The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 129

As Harry prepared for a week on base, Maddie was looking forward to a week stacked nicely with family and friends. Harry would be leaving early Monday morning and that evening she was meeting Kiki and Sean at Leo's for drinks and dinner. On Tuesday she had lunch with Kate and hopefully some snuggle time with Arthur. Wednesday was a big day. She was opening The Delphinium Project with Charles at a well-publicized and buzzed about event. She would spend Thursday in the office going over upcoming commitments and potential patronages. And before she knew it, Harry would be returning on Friday and they would finally be having dinner with the newlyweds fresh from their honeymoon. The week was well lined up and though she would miss Harry, she was looking forward to what was coming.

But on Sunday night she stepped back into their bedroom after a long hot bath with a dampened spirit. Warm and comfy in her pajamas, she took a deep breath and made way for their bad. Harry, leaning back against the headboard as he flipped through a sports page, looked up in time to catch her sad face, her loose shoulders.

"Hey..." He turned to her, his eyes focusing to her as she crawled in next to him; snuggling into the blanket. "You okay?"

Maddie's eyes swung up to him and he could tell, she was debating what she wanted to tell him, if she wanted to tell him. So he waited, eyebrows cocked, as she took a deep breath and allowed a small smile. "I'm..." She blinked her eyes, feeling more than a little silly at the way her heart ached just a bit in her chest. "Jesus Madeline," she groaned as she rolled her eyes at herself. Harry watched as she took a breath and looked down to her hands. "It's not a big deal but...I'm..." She sucked in her breath. "I'm not pregnant."

"What?" Harry turned to face her, a flash of confusion drifting over his eyes. "Wait. How do you..."

"How do I know?" She laughed lightly. "I started my period Harry. I know. I'm not pregnant." When her eyes lifted to his, he saw it instantly; the slight smile, the watery eyes. She was sad.

"Hey..." Everything about him grew soft as his hands reached for her.

"Ugh," she groaned, frustrated with herself as her eyes welled over. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm..." She waved her hand in front of her face as she laughed at herself.

"Ah, come here." He tugged her to him then, wrapping his arms around her as she settled against his chest.

"This is ridiculous," she groaned against him, trying to calm herself. "I don't know what came over me." She chuckled and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight.

"It's okay," Harry kissed the top of her head. "It's okay to be sad baby."

"It's just..." She sniffed and wiped at her eyes. "We're married and we're trying and we've had a lot of sex and...nothing." And then she pulled back so she could look at him. "And then there's Ella and Bishop who have a one night stand and BOOM. Pregnant!"

"Ha!" Harry's head tipped back in laughter. "So you DO want to beat them!" His eyes twinkled as he looked back to her.

"I don't," she laughed; easier this time. "I don't want to beat them. I just...gosh. I thought for sure after the stables..."

"Or the bathtub..." He added with a wink.

"I thought for sure I would be pregnant."

"Yeah...Me too," he tugged her to his side, allowing his own disappointment to settle. After a beat, he shrugged and ran his hand up and down her arm. "So you're not pregnant this month. That's okay. That just means we'll try again next month. That's not so bad, is it?" He lifted his eyebrows playfully.

"No I suppose it's not," she sighed and Harry laughed.

"Wow," he shook his head. "You suppose? I'm not sure if I should be offended or not."

"You know what I meant," she nudged him, her tears having slipped completely away as she sighed. "Okay. We'll just...keep trying?"

"We'll keep trying." Harry nodded.

"Maybe..." A genuine, flirty grin pulled across her face. "Maybe we'll have to try harder?"

"Harder?" He raised his eyebrows to her, a low, loud chuckle vibrating in his chest. "I do have to work, you know."

"Ha!" She laughed.

"And I have military commitments..." He smiled wide at her laughter, happy she was pulling out of the momentary sadness. "But I will...I will try my best."

"That's all I'm asking," she winked at him.

"And you know...If you want, I could call and reserve a room at Buckhouse for next week. It worked for Bishop and Ella..."

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Saying good-bye to Harry that Monday morning was a tiny bit harder than it usually was but with his hands holding her flush to him and warm breath in her ear, he promised they would continue their efforts as soon as he returned home. And with a bright smile and a pat to his ass, she guaranteed him they would.

Maddie didn't want to let herself sit alone and be sad; about Harry being gone, about the baby—or lack of baby. So she dressed and set out. She went shopping. She needed a wedding gift for Ella and Bishop. She needed a baby gift for Ella and Bishop. And she wanted something for Kate and Arthur for Tuesday. After her shopping was finished, she stopped at home to drop off packages and change her clothes and then she was back out; meeting Leo, Sean and Kiki for drinks and dinner.

Somewhere between the second and third drink, Maddie decided to tie one on. Harry was gone, she wasn't pregnant—and she wouldn't be for at least another week—so she was going to go all out. The friendly laughter and easy atmosphere made it easy for her to cut loose. Hours later; many, many drinks later; with her equally tipsy friends, a reliable Leo and her steadfast protection detail, Maddie was home safe and sound in her large, empty place at Kensington.

She walked slowly through their home; beautiful and expansive and so ready to be lived in; fully lived in. She smiled at the pictures on the wall. She laughed at her pristine running shoes at the door next to Harry's well-worn pair. She kicked off her heels and climbed the stairs; peeling off clothes as she went. When she finally reached their room, she had everything but her underwear and bra in her hands. Dumping the pile off to the side, she moved through their large master suite.

She pulled off the rest of her clothes and moved right past her on pajamas and straight to Harry's side of the closet. Pulling open a drawer, she sought out her standard; t-shirt and boxers and, for nostalgia, a pair of polo socks. She was quick into his clothes, quicker into their bed. And when she reached his pillow, her nose nuzzled in and she inhaled; bliss.

It didn't matter that she had seen him only that morning. It didn't matter that she would see him at the end of the week and that the entire time he was away from her, he wouldn't be in harm's way.

It didn't matter. She missed him all the same. Sighing into his pillow, she tugged the blankets up around her and the smile didn't fade from her lips as she drifted off to sleep.

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Maddie was a tad overly giddy when she knocked on the door to Will and Kate's Kensington home. She had the gifts for little Arthur tucked into her bag and was ready for a little girl time with her friend. But when Kate pulled the door open, something inside of Maddie drew back just a tiny bit. Something seemed off.

Kate had always been a beautiful woman in Maddie's eyes; so bright and vibrant and she had this smile that would make the room brighter. And she still did—look bright and vibrant—but something was different. She looked tired; more tired than she had the last time they had been together and her smile, though it was there, was not quite the same. And when she stepped out of the hug, she pressed a finger to her lips and with a tad of desperation in her eyes, she told Maddie that Arthur was asleep and then she ushered her inside.

And something was off. Will and Kate's place was darker than normal; quieter, less bright. And although it was clean—incredibly so by most standards—something about it felt...off. It felt as though they had just arrived, or were just leaving. It felt as though they weren't firmly entrenched there; only passing through. Though Maddie knew they had been back at Kensington for nearly a month.

"Where's Will?" Maddie asked quietly as they moved through the space, towards a sitting room off the kitchen where Kate had requested lunch be set up.

"Anglesey." She was quick with the answer. "He'll be back tonight."

"Oh good," Maddie took a seat across from where Kate sat. She watched, easily slipping into observant mode, as Kate offered her some tea and sandwiches and as Maddie filled her plate, she smiled sweetly at her friend who was so clearly still handling all that had fallen upon her since Arthur's birth. She felt her heart ache just a bit for her, wanting to help her; wanting to force her to take her up on her offer for help. And just as Maddie was about to bring it up, to press into it, Kate folded her hands in her lap and spoke.

"Have you heard the news?" Kate looked up to Maddie with tired, soft eyes.

"News?" Maddie's eyebrows slid up; not having any idea what she was talking about but curious.

"The story is going to drop on Monday." Kate's lips pressed together tightly and when she spoke, Maddie thought they looked like stretched rubber bands; nearing a snap.

"What story is that?" Maddie smiled, watching as Kate adjusted in the seat; seemingly uncomfortable in her own home.

"About what happened when I had Arthur..." She looked down at her hands in her lap. "How I cannot have any more children."

"Oh," Maddie's voice fell low and quiet. "I..."

"The whole world finds out," Kate cut her off with a smile on her face that didn't seem to fit. "The whole world gets to know the horrible truth..." She shook her head and looked out through the large window just over the back of the couch. And then with tear filled eyes and a dark sort of sound in her voice, "I can produce an heir...but no spare..." She chuckled then; bitter and not at all humored. "Did you know that's what they called Harry? He was just a baby, just a boy and the world called him the spare..." She turned cold eyes to Maddie who sat in quiet surprise. "Your husband; kind, loyal, devoted...they called him 'the spare'" She shook her head again, the smile fading, her eyes drifting away from Maddie and off to the distance. "As if he weren't a person deserving of..." Maddie watched as something washed over Kate, something that made her snap back; her spine straightened, her face softened. "I suppose I owe you an apology."

"An apology?" Maddie's voice cracked, her forehead wrinkling in confusion. She hadn't been expecting this conversation at all. In fact, it was such a surprise that it was taking her longer to absorb it than it normal did.

"Well, since we're all about to know the barren state of my affairs," she ran a hand subconsciously over her middle as she met Maddie's eyes. "My child will forever be the heir and yours...your first..." She gulped and cringed. "They'll call him the spare."

"Kate..." Maddie took a breath, unsure how to proceed.

"They will. I can't have any more so once again, the weight of being the second falls to Harry. Harry and his first." She shook her head. "I'm sorry Maddie, I really am. Now your family is destined to this, now your babies will be tied to the throne because if something ever happened to..." She gulped then, fresh tears springing up. "I'm so sorry."

"Hey..." Maddie could feel it, that twist in her stomach that told of red flags and warnings. "You know you don't need to apologize. I really don't want you to, Harry wouldn't want you to. And you know...we're all in this together."

"Ha!" Kate's head tipped back in laughter; a laughter punctuated by her wiping tears from her eyes. When her gaze returned to Maddie, there was something there; something sad and before Maddie could reach out to soothe it, Kate shook her head. "No. We're not. Because...when this story runs, when the world catches it...it won't be all of us. It will be me. It won't be William who has mucked up the line. It will be me; not meeting expectations, not living up to duty and responsibility and..." She stopped herself, having said too much, having shown her cards. And she pulled back; tall and straight in her chair as she shook her head slowly. "It doesn't matter, right?" She pulled a cup of tea to her lips, a small, misplaced smile appearing. "This is what I signed up for, this is what I walked into..." She took a sip and then a breath and she shrugged. "What can I do? Right?"

And just as Maddie opened her mouth, ready with a few ideas, a few suggestions, Arthur woke from sleep and let them know, in his loud, shrieky fashion, that he was ready for some attention. And just like that, with an apologetic smile, Kate slipped away from the table; leaving Maddie's mind at work. And when she reappeared, she brought with her a wide smile and a cooing baby and it was as though all that had occurred just prior, was forgotten.

But Maddie took note. She watched the interaction with Arthur, she watched Kate's mannerisms and her eyes and she could see—she was tired. This had been harder on her than anyone knew but Maddie knew now. So with the refreshed excitement that comes with being an aunt, Maddie scooped Arthur up into her arms and asked to take him for the afternoon. And though Kate had relented at first, she gave in; wanting the sleep—needing the break. She packed up a bag and sent Maddie on her way.

And that evening, after playing at the park, after a walk around the gardens, after listening to story after story from Aunt Maddie, Arthur was back home with his parents; both of them. As Maddie turned the chubby little baby back over to Kate, she made it a point to let her know she was there.

"Listen..." Her voice was soft, her hand resting on Kate's arm. "I can't imagine what it's like to..." She waved her hand around. "I know that the attention and the pressure and the expectations can be a lot for me so they must be just...enormous for you. If there's ever anything I can do, anything at all...you know all you have to do is ask. Right?" She met Kate's eyes and held onto them. "I won't ever judge you or think less than I do of you...you just have to ask. And I'm here. Okay?"

Kate blinked and Maddie watched as she struggled; her eyes welling up with tears and her teeth biting at her lips and then she watched as it faded. "I know." She whispered, patting Maddie's hand on her arm as her smile returned. "I know." And then she slipped away, back to her life; back to her duty. Maddie hugged her close and kissed Arthur's little cheeks and then, as Kate took him for a bath, Maddie showed herself out. And she made it a priority to check back in with her in a couple of days; not wanting to jump to conclusions, not having enough information for make an educated assumption. And she knew that the story about Kate being unable to carry any more children was responsible for a lot of the hurt and sadness she saw. But she was worried about her and she would absolutely be checking back in with her.

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When Wednesday rolled around, the summer had sufficiently given way to the fall and the air was cooler, the clouds overhead. And when the phone rang out into their room, it jarred Maddie from a warm, comfortable sleep. Her hand slapped at the nightstand, searching aimlessly for the offending sound before she found it and pulled it to her ear.

"Mmmph." She breathed into the phone, pulling her eyes open as she dragged herself from sleep.

"Good Morning darling," Harry was smiling, she could tell through the phone. And though the early hour made her grumpy, the drawl of his voice made her body warm.

"Good Morning Captain," she smiled into the pillow before she turned over a bit. "Or should I start calling you Commander?"

"Ha!" He chuckled over the line. "You already heard?" Just that week he had qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander.

"Thomas told me yesterday. Congratulations baby," she opened her eyes; slowly drawing from sleep. "I'm very proud of you."

"Well, it's not official until Friday so..."

"So I start calling you Commander then?" Maddie raised her eyebrows and he laughed.

"I think I rather like Captain," his smile grew soft; he missed her more and more every time he left. "But that's not why I called. I called to wish you luck today. I'm sorry I won't be there for the opening," he hated that he was going to miss it.

"Me too," she sighed, turning to her side and snuggling the blankets up around her. "But when I married a Captain, I assumed I would occasionally surrender him to the Army. It goes with the territory, no?"

"Only for the week," he reminded her. "I'll be back on Friday. And I promise we'll celebrate."

"Perfect," she yawned. "Besides, I won't be alone. Your father is coming with me. It's actually really sweet of him to do that."

"Please," Harry snickered. "He's opening an urban garden project with one of his favorite people. My father is elated. You know that."

"Yes," she did know that. She was quite tickled herself to be spending some quality time with him. "And...Don't forget. James Bond will be there."

Harry groaned. "Oh here we go..."

Maddie could hear him roll his eyes and it made her giggle. "I cannot believe you get this way about him. As if he's a threat to you. As if he would ever be interested. Have you seen his wife? She's unbelievably beautiful."

"Have you seen mine?" He huffed. "She's unbelievably beautiful."

"Smooth," Maddie sighed. "I'll be sure to give him your best."

"You give him nothing from me," Harry chuckled at himself. "Listen. I need to go but good luck today. I'll be thinking of you."

"I'll be thinking of you too," she grinned.

"You had better be." He cut in with half sarcasm, half warning and they both shared a laugh. "I love you Maddie and I'm terribly proud."

"Aww..." Maddie grew soft and felt a bit of blush to her cheeks. "I love you too Captain."

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Maddie tried to keep her nerves settled, tried to keep the butterflies at bay. As she neared Clarence House where she would be meeting Charles to ride to the event together, she couldn't help the small tug in her stomach. It was silly, she knew. She had done this before; made speeches, met people, smiled wide for the photos. It wasn't her first time and, in truth, it had gotten much easier since their boot camp of a tour to the US. But this project had special meaning and for that, her stomach was a bit aflutter with nerves.

The car rolled to a stop and her door was pulled open—she never would get over just how fast they could be—and she was being escorted inside to meet her father-in-law. Charles, abundant with smiles and warmth and that deep, soothing voice of his, was quick to pull her into his arms; kissing her cheeks and holding her to him. As Maddie rose from her quick dip of a curtsey, her eyes looked him over and her smile pulled sentimental.

"You're wearing delphinium in your lapel," her hand rested on his chest just next to it and she took a breath.

"Of course I am darling," he smiled that eye crinkling grin and patted her hand. "Today's a big day for you."

"It is," she nodded.

"Well you should be quite proud of yourself," he took her hand and linked it through his arm; the car was waiting, it was time to go. "I was in a meeting this week with the Director and everything seems to have turned out marvelously."

"Thank you," her fingers squeezed his arm as they stepped outside. "It means a lot to hear that from you."

"Well I cannot imagine I will be the only one you're hearing it from," he patted her hand once more before they parted ways, slipping into the car that would take them to the event.

The opening of The Delphinium Project was like many other undertakings. There were throngs of people there to greet them; photographers, fans, community members. They were waving flags and holding signs and snapping photos with their phones and their expensive cameras, respectively. As they stepped from the car, Maddie's smile pulled wide and she offered a small wave to those who had gathered and, when she rounded the car to meet Charles, following him to the rope line. They shook hands, smiled wide and fielded all kinds of questions and comments.

She was asked about her leg, asked where Harry was. She was handed a small bear for Baby Arthur. Eventually they made their way back to the center of the action. They were greeted by the Director of The Delphinium Project and several of the children who had played a role in the creation. They offered curtseys, bowed heads, and a small bouquet for Maddie. She accepted all with grace and aplomb and she was touched by the way Charles stood next to her; going against protocol just a bit as he let her be the principle on this particular day.

And then it happened. Daniel Craig—James Bond himself—stepped forward to greet them. He was just as Maddie imagined he would be; charming and debonair and suave and she just knew her cheeks flushed a tiny bit pink when he bowed his head over her hand tucked in his. And when his deep, rich voice told her just how happy he was to meet her, to be involved in such a project, Maddie's inner fangirl wanted to giggle. But she kept her wits about herself, returned the sentiments and she stepped forward into the urban garden project and into this important day.

The three of them; Charles, Maddie and 007 were given a tour. They were escorted around by a lovely young woman who knew what she was talking about. They laughed, they asked questions and then they all took center stage as Maddie stepped to the podium. Her speech was heartfelt, citing her long held appreciation for agricultural sustainability—something she was gifted from her father, something that was supported by her father-in-law. She spoke of her history of watching communities come together through projects just like the one they were standing amidst. She spoke of the youth coming together to better their neighborhood, to feel the pride that came with growing the food they ate. She spoke of her excitement over the project and then, as she thanked them all again and asked them to stay for a few demonstrations, the applause sounded out and it was time to cut the ribbon.

Along with Charles and Mr. Craig, Maddie smiled wide for the cameras, cut the ribbon and applauded the group of people who had worked to put it all together. Slipping out of her heels and into her wellies, she lead the way towards the demonstration. And finally, it was photo opp time.

As Maddie stood next to Daniel Craig, he complimented her on her work as a Duchess so far, he wrapped his arm around her waist and he leaned into her as the cameras snapped away. And Maddie couldn't deny the way it made her cheeks flush, the way it made her body warm with heat. But she pulled it together and smiled wide, calling out to the photographer, "Can I get a copy of that for my husband?" And the crowd chuckled; endlessly humored by the back and forth between them.

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"God I've missed you..." Harry's mouth was nuzzled in Maddie's neck as she tried, for the second time that night, to dress for dinner with Ella and Bishop. She was standing in front of the mirror in their bathroom, buttoning up her blouse as Harry stood behind her, dropping kisses along her shoulder, into her neck.

"Ohhhhh..." Maddie groaned, her head dipping back towards him. "Harry..." Her fingers twisted up into his hair, debating between pulling him away and forcing him closer. He had returned from base just hours before. They had talked about his new promotion. Maddie had told him of her concerns for Kate. He had listened thoughtfully and promised to keep an eye out for her too. He had praised her for the success of The Delphinium Project, rolling his eyes at her stories of Daniel Craig and then he had pulled her into the shower with him for their own little reunion. "We can't do this again..."

"Maybe we can," he grinned against her skin.

"We can't," she shook her head. "We're meeting Ella and Bishop in like thirty minutes and..."

"They can wait," his hands slid around the soft fabric of her skirt; wrapping around her waist and pulling her back into him. "They are the ones who took off for two weeks..."

"Ha!" Maddie laughed out, finishing her buttons and moving her hands over his. "They went on a honeymoon, Harry. It's not unheard of for newlyweds."

"Yes well," Harry sighed and lifted his eyes to catch hers in the mirror reflection. "I'm still a little mad at them."

"Mad at them?" Maddie snickered. "Why are you mad at them?"

"Because!" His face grew more serious. "I got married and I had a wedding. I had a reception. I invited them and fed them and gave them drinks and...they were a part of my day."

"Your day?" Maddie lifted her eyebrow with a smirk.

"Our day," he corrected, his lips turning up. "And what did they do? They ran off and eloped! They didn't even tell us! They just up and did it and yes...I'm mad at them."

"Okay," Maddie chuckled lightly; wildly humored by Harry's upset with their friends. "Well, we're going to see them tonight and we aren't going to make them wait..." She turned in his arms then, her arms moving around his neck as she kissed him. "And you should remember that in about six months those two friends of ours are going to give you another little baby to snuggle and play with and..."

"Okay," Harry rolled his eyes; softening. His arms tightened around his wife as he kissed her again. "Fine. I'll keep my hands out of your skirt."

"Oh baby..." Maddie's eyelashes lowered as she leaned into him. "Nobody said anything about keeping your hands out of my skirt..." She pressed a kiss to his lips and then moved from his arms, heading back towards their bedroom. "In fact...Commander..." She paused in the doorway, tossing a grin over her shoulder. "You should check your jacket pocket for a little...something...I need you to hold onto for me."

And though something inside of him warned him against it, something inside of him knew that if he did as she told him, he would be battling himself for the rest of the night, he did it anyway. He met his own eyes in the mirror and slipped his hand into his pocket and the soft lace tucked inside drew a breathy groan from his lungs. His eyes pressed closed and he took a deep breath.

"Madeline," his voice was low, held warning. "If you think this makes me want to be on time for Ella and Bishop, you are terribly wrong."

"Come on Captain!" Maddie called from their room. "We have dinner plans!"

And though it drove him crazy, though he was already trying to steady his breathing and calm his pulse, he loved that she did this to him. He loved that she could surprise him, that she could rile him up. He loved that she was such a match for him.

"Come on Wales," he spoke to himself. "Pull it together." And then, pulling away from the mirror, away from the sink, he turned towards their room; towards her. "I hope you remember how this turned out for you last time..."

"I hope you do," she called back, already headed down the stairs.

"Jesus..." He hissed, stalling in his spot. Then, with a chuckle, a small shake of his head, he patted his pocket and continued on; happy they were jumping right back in.

With a smirk on Maddie's face and Harry's hand inching slowly up her thigh, they made it to Bishop's place in time for dinner. Maddie held close to Harry's side as they waited for the door to open and when it did, they saw the happiest version of Bishop either of them had ever seen.

"Your Royal Highnesses," he was quick with the smirk, fast with the jokes. "Welcome to The Bishop Family home." He stepped aside dramatically as Sampson stepped past him to sweep the house. And though Harry had put on quite the pout at home, the second he saw him, he smiled wide and offered his sincerest, heartfelt congratulations.

"Congratulations Daddy," Harry stepped forward and pulled his lifelong best friend into a tight, firm hug.

"Thank you," Bishop hugged him back, his own emotions still raw from Ella's announcement, from their decisions. And then he turned to Maddie with arms open. "Madeline."

"Bishop." Her lips were tight, her voice small and quick as she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Are you okay love?" Bishop looked between the two of them, searching for a hint.

"No!" She stepped forward; shoulders squared and jaw set. "I am not okay."

"Maddie?" Harry snickered, turning surprised eyes to her.

"I am not okay." She shook her head, stepping right up to Bishop. "You...you...you just took my BEST friend and swept her up and flew her off and you just...you went right on and married her! You didn't even tell us! You didn't even think that the people who love you the most would want to be there!" She reached out a hand then, a hand that seemed to be acting on its own, and she pinched his arm.

"OW!" He cried out, more shocked than anything as he rubbed at his arm.

"Madeline!" Harry couldn't help the laugh that was bubbling through him. "I thought you were fine."

"I'm not fine," Maddie moved to pinch Bishop again.

"Sampson!" Bishop called out into the house as he swatted her hand away; chuckling as he did. "What do you want me to say?"

"An apology wouldn't be out of line." Maddie shrugged as Sampson reappeared, giving them the go-ahead.

"Hey listen," Bishop's smile grew soft and warm as they all stepped inside. "If you think I'm going to apologize for marrying the mother of my child, well...you're going to be disappointed."

"The mother of your child..." Maddie's heart tugged just a bit and she softened just as Ella rounded the corner to join them.

"There she is," Harry clapped his hands together as he moved around Maddie and Bishop to hug Ella close, to kiss her cheeks. The feeling in the entryway shifting as they all came together. "Congratulations love."

"Thank you," she hugged him back and nobody in the room, hell—nobody in London—would be able to deny how happy she looked. She was beaming. "Now...what was all the raucous?" She stepped from Harry's arms and looked to the other two.

"Nothing," Maddie shook her head, taken by how happy their friends were; remembering why she hadn't had an issue before. She turned to Bishop and shrugged one shoulder. "I was just telling Bishop how lucky he was."

"And..." Bishop tossed a wink in her direction, accepting her wordless ceasefire. "I was just telling her how I already knew that."

"Congratulations daddy," Maddie moved to hug him then, her hand smoothing over where she had pinched. She really didn't know what had come over her, but she was glad it had passed.

"Thank you," he hugged her tight and let out a sigh; of relief, of happiness.

"And you..." Maddie turned bright eyes to her best friend, her voice full of humor as she put her hands on her hips. "I get married and you get to ride in a carriage and wave from Buckingham Palace. YOU get married and I get a late night phone call and...what exactly are we having for dinner?" The four of them lit up in laughter as Maddie hugged Ella to her.

"Well," Ella hugged her back. "Why don't we start with drinks and then we can tell you about the party we're planning."

"Party?" Harry perked up. "I like the sound of that."

"I thought you might," Ella nodded to him and, with Maddie's hand tucked into hers, she led them all into Bishop's home—her new home—and off to dinner.

There were more hugs to be had, a few kisses and then champagne; for all but the new, expectant mother. They had a wonderful time reconnecting; talking about Harry's rapidly approaching birthday, about a reception that would be held in October for the newlyweds. And then, after the short ride home, Maddie and Harry continued on in their own efforts; happily, blissfully.