The Bank of Second Chances | Zarry

Chapter 22: Night Changes

Harry sat at his desk, fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard as he navigated through files and legal documents. The case he was working on was more personal than any other he had handled in his career. The manila folder in front of him bore a simple label: "Arlo's Name Change."

Harry had been working tirelessly to get Arlo's last name legally changed to Styles-Malik and to have Zayn's name added to Arlo's birth certificate. It was a surprise he wanted to give Zayn, a way to cement their family bond legally.

The process was complicated, but Harry was determined. Every lunch break, every spare moment was dedicated to gathering the necessary paperwork and ensuring all legal requirements were met. He felt a surge of pride thinking about the moment he would reveal this to Zayn. Harry knew it would mean the world to Zayn to see his name on Arlo's birth certificate, a symbol of the commitment and love they shared as a family.

Despite the stress and the secrecy, Harry found himself smiling. He imagined Zayn's reaction, the look of joy and surprise on his face. It made all the effort worth it. He glanced at the clock and realized he had to wrap up for the day.

Tomorrow, he will submit the final documents. As he packed up his things, his phone buzzed with a message from Zayn, asking if he was coming home soon. Harry's heart warmed. Soon, all the pieces would fall into place, and their family would be officially united in every possible way.

---

Zayn and Gemma strolled through the baby store, aisles lined with cribs, tiny clothes, and toys. Zayn was excited but also nervous. He wanted the nursery to be perfect, a sanctuary for their daughter. He had enlisted Gemma's help, knowing she had an eye for design and detail. Together, they planned to create a space filled with warmth and love, a reflection of the joy Sunny would bring into their lives.

"We should go with earth tones," Zayn suggested, picking up a soft yellow blanket. "Orange, yellow, nudes, and light wood. An abstract sun theme to match her name."

Gemma nodded enthusiastically. "I love it. It'll be perfect for Sunny. Let's get started."

They spent hours selecting the perfect items: a white crib with light wood accents, a mobile full of clouds, and many decorative pieces in beautiful colors. Zayn also picked out a special gift for Harry, something he knew would mean a lot to him post-pregnancy. By the time they finished, they had everything they needed to transform the spare room into a beautiful nursery.

As they checked out, Gemma turned to and said "Zayn, I can't wait until you officially become my brother-in-law. You've been such a wonderful addition to our family. It's like you and Harry were destined to be together, but the universe took its own sweet time bringing you two into each other's lives. The way you guys met, a very unique situation, just like the two of you."

She paused, her expression growing more serious as she continued, "You've done an incredible job raising Arlo, Zayn. I've watched how you've embraced him as your own before you knew he was yours. How you've been there to see his milestone and every giggle. It's clear that he adores you.

Harry worked so hard to make sure Arlo's life was perfect, and then you came along and completed their world. I'm so thankful for that."

Gemma's voice wavered slightly, and she blinked back tears. "Seeing how happy you've made Harry and how well you fit into our family—it means everything to me.

I've seen how much Harry has grown and thrived with you by his side. You're his person, and you've built such a beautiful, loving home for Arlo. It's more than I ever could have hoped for."

Zayn, noticing her teary eyes, stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Aw, Gems, don't cry," he said softly. "I love them so much, and I will do whatever I can within my power to protect and love my family until the day I die. Harry, Arlo, and Sunny mean the world to me, and I'm grateful every day for the life we have together."

Gemma smiled through her tears and wrapped her arms around Zayn in a warm hug. "Thank you, Zayn. For everything. For loving my brother so completely and for being such an amazing father to Arlo. I'm so glad you're part of our family."

Zayn hugged her back, feeling the depth of her endless love. "Thank you, Gemma. It means a lot to hear that from you. I'm honored to be part of this family.

They pulled back from the hug, both smiling and feeling a renewed sense of connection. The bond they shared as a family was strong, and built on love and trust.

Gemma knew that Zayn was the perfect partner for Harry and the best father for Arlo and Sunny.

---

Michael had taken Arlo for the day, giving Harry and Zayn a much-needed break. Despite Harry's initial reluctance, Zayn convinced him that it was important for Arlo to bond with Michael, who was like a brother to him. Michael, eager but inexperienced with kids, decided to take Arlo to a movie. However, he quickly learned that a two-year-old's attention span was limited. Arlo grew restless, fidgeting in his seat and asking to leave.

Michael quickly improvised, taking Arlo to a tumbling center for children. As soon as they arrived, Arlo's eyes lit up with excitement. He loved the foam mats and the opportunity to flip and tumble around. Michael watched with a mixture of relief and amusement as Arlo enjoyed himself, running around and giggling.

**

Later, when Michael brought Arlo back home, he found Harry lying on the couch, feet propped up, fast asleep. Michael grinned mischievously and whispered to Arlo, "Let's wake Daddy up."Arlo giggled and climbed onto the couch, gently patting Harry's cheek. Harry stirred, blinking awake. "I was just resting my eyes," he mumbled, smiling at the sight of his son.

Zayn emerged from the back room, hands covered in paint, Gemma following behind. "You've been out for a few hours, love," Zayn said with a chuckle. "Definitely not just resting your eyes, babe."

Michael handed Arlo over to Harry and sat down for a bit.

Michael leaned back in his chair, a grin stretching across his face as he recounted the day's events to Zayn. "You should have seen Arlo today, Zayn. It's like looking at a mini-you. He's so curious and fearless, just like you. Zayn chuckled, "Pretty sure he gets that from Harry."

Michael recounted that at the tumbling center, "Arlo was the first one to dive into the foam pit and try out the balance beam. The other kids hesitated, but not Arlo. He charged right in with this determined look on his face, just like you when you're working on one of your art projects."Zayn's eyes sparkled with pride as he listened to Michael's stories. Michael continued, "And he's got your charm, too.

There was this little girl who was nervous about trying the trampoline. Arlo went up to her, took her hand, and showed her how to jump. It was the sweetest thing. You always have this way of making people feel comfortable and confident, and Arlo's got that same gift. It's amazing to see how much of you is in him."

Laughing, Michael added, "Oh, and you should have seen him with the gymnastics moves. The workers at the center were showing the kids how to do simple rolls and little flips, and Arlo was all over it. He absolutely loved it. By the end, he was trying to do a cartwheel—didn't quite make it, but he was so proud of himself.

It reminded me of how passionate you get about your art and teaching. Arlo has that same spark, that same drive to learn and try new things. You've really passed on some wonderful traits to him."

Zayn and Harry shared a glance, pleased with the how highly Michael spoke about their son and his similarities to Zayn. The feelings of jealousy that Harry once had about sharing Arlo completely dissipated and was replaced with pure admiration for his partner.

Once their guests left, Arlo, still full of energy, asked his parents if he could do "nastics" again. Zayn looked at Harry, who smiled and nodded. "We'll look into it, buddy. Maybe we can sign you up for a class."