyes searching my face as she talks slowly. “But please just, let me tell you everything before you say anything. Please?” She adds and now I’m getting really worried. “Of course, but you’re worrying me now.” I reply and she quickly reaches up to take my face gently in her hands, her thumbs rubbing against my jaw line to comfort me as she looks deep into my eyes. “I promise, it’s nothing to worry about Harley. Just, stay with me, okay?” She asks and I nod my head gently in reply and wait for her to tell me, holding in my arms to keep her close and help ground me aa I try and not spiral. “I was busy shopping, my sisters somewhere else in the store when I bumped into someone accidently.” She begins and I try and breathe normally but the worry behind her eyes is not helping. “It was Robbie.” She adds quickly and instantly I feel my blood begin to boil, my jaw clenching as I try and stay as calm as possible. “Harley, I can feel your jaw clenching.” She adds and I try and loosen it as I feel her touch again to help ground me. “I’m okay.” I say calmly, her eyes searching my features before she continues.

  “He apologised and then Ashley came out of nowhere. Snapping at him really wondering why he is in New York.” She begins again, and I manage to calm a little knowing Ashley was with her. “He asked how I was and then I asked him back politely, asking how his family are. He told me his mom took ill and she is getting teats done.” Lizzie continues and I see her start to relax the more she explains. “It was strange, but we didn’t talk much longer before I wanted to get out of there as politely as possible.” She continues and I see her thinking over something. “How do you feel about it all?” I ask calmly, letting her relax even more hearing that I am calm about it. “It was weird, I felt so uncomfortable around him but hearing his mom is ill is not a nice feeling. She is a lovely woman.” She thinks aloud, and I just let her process before her eyes meet mine again. “Well, if you want to reach out and make sure she is doing okay, I’d support you completely. Robbie is not my favourite person in the world but that doesn’t mean you can’t support him mom.” I tell her confidently and calmly. Just because Robbie is a dick, doesn’t mean his mom shouldn’t suffer because of it. I catch Lizzie’s eyes gloss over as she looks a little surprised at my words. “Do you mean that?” She questions, making me laugh lightly as I nod my head gently. “I do. I’d always support you in any decisions you make. Just because he treat you wrong, doesn’t mean his mom should suffer because of his actions. Even just to know you are thinking of her and are there if she needs anything. It will mean the world to her no doubt. And I know how much you care about people you meet, so I know you will want to know she is okay.”

  I catch a stray tear roll down Lizzie’s cheek in reply to my words before she launches herself into my body, sending us both back into the chair as she tightens her arms around my neck and keeps me close. I hold her close, rubbing my hand up and down her back for comfort as I feel her get a little emotional against my neck before she takes a moment to compose herself. When she lifts back up to reach my eyes, her smile is beaming as she searches between my eyes with her bright, teary ones. “You, Harley Lane, are incredible. How did I get so lucky.” She whispers, making me smile in reply before she takes my smile away with a bruising kiss. I get lost in her lips before she pulls away too soon but I keep her close, holding her waist gently in my hands. “I love you, so much.” She beams, making my heart jump in my chest at her words. “I love you, no matter what, Princess.” I tease, making her giggle as her cheeks burn a shade of red. “I’ll get my team to reach out, and go from there.” She decides and I nod my head gently in agreement before we hear the twins and Trent in the kitchen with Jarnie bossing them around. Making us both laugh as our eyes meet and stay locked in a trance. “You doing okay, Soldier?” The care in her voice catches me by surprise, but I just nod in reply, a small smile across my lips. “I am, bring here with you.” I reply in a whisper, pulling her forward wanting to feel her lips on mine again.

  I may be struggling, but I know one thing. I love her more than I can put into words.