The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 152

Maddie considered her and Harry's first three months to parenthood a lucky one. They had wanted to keep it to themselves for a while, enjoy this little, enormous secret between them for this small amount of time before they had no choice but to start sharing it with everyone around them. And they had been able to do that. Maddie had experienced very little morning sickness, certainly nowhere near what Kate had. And so far she had been able to mask any of the rounding out her body was doing. She had always been played out as curvy in the press, so nobody seemed to notice.

Except for her husband; her shameless, adoring husband who woke her every morning to his own special brand of inspection. His hands would round over her body, checking for changes, noting the slightest dip and bump. Though it might have been enough to make somebody self-conscious, every new curve was cataloged with the widest of smiles, the proudest of sighs and he always, always followed it up with some of the most amazing loving they had shared. Just as they had that morning.

Yes. The first trimester had been brimming with shared secrets, glances that were meant to be just for them, and an insatiable appetite for the other. But this weekend marked the first of their second trimester and they knew that soon it wasn't going to be a secret any longer. So, after the polo match Harry was playing in that warm summer morning, they were heading to Highgrove for the remainder of the weekend where they would be letting Harry's family in on the news.

But first. It was polo time and, as Maddie settled in with Ella, Bishop, and Buckie, Harry readied to go to the field; his eyes never drifting far from his wife—who, in his mind, couldn't be sexier than she was at that exact moment. Happy, relaxed, loose curls blowing in the breeze and glowingly pregnant.

"Okay," Harry clapped his hands together as he glanced around. "I think it's time for me to go. You'll be okay with the Bishops?" His eyebrows lifted up over his sunglasses as he turned a wide grin to her.

"Of course," Maddie nodded with a soft laugh, remembering her very first polo match when he left her with Bishop for the first time. "I promise not to let Bishop buy me drinks."

"That's my girl," Harry's grin widened even further as he moved to her. His head bent to kiss her, his hand reaching out.

"Easy Captain," Maddie caught his hand and pulled it around her waist; her eyes twinkling as her voice dropped. "You touch my stomach out here and the game's over."

"Sometimes I can't seem to help myself," he flashed his eyebrows and tightened his hold on her; drawing her into him as his lips met hers. As far as normal happily married couples go, the kiss was nothing; a few extra seconds, a slight pass of his tongue against her lips, a soft little moan from her. But they weren't simply a normal happily married couple. And the photos snapped in quick succession in those five seconds would be up and shared worldwide before the end of the match.

Handsy Harry had returned. Her Royal Handsiness was back in the game.

"Play well," Maddie had a hard time stepping out of his arms, taking her lips off of his. "Play hard."

"I always do," he winked; his cocky confidence making her want him even more than she normally did. With a deep breath, he stepped further away from her and turned to their two friends standing just off to the side with smirks all their own. "Ella. Bishop..." He leaned in, his fingers pinching lightly at the baby Bishop held tucked in his arms. "Buckie. I'll see you all afterwards." His eyes met Bishop's as an understanding passed between them; a look they shared when they were passing off one of their loved ones into the other's care. Maddie rolled her eyes slightly, her smile tipping up even more. It was silly and ridiculous and should be a little insulting. But she thought it was cute.

"Good luck Harry!" Ella called out as he took a few more steps away from them; his eyes reaching back to Maddie with that love-sick-puppiness that should have faded long ago. "Jesus," Ella groaned. "Get a room."

"Ha!" Maddie clapped her hands together, nodding to her husband who was equally amused. "I'll see you in the stables a little later?"

"Hey!" Harry pointed to her with one hand, covering his heart with the other. "Don't even joke, wife."

"Who says I'm joking?"

"Making promises you can't keep..." He shook his head and took the few quick steps back to her; capturing her lips once more. "Stay out of trouble."

"Get out there and play polo," she narrowed his eyes and, giving the photographers one more to circulate, she slapped his ass and sent him on his way.

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"Okay lovely ladies," they were nearly halfway through the match when Bishop moved from the blanket; standing and brushing off his pants. "I'm going for drinks." He bent to kiss Ella, his fingers stroking her cheek. "What can I bring for you Mum?"

"Ginger ale and mint leaves," Ella kissed him back, squeezing his fingers as he pulled away; standing tall.

"Okay," he nodded and turned his eyes to Maddie. "And you, Your Royal Highness?"

"Same for me please," she smiled up at him as she held Buckie close to her, happy to be cuddling the little baby.

"Got it," his smile pulled higher as he was reminded of the fact that she was expecting. "I'll be back soon."

"Thank you Bishop!" Maddie called out.

"Thank you Bishop..." Ella echoed and watched as he walked away from them. "So..." She leaned closer to her best friend, pulling her eyes away from her husband, her voice dropping. "How are you feeling?"

"Really well actually," Maddie whispered back, dipping to kiss Buckie's soft head.

"I cannot believe you haven't had any sickness at all," Ella sighed. "My entire first trimester was nothing but sickness. I became intimately acquainted with the bathroom."

"Ew..." Maddie's nose wrinkled as she leaned down to talk to Buckie. "Did you make your Mummy sick little man? Did you?"

"It's okay baby," Ella leaned over to kiss his little head. "It was all worth it." She rubbed his head and sat back, her eyes scanning out over the polo match; watching as Harry trotted by. "So. It's the end of your first trimester?"

"Just this week."

"When are you going to let the family in?"

"As a matter of fact," Maddie smiled. "We're going out to Highgrove after the match today. Will, Kate and Arthur will be there." Maddie felt the blush rise to her cheeks. "We're going to tell them then."

"Wow." Ella knew what a big deal it would be; the excitement and the significance.

"And next week when we're in the states, we'll let my family in on it."

"Can you believe it?" Ella sighed again. "Just how fast it's going by. In six months you'll be a mother..."

"No," Maddie shook her head. "If it weren't for the telltale signs, I wouldn't believe it myself."

"What signs?" Ella snickered, her eyes rolling in mock annoyance. "You haven't been sick. You look like you haven't gained an ounce anywhere..."

"Well I have," Maddie narrowed her eyes. "Things are a bit...rounder."

"Nice." Ella laughed.

"And...my hormones...."

"Out of control?" Ella offered.

"You have no idea," Maddie groaned with a chuckle.

"Yes I do." Ella nodded, biting her lips at the memory. "I don't think Bishop's ever worked so hard in his life." With a sigh and a wink, both of them dissolved into laughter on the blanket as the polo match played on.

It wasn't long before Bishop was on his way back to them. Buckie had fallen asleep in Maddie's arms and they had transferred him into his buggy; shaded and cool for his nap. As Maddie watched her husband lead a charge down the field, Ella sat up and focused her eyes on something down the way.

"Okay..." She drew out the word. "Who is that woman with Bishop?"

"Where?" Maddie turned to look, her eyes squinting as she found him walking towards them; drinks in hand. Petite blonde in tow. "Of course." Maddie's voice went flat.

"You know her?" Ella turned to look at Maddie.

"Cassandra Whitworth," the tone of her voice as she said the name, the way her mouth moved around it told Ella all she needed to know. "She went to school with Harry and Bishop at some point, moved away to Japan for her last years of school. Just moved back. I met her a while ago but...I don't know..." Maddie shook her head and moved to rise to her feet. "There's something about her that just....doesn't sit right."

"Yeah?" Ella studied her for a minute and then looked back at her quickly approaching husband. "Is it the fact that she's preoccupying my husband?"

"Yeah. I just...I don't know. But it looks like you're about to see for yourself."

"Fantastic," Ella took a deep breath and rose to her feet just as Bishop and Cassandra approached the blanket.

"Love," Bishop leaned in to kiss Ella and handed over her drink. "Sorry it took so long." He kissed her again; slower and longer.

"It's okay," Ella smiled against his mouth. "Though it seems as though you met somebody..." She turned to the bright-faced blonde standing next to him.

"Ah yes," Bishop's hand stayed at Ella's waist, handing the other drink to Maddie, as he turned to introduce them. "This is Cassandra Whitworth. Cassandra, this is my wife Ella."

"Hi!" Cassandra's smile was wide, her laugh light and bubbly as she extended her hand to Ella. "It's great to meet you."

"Hi," Ella smiled back; sweet and kind. "It's nice to meet you too."

"And you remember Maddie," Bishop smiled to her.

"Of course!" Cassandra moved to hug Maddie's shoulders, surprising all three of them. "It's good to see you again."

"You too," Maddie's smile was sweet as she watched the woman step back from her.

"God, I have to tell you, I can't believe both Bishop AND Hazza are married!" She shook her head with a loud laugh as Ella's eyes snapped to Maddie's and they shared a look. Ella had caught it; the something Maddie had said didn't sit well.

"Pretty wild," Ella's voice dipped flat and Bishop, catching the shift in her tone, couldn't help the smirk that played on his face. Leaning to kiss her cheek, he hugged her tight.

"How did you two manage to snag them both and tie them down?" Cassandra crossed her arms over her chest, looking from one woman to the other.

"Witchcraft," Ella answered without blinking, bringing a snort of laughter from her husband. But before he could whisper in her ear to ease up just a bit, their son cried out from his buggy; awake from his nap. When Ella moved to step away from him, he kissed her cheek and held her still.

"Here, I'll go," he rubbed her back and moved towards the buggy. "I think it's my turn." With a wide, happy smile, he leaned into the buggy and lifted out his squirming little boy. "My son! Is nap time over?" He leaned down and snatched the bag up from the ground. "I'm going to go change him and then I'll feed him..." He leaned to kiss his wife. "I'll be back."

"Okay," she leaned to kiss her son.

"Behave," his eyes leveled with hers as he kissed her again and turned away, leaving the three women together on the side lines.

"So," Ella was the first to speak as they situated back onto the blanket; eyes on the match. "Cassandra. How do you know Bishop and Harry?" He voice stressed only slightly on Harry's name, bringing a smile to Maddie's face even as she looked away.

"We went to school together before I moved to Japan," Cassandra shrugged lightly with a flip of her hair.

"Oh I see," Ella nodded.

"And Haz and I..." The corners of her lips turned up as she kept her eyes forward, the casualness of her words matching her demeanor. "We...dated."

"Oh?" Ella fought to control the look on her face.

"You did?" Maddie smiled, her eyebrows rising a bit as she took in that new information. "Harry didn't mention that."

"No?" The young blonde frowned only slightly as she watched the players ride by.

"No," Maddie shook her head. "Were you young then?"

"Teenagers," Cassandra nodded, looking off at Harry's horse as her eyes grew a bit hazy, a little distant, as though she were drawing from the past, from a memory that made her smile and sigh. "It was one of those things...you know? It was wild and crazy and we were young and in love and free and..." She let out a deep breath and turned her eyes to meet Maddie's. "And then I moved to Japan with my parents and we just...I suppose you could say I was the one that got away."

And then Maddie caught it; the small, tiny flicker in this woman's big, bright eyes that told her exactly what was happening. She wasn't 'an old friend' here to reminisce, she was making an attempt to mark territory. Maddie wasn't sure how to react; surprise, disbelief, straight up laughter?

"Oh really?" She went with intrigue, a small smile curling up the corners of her mouth. "He's never mentioned you before so I suppose he's managed to get over that particular loss." She could see Ella stewing in shock just beyond Cassandra's shoulder.

"I suppose," Cassandra nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before she very casually, very easily shrugged and offered offhandedly, "if you ever really get over that sort of thing." Maddie's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she leaned in, unsure if she had really heard the woman correctly. But before she could say anything, before Ella could open her mouth and smack the woman, Bishop was back with Buckie.

"Okay!" He laughed as he lowered to the blanket with the three of them; oblivious as to what had just occurred. "Both Bishop men have clean pants and bottles...." He glanced to Ella and then to Maddie. "How's the match?"

"Really good," Maddie smiled, her eyes sliding to Bishop as he offered his son a bottle. "You didn't tell me that Harry and Cassandra had been a thing..."

"A thing?" Bishop snickered. "Is that what you would call it?" He glanced across to Cassandra with a wide-eyed, disbelief that made Maddie, in all of her pregnant, emotional glory, feel quite satisfied. "I mean we were what? Twelve? Were we even kissing with tongues then?"

Ella laughed easily, nudging her husband with her foot. "I'm betting you were."

"You know me so well...." He tweaked her foot. "But Harry wasn't."

"I don't even want to know how you know that," Maddie rolled her eyes and laughed; pleased that the conversation was moving in this direction, irritated that Cassandra was there, that she was saying these things so freely and easily.

"Well..." Cassandra exhaled, recovering from the way Bishop had stomped on her mood. "It was a long time ago...but it's good to see him again."

"Yeah." Ella answered flatly. "I bet it is." Bishop's eyes flashed up to her, wondering what he was missing that made her sound like that.

"So..." Cassandra took a breath and leaned forward, looking directly to Bishop. "What's the plan after the match? Is the crew going out for drinks and debauchery? Like we used to?" Maddie could tell she was doing this on purpose, trying to regain some of her standing; her history with Harry, Bishop and their friends.

"Nah," Bishop shook his head, his allegiances clearly defined, even if he had no idea what was going on. "The crew has changed. Ella, Buckie and I are going back to the city and...Maddie, aren't you two headed to Highgrove?"

"Yes," Maddie grinned as she remembered the trip, the reason for it. "We're meeting family for the weekend."

"Ah," Cassandra's eyes shifted down at the blanket.

"But," Bishop offered. "I saw Sean and Kiki at the bar when I picked up the drinks. You should check with them, they might be heading out."

"There you go!" Ella's smile pulled high, her eyes holding onto the sass that was so uniquely her. "You should check with them."

"Good idea." Cassandra rose to her feet, brushing at her pants as she did. "I think I'll go do that now. It was good to meet you and to see you again..." She looked down at Maddie and then out at the field. "He's really riding well today, isn't he?"

"What the..." Ella started but Maddie hurried ahead, her hand moving over her stomach without a conscious thought as she smiled wide up at Cassandra.

"My husband? Yes. Yes he is."

Cassandra smiled down at her, catching her meaning, and with a nod, she turned and left. Ella managed to keep her mouth shut for just enough time for Cassandra to step out of ear shot and then her eyes met Maddie's who were wide with surprise.

"Oh my God."

"I know!" Ella was stunned as she looked to Bishop for answers. "What the hell is her story?"

"Her story?" Bishop lifted his eyebrows as he looked up from feeding his son. "What do you mean?"

"She and Harry dated?" Ella asked.

"Well sure...I guess," he shrugged. "To a twelve year old they did. They sat next to each other in groups, held hands...kissed a couple of times."

"Without tongue," Maddie pointed out.

"I'm sure of it," Bishop winked at her.

"Did you two ever?" Ella nodded to him.

"Nope," he shook his head. "No way."

"Because Harry did?" Maddie asked.

"Yeah," he shrugged again. "After Sunny Pinder, it's been a hands off policy between us."

"Fair enough," Maddie turned her eyes back to the field.

"Sunny Pinder?" Ella's voice dropped.

"Another time love," he flashed a grin in her direction.

"Hmmmm..." Maddie's lips pressed together thoughtfully. "So they dated..."

"They did," Bishop watched her. "Why do you ask?"

"She just...I don't know," Maddie smiled. "When she talked about it, it seemed like it was a little more than that."

"Really? Why?" Bishop turned Buckie over in his arms to burp him.

"Because she SAID it was more than that," Ella rolled her eyes.

"Hmm...I don't know what to say," Bishop shrugged. "Maybe it was to her?"

"Clearly," Ella reached for her drink.

"Harry never said anything at all about dating her," Maddie turned to look at them.

"He probably doesn't remember to be honest. Do you have any idea how many girls have thrown themselves at him over the years? Hundreds."

"That's helping?" Ella snickered.

"Hundreds," Maddie chuckled as she remembered Harry's life before her. "And she was one of them."

"Looks like it." Ella groaned. Bishop, looking between the two of them, watching their faces, leaned in to look at Maddie.

"Please tell me this doesn't bother you."

"Oh it doesn't," Maddie shook her head quickly. "Not at all actually."

"It does ME." Ella interjected.

"Oh Ella, come on..." Maddie looked over at her with a twist of a smile.

"It DOES." Ella made no apologies as she shook her head at them. "You go ahead and be the bigger person. But I'm bothered. If she were talking about MY husband the way she was talking about yours...I would be slap-you-in-your-pretty face bothered."

Bishop couldn't help but laugh at that. "You're crazy love," he winked at his wife and then turned his attentions back to Maddie. "Don't worry about her. My money says Harry doesn't even remember her."

"Well I suppose we'll find out," Maddie shook it off, looking back to the field, back to her husband as his horse galloped by. With a wide smile she waved her fingers at him and nobody—not Maddie, not Ella, not Cassandra, not the press—nobody missed the smile he threw back at her; the nod of his head and the point of his fingers. Nobody.

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After the match was over, after Harry stood on the stand with his team accepting the trophy and the gifts, he hurried over to where Maddie stood with their friends. As he approached, the three of them broke out into a small round of applause.

"Thank you, thank you," Harry rolled his eyes as he leaned to kiss his wife.

"Sweaty, sweaty," Maddie laughed as she kissed him back.

"You like it," he winked; tugging her tighter, making her laugh even more.

"I do, I do," she sighed and hugged him full on; wrapping her arms all the way around him and pressing her lips to his. "You played well today."

"Thank you," he loosened his hold on her and turned to their friends. "Can I cuddle the little one before we have to go?"

"Sure," Ella nodded, happily handing Buckie over to him; watching as Harry took him like a natural.

"How did he do?" Harry nodded down to the smiling little baby.

"Great actually," Maddie watched them both closely.

"And you?" Harry leaned in to kiss her again. "How did you do?"

"Just as well," she grinned, the image of him with Buckie Bishop making her heart soft and her body warm.

"Oh hey," Bishop nodded to Harry as he picked up their blankets and bags. "The ladies had a question for you."

"Oh yeah?" Harry lifted his eyebrows.

"No we didn't," Maddie rolled her eyes.

"Yes you did," Bishop smirked. "Ask him."

"What is it?" Harry looked to Maddie, waiting for her to let him in on whatever they were talking about. But she stalled, feeling silly, and she took a breath and then Bishop moved ahead.

"Did you and Cassandra ever date?" He flinched as Ella smacked his arm.

Harry looked up from the baby with narrowed, confused eyes. "Who?"

"Ha!" Bishop let out a loud bark of a laugh. "See," he nodded pointed eyes to his wife, swinging them to Maddie. "Who?"

"What the hell is going on right now?" Harry watched the exchange.

"Cassandra Whitworth," Maddie supplied with a sigh. "She sat with us for part of the match and told us that the two of you dated."

"Oh..." Harry's eyes squinted in thought and then he shrugged. "Is that what we call it? I was like ten."

"That's what she called it," Maddie smiled at the way he dismissed it all. "She said she was your one that got away."

"What?" Harry snorted. "No she didn't."

"She did," Maddie nodded, looking at Ella who quickly agreed.

"Please," Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't have a 'one that got away' Maddie."

"You sure about that?" Maddie winked at him; playing along.

"I am." Harry arched an eyebrow. "Why are you asking me this? You have something you would like to confess?"

"Please," Maddie chuckled along with the rest of them.

"Come on love," Harry nodded to her. "Who is your one that got away?"

Maddie didn't miss a beat. "Bishop."

"There you go," Bishop winked in her direction.

"I know you think that's funny," Harry's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as he shook his head at her. "But one of these days you're going to push those jokes too far and..."

"Ha!" Maddie laughed into a sigh; letting it go. "Come on."

"Listen..." He smiled, moving closer to her, seriousness settling over his face. "I could have had a one that got away. Many times. But I'm a smart man, love. I'm smart and tenacious and stubborn and...I married her." He shrugged. "That's it. There is no other 'one' for me; never has been. I went after the one and I have no intentions of letting her get away..." He leaned in to kiss her again; slower and softer.

"Awwww..." Ella's head tipped to the side as her smile warmed.

"Smooth," Bishop smiled appreciatively. "Come on. Hand over my son. It's time to get these Bishops back to London."

"Fine, fine," Harry groaned, turning over the baby reluctantly. "We need to head out to the country too I suppose." His eyes danced as he looked to his wife.

"Yes we do," she grinned in return, her mind moving forward to what they were going to do that weekend.

"And we're done talking about Cassandra?" He lifted his eyebrows.

"Who exactly?" Maddie's forehead scrunched up and laughter followed; all thoughts of the young blonde slipping far away from the group.

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"So..." Harry scooped Maddie's hand into his, bringing her fingertips to his lips. "Tell me, love. How do you want to tell them?" They were nearly to Highgrove and Harry had one thing on his mind as he drove.

"Well..." Maddie snuggled closer, her entire face smiling as she looked to him. "If it's okay with you, I thought that maybe I could tell Kate first...alone. Just the two of us."

"Really?" Harry's voice was soft as he glanced down to her.

"Yeah," she nodded, pulling his hand over to her; holding it in both of hers. "I don't want to just drop it in her lap. I don't want to surprise her with it, not after all that's happened."

"You think she's still..."

"No," Maddie shook her head with a smile. "I think she's much better. I think she's...fine. I just want her to hear it in a place where she has time to process...if she needs time to process. Is that okay?"

"Of course," Harry agreed easily. "You'll let me know when it's time to tell everyone else?"

"I will," Maddie loved how fine he was with following her lead, letting her decide how it was going to go. She took a breath and looked out the window at the scenery that flew by, thinking about the reactions they were about to garner. She chuckled to herself. "Your father is just going to...."

"I know," Harry laughed with her. "I know." He pulled their hands back to him; kissing hers again. "I can't wait."

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"I cannot believe he's walking!" Maddie clapped her hands for little Arthur as he toddled around the lawn at Highgrove. They had enjoyed a light lunch with the family and then she and Kate had taken Arthur down by the treehouse while the men went out to shoot.

"I can't believe he's going to be one!" Kate's smile was wide as she watched her son fall to his bum with a little tiny laugh. "Good boy Arthur!"

"Are we going to have a birthday party for you little one?" Maddie bent down to talk to him, letting him hold on to her fingers as he stood back up. "A big birthday party for such a big boy?"

"Gran offered to host something at Buckhouse," Kate explained. "But I think we're going to do something in the gardens at Kensington."

"Oh that will be lovely," Maddie spoke to Kate, her eyes locked on the little boy who was amusing them both; who glowed under such attention. He stood up full and tall and then he let go of Maddie's hands and clapped his together, much like his parents had been doing as he had learned to walk. "Oh my God!" Maddie clapped her hands as she laughed. "He's too precious Kate."

"Isn't he just?" Kate laughed as Arthur toddled away from Maddie, exploring a bit further away from them.

Maddie watched him amble and then with a deep breath, she turned to look at her sister. "Listen, Kate...there's..." Maddie let out a puff of nervous breath, rolling her eyes at her own. "Ha! There's something I want to tell you."

"Oh?" Kate glanced over at her, curious. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

"Yes," Maddie sighed happily. "I'm more than okay. I'm..." She looked down at her hands and then with a small shrug, back up to Kate. "I'm pregnant." It was the first time in quite some time that she had said the words aloud and the emotion caught in her throat.

"Oh my God," Kate whispered, her hand rising and pressing to her chest, her eyes welling up as her smile tugged at her cheeks. "Oh my God! Maddie! You're...you're pregnant? Really?" Her eyes flashed down to Maddie's stomach out of reflex more than in search of evidence.

"Really," Maddie nodded, watching as joy gathered in Kate's face.

"Oh my God!" Kate squealed with laughter as she bounced from her spot. "Come here!" And she was pulling Maddie into her arms in an enormous, joyous hug. "Oh Maddie...Congratulations..." She pulled back to look her in the face and the love that was shared pulled at Maddie's feelings. "Congratulations. I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you," Maddie's emotions brimmed at the abundance of excitement Kate held for her. "Thank you so much Kate..." She was relieved and reassured and thrilled that Kate seemed to have no hint of sadness, not one sliver of anything but happiness for her.

"Oh!" Kate hurried to grab Arthur before he made good mess of Charles' flowers. "Come here little Arthur..." She scooped him up into her arms, bringing him back to where they were. "Your aunt Maddie just told me that she's going to give you a baby cousin! A little baby cousin to play with! Isn't that exciting?!" Kate looked back to Maddie. "How far along are you? When are you due? God, how did Harry react? Did he blow a fuse? Ha...I bet he did...Oh Maddie, Maddie..." She leaned in to kiss her cheek. "I'm so happy for you. Aren't we Arthur?" She bounced the baby in her arms, her eyes moving back and for the between them. "My God. Have you told Charles? When are you going to tell everyone? How are you going to tell everyone?"

"Well..." Maddie laughed at the stream of questions she had for her. "I was actually hoping you might be able to help me with that."

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Maddie watched as their family moved about the room animatedly. This cozy room at Highgrove held such warmth and love and life. She smiled as Charles put on a record, completely ignoring the antiquated jabs from his sons. She watched as Camilla poured a nightcap for her husband, her hand resting lovingly on his back as she handed it off. She watched as Kate returned with little Arthur dressed and ready for bed, sighed when Harry lifted him from her arms with the full intent on sneaking in a last bit of play time before he had to go down for the night. Kate laughed and joined her husband on the couch across from Maddie. And when she looked to the blonde who seemed entranced by her red-headed husband on the floor with the toddling little man, she sighed into her husband's side; clearing her throat.

Maddie heard the sound, lifted her eyes up to Kate and with an already emotional heart, with eyes already holding back the tears she knew were going to come, she nodded and sat her drink on the table in front of her. Looking down at her husband who was holding Arthur up by his fingers, laughing as he bounced and giggled at his Uncle, Maddie smiled. "I'm not sure which one of them is having fun right now; Arthur or Harry."

Will snickered, Charles chuckled, and Kate took a deep breath. "Tell me Maddie, when are you going to let him have one of his own to play with?"

A light laughter rounded the room as Will lifted his eyebrows to his wife, surprised at her question. And Harry; warm, happy Harry, looked right to his wife and he knew. She was ready to break the news.

With a wink to her husband, Maddie grinned. "In about six months actually." And even though Kate had known what was coming, she gasped anyway; she couldn't help it.

"I'm sorry," Charles blinked. "What did you just say?"

Harry scooped Arthur up into his arms and looked right at his father. "She said that in about six months...you're going to be a Papa...." His voice caught in his throat. "Again."

All of a sudden, all at once, that warm, cozy country room that seemed to be on the last few minutes of the downward fade into sleep—became all at once completely alive.

There were shouts of excitement, smattering of applause and a roar of happiness. Maddie was pulled from the couch and into her father-in-law's warm embrace as Harry rose to his feet, letting Camilla kiss his cheeks and ruffle his hair.

Then they switched and it was Camilla's turn to hug Maddie, to offer her congratulations. It was Charles' turn to hug his son tight to him, unabashedly proud and happy.

"Well done," he patted the back of his head.

"Well done?" Will joked, moving into the merriment with a hug to Maddie. "It's she that has to do all the work." He kissed her cheeks. "Congratulations darling."

"Thank you," Maddie hugged him tight before turning to Kate. "And thank you..."

"You're welcome," she hugged her close, speaking into her hair. "I'm so happy for the two of you. Unbelievably happy."

When she stepped out of Kate's arms, she found herself the center of attention. Her cheeks flushed and she laughed nervously. "Okay, carry on with what you were doing..." She waved her hands as they laughed along with her; easing up just a bit.

"Come here," Harry smiled down at her, his eyes dancing with delight. "Well done love."

"Congratulations daddy," Maddie grinned as he leaned to kiss her; Arthur still tucked smiling in his arms.

"I love it when you say that," his grin deepened before he pulled away.

"Me too," she sighed and watched as he spun back around, making Arthur's bubbly laugh sound out into the room. There were tears and sighs and laughter; and a whole lot of love in that room that night.

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

"Hard to tell it's summer out here," Harry stuffed his hands into the pockets of his coat as he and his father walked along the lines of the orchard. "Bloody freezing."

"It is," Charles agreed quietly, the smile that had been on his face since the announcement not fading even a bit.

"Care to tell me where we're going?" Harry lifted his eyebrows.

"Not really, no," Charles answered easily, bringing laughter from his son who followed along without much question, without any argument. As the excitement had begun to quiet in the house, after Kate had taken Arthur to bed, after everyone began to retire, Charles had handed Harry his coat and nodded for him to follow. So Harry had kissed his wife and done as requested.

Harry took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill his lungs, his eyes turning up to the sky as they walked past the last of the trees and towards the tree house, towards the area they had played in as children. Though he didn't know the point of this walk just yet, though he didn't understand the significance at that moment—he could feel his emotions begin to bubble.

The sound of their pace, of the crunch of earth beneath them, of the rustle of the breeze; it was comforting and soothing. The sky was cloudless; the stars bright, the moon brighter. And there was a natural ease between them; father and son. It was nice; wonderfully nice.

They passed through the grass, walked by the treehouse to the end of the lawn and then they slowed to a stop. Harry watched as his father reached into the inside pocket of his coat, pulling out two cigars and a lighter.

"What's this?" Harry smirked, delighted as Charles handed one over, pulling one into his mouth.

"We're celebrating," Charles' voice was low as his fingers brought the flame to his cigar. Puffing twice, he passed the lighter to his youngest son.

"Thank you," Harry took the small silver rectangle from his father and followed his lead.

"You're going to be a father..." Harry watched his father as he said the words, as though they were still sinking in. "Goodness Harry. A father."

"I can't get over it either," Harry chuckled. "Every day since she told me I've just been in this...blissful haze."

"Sure," Charles nodded, understanding completely. "How is she doing? Has she been sick?"

"No," Harry shook his head, seeing the concern on his father's face. "She's felt well nearly the entire time."

"And the baby..." Charles puffed. "The baby is fine?"

"The baby is perfect," Harry's face grew smug. "But how could it not be."

"Of course," Charles laughed; loving the qualities that made up his son. He took another drag, a deep breath and then, as his eyes grew a little far off, as his smile pulled higher and deeper, he pulled the cigar from his mouth and nodded just behind where Harry stood. "You see this tree?"

"The English Oak?" Harry turned to look, his cigar perched out of the corner of his mouth.

"Yes," Charles nodded, stepping past his son, his hand reaching out to touch the bark. He stood there for a moment, looking it over and when he spoke, his voice was low and soft. "We planted it, your mother and I, the year you were born." Harry's emotions swelled in his chest. "There's one for Will across over there," he nodded his head but stayed focused. "And this one is yours..." He let out a deep rumble of laughter. "It's grown stronger and taller than your brother's. But let's not tell him that."

Harry snorted in laughter. "Of course," he agreed.

"You know that I would give anything to have her here tonight," when his father's eyes rose to meet his, Harry was silenced by the look in them. "She would have loved being a grandmother, loved watching you become a father. She would have brought champagne and hugged you until you groaned and insisted she release you..." Charles looked off in the distance as Harry fought with the tears in his eyes, in his throat.

"I can't imagine ever insisting such a thing," Harry's voice was nearly a whisper as he allowed himself a blink of a moment to imagine it.

"No, no," Charles shook his head. "Me neither." He took a deep breath, allowing them both a beat to gather their emotions. "She would have been proud...as am I. Incredibly proud of the man you've become, of the family you are growing. Madeline is..." Charles shook his head, his face warming as he thought of the young woman who was very much a daughter to him.

"I know," Harry breathed; reverent as he thought of her. "I know she is."

"Good," Charles nodded. "Good that you know."

A contented sort of silence settled over them and they both embraced it, happy to be there in each other's company, happy to sit with their thoughts on that clear, cool night in the country.

"You know..." Harry was the first to speak, his fingers reaching out to the bark of 'his' tree. "I know that you are aware of the conversations I've been having."

"Which conversations are those?" Charles squinted as he looked to him.

"Of leaving the Army Air Corps."

"Ah..." Charles nodded. "Yes. I suppose I am aware of your inquiries."

Harry nodded, taking another puff of his cigar, looking up at the way the tree grew; tall and strong and sturdy. "I've made a decision." He took a breath; surprised at the feeling of levity that surrounded him as he said the words, as he let his father in. "I've asked Thomas to prepare a statement to be read in two weeks' time..." The corner of his mouth turned up. "I'll be leaving my commission and moving to a London office before the end of the month."

"I see," Charles acknowledged the words, studying his son closely. "You're sure this is what you want?"

"Sorry?" Harry looked to him then; confused and Charles continued.

"Not what I want or what your wife wants?" He lifted his eyebrows. "This is your decision Harry?"

"Yes," he answered immediately with conviction and resolve. "Absolutely this is my decision. Father I'm...Maddie is pregnant. This is...this is what I've wanted my entire life and now I'm going to have it. In six months I'm going to be..." Harry shook his head, a light laugh pushing through his lips. "It seems like just this morning that she's told me. But in fact it's been three months. And in six short ones, I'm going to...I'm going to be a father..." Harry took in a breath; an easy, happy breath. "This is absolutely my decision..." He met his father's eyes, thankful for the concern, and he held them and when he spoke his voice was deep and low and neither of them could escape the significance of his words. "It's always too fast father. It never...it never slows down." He blinked at the onslaught of emotion. "I can't miss it. I can't miss any of it."

"Well okay then son," Charles' voice cracked as he watched his son; the man, the husband, the father—as he watched him walk with ease into this role he had coveted so long. "Okay." The air was heavy between them, weighted with the news of the day, with the words and emotions that had passed there that night.

And Harry, ever the one to break the tension, ever the one to offer a smile, looked up at the tops of the trees and smirked. "Bigger and stronger than Will's?"

Charles couldn't help the loud laugh that sounded from his lungs, his head tossing back as he nodded. "Yes Henry. Bigger and stronger."

"Well," Harry shrugged; smug and pleased. "There you go."

"There you go." Charles nodded, moving to put his arm around his son's shoulders as they both began to walk; slowly and peacefully back to the house.

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

When Harry returned to his room that night, it was dark and quiet. He tried not to make noise as he snuck in, tried to keep it down as he shed his clothes, stepping into the bathroom to brush his teeth before he went to bed. As he slipped in between the covers, he tried not to move too much, tried not to jostle or pull or nudge her awake. She was sleeping so peacefully there in that bed; snug and tucked in and beautiful. He didn't want to wake her, would hate to disturb her sleep.

So he moved quietly and slowly and he settled there on his own pillow. Sighing, he let his body relax, let his mind come down from his talk with his father, from the walk and the words and the way the cold air had perked him awake. He blinked, scrubbed a hand up over his face and he turned to look at her.

He would never tire of looking at her, never find boredom in studying her face, her curves, her smile, her eyes. God how he loved her. He swallowed back the emotions that seemed to always come when he thought of how lucky he was; how blessed his life had been. With another sigh, he smiled and reached out, bringing the blankets closer around her; tucking her in.

And then, quite unexpectedly, her lips curled into a smile and without opening her eyes, she spoke to him. "I can feel you watching me Wales..." Her eyes pulled open, her smile crept higher.

"I can't help it," Harry grinned. "Maybe you should try sleeping under the pillow or something?"

"Think that would help?" Maddie's nose scrunched up as her arms came out from under the blanket.

"I think it might," he nodded with a chuckle.

"Can I come in?" She nodded to the spot on his chest, the place under his arm.

"Of course," he lifted his arm, lifted the blankets, and sighed as she snuggled right up to him; close and tight and warm.

"Where did you go?" She asked as she settled in.

"For a walk," Harry's arms moved around her, his fingers gracing up and down her arm. "Out on the grounds."

"Yeah?" She yawned and inched even closer to him.

"Yeah..." He breathed, turning to kiss the top of her head. "I have a tree."

"You do?" She laughed lightly. "Just one?"

"Mmmm," Harry nodded. "But it's bigger and stronger than Will's."

"Of course it is," Maddie snickered, finding his musings adorable. "Well..." She turned in his arms, looking up at him. "We told the family."

"We did," his eyes were bright in the moonlight, his fingers lifting to tuck her hair from her face. "And in one week we'll tell the Colorado contingent."

"Yes we will," Maddie scooted further up him; more onto his chest, closer to his face. "Can I just say something?"

"Of course," Harry nodded; his hands smoothing over her back.

"I love being your wife," her words were sweet and kind and it pulled at his heart. "I love being your wife and your friend and I'm really going to love being the mother of your children. I just...I just really want you to know that."

Finding far too few words in his brain than were needed to adequately reflect all that he was feeling, Harry nodded his head and lifted up from his pillow. His hand was gentle behind her head as he pulled her in to meet his lips.

He was soft as he kissed her; soft and warm and thorough. The way his lips moved against hers, the way his tongue begged for admission to her mouth—it was all meant to convey the emotions that were pulsing through him; from their announcement, from the congratulations, from the walk with his father.

From the knowledge that their child, the baby they had created was growing right then, right there in that room, in her body. He would never ever get over just how much it all meant to him.

So when she deepened the kiss, when she moaned into his mouth, he wrapped his arms around her and he moved them both; turning her back onto the mattress and leaning over her. His lips teased away from hers as his eyes opened to look down at her.

"Are you okay?" He whispered, his hands running lovingly over her; down her side, up under her shirt.

"Yes," she nodded, her body moving towards his hand; arching out to him.

"You know that if it ever becomes too uncomfortable or you're worried about hurting the baby or..." He nudged her knees apart, making home between them as she chuckled.

"Aw come on Captain," she ran her hands up his arms to his shoulders, loving the feel of him pressed against her. "You're impressive but that baby's all the way up there..."

"That's not what I meant," his eyes narrowed as he shook his head. "I just meant that if..."

"Shhh...." She pressed her fingers to his lips, moving her hips against him, knowing the exact reaction she would garner. "Come on baby..." She pulled him down for a kiss. "Make love to me?" She whispered against his lips, moaning into his mouth. "Please....please...."

He didn't need a third please; didn't even need the first. He was so incredibly in love with her, in lust with her. He had only needed her reassurances that she was still comfortable with him over her, with the way he pressed against her. Though there would come a time when their lovemaking would change, when their growing baby would necessitate a position change...on this night, in this room, Maddie longed for his body over hers, for the way he moved in and out of her, for the way they connected in that warm, delicious way. And as his hands moved her out of her clothes, as his lips moved her into this heavenly place with him, she wasn't sure she had ever felt closer to him; ever more in tune.

And it made her so incredibly happy.