Cupcakes, Curls & Cuddles

Chapter 24

Just over a month has passed, and it's been a busy time for the Styles-Tomlinson household. They celebrated a quiet New Year's together, deciding that there was nowhere else they'd rather be. Two weeks after Christmas, Harry moved in, having spent the time packing and making sure Niall was okay with him leaving.

Cassie initially struggled with the fact that her Papa wasn't moving in right away, but she soon understood. Now that Harry is settled in, both she and Louis couldn't be happier.

The family began to feel complete. Louis falls asleep every night with his love in his arms, and Cassie enjoys the comfort of having both her Dadee and Papa by her side.

"Cassie, baby girl, are you ready to head to the café to see Papa before I drop you off at daycare?" Louis asks.

Even though Harry moved in, they've kept their morning routine the same: Louis and Cassie still head to the café before work. The only difference is that Louis now wakes up earlier to say goodbye to Harry before he leaves for work at 5:45 a.m.

"Uh-huh! Me ready, Dadee!" Cassie replies, slipping on her shoes and backpack.

"Okay, munchkin, let's go!" Louis smiles, guiding her toward the car.

It's a cold winter morning. Frost covers the grass, and each breath leaves condensation in the air. Louis quickly buckles Cassie into her seat before getting into the driver's seat himself, then heads toward the café.

The drive is quiet and familiar, the same roads, stoplights, and buildings they pass every morning. Louis could make this drive blindfolded.

When they arrive, he parks close to the entrance. Glancing back at Cassie, he sees her fighting against sleep. "Ready, munchkin? Papa's waiting."

Cassie's eyes snap open, and she nods eagerly. Louis chuckles, gets out, and unbuckles her. The moment her feet touch the ground, she's tugging on his hand. "Papa is waitin', Dadee! Let's gooo!"

Louis smiles and follows her inside. He spots Harry behind the counter, making a drink for a customer. Even though he just saw Harry this morning, his heart still skips a beat seeing him work.

Cassie's excited squeals pull him from his thoughts. "Hi, Papa!"

Harry turns, a smile spreading across his face as he sees them. "Hi, loves! Go grab your seat in the corner; I'll bring your food over," he says, nodding toward their usual table.

"Take your time, love," Louis replies, leading Cassie to the table. A small metal plaque on it reads: *Reserved every weekday morning, 7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., for Louis and Cassie T.* Louis smiles, remembering the day Harry first taped a paper sign to the table—a simple gesture that had warmed his heart.

Moments later, Harry joins them, setting down a tea and biscuit for Louis and oatmeal with hot chocolate for Cassie. He sits beside Louis, resting a hand on the back of his chair. "Good morning, lovelies."

"Morning, Papa," Cassie grins, slipping off her seat to give Harry a hug before returning to her oatmeal.

"So, Curly, it's your birthday tomorrow. What do you want to do?" Louis asks, smiling at Harry.

Harry glances at Louis, his hand sliding from the chair to Louis' thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. "As long as I'm with the two of you, I don't mind."

Louis places his hand over Harry's and squeezes back. "Ah, well there goes my plan to run off and join a circus," he jokes, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry laughs. "You'd fit right in. Maybe you could be a hedgehog walking on a tightrope!"

"Look who's talking, frog-face!" Louis teases, tickling Harry's side. Harry squeals, and Cassie giggles. "Dadee and Papa are silly!" she says, taking another bite of her oatmeal.