The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 127

When their entourage of cars pulled up the long drive to Highgrove, Maddie instantly felt that same familiar sense of home drift into her lungs. The sun was shining through a small break in the clouds and everything looked green and lush. Craving the fresh air, Maddie rolled down her window and sighed happily back into her seat. They had been back in London for a handful of days and were just finally getting a chance to reconnect with family and spend some much needed time with chubby little Arthur; his teddy bear from the Smithsonian was packed amongst their things. Will and Kate had been at Highgrove with their son visiting Charles and Camilla and on Saturday afternoon, after Harry had returned from base, he and Maddie loaded up their convoy and were excited to join them all for a night in the country.

As they pulled up, they could see the small group of their family headed up from what must have been a walk through the gardens. Charles was pointing out something to Kate while Will snuggled Arthur. Maddie smiled wide at the site of them; itching to hold the baby and knowing she was going to have to fight Harry for face time with the little guy. They pulled to a stop and the doors were opened. Harry was quick around the car to take Maddie's hand. Nathan stood close by with her crutches and both men made sure she was stable before they turned away. And as soon as they did, the family was upon them; kisses and hugs all around. Maddie watched as Will was quick to rib Harry for the state of his wife and she glared when Harry shrugged it off and scooped Arthur into his arms.

"Hey!" Maddie called out, lifting a crutch to poke him. "I am fairly certain I called dibs on the baby."

"Yes well," Harry adjusted Arthur in his arms, already pulling a ridiculously cute face as he greeted him. "I'm not entirely sure you can carry the little man and work those crutches."

"Come on dear," Charles was sweet and doting with her. "Let's get you settled inside and I'll distract him while you snatch Arthur."

"Distract him?" Harry snickered, shaking his head at the baby. "With what?"

"Perhaps a picture of your wife's arse," Will spoke in hushed tones, sending a rumble through the group. Kate was quick with a smack to his arm while Charles shook his head in fatherly disdain. Maddie couldn't help but note just how dapper the man looked, even in mudded up pants and Wellies. He stood to the side as his family filed inside and, following them up, Maddie could see the warm smile on his face and it put the final seal of hominess on their trip to Highgrove.

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Later that evening, long after dinner, Maddie and Kate found themselves alone in the sitting room while Will and Harry made good on a lost bet and took Arthur for his bath. Maddie watched as Kate took a few deep breaths, clearly trying to relax as her eyes kept darting towards the doorway.

"Are you okay?" Maddie lifted her eyebrows softly; a small smile on her lips.

"I am," Kate sighed again and rolled her eyes. "I feel bad that the boys are taking care of Arthur."

"Oh don't," Maddie shook her head. "Really. Harry thinks he wants eight children. Let's let him handle one squirmy little wet one before we get ahead of ourselves."

"Ha!" Kate laughed, relaxing into the chair. When she blinked, her eyes stayed closed for a moment and Maddie noted just how tired her friend and sister looked. She must be exhausted, though she would never admit it and Maddie wasn't entirely sure it was okay to ask. Taking a chance, she smiled at the beautiful brunette and reached for her tea.

"How are you doing?" She pulled the mug close and adjusted her leg a bit. "I feel terrible that we haven't been around much to help out."

"Oh don't feel terrible," Kate pulled her eyes open and looked over to Maddie. "Everyone has been around so much...it would have just been overwhelming I suppose."

"It's been a lot?" Maddie asked.

"It has..." Kate reached for her tea and Maddie stayed silent, watching Kate's thoughts travel across her face. "You know...everyone has a 'right' way to do things and a 'bit of advice' for you..." She chuckled softly. "And of course I can do nothing right..."

"What?" Maddie let out a soft, careful laugh. "You seem to be doing marvelously."

"Sure," Kate shrugged. "On the surface that's true. There's just...a lot of pressure. You know?" Their eyes met and Maddie realized this was one of those conversations that was just for them; the wives of these two men. The ones who would understand.

"From the public?" Maddie moved closer to Kate, wishing she could take some of the stress from her.

"Yes," Kate shrugged. "And others...I don't know. You know...I'm just tired. I'm tired and Arthur is not. He wants to be up. There's pressure from outside not to hire a nanny. There's pressure from inside to hire a nanny. There's pressure to look 'natural' and there's pressure to look 'put together'. There's pressure to stay home with Arthur. There's pressure to get back to work. There's pressure to..." Kate let off, realizing she was rambling, realizing she was complaining and something inside of her, either born or bred, clicked. She shouldn't be complaining to Maddie, she knew that. But as she looked across the space between them, the small, sweet blonde was the only one she could talk to who didn't have 'expectations.'

"Hey..." Maddie moved to sit her tea on the table.

"I can't even..." Kate swallowed the lump in her throat as she chose to continue, looking down at her hands as she did. "After he was born, after the surgery..." She took a long, deep breath. "I was on so many medications that I wasn't able to nurse Arthur. I'm not able to nurse him. And there's a lot of pressure to..." She swung her eyes up to Maddie and she shrugged. "It's the most basic job of motherhood, right? To provide sustenance and nutrients for your child; for my only child. And I can't even do that...can I?"

"Kate," Maddie's head tipped to the side, her heart hurting for her friend.

"I just..." Kate took a deep breath and let it out, her smile pulling onto her lips. "It's exhausting some times."

"I would imagine that it is..." Maddie nodded. "Is there anything I can do? Anything I can..."

"No," Kate chuckled lightly, wiping at her eyes and settling back in her chair some more. "I do appreciate you listening though. Sometimes I feel like I have nobody to talk to; nobody without an opinion anyway."

"Anytime," Maddie nodded, reaching out to put her hand on Kate's arm; wanting to see she was being honest. "Anytime Kate. I mean it."

"Thank you," Kate patted her hand lightly.

"And you know..." Maddie smiled. "If you ever want a night off...we could take him. Harry would love it and it would give us something new to fight about." Maddie winked as Kate allowed a laugh.

"Maybe," she blinked in that far off haze that came with sleep deprivation. "We'll see. You know..." Kate leaned in a bit but before she could finish that sentence, the men returned with a grand entrance; gusto befit an enormous fete.

"We have one squeaky clean and impeccably dressed young man," Harry held him out and Maddie rolled her eyes.

"Are you sure it wasn't you in the bathtub?" She poked at his wet shirt.

"Ha, ha, Aunt Maddie," he leaned to kiss her with a wicked grin. "And you're next."

"I'd like to see you try," she pulled Arthur from his arms and turned her entire focus from Harry to the bundle in her arms. "Hi there little man. You survived a bath with Uncle Harry?"

"Ha, ha," Harry leaned against the arm of the couch, watching Maddie hold Arthur in her arms.

"Would it be okay..." Maddie looked to Kate. "Would it be okay if I gave him his bottle and rocked him to sleep tonight?"

"Sure," Kate nodded, smiling genuinely at Maddie. "Would you like me to carry him up there for you?" She glanced at the crutches propped up next to her.

"No, no," Maddie shook her head. "Uncle Harry will carry him for me. You two sit...relax. We can handle this."

"Look at her saying 'we'," Harry spoke in a childish voice to Arthur. "She has me doing everything and she says 'we'."

"It will serve you well little Arthur to never, ever, ever..." Maddie cooed down at him. "Never listen to your Uncle Harry." She looked to her husband then. "Come on Captain. To the nursery."

"Bossy, bossy, bossy," Harry shook his head as he followed Maddie out of the room, his adoration for her clear even in his mocking.

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For all the razzing Harry had been delivering that day, the moment he and Maddie were alone with Arthur in the nursery, he faded quickly into sweet and soft. With an expert ease that shocked Maddie, he held Arthur tucked in one arm while he helped Maddie get situated in the rocking chair. Tossing a cloth over her shoulder, he nestled Arthur into her arms and went for the bottle. Handing it off to her, he took a few steps back; more than content to watch her feed and rock and love on the little boy.

"Look at you," Maddie looked up to him as Arthur's eyes finally closed. "My loud and raucous husband, quiet as a mouse."

"Shhh..." He pressed a finger to his lips. "There's a baby sleeping in here."

"Yes," Maddie grinned and nuzzled her face next to his, planting a kiss on his cheek before looking back to Harry. "He's fed and burped and changed and...he's asleep." She sighed happily. "He's beautiful isn't he?"

"You're beautiful," Harry countered and Maddie rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a laugh.

"Come over here," she nodded her head at him. "I need your help settling him in bed." Harry was quick to action, moving to scoop Arthur from her arms and taking him over to his bed before returning to help Maddie up from the rocker to her crutches.

"Would you like my help settling you in bed?" He waggled his eyebrows at her and she shook her head at him.

"Such a cad sometimes," she moved over to Arthur's bed. "I told Kate we would be happy to take him some night. I hope that's okay?"

"That's absolutely okay," Harry nodded, his smile pulling wide. "Did she pick a night?"

"No," Maddie shook her head. "But I put it out there." They both sat in silence for a moment, looking down at the little bundle. And then Maddie took a breath and turned to him. "Okay Captain. Maybe I will take you up on your offer."

"Oh?" He shifted to his cheeky self. "The offer to give you a bath or the offer to settle you in bed?"

"Maybe both," Maddie cocked her head to the side. Harry bit at his lip and nodded.

"Anything you like, Doctor," he leaned to kiss her cheek and then, with a final glance at the little baby, the two of them left him to sleep.

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Their trip to Highgrove was much, much too fast. By the time they were loading in the car the next afternoon, Maddie felt like she barely had time to love on Arthur. She hadn't had much time with Kate and she hadn't even managed to look at the gardens with Charles.

"Next time," he smiled warmly as he kissed her good-bye.

"I'll hold you to that," Maddie smiled and turned to Will.

"When do you lose the third and fourth leg?"

"This week," she shined brightly. "I think they are going to take them from on my birthday actually."

"Wow!" He smiled at how excited she got. "That's a great gift."

"It absolutely is," Maddie nodded in agreement before she moved to hug Kate. "Let's get together sometime this week when you're in the city?"

"Yes," Kate nodded with soft eyes. "I'll call you when we're in London next?"

"Perfect." And then she dipped to press kisses to Arthur's cheeks; raking in the smell and the feel. "I'll see you soon muffin." Maddie heard chuckles as she pulled away from him, but she didn't care. With a final wave and light smack to Harry's arm for making fun, she slipped into the car waiting to take them back to the city. Harry had to be on base for the rest of the week and she had some work to do for the opening of The Delphinium Project in the beginning of September—fast approaching.

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Though Maddie had pouted only slightly when Harry left her for base that early morning, the week had flown by. It was Friday, her birthday. Harry had sent flowers but they were planning on celebrating later that night. She had spent the week working on her big project, looking forward to things to come and finally, she had gone to the doctor who took her splint and her crutches and set her free.

To say that she was ecstatic was a massive understatement. She felt so good walking around on both of her legs, with two free hands, she wanted to go out and celebrate. Knowing Harry wouldn't be home until later that night, she decided to do some shopping. Surely she could indulge in a small gift for herself; maybe some shoes for her newly freed feet. She rang Kate on the off chance she wanted to join her. Leaving a message, she decided to head out alone.

With Sampson walking next to her, Maddie spent more than a little time perusing shops and stores; buying a few things for Arthur, a funny card for her mother and a new pair of shoes for herself. Though she seriously contemplated having dinner out alone, she decided against it and headed home to wait for Harry.

The second the car pulled up to their place, she knew something was up. Harry was back. Jim was outside of their place, presumably changing shifts. Maddie stepped from the car, gathering her bags as she looked around; confused. She wasn't expecting him home until later that night. She moved inside, setting the packages to the side as she called out.

"Harry?" She laughed a little as she glanced from one side to the other. "Captain! Are you home?"

"Maddie..." Harry's voice came from the back of the house, towards the kitchen.

"Hey!" She hurried in that direction with a wide smile. "I wasn't expecting you to be home till..."

"Stop." His voice was low; serious, and drew her to a halt. "Just...stay where you're at."

"What?" She laughed, looking around the living room for some sort of hint. "Are you...I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

"Yes," he laughed. "I just need you to stay put."

"But why?" She found endless amusement in this situation. The house was essentially closed up; curtains drawn, doors shut, and Harry was in another room telling her to stay there.

"I have..." He chuckled in that wicked way that told her he was up to something. "I have your birthday present in here."

"Well bring it out!" She clapped her hands together. "Come on Harry! I haven't seen you in a week and my crutches are gone and you're home early and you're going to hide out in the kitchen with..."

"Fine," he huffed. "I'll come out. But seriously. Listen to me. If you laugh...this is just...over."

"If I laugh?" Her forehead pinched up as she contemplated that. "What do you mean if I laugh? And it's...over? Harry, seriously. If you don't come out here, I'm coming in and..."

And then he stepped into the doorway. And her lungs stopped. Her blood pulsed hot and her jaw dropped.

Because there, in the doorway, was her husband—her gorgeous, unbelievably sexy husband—in full firefighter gear.

"Oh holy hell..." She breathed and he grew smug; cocky. The grin on his face tugged high and he swung an ax—where the fuck did he get an ax—up over his shoulder and nodded his head to her.

"Happy Birthday."

"Oh my God," Maddie couldn't believe her eyes as stun washed over her. It was so amazing, so unreal that a giggle bubbled up and she immediately clamped a hand to her lips—not wanting this to ever be over. "This is..." She shook her head, looking him over; head to toe and back again. "This is the best birthday gift...ever."

"Ever?" He cocked his head to one side; letting her look at him.

"Ever." She nodded. "Jesus Christ Harry you look...." She sucked in a breath and let it all wash over her. "I honestly don't know what to..."

"Me neither," he looked down at the get up. "Would you like to see my hose? Sounded too crass."

"Sure," Maddie shrugged, the flush of heat starting at her center radiating out.

"And then I thought maybe something corny about how hot it was in here..."

"Yeah?" Maddie watched him closely as he met her eyes and took a step forward.

"And then..." He let the ax drop from his shoulder as he moved in on her and for the life of her, Maddie didn't know what to do. She had known Harry for years, had been intimate with him in so many different ways but this—this moment he had put together off of something she had said to him during their tour—this was throwing her off center. In the most delicious of ways.

"And then?" She whispered; her neck and cheeks flushing red.

"Then I figured I could just toss you over my shoulder, carry you upstairs and..." He shrugged his shoulders with that smile on his face that drove her mad. "Maybe light this place on fire."

Maddie's eyes were bright and lively as she nodded her head. Harry, loving how she was responding, loving that although this was a very laughable moment, she was managing to keep herself from falling over in giggles; moved forward. Setting the ax to the side, his hands moved to her face. With a flicker of desire in his eyes, he dipped to kiss her; long and slow and meant to move her closer to him. A tiny moan of a sound pulled from deep inside her and her mouth opened under his and he took his cue. Pulling his mouth from hers, he took a step back. And though his ego grew at the way her lips pulled into a pout to protest, he continued on. With a great ease and familiarity, Harry leaned over and lifted her off the ground; tossing her over his shoulder with a shriek and a laugh and he headed, quickly and steadily, straight for the stairs.

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Later that night Maddie was snuggled up in their bed in nothing but his t-shirt and a wide smile. The remnants of Harry's fireman's uniform were strewn throughout their room and Maddie only hoped it was his to keep. Maybe she would be able to talk him into a repeat performance. As a slight flush rose to her cheeks, she could hear Harry in the hallway; his voice booming as he sang out.

"Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you..." He stepped into their room with his boxers on and a cake in his hand; complete with well lit candles. "Happy Birthday dear Maddie....Happy Birthday to you."

"Look at you!" Maddie sat up in bed, her hands clapping together in front of her. "Though...I'm not sure your new alter ego would appreciate the fire hazard."

"Well it's a good thing he's gone for the night," Harry winked. "Go ahead. Make a wish. Blow." Maddie grinned up at him, her eyes dancing in the candle light and she blew; taking out all the candles with one breath. "Happy Birthday baby." Harry leaned in to kiss her amidst the smoky haze.

"Thank you," she sighed as he leaned away, balancing the cake carefully as he climbed into bed and produced two forks. "Truly Harry..." She took a fork from him and cut into the cake. "This has been a great birthday."

"I'm happy to hear that," he took his own bite. "And you know it only gets better tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" She lifted her eyebrows, confused.

"Ha!" He laughed. "I can't believe you've forgotten that your best friend is returning to England. Tomorrow. Changing Bishop's life forever."

"Oh my God!" Maddie's eyes went wide. "You're right! That is tomorrow!"

"So forgetful," he shook his head. "It must be something that comes with old age."

"Old age!" She smacked his arm. "I think it was the fireman outfit that did me in. Seriously..." She looked to the floor next to her. "You get to keep that, right? It's not like it's due back at a costume shop..."

"No, it's mine," he smiled at his wife; at the memory of the look on her face. "I can't very well walk into a costume shop and rent a fireman's uniform, can I?"

"No," Maddie sighed happily. "No I suppose you can't. I guess..." She licked the last bit of frosting from her fork and smiled mischievously. "I guess this means that there will be a repeat performance?"

"Oh-ho..." Harry laughed, his smug grin returning in a flash. "You want to see it again?"

"You know I do," she arched an eyebrow seductively; unashamed at how much he turned her on.

"How about just the hat?" He took the cake from their bed and set it on his nightstand.

"How about the hat..." Maddie's whole body grew warm in anticipation as he moved from the bed, searching the floor. "And the pants and suspenders?"

"Wow..." Harry chuckled with a shake of his head; finding the items on the floor. "It's a good thing it's your birthday."

"Oh God," Maddie grew giddy as he put the hat on his head; her cheeks hurting from how wide she was smiling. "I was just thinking the exact same thing!"