The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 97

"Good Evening Captain Wales," just as Maddie had expected, her call had gone directly to Harry's voicemail. He had reported to base for Captain's Training with the Army earlier that week. But before he had left, he had made provisions. "I wanted to report successful delivery of your...tenth bouquet of flowers since you left five days ago. If we keep up at this rate for another five days..." She sighed and placed the flowers onto his vacant desk. "They are beautiful Harry; all of them. The delphinium was a nice touch. Was it from Highgrove? Probably not. Too cold..." She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and chuckled at the way she was having a conversation with his voicemail. "But it's been weeks since the bookstore and I'm running out of places to put them and maybe the flowers can stop? Who am I kidding? You're probably only going to increase it because it drives me nuts." She sighed. "They're beautiful Harry; particularly the purple ones that came today. I love them. I love you. See you soon."

Ending the phone call, Maddie took a look around the bottom floor of their place. There were flowers everywhere. Even before he had left, he had brought home a fresh bunch nightly. She had run out of vases long ago and, after Bernard caught her using a delicate crystal pitcher one afternoon, Harry's deliveries began to arrive with their own containers.

With a quick glance to the clock, she scooted the vase towards the center of Harry's desk and smiled. These would be there to greet him when he returned. Ella was on her way over for some quality girl time, something both ladies desperately needed, and there was still a bottle of wine to open.

Maddie had just enough time to uncork one of Ella's favorites and put pasta on the stove to reheat while she chopped up veggies for the salad. When the doorbell rang out, she was ready for her best friend.

"Ella!" She exclaimed, pulling the door open.

"Hi my darling," Ella stepped through the door and into Maddie's open arms; hugging tight.

"How are you?" Maddie spoke into her hair.

"Great," she smiled as she pulled back. "Though I have to tell you, getting in was significantly more difficult tonight than it was the last time I was here."

"Ah yes," Maddie nodded, leading her friend towards the kitchen. "You have one run in with a psychopath at a bookstore and it ruins the fun for everyone else." Ella paused for the slightest of moments, letting the reality of that statement settle before she chuckled and Maddie sighed with relief.

"Well," Ella sighed, shrugging her coat off and laying it on the back of a couch. "I'll let Peters feel me up any time he wants if it means you're safe."

"Thanks love," Maddie giggled. "Way to take one for the team."

"Okay but seriously Maddie," Ella looked around the house as they continued their journey; taking in vase after vase, bouquet after bouquet. "What in the hell is with all the flowers? You opening a greenhouse?"

"Yeah," Maddie smiled, her eyes shifting around the room, a pink flush to her cheeks. "It's Harry he..." She laughed, deciding Ella's option was the easiest to explain. "Yes. A greenhouse."

"Your back up plan?" Ella's smile grew smug; knowing it was something much more sappy and romantic than that.

"Yes. You know...in case the Duchess thing doesn't work out."

"Smart. Wise."

"You just never know," Maddie moved to stir the pasta. "Can I pour you some wine?" She called over her shoulder.

"Already on it," Ella typically made herself at home when she was there. "Do we still have your dress fitting tomorrow afternoon?"

"Yes. You still able to make it?"

"Are you kidding?" Ella rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." She took a sip and perched on a stool. "Listen. Maddie. There is something I need to tell you."

"Okay..." Maddie nodded, still focused on the food. "Shoot."

"Nope." Ella shook her head. "This is a turn around, drink wine, and forget dinner kind of conversation."

"Oh. Oh?" Maddie turned on her feet, her eyes immediately scanning her friend for a hint. "Okay. Well..." She wiped at her hands and reached for a glass of wine. "What's up?"

"Okay." Ella took a sip. "First. I need to talk to you about something and you're going to want to...fix it."

"Oh-kay..." Maddie smiled slightly.

"But I need you to not go into therapist mode and I need you to be my friend and...not try to fix it."

"Okay. Sure..." Maddie shrugged, moving to one of the high stools. "Go ahead."

"Go ahead?" Ella's face twisted into a smirk. "Really? Just like that? You can do that?"

"Yes. When you tell me ahead of time, I can do that."

"Okay." Ella took a long, slow drink from her glass, draining it before she sat it down and took a breath. "I'm thinking of breaking up with Bishop."

"What?!" Maddie nearly fell out of her chair. "I..."

"Shh!" Ella held up a finger with a warning glare. "You said you would be my friend and..."

"But Bishop..."

"You were my friend first." Maddie bit her lips between her teeth and looked down at her hands; taking a moment before she took a deep breath and looked up to Ella.

"Why?" Her voice was soft, eyes sympathetic. "I thought things were going well. I thought he was a great guy?"

"He is," Ella nodded, her eyes growing a bit teary. "Bishop is a great guy. And things are going well."

"Then..."

"It's me," Ella huffed into a laugh; eyes downcast. "I'm not sure I deserve to be with somebody like him."

"Ella..." Maddie's heart hurt.

"This is when your therapist mouth wants to run rampant," Ella cut her off with a friendly grin. "I know what you're going to tell me. I know that...voodoo you're going to try on me." She snapped her fingers and pointed at Maddie with narrowed eyes. "And you're right. I need to think...oh God...I need to think more highly of myself and I need to be able to accept that people love me and I need to..." Her smile faded as her voice grew shaky. "I need to let go of all of the shit with my father so that I can make room for something wonderful, someone wonderful. For somebody like Bishop."

Maddie blinked at the teariness that sprang to her own eyes and remained silent, letting Ella sort it out.

"I need to do all of those things." She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm just not sure I can do them when I'm with Bishop...when I'm with anyone really."

"But you could..."

"Really lose him?" Ella finished the sentence, allowing a few tears to slip from her eyes before wiping at them and nodding. "I know." Maddie's hand reached out to squeeze Ella's. She took another breath and blew it out, forcing a smile. "Anyway. I don't know what I'm going to do, I just didn't want you to be...in the dark. I'm going to see somebody tomorrow."

"Somebody?"

"A therapist," Ella grinned. "One of you." They shared a light laugh. "I'll see how it goes. I just...I don't want to keep him hanging onto this mess..."

"You're not a mess, Ella."

"I don't want to keep him hanging onto this mess," Ella continued. "If I'm never going to be able to be the person he deserves."

"Ella..." Maddie began, wanting to tell her that all of this talk about deserving was ridiculous, that people could work through things together as a couple, that she was an amazing, wonderful, fantastic woman and that any man, Bishop included, would be lucky to have her. But Ella stopped her.

"Please Maddie," her eyes grew sad. "I don't want to argue with you about this. I didn't tell you this so that you would build me up. I just...I'm asking you for what I need and right now that's a lack of judgment, that's a supportive friend, that's...loving me in spite of my bad decisions, that's...a hug and more wine and..."

Maddie rose from her chair and wrapped her arms around Ella; squeezing tight. Both women edged towards tears, towards total breakdown and both edged back; sniffing and laughing. Maddie waited till Ella pulled back and then she leaned in, kissed her cheek and took a breath.

"More wine?" Ella's eyes met hers and they shared a look of undying friendship and love.

"More wine." Ella nodded.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Good Morning Captain Wales," Maddie's voice was low and rough as she spoke into the phone. Having woken only minutes before to accept the delivery, she had crawled right back into bed. "The Pincushion Hakea Plant was an inspired choice." She yawned and snuggled back into his pillow. "I'm having lunch with Kate today. Joan called to verify our time for tomorrow night and I have to say...Rehearsal at ten at night? Because you had officer training? That's some kind of pull you have there Captain. Anyway..." She frowned. "I miss you Harry. I can't wait to see you. Tomorrow. Thank you—for the flowers. They're beautiful and I know you're sending them now just to get at me...but the joke's on you. I love them and I have every intention of putting a significant dent in your fortune filling up our home with fresh flowers. Well played Wales. I love you." Maddie ended the call and tossed the phone to her side of the bed. With a sigh and a bit of a grumble, she sank down under the covers. She still had a few hours before she had to meet Kate and his pillow smelled faintly of him.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"This is the first time we've gotten together since your...attempted kidnapping..." Kate's voice lowered as she popped a cherry tomato into her mouth. They were having lunch at Will and Kate's Kensington apartment. With great warmth she had hugged Maddie close and invited her in. Now they were seated at her dining room table eating an amazing salad, one of the few things the baby, growing and moving, approved of. Kate had been showing for a little while now and her sickness was finally starting to fade; leaving behind glowing cheeks and happy parents-to-be.

"Ugh." Maddie groaned into her iced tea. "Are we really calling it that?"

"That's what they all call it," Kate waved her hand and Maddie wasn't sure if she meant the world or the family. "Seriously though." Kate wiped her hands on the napkin, dainty and proper, before her eyes settled on Maddie. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay," Maddie smiled; her eyes blinking as she responded.

"Really?" Kate's eyes narrowed; nothing but love and concern.

"Yes. I promise. I went and saw an old boss of mine, Dr. Colvin. We talked a few times...I'm okay." This was the answer she gave to only very close friends and family.

"And how's Harry?"

"Harry is..." Maddie smiled softly and Kate knew. Maddie knew that she knew. Kate understood better than anyone. She had known the moment she had learned the details of the Code Black that had brought security descending around her as well. These brothers were protective, fiercely so. Kate had guessed Harry would circle the wagons; she knew Will would had it been her. Maddie took a breath and nodded. "Harry is doing better."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. He was pretty fazed that day but...he's come around. He's doing better."

"He lets you go to the loo on your own again?"

"Oh no," Maddie shook her head with a wink. "But he's never let me do that."

"Ha!" Kate chuckled at the irony of that statement; imagining it was closer to the truth than other people might think.

"But enough about me and my..."

"Attempted kidnapping," Kate offered with a smirk.

"Yes," Maddie rolled her eyes and looked Kate over; her smile warming. "Tell me. How is my little baby doing?"

"Fabulous," Kate's hand drifted to her rounding stomach. "Though Will says you have to stop calling it your baby."

"What? Why?"

"The tabloids, the press. You know...the whole thing." Kate rolled her eyes.

"He really thinks somebody is going to run with 'the baby is Maddie's'?"

"He's...strange."

"I guess." Maddie laughed. "Fine. That's fine. But honestly. If I have to stop calling the baby mine, Harry should have to stop too."

"Oh don't worry," Kate laughed. "Will's already on that one."

"Is it really so bad if we think of the little one as ours? It takes a village you know..." Maddie shrugged.

"I know," Kate smiled. And she did. It had been that way since the announcement; all of them taking ownership of the baby, creating a protective, nurturing bubble around the mommy-to-be and the little one. "And he knows. I think he's just...you know these boys. He's protective. He wants to be the only one to lay claim to the little guy..."

"Yeah. I suppose that..." Maddie's eyes grew wide, snapping up to meet Kate's. "Wait. Did you just say little..." Maddie's hand flew to her mouth as Kate's face registered shock.

"I..." Kate tried to walk it back but she was too late and Maddie was too quick.

"You did!" Maddie pointed at her. "Oh my God! Are you having a..."

"Shhh!" Kate waved her hand, slightly rattled. "Don't say it! Don't..." She took a breath. "I cannot believe I just..."

"Oh Kate," Maddie's eyes glossed over, her hands pressing into her chest as she looked over her friend, her sister. "Are you?"

"Yes," her voice was smile, but her excitement exuded from every pore of her body. Maddie clapped her hands with an enormous grin. "We just found out this week. You cannot tell a soul. Not a soul. Not even Harry. Will wants to tell Harry."

"I promise the words will not leave my lips!" Maddie vowed and Kate trusted. "Oh my..."

"I know," Kate sighed, feeling slightly relieved that the secret was out; that somebody she trusted finally knew.

"Are you...happy? Are you okay? Are you..." Maddie trailed off.

"Yes," Kate nodded, certain. "I am...unbelievably happy."

"Good. Great." Maddie sighed into her seat. "Good."

"How are wedding plans?" Kate shifted the attention away from herself, something Maddie wished the world could see about her. "Rehearsals start this week?"

"Yes," Maddie grinned. "Just the two of us and Joan at the cathedral tomorrow night. We'll add in others as it gets closer, but tomorrow we're getting acquainted with the building." She laughed at the wording Joan had used.

"Excited?"

"In all honesty..." Maddie sipped from her glass and met Kate's eyes. "I'm just really ready to be married to him. You know?"

"Hmm," Kate smiled. "I know exactly how you feel."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Maddie giggled slightly as she settled the next in the long line of bouquets on the stand in their entry way. With a smile, she reached for her phone and dialed. "Captain Wales..." She sighed into the phone, smoothing her hands down over her skirt. "I'm dressed and waiting. We have a date in an hour and..."

Her ears perked up and she turned towards the door just as it swung open. "Never mind," she grinned. "You're here." And as she ended the call, Harry stepped into the entryway looking tired and rough for the wear, but delighted to see her.

"Hey there beautiful," he smiled wide; eyes running over her as he dropped his bag to the floor, laying his coat over it and reaching for her.

"Captain," her smile matched his as she moved into his arms; her hands moving up and around his neck, her nose nuzzling in to take in his scent. "You're later than I thought you would be."

"Yes, well," he kicked the door closed and adjusted her tighter to him. "I had to clear my voicemail inbox..." His eyes gleamed. "It took me forever."

"Strange..." She sighed, her eyes settling on his lips. "Hi."

"Hello," he whispered; putting lips to hers.

"You're still in camo," she muttered between kisses.

"Want to take it off of me?" His nose nuzzled into her neck.

"We only have an hour before we have to be at the Cathedral...you have to shower and..."

"Shower with me?" His hands clung to her then; convincingly.

"But my hair is..." She stopped short, laughing at herself. My hair? She shook her head at herself, disappointed, and slapped his ass. "You're on Captain."

"Yeah?" He smiled wide.

"I'll race you."

"Race me?" He laughed at her. "Please. I just came back from military training. I run every day and..." Her lips moved to his; slowly, sensually, pulling his thoughts to an end, leaving him breathless and, when she pulled away, she grinned wickedly.

"Go." And she was out of his arms and half way up the stairs before Harry had snapped back to the moment; bounding after her.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"See..." Harry smiled at Maddie as they hurried down the stairs. "Plenty of time."

"Hmmm..." Maddie shrugged; even she couldn't argue that rushing around to re-dress and fix her hair hadn't been worth every second of that shower.

"And you thought we would be late," he checked the mirror as he pulled his jacket on over his sweater; adjusted his tie.

"No," she laughed, holding onto his waist for steadiness as she slipped on her heels. "I said that even if we were late, it would be worth it. I stand by that statement."

"Thank you love," he turned around to face her as she pulled her jacket on over her dress and reached for her coat.

"No, no," she moved to him, sliding her hands up his chest, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you."

"Mmm..." He grinned against the lips he bent to kiss. "Are you ready?"

"I am," she nodded, stepping regretfully away from him and sliding into the coat he held out for her. "I just need..." She hurried into their living room, lifting a paper plate and ribbon creation from the bookcase and hurrying back to him.

"What on Earth is that?" Harry eyed it.

"It's..." She chuckled. "Ella made it for me one night when she was here. Women...at the rehearsal, women use it to replicate the bouquet they'll be holding. You know..." She held it in front of her as she would were she walking that moment. "You know?"

"I do know," he nodded and, with that wicked Windsor smile of his, he leaned over to where his bag was still resting. When he rose, he pulled with him a small, beautiful bouquet in deep purple. "I just thought you could use this instead."

"Oh..." Maddie gasped, her eyes welling up. "Look at you."

"You said you liked the purple ones the best."

"I did," she sighed. "Good God, Harry. When you're on, you're on."

"Hmmm..." He held it to her. "You don't think Ella would mind, do you?"

"No," Maddie shook her head as she sat the paper version to the side and took his simple creation. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he accepted her kiss with humility and offered his arm. "Come on. Let's go get...fake married."

"Let's." Maddie grinned and slid her arm through his.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It was really quite something, mind blowing even; having St. Paul's Cathedral to themselves, in the middle of the night. Maddie couldn't help but giggle as she looked around.

It was massive, elegant; and it was all theirs. Truly the only people inside were she and Harry, Joan, and their security officers—who wisely chose to station themselves at checkpoints throughout the sanctuary; going for zone coverage instead of man to man.

"I have to say," Joan looked around the vast opulence. "I've never been in here with quite so few people."

"No?" Maddie's voice was low, reverent.

"We usually do rehearsals in the afternoon," Joan smiled warmly at Maddie and Harry as everyone relaxed and said their hellos.

"Yes well, lover boy over here had Captain's training..." Maddie winked at him; high spirited and happy.

"I hope it wasn't too much trouble," Harry smiled at Joan, his hand resting on Maddie's back.

"No, not at all," Joan shook her head. "We really don't need anyone else tonight anyway. We're simply here to run through things for the first time, allow the two of you some time to be here and become more comfortable with how things are going to work." She wanted them to feel at home in the space. "Are we ready?"

"Yes," they agreed.

"Okay. Your Royal Highness..."

"Harry," he interrupted her. "Please. It's going to be a very long night if you insist on titles."

"Harry," she smiled. "I need you to go up to the altar and wait for us to join you. I want to go over positioning and where you'll be. But, I am going to give Madeline the chance to walk the aisle at the appropriate pace as much as we possibly can."

"Absolutely," he nodded; feeling agreeable. With a squeeze to Maddie's hand, he left the two women and made his way in that direction. Maddie couldn't help the way her eyes swept over him appreciatively as he moved.

"Okay," Joan turned her smile to Maddie and moved to a box she had sitting on a pew. "Now. Let's get you dressed."

"Dressed?" Maddie's eyebrows shot up, tearing her eyes from Harry's ass.

"Yes," she nodded, reaching into the box and pulling out a large, folded sheet. "I spoke with your designer, Ms. Ellis, and she sent over a mock train."

"A mock train?" Maddie laughed lightly as Joan began unfolding it.

"This is the same length as your train," she moved about Maddie, draping it to the ground and moving the ties around her waist. "It will help you judge the weight you will be carrying that day."

"Oh wow..." Maddie couldn't help but feel silly as she looked down and behind her.

"And this..." Joan had slipped away to the box. When she turned around this time, Maddie's breath sucked in. The Strathmore replica. "This is for your head."

"Yes," Maddie whispered. "I've seen that before."

"May I?" Joan nodded to the top of her head.

"Of course," Maddie lowered slightly; allowing her to place it on her head.

"Does that feel secure enough for walking?"

"Yes," Maddie's fingers rose to adjust it slightly.

"Okay dear. Here is your bouquet," she handed her the purple flowers Harry had given her. "These are beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Now," Joan stood before her; hands clasped together. "You're going to be walking with your mother. I know we'll have her here for our big rehearsal as we get closer to the day."

"Yes we will," Maddie great more excited at the thought of her family coming; soon.

"Okay, now just hold your bouquet out in front of you like..." Joan adjusted Maddie's arm in front of her. "Shoulders back, head high. Let's see that smile..." Maddie complied. "Fantastic. Now. Following my pace, let's walk."

As they moved, Joan spoke to Maddie; giving her details of the venue, pointing out where people might be seated, slowing her down when needed, reminding her not to hold her breath. And Maddie was thankful for all of it. Her mind was a bit of a swarm as she took it in; the fake tiara, the mock train. She suddenly felt incredibly thankful they would be doing this multiple times before their wedding day. As she neared the altar, she found herself searching for Harry—much like she knew she would that day. His smile widened when he saw them; his eyes scanning over her ensemble.

"Wow..." He shook his head, biting at his bottom lip. "I thought I wasn't supposed to see you in the dress before the wedding!" He called out to her.

"Ha, ha."

"It's beautiful," he grinned. "But maybe you could have toned it down just a bit." Defiantly Maddie flipped him off, to which he retorted, "That's lovely! Really regal. Do that on the actual day..."

"Now..." Joan smiled, bemused, and continued on with her instruction. "Madeline, you will stand here." She pointed and Maddie moved. "Harry, you'll be right here." She pointed and he moved. "Harry, your brother will be right here, just to your right."

"I saw a broom over in that corner," Harry nodded off to the side. "Would you like me to grab it as a stand in?" Maddie's head shook as she snickered at him.

"He's funny," Joan spoke to Maddie.

"Isn't he though," Maddie agreed.

"Your mother will be standing next to you here. Music will be playing. She'll raise your veil. Ms. Marshall will fluff your train and take your bouquet." Joan reached out and took the purple flowers from Maddie. "The music will come to a close and we'll begin." She stood before them, in place of the Archbishop and clapped her hands together. "There will be a lengthy greeting. He'll charge you and the congregation. He'll ask you if you will and you'll say yes." She eyed them both, knowing them well enough that a warning didn't seem entirely out of place. "Do remember that nobody finds it amusing for jokes at this point."

"Of course," Maddie smiled.

"Yes Ma'am," Harry nodded.

"He'll ask who gives you away, your mother will hand over your right hand to the Archbishop who will then give it to Harry."

"Quite a transaction," Maddie smiled as Joan moved her right hand into Harry's.

"What did she say about jokes, Madeline," Harry eyed her playfully.

Joan grinned at the two of them as she continued on with the details; finding that even as she tried to keep to point, she was too amused by the couple, too captivated by their chemistry and obvious fondness for each other to be too upset at their jokes and quips.

After about twenty minutes of explanation and direction, Joan turned to the two of them and clapped her hands together.

"Okay, Madeline. Take your bouquet and head back down the aisle. We're going to go through it all one more time."

"What?" Maddie's eyes flashed wide. "I'm sorry. I..."

"I'm going to show Harry where he'll be going when he arrives at the church and, like I said, we're going to have you walking that aisle many, many times before the day arrives."

"We are?"

"It's a big moment. The more you do it now, the easier it will be that day, when the world is watching." Joan explained simply. "Tonight is all about making it second nature so that when the cameras are here, you're not quite as nervous. Now, if you'll please..."

"But..." Maddie sighed and smiled, knowing she was being difficult. "It's so far, I think I might need a snack. You know, some form of sustenance."

"A snack?" Joan hid the surprise behind a smile.

"Here," Harry stepped forward, reaching into the pocket of his jacket. "I'm not sure if this counts as sustenance but it's all I have..." Maddie looked to his palm and laughed.

"You brought my candy..." She grinned up at him; moved.

"Of course," he eyed her and nodded towards the aisle. "Now. Get down there so that you can get back up here."

"Oh Captain, my Captain," she whispered.

"Easy," he shook his head, biting back his gut response.

Upon Maddie's second arrival at the altar, Joan had already shown Harry the route he would be taking and they were waiting for her; stagnation beginning to set in. This time when Maddie took her spot next to Harry, Joan turned to her with a strange new request.

"I'm sorry?" Maddie laughed.

"Say his name," Joan repeated her request.

"Harry."

"Not that name," Joan shook her head with a small smile. "His full name. The name you'll use that day."

"Henry Charles Albert David," Maddie recited.

"That a girl," Harry winked.

"Again."

"Henry Charles Albert David."

"Again."

"Henry Charles Albert David."

"Again."

"Henry...I'm sorry but why are we..."

"You need to feel comfortable saying it. We need you to not forget it or jumble it or..."

"We can thank my mother for that one," Harry smiled, remembering her with fondness.

"And..." Joan continued without missing a beat. "He needs to feel comfortable hearing it. We want him to smile when you say it, not cringe as though he's in a whole world of trouble," she tossed a smile in Harry's direction. "Again."

"Henry Charles Albert David."

"Again."

"Henry...Charles...Albert...David..." Maddie's voice slowed.

"Okay." Joan smiled, stifling a yawn. "Now. Let's start over from the top. Madeline. If you would..." She nodded her head towards the front of the Cathedral.

"You're joking."

"Not in the slightest." She met the young woman's gaze and held it until Maddie relented and, with a slightly dramatic, deep breath, she turned towards the beginning of the aisle.

"I love you!" Harry called out to her, sympathy mixed with amusement.

"You had better," Maddie grumbled as she moved; calling out. "Henry Charles Albert David!"

Maddie was about half way down the aisle on her way back to them when she groaned and sighed and, feeling like a diva princess for the first time in her entire life, sank to the floor. Maybe this late time, after a long week, was too much for her. Her legs felt relief, her feet the same. She giggled as she relaxed on the cool marble and looked up at the domed ceiling. What good was it to have St. Paul's to themselves if she wasn't going to take advantage of the moment and revel in her moment of luxury.

"Madeline?" Harry's voice called out to her; echoing through the air, no longer seeing her in the distance.

"I'm done!" She called out from her space on the floor; smile wide, body relaxed. "I am at ease in the space and I quit!"

At the altar, Harry flashed a charming smile to Joan who shook her head with a small chuckle. "You can't quit love! Come on!"

"Harry..." She moaned with a deep breath. "I'm stuck!"

"Stuck?" He laughed and started down the steps. "I'm coming for you! Stay put!"

"No problem," she mumbled and leaned back against a pew to wait.

"Marco!" He called out as he came down the aisle towards her.

"Polo!" She giggled at his memory as he stepped up to her.

"You're on the floor?" He raised his eyebrows; arms crossing his chest amused.

"I am," she smiled sweetly. "I'm tired. I'm hungry. It's...almost midnight. I've walked this aisle like...twenty times..."

"Twenty?" He snickered.

"And before that my future husband made my body do things that..."

"Shhh..." His eyes narrowed, despite his smug grin. "We are in church. Now, look..." He tugged at his pants, lowering himself to the floor next to her. "I know you're tired. I'm guessing your feet hurt."

"You're guessing right."

"But we have to do this. We have to finish what she asks us to do and then..." He sighed. "I'll take you home; make you pizza, rub your feet."

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely." He held out his hand. "Now come on. You ready to get up off the floor and finish this?"

"I don't know," she sighed with a smile. "This is a pretty excellent view."

"It is," Harry nodded, following her gaze to the top of the dome. "But Joan is bound to come looking for us sooner or later and I'm not sure we want to make her mad."

"Point taken," Maddie laughed. "Okay Wales. Help me up?"

"Yes ma'am," he rose first, pulling her to her feet after him. "Ready?"

"I have a sheet tied around my waist."

"Yes. It's a sexy sheet. You bringing it home for later?"

"You should have to wear the sheet."

"Hand it over." He held out his hand.

"Stop." She slapped at it.

"Anything for you, you know that."

"Now you're just making fun."

"I am." He nodded and kissed the top of her hand before releasing it. "I'll head back up there. You keep your pace. I'll see you soon."

"Soon?" Maddie laughed. "It takes me a good five minutes to walk this."

"But at the end of the rainbow..." He waved a hand over himself as he walked backwards towards the altar.

"My very own pot of gold."

"Just look out for the grumpy, bald leprechaun. He'll get you."

"We're talking about Will?"

"Yep."

"You're hilarious," she took a step forward, following behind him at her own, slower pace. "I should tell you though...you make me laugh that day, I'll finish the rest of the ceremony in my fake British accent."

"You have a fake British accent?" He called back; eyebrows lifted.

"I do," she drawled, trying her best. "And if you make me lose it in front of your family and those cameras, the papers will be writing about it for days."

"Is that it?" He nodded to her, a healthy smirk on his face. "Your British accent?"

"Yes."

"Sounds more...Australian..." He cocked an eyebrow. "But I hear your threat either way."

"Good." She laughed. "Now go. I'll see you soon."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It was considerably colder when Harry and Maddie stepped out of St. Paul's that night. It was just after midnight and they were saying good-byes and offering up unnecessary apologies to Joan—who smiled and waved them off. After seeing that she was secure in her car on her way home, they began towards their own.

"I guess we passed her test," Harry joked as he pulled his phone from his pocket, powering it up.

"Does that mean she'll let us get married?" Maddie giggled as she did the same.

"I think so..." Harry stalled as they walked. "Hold on."

"Everything okay?" Maddie turned to look at him; slowing to a stop.

"I..." He shook his head slowly as he pressed a few buttons. "Bishop called me like...seventeen times. Hold on, I'm going to listen to a message..." He pressed the phone to his ear and Maddie's heart jumped into her throat. She looked down at her own phone. One text message from Ella.

It's over. I know you're rehearsing. Call when you can.

"Oh my God." Harry's voice registered surprise as he turned wide eyes to her. "They broke up."

"I..." Maddie shook her head. Even though she had been given a warning of some sort, she still felt blindsided. "I just got the same in a text from Ella."

"He wants me to..." Harry had apologetic eyes as he hiked his thumb towards the city.

"Go." Maddie smiled weakly; understanding. "You go to him. I'm going to call her..."

"Okay," Harry nodded and stuffed his phone in his pocket. "You take the car. I'll grab a cab."

"Okay." Maddie agreed, her fingers holding tight to the lapels of his coat as though her body really didn't want to let him leave.

"Don't wait up for me," he leaned in to kiss her cheek; his hand on her elbow as his lips whispered against her skin.

"Give Bishop my love," she smiled and watched as he nodded and took three steps away from her. Then he stopped and, remembering what they were doing, what they were there for, he turned and took the three steps back up. Wordlessly, he pulled her back to him; lips crushing against lips, his hands at her waist.

"I love you," he met her eyes with a smile.

"Mmm..." She sighed; grateful. "I love you too."

And then he was gone; off to nurse his friend's broken heart. As Maddie slid into the car, now down three people, she pressed her own phone to her ear.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The sun was just a few hours from coming up when Maddie stirred, feeling Harry slip into bed next to her. She rolled over, her body moving instinctually towards him and her hands reached out for him.

"Hi baby," she muttered, moving closer.

"Sorry love," he responded; slightly slurred. "I was hoping not to wake you." He smelled faintly of alcohol and smoke.

"No, no," she shook her head as it moved to rest on his chest; his t-shirt soft under her cheek. "You didn't."

"Mmmm..." His arms wrapped around her as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "When did you get home?"

"A few hours ago," she sighed snaking her arm around his waist, the tips of her fingers tucking into the waistband of his shorts. "We had a few bottles of wine, cried, and then she wanted to be alone."

"How is she?" He asked.

"She's..." Maddie sighed and opened her eyes for the first time. "She's scared and upset and...worried you'll never let her see me again."

"Aw come on," he groaned, rubbing at his eyes with his free hand. "I'm not going to...Shit happens. I know shit happens. I'm not going to..." He took a deep breath. "Look. Ella's your best friend. Bishop is my Ella and tonight...your Ella tore out my Ella's heart."

"I know," Maddie frowned. "Is he okay?"

"No," Harry shook his head, squeezing her close. "He's not. He will be. But he's not tonight."

"Okay," Maddie felt bad for him. She felt bad for her. This wasn't easy for anyone. "You could have brought him home with you."

"I thought about it," Harry sighed, relaxing a bit. "But then he ran into this woman we went to school with and..." Harry chuckled softly.

"He took a woman home?!" Maddie was shocked; her eyes opening wide.

"Don't do that," Harry's hand moved to her hair; massaging at her scalp. "Don't judge. Women want to drink wine and be alone. Men drink whiskey and want to..."

"Not be alone?" Maddie offered, trying hard not to sound angry; trying not to be angry. Bishop was heartbroken and acting accordingly. She had gone there in her own life; trying anything to forget. She understood.

"Yes," Harry laughed into a sigh into a yawn. "Anyway. If you see pictures tomorrow...it was Bishop who went home with the brunette from school." He turned to her then, pulling her tight to him and kissing her soundly; alcohol on his lips. "I came home to my blonde." Maddie's giggles were muffled by his lips, her arms wrapping snuggly around him as she welcomed him home for the second time that night.