Eight | W2S

SEVENTY SIX

4 chapters to go 😭😭

As we are starting to approach the end, time jumps will probably happen (nearly) every chapter. So just imagine that Harry, Kenzie & Juniper have had a very lovely few months ☺️

LAKE GARDA, JULY, 2026

Faith and Ethan's wedding crept up on us before Harry and I had even had a chance to catch our breath.

We'd been so wrapped up with Juniper—every spare moment spent looking after her, playing with her, and most importantly, loving her. She'd become our whole world.

But by the time July arrived, just two weeks before my birthday, it was time to head to Italy. It would be the first time we'd be leaving Juniper for any real length of time, and the thought of it was already weighing heavily on me. My dad wasn't available, but Harry's parents had happily offered to take care of their granddaughter.

I was absolutely petrified. I trusted his parents completely, but the idea of being away from Juniper for several days was taking its toll.

On the morning of our flight, I was a mess. Instead of getting ready, I found myself sitting in bed with Juni, watching her play with a new toy her Uncle Sam had given her. I couldn't bring myself to move.

"Ken," Harry's voice was soft as he looked up from packing our suitcases. "My parents will be here soon, and we need to leave for the airport in an hour."

I gave him a small nod, acknowledging him, but made no effort to move, still silently watching our daughter.

"Ken," he said again, and this time I reluctantly met his eyes. "I know it's scary leaving her with someone else, but my parents are pros. Look at what they created," he grinned, gesturing to himself with a proud smile.

I couldn't help but smile back, appreciating his attempt to reassure me, even though I knew he was just as terrified as I was.

This time, I met his eyes with a sad smile. "Don't forget my dress," I remind him, and he obediently grabs it from our shared wardrobe. 

"What're you singing again?" He asks me, "and am I folding this dress like any other clothes? Will it not get creased?" 

"It'll get creased either way. Just shove it in, I'll sort it when we're there," I answer, feeling Juni babble from just in front of me. "They've asked me to sing At Last by Etta James for their first dance, I couldn't really say no, could I? It'll be weird, though. I haven't performed in over a year and a half, and I have never sung this song in front of people. What if I suddenly can't sing anymore?"

He laughs. "That's the stupidest thing you've said in a while. I hear you in the shower, don't think you're subtle," he teases, because it is very true that I blast out Taylor's music in the shower, and my own, sometimes. "You've still got it, superstar."

I blush, looking down at our daughter. "Juni, your daddy is a flirt. A big one at that," I whisper, tickling her nose as she giggles, yet to realise just how in love her own parents are. 

"Loud and proud," he affirms, before continuing to pack. 

After putting Juni in her crib, I actually started to take accountability for my own packing, including all of the essentials that Harry had either missed, or not gotten to yet. 

All in all, we were cutting it very close. Our flight was at three in the afternoon, and it was currently quarter to one, and the airport was a half an hour drive away on a good day. 

A knock at the door came at just the right time, just as Harry was sitting on my suitcase to actually zip it up from how full it was. Anyone would've thought I was going on holiday for a couple of weeks.