The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 157

The next morning came quicker than others; for both Harry and Maddie. As he trudged his hungover self back into the shower hoping for a burst of energy, she hurried happily to the spare room to scoop up a rustling Buckie; allowing his mother just a bit more sleep.

"Good morning Buckie Bishop..." She cooed into his ear, pressing her nose and her lips to his soft head and inhaling. "How about Aunt Maddie gives you breakfast this morning?" She didn't wait for any sort of confirmation as he wiggled and stretched in her arms. Reaching for a fresh diaper and some wipes, she carried him downstairs to the kitchen.

As she readied the bottle exactly the way she had seen Ella do it the night before, she laid the peaceful little baby out on the couch and quickly changed his diaper. Zipping up his pajamas, she lifted him up and went to fetch the bottle. Settling into her large, over-sized chair, with this sweet little baby tucked into her arms as she fed him was the best way to wake up.

The absolute best way.

Her week had already been full of such warm, amazing moments. With the discovery of her bump on Monday, followed by the announcement and then the party, the week had been kicked off in only the sweetest of ways. They had polo today and a benefit gala the next and finally on Thursday, they could begin what she hoped would be a long, peaceful weekend.

She bent to kiss Buckie's forehead as he sucked at the bottle excitedly; his tiny little fingers curling around her pinky as she held it in place.

"You know..." Her voice was soft and melodic as she spoke to him. "I could make a joke here about your father passing on his love for the bottle..." Her lips curled higher. "But I suppose that wouldn't be appropriate." Her muffled laugh faded out as she heard a clearing of a throat. Her eyes swung up from the baby in her arms to see her husband just stepping into the room; showered and dressed and looking only half as ragged as he had first thing.

"Don't worry about propriety, love," he bent to kiss her. "Make the joke." His eyes turned animated as he looked down at the baby in her arms. "Good Morning little man...already making an adorably childlike play for my wife?" His fingers stroked his cheeks. "You are just like your father."

"Oh hush," Maddie brushed his hand away, watching as he walked towards the kitchen; his hand rubbing at the back of his neck. "How are you feeling this morning Captain?"

"Tired," he sighed, turning to flash a wide smile in her direction. "And not just because of our midnight romp."

"Midnight?" Maddie snickered. "It was three in the morning." She pulled the nearly empty bottle back from Buckie and lifted him up to burp him. "You never told me....how did the party turn out?"

Her eyes met his and he blinked and then shrugged and turned away from her; in search of energy and refueling. "It was fine." He called back. "Standard Bishop party; Scotch, music..."

"Women," a voice called out from the other side of the room.

"Sorry?" Harry's voice went high as he looked to Ella; rumpled and grinning.

"You said a standard Bishop party," she yawned as she made her way over to Maddie and Buckie. "I just assumed that meant some wild women..." She was smiling as her attention turned completely. "Good morning my favorite little man...did you convince your Aunt Maddie to feed you?"

"More like I convinced him," Maddie grinned as she lifted the baby up to Ella; warmth spreading to the tips of her toes to watch the way her best friend looked at her son—the way he cooed back to her.

"How was the party?" Ella nestled her son close and glanced back to Harry. "Did Bishop behave himself?"

"Of course," Harry called back, returning to his hunt in the kitchen.

"Did he burn down the house?" Ella's lips turned sarcastic.

"It was still standing when I left but I cannot speak for what occurred after that."

"Fair enough," Ella shrugged as the three of them chuckled.

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It was a beautiful day; warm, but not hot; a light breeze and the sun was out. It was a great day to play polo and an even better one to sit on the sidelines and cheer. The season was nearing a close and the fall was almost upon them and it seemed as though everyone was coming out to see off the last bit of summer. It was a crowded field; crowded sideline. Kate and Arthur were there to cheer on William who would be playing on the opposing team as Harry. Zara and Mike and Mia were making an appearance, as were Peter and Autumn and the girls. Maddie felt surrounded by little ones as she made her way to the tent.

She also felt surrounded by watchful eyes. Since Harry's impromptu announcement the day before, the media frenzy had erupted. Reporters, paparazzi, and fans alike were all over the stories about Harry finally becoming a father. They were all vying for the photos that were bound to come; the first real glimpse of Maddie's bump and ultimately the first shot of Harry touching Maddie's bump were high on the list of expectations. Aside from the buzz around her, there was also an influx of congratulations; of the sincerest of well wishes being expressed to the couple. People who had watched Harry grow, watched him speak of his desires to have a family—they were now watching as he was creating just that. And it seemed to have a magical sort of feel to it.

So as Maddie made her way across the green, a few long strides ahead of Harry, she smiled as the heads turned. She offered small waves and a nod of her head as people called out to her; Congratulations! Way to Go! Bravo! And just as she noticed a small gathering of photographers towards the gate snapping away, she slid her sunglasses onto her eyes and turned up the path to the tents.

No sooner had she began towards her family, towards her friends, was she interrupted with the bright, bubbliness that almost made her teeth hurt.

"Maddie!" A mix of surprise and something else flashed into her wide eyes as she stepped into Maddie's line of vision.

"Cassandra," Maddie stalled in her path, a bit taken aback by her sudden materialization. "Wow...you surprised me." Her hand pressed to her chest as she took a breath. "I had no idea you were going to be here today."

"Yeah," she sighed with a wide smile. "The season's almost over, I couldn't miss one of the last chances to see the boys play. You know?"

"I do," Maddie nodded, her jaw tightening as she tried to tell herself to calm down; to take a breath.

Cassandra's smile curled in a way that confused Maddie. "We missed you at the party last night."

"Sorry," Maddie chuckled. "The party?"

"At Bishop's," her lips curled higher.

"Ah yes," Maddie nodded; her eyes narrowing. "I must have left before you arrived."

"Must have," Cassandra shrugged lightly. "What a night though...right?" And just as her eyes glanced up over Maddie's shoulder, just as her lips pressed shut, Maddie heard Harry catching up with them. And then she watched as the woman before her seemed to transform into a girl with a crush. "Harry!" Her voice was too big, too excited.

"Hey," he nodded, barely acknowledging the young woman at all before he turned to Maddie. "Kate is up in the tent and I know they were all waiting for you. Is everything okay over here?" His eyes glanced over to Cassandra in the same quickness it took him to blink.

"Yes," Maddie smiled, her hand running down his arm; finding it charming how he looked out for her, appreciating in this moment his need to make her feel as comfortable as possible. Maddie's hand reached into his as she turned a smile to Cassandra. "If you'll excuse us," she took a step away, pulling Harry with her. "Our family is waiting...and the match is about to start. Enjoy your day."

Cassandra blinked and recovered and nodded her head, her eyes unable to tear too far away from Harry as she took in a breath and called out, "you too!"

And just like that Harry and Maddie were on their way to the tent. Though Maddie was surprised by the quick dismissal on Harry's part, she was thankful for his arm leading her away because the last thing she wanted to do was to spend this day next to a woman who was so clearly, and so unashamedly still hung up on her husband.

"You didn't tell me that Cassandra was at the party..." Maddie smiled up at him.

"No?" His eyes squinted in the sun. "Guess it didn't cross my mind," he shrugged as they stepped up to the tent.

"There she is!" Mike's voice boomed among the crowd as he spotted her. And as the family convened around them; hugs and kisses, congratulations and way-to-announce-that-big-boy, Maddie let all thoughts of the party, of Cassandra, slip from her mind.

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As soon as Harry left Maddie in the tent surrounded by family, he moved just outside to the railing and sought out his best friend. Standing right next to him, his voice dropped; his eyes flashing back to the group. "Listen, would you do me a favor?"

"Of course," Bishop answered without a thought; recognizing the tone and the look in his eye. "What do you need?"

"I need you to..." He exhaled, looking down at his shoes before he continued. "I need you to run interference for me."

"Who?"

Harry took a deep breath and looked out over the green. "...Maddie and Cassandra."

"Okay," Bishop blinked; his voice shifting in the slightest as he took that in. "You want to tell me why I'm doing this?"

"Do I need to?" Harry's gaze shifted away from his best friend, out to the crowd.

"No," Bishop shook his head. "I suppose you don't."

There was a moment of slightly strained silence between them before Harry gave in a bit. "She was just...Cassandra...she was kind of all over me at your party; wouldn't leave me alone and Maddie already isn't fond of her and the press is out of control with the announcement and...Jesus. The last thing I want is to add stress to my pregnant wife's day so could you please just keep them apart..."

"Of course," Bishop held up his hands. "Of course. I'll keep them apart."

"Thank you," relief was evident in his eyes; in the deep breath he took. "Thank you. Listen, I need to get out there but I really appreciate this."

"No problem," Bishop shook his head watching as Harry took half a step away from him. "But listen...if you...if you fucked up, I think maybe..." Bishop's words trailed off as he was met with a hard, dark glare from his best friend. "Never mind." He shook his head. "Ease up. I'll keep them apart."

"Thank you," Harry exhaled; looking back at his wife, at his family, his shoulders eased and he offered a small smile to Bishop. "Thank you."

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Maddie felt amazing the next night as she drifted around their room readying for the Gala Benefit Dinner they were scheduled to attend. Her hair was done, her makeup finished and she had a little bit of time before she needed to step into her dress and shoes. So she spent it sitting with her legs crossed in the middle of their bed watching her husband put on the many layers of his tux.

"You know..." She felt a little light and giddy as she watched him move about their room. "I find it oddly appealing to watch you dress."

Harry, still wearing just boxers and an undershirt as he leaned over to pull on his socks, looked up to her with an amused expression. "Is that so?"

"It is," she nodded, her eyes dancing as she held his gaze. "Don't get me wrong, the undressing is still a particular favorite of mine but..." She bit her lower lip and shook her head as he reached for his crisp, pressed, white shirt. "Captain..."

"Hey now," he eyed her, holding up a finger with a warning in his voice. "Watch that look. We have to go out. We cannot stay here and...undress and dress each other all night."

"No?" She laughed.

"No," he laughed along with her, sliding one arm into his shirt when his phone buzzed on the dresser. Reaching for it, he glanced at the screen and tossed it back on the dresser; without thought. He pulled his other arm into his shirt and tugged on the front; bringing it to the middle as he began to button. "Though I would love to do just that."

"Hmmm..." Maddie smiled. "You know, Libby and I met today about Carl Phillips' wedding."

"Yeah?" Harry glanced up from his buttons.

"I have to choose a tiara," she nodded, her fingers playing with the fabric of her robe. "And you have to wear your uniform."

"I know," he chuckled. "You going to watch me put that on too?"

"I might," she winked at him as he reached for his buzzing phone again. His brow creased and his eyes narrowed as he tossed it back to the dresser. "Everything okay?" She nodded to the phone.

"Of course," he turned his face back to her. "Tell me love, are you wearing that to the gala tonight?"

"This lovely robe?" She ran her hand down over the slick material with a smirk. "I just might. Think they would still talk about my bump?"

"Oh absolutely," Harry nodded his head and stepped into his pants. "Though my focus might shift slightly higher." He wagged his eyebrows as he looked to her slightly exposed cleavage.

"So charming," Maddie shook her head with a sigh. "You know I was thinking...It shouldn't be too much longer before you get to feel this baby move."

"Really?" His entire face brightened as he tucked and pulled and adjusted his clothing.

"Really," she warmed at his reaction. "The books say any day now..." Her hand rand down over it. "And then we'll find out if it's a boy or a girl and then before we know it..." She looked up at him. "Life as we have grown accustomed to is over."

"Thank God," his eyes were sweet as he moved to her; a light chuckle on his lips as he bent to kiss her. "I can't wait till he's here."

"Me too," she smiled as he stood tall, her finger traveling down his chest as she looked him over.

With a buzz, his phone cut into her wandering naughty thoughts about her husband. "God Damn it," Harry's hand patted hers as he turned to look at the dresser; eyes glaring and jaw tight.

"Seriously, Harry....what is with the phone tonight?" She stretched her arms up over her head as he moved to pluck it up into his hand. "Do you need to call somebody back or..."

"No," his answer was short as he pushed and held down the power button. "I'll just turn it off," he slid it into his pocket and reached for his tie; his mood shifting just a bit. "Thomas will be with us if anybody needs anything."

"Okay..." Maddie sighed and slipped off the bed; moving over to him. As her hands slid around his waist, she leaned her body into his, staring up at him flirtatiously. "I'm going to go put on my dress...would you like to come watch?"

"Hmmm...." His face softened as he looked down at her, his lips curling up at the corners. "I doubt you would make it into the dress."

"Oh..." She took in a breath and shrugged her shoulders. "Think it would be the most terrible thing if we didn't make it tonight?"

"Ha!" Harry's head tossed back. "You know I'm in but I'm afraid you were raised with a better work ethic...more responsibility..."

"Boo," Maddie pouted playfully, though she knew they were joking. "Okay Captain. I'm going to get dressed. I'll see you soon."

"You will," he nodded and watched as she stepped away from him, as she walked to the door to their room; heading down the hall where Ms. Ellis and her dress awaited. "Hey Maddie?"

She turned to look at him; looking sweet and almost angelic in their doorway, the soft lights illuminating her from behind, her hair in twists and turns on her head. "Yeah?"

Harry had to blink at the surprising tears in his eyes, had to swallow at the lump that had formed in his throat, had to take a breath to calm his heart. "I love you."

"Oh Captain," she smiled, her head tipping to the side. "I love you too. See you soon." With a flash of a grin and a small wave, she disappeared from his line of vision.

Collecting his breath, his mind—pulling at his focus—Harry returned to getting dressed, trying his damnedest to stay in this moment and not to worry about anything else.

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It was like clockwork now, her body rousing her in the middle of the night for a drink or a trip to the restroom; she could set her watch to it. She sighed as she opened her eyes; her ears taking in the patter of rain outside. Though she wasn't surprised to find herself awake in the middle of the night, even after the long, wonderful evening they had just had, she was quite surprised to find herself alone.

"Harry?" She called out into the dark room as she sat up; glancing towards the still dark and open bathroom. "That's...weird..." She pulled the blankets back and looked around as she made her way to the bathroom. He had been tired when they had gone to bed. They had danced and ate and conversed their way around the gala and, after arriving home late, they had both nearly passed out in their bed; exhausted.

Though she was confused, though she had every intention of seeking him out, her body had other plans first. So she headed to the bathroom. After a few minutes and a nice long cold drink of water, she made her way out of their room and began her search.

It wasn't too difficult to find him; the light in his office gave him away every time. As she stood in the doorway, she looked him over; taking in the set of his shoulders, the way his fingers were pushed into his red mess of hair as he hunched over his phone as he sat at his desk.

"Harry?" She called out him; startling him the tiniest bit as he lifted his face to look at her.

"Jesus..." His hand moved to his heart.

"Are you okay?" She chuckled, stepping into the room as he took a deep breath.

"Yes, God...you scared me," he blinked wildly as he stuffed his phone into his pocket and looked up at her.

"Sorry," she stood before him, her hands moving through his hair, down to the back of his neck. "What are you doing down here?"

"I don't know," he shook his head, his hands reaching out to her; falling softly on her hips as his smile instantly pulled higher. He loved having her there, loved being able to see her and feel her. "I guess I couldn't sleep."

"Something on your mind?" Her fingers ruffled into his hair again, her eyes soft and sweet as she looked down at him.

Swallowing, he looked up at her for a beat, his eyes searching hers before he inhaled and shook his head; looking away. "No...no..." He rose from his chair then, taking her hand into his. "Just woke up and was restless and I didn't want to wake you and...what are you doing up? Everything okay?"

"Yes," she rolled her eyes as he lead her over to the couch. "Bathroom, drink."

"The usual?" He snickered lightly as he sat down. "Want to come sit with me for a bit?" He pulled easily at her hand, lifting his arm up to the back of the couch; welcoming her in.

"I would love to," she sank down next to him; her legs stretched out next to his to prop up on the table in front of them.

"Here we go..." Harry pulled the soft blanket off the back and draped it over the two of them. As Maddie tucked into his side, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close; her head pressing into the side of his chest.

"This is nice..." She yawned, already feeling the sleep drift back to her; his heart beat in his chest, his steady breathing along with the rain outside lulling her easily back to slumber. "Will you talk to me? Let me hear your voice?"

"Of course," He smiled as his fingers traced up and down her arm. "What would you like me to tell you? A story to put you to sleep?"

"Anything," she shook her head, her eyes pulling closed as she snuggled in. "Anything at all..."

"Well okay then..." He couldn't help but grin wide as he looked down at her; already three quarters of the way back to sleep. His voice adjusted; deep and steady as he began to talk to her. At first it was nothing of significance; the people he had spoken to that night at the event, his plans for the next day's work. He had an early morning; meetings and a lunch and then more meetings before he would finally be home.

And as her breathing slowed, as her weight grew a bit heavier, his words grew more serious; more poignant.

"I can't believe we're going to be parents Madeline..." His smile pulled high; tired. "It seems almost unreal actually..." He pressed his lips together as he thought back over the week. "When you called me into the bathroom Monday morning to show me...I just..." He shook his head with a soft chuckle and eyes nearing a place where tears would come. "It was really something...to see that the baby was growing, that he's getting bigger and...God Maddie, the changes it's making to you..." He sucked in a breath and held in a laugh when she let out a soft little groan of a response. "You're so beautiful..." His fingers moved to stroke her hair. "They said you would glow...and I thought it would be later but you do...you glow..." He looked her over then, his eyes focusing in on her. "I don't know what I did to deserve this...to deserve your time and your heart and...and the second chances you've given me when I've messed up and Maddie..." He pulled his eyes away from her for a beat, his emotion catching in his throat. "God Maddie. I was so elated on Monday; to see the baby and the bump and...I just threw myself into celebration and..." He turned back to her, his finger moving to stroke her cheek. "Maddie..." He whispered. "I need to tell you something..." His big blue eyes blinked at the emotions building up behind them. "I need to...can you wake up love?" He hated himself for waking her but he couldn't help it. "Madeline...please...I need to talk to you and...I haven't been able to sleep and you need to know....I..." He looked out into his office and took a deep breath. "Maddie....love..."

"Shhhh....." She groaned from her sleepy state; her eyes not moving, her lips barely parting. "I'm tired Captain. The baby...he's tired..." She nudged him as she snuggled closer. "Please let me sleep....we can...talk...tomorrow..." And just like that, she drifted right back to sleep; her mind only mildly awake for the seconds it took her to hush him.

His lips curled into a smile, despite the sadness in his eyes. Turning his face from hers, he bit at his lip, he swallowed the lump in his throat and he took a deep breath. "Okay," he agreed. The last thing he wanted in the world was to upset her, make her more uncomfortable. "Okay."

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When Maddie woke the next day, she was back in her bed; alone. Though she had known he would be gone in the morning, she was surprised of her location. The last thing she remembered was snuggling up to his side in his office. She chuckled at herself; completely missing the part when she came upstairs and got back in bed.

It was a relatively easy morning for her in her home office. She was reading through updates, making plans for future events, and fielding the massive amounts of congratulations that continued to pour in. Notes, messages, and bouquets of flowers had been sent from all corners of the globe. She would never get over the humor that came with world leaders congratulating her and Harry on having unprotected sex. She giggled as she passed their living room, a cup of tea in her hand as she moved back towards her office.

When the phone rang out into the house, she was startled at first; confused to hear the landline ringing. It wasn't something serious; protection hadn't burst in, none of the household staff was at the door. Taking a sip from her cup, she leaned on the couch; reaching to answer.

"Hello?"

"Maddie?" The too bubbly voice responded.

"Yes," Maddie tried to control the sigh that pushed through her lips.

"It's Cassandra." Maddie took a breath and fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Sorry to bother you but there's something I...need to talk to you about; something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

"Sure," Maddie pulled her lips into a smile and shrugged her shoulders. "What did you need to talk about?"

In the two seconds of silence, Maddie could feel a slight dip in her stomach, she could feel the hair on the back of her neck begin to stand; as though her body knew before her mind exactly what was about to happen.

"Harry."

Of course, Maddie cleared her throat and took another breath. "You want to talk about Harry?"

"I do," she was quieter than normal but her voice was steady. "There's something you should know about Harry and..."

"Yeah, listen," Maddie cut in; wanting to head this off before it got anywhere near where Cassandra was headed.

"Harry and I," Cassandra continued on. "There's something you should know about Harry and I."

"I'm sorry," Maddie's chuckle had a bitter tinge to it. "Harry and you?" She couldn't believe it was this again. "Listen, Cassandra, I've heard all the details of your time together as children. I don't think..."

"This isn't about that," Cassandra cut in. "It's about Harry and I...now."

"Excuse me?" Maddie's forehead scrunched together. "Now?"

"Yes," Cassandra took a shaky breath. "I'm guessing he hasn't told you..."

"Told me what?" Maddie's pulse began to pound.

"That we..." She stammered, as though she wasn't certain, as though she were nervous; afraid. "We..."

"We what?" Maddie's eyebrows shot up.

"There's something...going on...between Harry and I."

Maddie's eyes blinked, her heart thudded and then...she laughed. "Listen, Cassandra..."

"You think this is funny?" The woman on the other end of the phone grew tense; angry.

"I think it's hilarious," Maddie nodded her head; her jaw tightening. "That you would pick up the phone and call up the pregnant wife of your childhood crush and...what? What exactly is it that you're trying to tell me here?"

"I'm trying to tell you..." Cassandra's voice rose for a moment before she gained control, before she calmed down. "I'm trying to...I just thought you should know. Harry...he...he is worried about you and..."

"Stop. Stop talking to me like you know him better than I do," Maddie's eyes grew dark.

"But I do," Cassandra exhaled.

"You have an awful lot of nerve..." Maddie rose to her feet and stood in the middle of their living room as her blood boiled.

"And you don't have a clue!" Cassandra cut her off; something in the tone of her voice silencing Maddie. "We...since I came back, our friendship has reignited and...and we've spent more and more time together and we've grown close."

"Cassandra..."

"And he talks to me," she sounded shaky as she continued. "He does. He confides in me. I know that you two were struggling to get pregnant before I came home. I know you fought before he was deployed; that you were upset that he was leaving, that you had to stop trying..."

"Hold on..." Maddie's heart jumped into her throat as Cassandra began to lay out details from her relationship with Harry; details she hadn't even discussed with Ella.

"I know you were upset when he went away and..." Her voice grew teary. "When he had the accident..."

"Stop," Maddie shook her head; her stomach turning as her brain tried to make sense of what she was hearing.

"He told me you were upset with him; that you hated that he didn't come right home..."

"How..." Maddie's voice was strangled, her throat tight. "How do you know that?"

"He told me," Cassandra whispered. "He told me that you fought when he came home and that you were struggling but then you got pregnant right after Norway and..."

"Stop," Maddie blinked at the tears that came; she knew too much about them. Too much.

"He's confused. He doesn't know what to do..." Cassandra continued. "If you weren't pregnant it might be different but you are and I know he doesn't want to upset you..."

"I don't believe you," Maddie whispered; less convinced than she sounded. "I don't know how you know all of this but I don't believe that he would tell you this, that he would..."

"But he did," Cassandra's voice rose. "How else would I know..."

"I don't know," Maddie shook her head violently. "I don't know how you know these things but it doesn't mean that..."

"I was with him Monday night." The words fell into Maddie's ears with a deafening thud. Cassandra seized the silence and continued. "At Bishop's house. You left early and he stayed..."

"Listen..." Maddie held up her hand, her strong exterior beginning to crack as her mind reached out over the week.

"He was coming off the high of the announcement and he was drunk and wild and very much the Harry that I remember." Maddie shook her head; trying to push her brain away from everything that had been odd since Monday; the way he had dismissed Cassandra at polo, the way he had shut off his phone to avoid the texts just the night before, the look in his eyes that she hadn't quite made sense of. "And we stayed up late talking and laughing and..."

"No," Maddie shook her head. "I don't believe you." And she wanted more than anything in the world to believe what she was saying. "You're delusional and jealous and lying and..."

"I was with him Monday night Maddie," Cassandra's voice grew tight, cold; angry. "He was drunk and wearing that soft flannel shirt of his and when he kissed me...his lips tasted like Scotch. And honey."

And that did it. If Cassandra wanted to hit home, if she wanted to level Maddie with her words—those were the ones to use. And she couldn't take it any longer; couldn't listen, couldn't fight. She didn't bother to disconnect the phone call, choosing instead to throw the receiver at the wall.

And her heart sank deep in her chest.

It was too much; her words, the thing she knew. It made her chest tight, made her head spin and she wanted nothing more than to crumble into a heap on the floor. But she was forced to move. With tears blurring her vision, she hurried to the bathroom. And for the first time since she had found out she was pregnant, she heaved; emptying the contents of her stomach.

And her heart broke.