The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 47

After rounds of introductions and an all-clear from Jim, they entered the large house that Maddie's parents had built when she was in high school. Her family stepped aside and allowed them to unpack and settle into their rooms. The three bedrooms upstairs would be occupied by Harry and his team; one for Harry, and the other two for the three security officers to do with as they wished. Maddie would be sleeping in her old room on the main floor with her mother in the master suite in the walk out basement. Maddie had sighed internally when her mother had directed her to her old room and Harry upstairs, but complied without argument.

When they finished settling in, the group from England made their way back to the main floor where they were greeted with a festive atmosphere. There was lively music and the savory aroma of dinner. Hannah had opened up the glass doors that made up the entire back wall of the main level of the house and they had all moved outside. There was a massive deck built off the back. On it was a built in grill, a long, heavy table with chairs all around and a few grouped seating areas with outdoor couches and chairs. The home was beautiful. Hannah had a flare for design; making everything impeccable. Maddie had always been impressed; having completely missed that particular gene.

Maddie met up with Harry and his team; already settled on the deck with her family. Everyone was relaxed—drinks were being passed while Gary manned the grill. Maddie stepped up behind Harry; her hand falling to his shoulder. He looked up with a smile at her touch.

"How is everything?" Maddie looked around.

"Everything's great," Hannah grinned at the two of them and then nodded to Maddie. "Dinner's ready. Maddie, would you come and help me bring out some of the side dishes?"

"Here, let me help you," Harry moved as if to rise from his chair.

"Oh no," Hannah shook her head with a laugh. "You're a guest in this house. You stay put. Besides, it'll give Maddie and I a moment to catch up."

"Exactly," Maddie patted Harry's shoulder. "You stay put and I'll be right back. You'll be okay?"

"Of course he'll be okay," Patrick waved her off with a laugh. "What do you think we're going to do to him? Other than get him drunk and tell him stories about you as a child. Would you like a beer?" He offered a bottle to Harry.

"Yes, thank you," Harry grinned and took the beer. "I think I'll be fine." He appreciated her concern, though having now met them, he was completely at ease. "Besides, I would love to hear stories about you as a child."

"That's what I'm afraid of," she glared playfully at her uncle. Patrick offered bottles to Harry's team, though they politely declined. "And you should wait for the stories until I'm here to defend myself," she warned her uncle; though as she followed her mother into the kitchen, she could hear laughter erupt from outside. And she knew better.

"Oh lovely," Maddie groaned; as Jenna looked up from the salad she was mixing with a smile.

"You didn't think you would have him here for five days and manage to keep them from talking, did you?"

"No," Maddie groaned again, this time with a laugh. "Though I didn't think it would start on night one."

"So naïve," Jenna winked and Maddie laughed; so thankful for the close, though feisty, family she had.

"Soooo..." Maddie's voice lowered as she slid up next to her mother and Jenna at the counter. "What do you think?"

"Oh my goodness, Madeline," Hannah glanced towards the deck and lowered her voice. "He is so...charismatic."

"I know," Maddie grinned at her mother.

"He's polite and well-spoken and..."

"And he's unbelievably hot," Jenna added.