The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 73

It was a cool August night in London; uncharacteristically so. A light rain had settled in during the afternoon, leaving the evening crisp and the ground covered in a dark wetness. When Harry stepped out of the small, chartered plane on the landing strip in London, he inhaled the scent and looked to the calm skies. He had been traveling almost non-stop for the last twenty-four hours and still had more travel ahead of him and tomorrow was Maddie's birthday. Tugging at the lapels of his tuxedo jacket; he slid the button into place and made his way down the small set of stairs unfolded from the chartered plane.

"Good evening, Sir," his driver greeted him at the bottom of the steps. "You look different than when I last saw you."

"Good evening Harrison," Harry smiled with a nod. "I changed into this about five minutes ago. Can't very well show up with wrinkles, can I?"

"No Sir."

"It rained while I was away."

"Only a bit. Should be clear for the rest of the night," he followed just behind Harry; ready to update him, ready to take orders.

"Good. We'll be back here and up in the air in less than two hours."

"Yes sir."

"Great," Harry paused, pulling his phone from his pocket and powering it up. He glanced at the car and Harrison read his mind.

"We have everything packed and ready to go, Sir."

"The Elie Saab?" Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Boxed and in the trunk; along with the shoes." Harry grinned; she was going to look ravishing in the red. He had even remembered to send Ella a thank you for helping with the sizes.

"Cartier?" He felt his heart skip as he went through the checklist.

"Bagged and in the backseat."

"Fantastic," Harry's smile stretched even further. "And the candy?"

"Same."

"Perfect," Harry clapped his hands together; pleased.

"And how was your trip to the states sir?" Harrison moved to open the car door for the young man.

"Quick," Harry chuckled; the anticipation rushing through his veins. He was ready to get on with his night; ready to see her.

"Of course, Sir."

"It went well; very, very well. Thank you." With a quick glance at his watch, Harry slipped into the car; the door shutting behind him. As the car began to move, Harry dialed. It was less than three rings before she answered.

"Maddie my love..." He hoped that the excitement in his voice gave nothing away.

"Ugh..." She groaned and his smile faded to a frown; she sounded terrible. "I tried to call you. Where have you been?"

"I thought I told you. I've been training for the last twenty-four hours. I..." He took a breath; hating that he was lying to her. "I didn't have my phone on for a bit. I'm on my way there now."

"No. You can't come here."

"What? Why not?"

"I'm sick. I'm so sick," she groaned.

"Sick? What's wrong?"

"The flu. I can't keep anything in my stomach," she breathed slowly. "I'm sorry. I can't do dinner Harry. I can barely sit up without..."

"Oh baby..." He winced; her voice sounded drained.

"I'm so sorry."

"No, hey," he shook his head; his eyes moving past the red and gold bag on the seat next to him. "Don't worry about it. Let me just call and cancel...a few things. I'll be right over."