The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 82 Darcy Anne 1st Birthday

April 15, 2020

Katherine's Point of View

Tomorrow is Darcy's first birthday, and I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I sit in the living room, surrounded by balloons and decorations, staring at the tiny "1" candle for her smash cake, my heart swelling with memories of the past year. My almost one-year-old daughter is napping upstairs, and the house feels quiet and full all at once. Harry is on tour, but he's flying home tonight, just in time for her big day. I wish he could be here with us now, but I'm grateful that his mom, Anne, and his sister, Gemma, are visiting from Holmes Chapel. I know he didn't want me to be alone.

I hear Gemma coming down the stairs and look up as she enters the living room, carrying another bag of decorations.

Gemma smiles, dropping the bag onto the couch. "Katherine, you're going all out! Darcy won't remember this, but she'll love looking at the pictures one day."

I chuckle, glancing at the decorations. "I know, but I just want everything to be perfect. I still can't believe she's already turning one. It feels like just yesterday I was holding her for the first time."

Anne joins us, setting down a tray with tea and a few cookies. "You're doing a wonderful job, sweetheart," she says, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Harry would be so proud if he could see all you've done for her."

"I just miss him," I admit, my voice softening. "He called earlier, and he sounded so tired. I know he's excited to be here, but... sometimes I wish he didn't have to leave at all."

Gemma reaches over, giving my hand a squeeze. "He loves you both so much. And besides, he'll be here soon. Darcy's eyes are going to light up when she sees him."

Anne nods with a warm smile. "And you know he'll make up for the time away. Until then, you have us."

A faint cry comes from the baby monitor, and I glance up instinctively.

"Looks like someone's awake," I say, a smile spreading across my face. I start to get up, but Anne gestures for me to stay.

"Let me get her," she says with a gentle smile. "You finish your tea."

As Anne heads upstairs, I turn to Gemma, letting out a small sigh. "Thank you, Gem. For being here. I don't know how I'd handle all this without you two."

Gemma waves a hand dismissively. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss Darcy's first birthday for the world."

We share a laugh, and for a moment, everything feels perfect. Even if Harry isn't here yet, having his family close makes me feel a little less alone. And tomorrow, our little girl will turn one—surrounded by the people who love her most.

Later That Evening

The sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a soft, warm glow through the living room windows. I glance at the clock for what feels like the hundredth time, counting down the minutes until Harry's flight lands. The house is filled with a quiet excitement, almost as if Darcy can sense something special is happening. She's playing on the floor, surrounded by her toys and watching me as if she knows something big is coming.

Anne kneels down beside her, holding out a new stuffed bunny. "Look, Darcy! Isn't she sweet?"

Darcy's face lights up as she grabs the bunny, babbling happily and clutching it close. I can't help but smile at the sight.

"You're growing up so fast, my love," I say softly, leaning down to kiss her head. "Tomorrow, you're a whole year old. How did we get here?"

Gemma laughs, sitting down next to me. "You're going to be a mess tomorrow, aren't you?"