The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 165

"I would like the record to show that I am not happy about this," Harry called out to Maddie from where he sat back against their headboard, his legs stretched out in front of him as he watched her pack.

"Oh yeah?" Maddie glanced over to him as she zipped up her travel bag and sat it on the chair next to the door. "Which record is that? Do you keep an official record of such things?" Her luggage had been packed the night before and was waiting at the bottom of the stairs to be loaded when the car showed up any minute now.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he lifted up a scarf that she had laid out on the bed. "You're making fun." He ran the fabric through his fingers as she pulled on her shoes.

"A little bit," she grinned, reaching for the scarf and snatching it from his fingers. "Do you want the record to also show that you were pouting like a small child because your wife had to leave you for two days?"

"Two days!" He exclaimed.

"One night," she giggled, wrapping the scarf around her neck and pulling her hair out from underneath.

"One long night," his lips turned down for a moment. "And you're taking our child with you."

"Aww..." She sighed, moving onto her knees on the bed next to him. "You're going to miss your daughter."

"I'm going to miss my family," he turned wide, puppy-dog eyes up to her, his hands reaching out for her growing stomach.

"We're going to miss you too," she ran her hand through his hair, sliding down his cheek to his jaw. Her fingers lifted his chin, her thumb swiping across his bottom lip. "But I'm going to accompany your father to Wales because Camilla's back is out and the doctor ordered her to bed rest."

"I know," he sighed, turning his face to kiss her hand, lightening up with a small smile. "I'm just going to miss you."

"You're going to be so busy with Invictus meetings, you won't even know we're gone," she smiled as he ran his hand over her belly.

"I'm going to know you're gone," he leaned in to kiss her bump, giving in and easing up. "But I promise not to throw a fit when the car arrives."

"Ha!" Maddie's head leaned back in laughter. "That's big of you."

"I try," he shrugged, his hand moving up into her hair. "Come here and kiss me," his fingers wrapped around the back of her neck, bringing her lips down to meet his; an easy feat that was met with zero resistance.

"Mmm..." Maddie smiled against his lips, wishing she had time to open her mouth over his, wishing she had time to draw this out. "Harry..." She warned when his tongue teased at her lips. "I don't have time..." She shook her head when his hand brought her closer.

"I can be fast," he wagged his eyebrows suggestively even as he pulled back; knowing she was right.

"Tempting," she sighed, straightening up and moving from the bed as her fingers traced over her hot lips. "I'm going to miss you too."

"I bet," he chuckled, moving off the bed himself, smoothing his hand over his tie as he rounded over to her side.

"I am," her eyes peeked up at him through lowered lashes, her voice dropping suggestively. "Maybe when I get home we can..." She bit her bottom lip and grinned.

"Madeline," he groaned, his body reacting to that look, to her voice. His hands reached out for her, bringing her closer.

"And when we do...I don't want you to be anything close to...fast..." She drew in a breath as she looked him over, her pregnancy hormones igniting her desire for him.

"You have no idea how much I want you right now," he shook his head.

"Please," she met his dark, smoldering gaze with one of her own. "My...needs...have multiplied by a magnitude since I've been pregnant."

"Don't I know it," his hands ran up over her back and slowly back down.

"I haven't heard any complaints," she slipped just a little closer.

"And you won't," he shook his head, his fingers tightening around her, pushing her body to his.

"Harry..." She warned, her hands reaching out to his chest, running down over his stomach, her mind scrambling to figure out exactly how much time she had before the cars were there. But she was too late. Just as she was starting to give in, the telltale knock on the door came. "It's time to go," she looked up at her husband with regret before she took a breath and stepped completely away from him. "And you have to go to work."

"I hate work," he grumbled, trying to control his urges, trying to get back to calm. "And I hate Wales."

"Ha!" She laughed, turning away from him and reaching for her bag; collecting her scattered mind and dirty thoughts. "Don't let anyone else hear you say that."

"I don't care who hears me," he chuckled and hurried over to her. "Here. Let me get this." Taking the bag from her hand, he followed her from the room and down the stairs where he begrudgingly hugged her and kissed her good-bye; watching her slip into the car that would take her to pick up his father before he shut the door and tried to shift his attention back to Invictus.

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"Oh my goodness!" Maddie's eyes grew wide when she and Charles emerged from their afternoon event. Having spent much of their first day in Wales indoors, surrounded by people and warmth, they had completely missed what had been happening outside. The steady rain that had greeted them when they arrived had shifted and turned to snow, a big, heavy, wet snow that fell over the land like a blanket.

"Oh wow," Charles stopped next to her, his eyes looking up at the sky as the flakes continued to fall; his smile warming his face as he looked back to Maddie. "Hold on my dear," his hand reached out for her, stopping her from taking another step forward.

As Maddie realized maybe her shoes weren't the best for sure footing in the deepening snow, her father-in-law offered his arm to her; sweet and gentlemanly. "Thank you," she grinned as she tucked her hand into his elbow. Holding onto each other, they navigated through the small patches of ice and the flurries of snow. And she knew they were quite the sight, guessing accurately that cameras were snapping.

His assistant Mark was right behind them with an umbrella in an ill-fated attempt at blocking them from the weather, Libby just next to him carrying his folders as the foursome made their way to the awaiting car. As they slid into the backseat, adjusting in the dry warmth it provided, the smiles were bright and their cheeks were pink and they waved to the people still waiting as they pulled away from the event and off towards the hotel.

"Had they forecasted such a thing?" Charles spoke to Mark who sat across from him, his large hands brushing snow from the leg of his pants.

"No Sir," Mark shook his head. "They had anticipated rain, but nothing of this kind of snow."

Tearing her eyes from the winter wonderland outside her window, Maddie looked across to Libby. "Did we pack more suitable shoes for this evening's dinner?"

"Yes Ma'am," Libby nodded with a small smile which Maddie easily returned.

"Thank you." Of course Libby had packed for every possible scenario. In fact, Maddie would have bet money that, on the off chance she wanted to go swimming, Libby might be able to find a bathing suit she had stashed, 'just in case.' Turning her eyes back to the flurries, Maddie settled back into her seat. They had a long evening ahead of them and she was already feeling a little sleepy. With a smile she reminded herself to eat a little bit before they went back out, to remember to have some water. And then she watched as the streets, and the snow, flew by.

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The snow hadn't let up at all when they went into the evening, a gala dinner event. And by the time they had come out, the inches had accumulated and the lighthearted amusement of their driver and protective detail had given way to concern and planning for a safe trip to the hotel. It took them longer than they would have liked but the streets were not good, bordering on bad, and by the time the cars reached their destination, Maddie could see the stress on their faces.

Tired and spent from the long day, Maddie didn't argue when Charles suggested they retire to their own rooms for the night. She told him goodnight, hugged him close and then continued down the hallway just a little bit more to her own suite. Kicking her shoes off to the side, she made her way back to her room, sighing as she shut the door behind her and reached for the back zipper of her dress. As she shrugged out of it, she draped it over the back of a chair and continued undressing. Finding her warm pajamas, she slipped into them and finished readying for bed; washing her face, brushing her teeth. Only after she was done did she pull her silenced phone from her clutch and swipe at the screen.

"Of course," she smiled happily, climbing into the big bed and pulling the blankets around her. There was one voicemail from Harry, three text messages. With a giggle, she pulled up his phone number and dialed, deciding to push aside the messages and go straight to the source.

"Madeline," he let out a breath as he answered his phone. "I've been waiting for you to call for hours!"

"Hours?" Maddie snickered, leaning back against the big, fluffy pillows. "I've been working all night, you know that."

"I do," he agreed. "I also know that there's a blizzard over your head."

"You've seen the weather forecast?"

"I've seen the pictures of my lovely, pregnant wife traipsing through snow drifts!"

"Okay," Maddie laughed, ready to reel him in. "First, I was walking slowing, not traipsing. And if you noticed, your father had ahold of me and just in case he didn't, Mark and Libby were there to back him up—with Arthur there to back them up." She took a breath and smiled. "And it was a few inches of snow. Hardly a drift...at least not then."

"Not then?" He seemed to soften up a bit, letting up on his need for over-protection.

"There's a bit more snow now," Maddie offered, hoping he couldn't hear the smirk on her lips.

"Madeline..."

"Henry..." She matched his tone, rolling her eyes as she did. "You do know I'm only pregnant, not suffering from some kind of disorder that's turned me into fine china."

"Yes I know. But..."

"And you do remember from where I hail?"

"From where you hail?" Her word choice threw him off his single-minded mission for a moment. "Look. Just because you're from Colorado where it snows occasionally doesn't mean..."

"Captain," her voice dropped as she tried a different approach. "Hey baby..."

"I..." He stalled. It had worked. "What?"

"Are you really this worried about me walking through the snow?" She smiled, finding the whole thing amusing and...sweet. "Or is there a chance that you just...miss me a little bit?"

With a groan and a sigh, she could hear Harry catching himself, giving in. "God I really do," His admission made her heart swell.

"I miss you too," she gave in a bit, smiling into the room. "Why don't you tell me about your day? How were all of your meetings?"

"Long," he chuckled. "But productive. Did you know that we've sold out all of the events?"

"Really?" Maddie was impressed and proud. "That's amazing Harry."

"It's surprising." There he was, still humble, still shocked.

"No," Maddie shook her head. "It's not surprising. This is a wonderful event; brilliant really. And God, remember the tweet you sent out a few months ago? That must have spurned quite an interest." She could feel the pride building in her chest. "I'm so proud of the work you're doing Harry. I really am. I hope you know that."

"Now see," his voice was low. "This isn't fair. You can't say those things when you aren't close enough to kiss me."

"I'll see you tomorrow. You can kiss me then."

"Good," he grinned, letting the peaceful, contented silence settle between them. "In all seriousness though...it really is snowing there isn't it."

"Yes," Maddie nodded, her eyes glancing towards the window. "There were several more inches after the event this evening than there were before. And it's not letting up. I think we're in for quite a surprise in the morning."

"Yeah," Harry sighed. "You'll be careful, right? Walking and such?"

"Walking?" She snickered. "Yes Harry. I'll be careful walking. Though you do know this baby...she's pretty protected."

"I know she is," his voice dropped low and warm as he thought about his wife and his soon-to-be daughter. "But her mother's not."

"Ah," Maddie's lips curled higher. "You're worried about her mother."

"I'm always worried about her mother."

"Don't be," Maddie shook her head, her hand smoothing down over her stomach as the baby began to move about. "Her mother is fine. She skied across the North Pole, remember."

"I do," he sighed. "I do."

"Hey Captain..." Maddie called to him. "Your daughter is moving. I think she knows we're talking about her."

Harry groaned and sighed, hating that he wasn't with her. "You know, eventually we're going to have to pick a name."

"I know," Maddie sucked in a breath, her eyebrows lifting. "You have any?"

"Ha!" He shook his head. "No. My mind is so wrapped up in Invictus, I can barely think straight...unless you want to name her Invictus?"

"I don't," Maddie laughed. "We'll think of something. We still have a few months."

"Only a few months," he countered.

"Sure," Maddie yawned. "Okay daddy. I think it's time for me to sleep. Your father and I have a breakfast meeting and then the thing at the Art Museum and then..."

"You're headed home to me."

"I am," she could hear the happiness in his voice and it made her warm, and it made her miss him.

"Okay," he sighed. "Go to sleep. I love you and I'll see you tomorrow."

"I love you too Captain," Maddie nestled into her pillow. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

With a swipe of her finger and a stab of regret, Maddie ended the call. And then with Harry's voice in her ears and his smile in her memory, Maddie slipped off to sleep.

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Maddie woke the next morning to find that the snow had in no way diminished overnight. In fact, she was pretty certain there was at least a foot of snow covering the ground. It was all over the news while she dressed for breakfast; the anchors shocked and amazed at the sudden snow, at how much there was. And there were pictures of her and Charles smiling and holding onto each other as they left their events the day before. Libby had already been by, letting her know that the events were still on for the day and to warn her that the public turn out might not be as expected.

Maddie had to chuckle to herself sometimes, when she sat back and thought of it all. Of course she didn't expect the public turn out to be high, in fact she thought it should probably be non-existent. The snow had buried the city and the temperatures were stretching low. She knew she wouldn't have bundled up to make the trip to see her.

But much to her surprise, there were many who would—many who did. At both events, the breakfast and the Art Museum, there were throngs of people waiting, bundled up in snow gear, to catch a glimpse of Charles and Maddie, to offer greetings and flowers and warm wishes. Though there was a part of Maddie that thought them just the tiny bit crazy, she and Charles decided to take a little extra time at the rope lines, shaking hands and collecting gifts—it was the least they could do given what some of them must have gone through to get there. Though the snow continued and the day stayed cold, they both slipped back into the car towards their hotel with pink cheeks and wide smiles.

And then Mark broke the news to them.

"Sir," he looked up to Charles with an apologetic smile. "We're not going to be able to return to London this afternoon."

"What?" Charles ran his hands down the front of his coat. "Why not?"

"The roads are impassable," he was frank with them both. "The snow is blowing and the ice has built up. There was an accident that's closed off part of the roadway." He took a breath and shrugged. "The forecasters say the snow should stop tonight and they should be able to get a handle on it in the morning. But right now, it seems to be safest for all of us to stay put for one more night."

"Okay," Charles nodded thoughtfully, looking over to his daughter-in-law. "Does that sound alright with you?"

Maddie smiled, her eyes widening in surprise that he asked her. "Of course," she nodded. "If it's safer to stay another night, of course."

"Okay then," Charles turned a nod back to Mark. "Will you make the phone calls and let everyone know that's the plan?"

"Yes sir," Mark nodded, pulling a phone from his pocket, his eyes darting over to Maddie. "Ma'am, would you like me to call the Duke's office as well?"

"Ha," Maddie chuckled with humor in her eyes. "Better you than me." She muttered under her breath before she passed a smile to all of them. "No thank you Mark. I'll call him when we reach the hotel."

"Something tells me my son is not going to be pleased?" Charles smiled, understanding more than the others.

"No," Maddie shook her head with another chuckle. "He misses me."

"Of course he does," he nodded, patting her hand. "Tell me dear, after we return and settle in, and you call Henry, would you like to join me for dinner in my suite?"

"I would love that," Maddie's face lit up, her fingers squeezing his. "That would be a wonderful way to spend the evening."

"Perfect," Charles nodded, pleased to be able to enjoy her company.

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"Tell me now, how did he take it?" Charles held amusement in his eyes as he and Maddie sat down in the living area of his suite as their dinner was delivered and set up.

"Harry?" Maddie smiled, knowing exactly what he meant. "There was a fair amount of moaning and groaning," the two of them chuckled. "But he understood."

"Of course he did," Charles nodded. "He wants you to be safe."

"He does," she agreed, thoughts of Harry pulling her grin higher. "I actually think he's just afraid he's going to miss something—with the baby."

"He's very excited to be a father," Charles' heart warmed as he said the words. "He's wanted to be one for so long."

"I know," Maddie sighed happily. "He's going to be an amazing father."

"I couldn't agree more."

"What was he like? As a baby, I mean...what was baby Harry like?"

"Ah," Charles' eyes drifted, his smile widening as he remembered. "He was a wonderful baby actually. He had this...mess of red hair that grew to suit him very well. And he was..." He cleared his throat and Maddie watched and waited for him to continue. "He was very pleasant tempered; slept well early on, not a lot of crying."

"That's good to know," Maddie began to rub her stomach, almost on reflex.

"He played well with nearly everyone. As he grew a little older, I remember him being just...incredibly funny," he chuckled as he looked up to Maddie. "Always trying to make William laugh or make his mother smile..." Maddie could see the way the emotions swept over his face. "He was a wonderful baby, truly a blessing to our family."

"That's very sweet to hear," her voice was soft, quiet, as she watched him. "Oh!" Surprised by a bump in her belly, her eyes flew wide and her smile tipped up. "Oh wow..." She ran her hand over the area.

"Is everything alright?" Charles asked her, mild concern tinting his features.

"Oh of course," Maddie was quick to nod. "The baby, she's...she's moving."

"Is she?" His eyes drifted to where her hand rest on her belly.

"Mmm Hmm," Maddie nodded, mulling over her next words for just a moment before she went for it. "Would you like to feel?" She lifted her eyebrows as she looked over to him. "She's moving quite a bit and if you put your hand here...you would be able to feel her move."

"Really?" Despite his best efforts, his excitement took hold of him.

"Yes," Maddie nodded again, moving next to him on the couch before he could say another word. "Here...give me your hand."

"Are you..." He felt a little nervous as she took his hand in hers. "Are you sure that would be appropriate?"

"Yes," Maddie chuckled, pulling his hand towards the spot on her belly where her daughter kept moving. "I would let my father feel," she squeezed his fingers before moving them to her stomach. "But you are the only Papa this baby girl is going to have....here...just wait a moment..." Maddie pressed his hand to her and waited.

And when it happened, when her daughter shifted in her belly and bumped against his hand, his entire face lit up and his eyes flew first down to where his hand rested and then up to her eyes. And she could see all the love and adoration he already held for this baby that wasn't quite here yet.

"See..." Maddie smiled brightly, her eyes tearing up just a little. "You can feel her move."

"My God," he shook his head, amazed. "You really can."

"She always moves this time of night," Maddie spoke softly. "It's a little routine of hers."

"She's preparing you for when she's here," Charles explained with his fatherly wisdom. "Waking you up in the night and all."

"I suppose so," Maddie couldn't help the way she felt being with him there; his hand pressed to her belly as he handed down memories of Harry and words of knowledge.

"Do you have a name for her yet?" He straightened up in his chair, rubbing her lightly before he pulled back his hand. "A name you're sharing?"

"No," Maddie shook her head, leaning back against the couch. "We don't have a name for her yet. Why? Do you have any suggestions?"

"No, no," he chuckled. "That's so far from my place..." He held up a hand. "Though I do remember it being...difficult...to name the boys."

"Was it?" Maddie folded her hands in her lap.

"Mmm," Charles nodded, his mind drifting back. "Though I'm sure the two of you will have no issue choosing a name."

"Ha..." Maddie laughed lightly. "Well last night he suggested we name her Invictus."

"Invictus Sussex," his eyes were alive with humor as he repeated it. "Promise me something?"

"Sure."

"You won't name her that."

"Ha!" Maddie clapped her hands together. "No, no. We won't. I promise."

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"Madeline!" Harry's voice called out into the warm house as he returned from a long day. The morning had dawned, the snow had been cleared and Maddie and Charles had finally returned to London. Harry had received the confirmation text in the middle of a long list of meetings and it had taken all he had not to skip out on the rest of the afternoon and hurry home to her.

But when he finally returned to their home, he was welcomed by the soft sound of music and a wonderful smell drifting from the kitchen. With a smile he dropped his bag next to the door and pulled off his coat as the door shut behind him. They were getting closer to the end of the year, closer to the games—closer to meeting his daughter.

Pulling at the tie around his neck, he followed his nose and his instincts through the house in search of his wife. When he stopped in the doorway to the kitchen, he found her peeking into the oven at something she must have baked; flour covered utensils were scattered on the counter around her bright pink mixer that had come when she had moved in with him. Leaning against the doorframe, his grin widened, his fingers working over the sleeves of his shirt. He waited until she closed the oven before he cleared his throat, drawing her eyes in his direction.

"Captain," she breathed, her lips curling high as she took him in. "You're home."

"I am," he nodded, pushing away from the doorframe and moving towards her. "And you're finally back from Wales."

"I am," she bit at her bottom lip, excited to see him after their two days—and two nights—apart. As his arms moved around her waist to hug her to him, she tipped up on her toes to kiss him hello; her arms wrapping easily around his neck.

"Mmmmm..." Harry grinned against her lips, beyond thrilled to have her back with him. His hand slid around to her belly, warm and soft—as if he were welcoming home the baby too. "How are you?"

"Hungry," she bit her lip as she laughed, her eyes glancing sideways to the oven.

"Ah," He laughed, his head nodding as he leaned to kiss her again. "What is it you're baking?"

"Cookies," she answered, her eyes focused on his mouth. "But that's not what I meant."

"What did you..." His expression shifted as he caught on, as he caught the look in her eyes, the twist to her smile.

"Are you terribly tired?" Her eyebrows lifted hopefully.

"No," he shook his head, his hands moving up her back, his fingers smoothing over her as he gathered her nearer.

"Good." The way she sighed in relief made Harry only want her more. "In two minutes the cookies will be done. Do you think maybe we can..."

She didn't have to finish that question, he had the answer ready to go. With an easy nod, his lips returned to hers and Maddie settled into her husband's arms. For two minutes he kissed and stroked and teased her as she pressed against him, giving as good as she got. And when the timer rang out, she pulled the cookies from the oven as he turned it off and they hurried up the stairs, laughing as they shed their clothes.

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"Well it sounds to me like you enjoyed your extra night in Wales," Harry smiled down at his wife, cuddled up next to his side in their bed.

"I enjoyed my time with your father," her grin was wide, her eyes bright, and her body relaxed and satisfied. "We talked about you as a baby and he asked if we had named her..."

"Ha," Harry chuckled, his hands running over her still naked, still flushed skin. "Did he have any suggestions?"

"No, no," she shook her head. "He's leaving that up to us."

"Dangerous," Harry smirked.

"I know," she laughed along with him, sighing as she nuzzled in closer. "I want something that's strong and something that's sweet and something...unique? But also something that ties her to you and this family and..." Her mind drifted off a bit.

"Well I still say we leave Henrietta on the table," his smile was adorable as he shrugged.

"Of course you do," she rolled her eyes, turning in his arms as she leaned to kiss his chest. "I just feel like..." Her bottom lip pulled into her teeth as her mind worked, running through the lists they had made, the people they knew, the influences they hoped for. And then, right there in his arms, her eyes grew big and she sat up. "Oh my God." She was up and out of their bed without a second thought, without another word, leaving Harry wide-eyed and empty-armed as he watched her hurry across their room.

"Maddie?" He called after her, confused.

"Hold on!" She called back, hurrying over to her purse, searching for her notebook.

"But where are you going?" He laughed, sitting up and leaning his elbows on his knees. "What are you doing?"

"I'll be right back! I have an idea and I need..." He watched her rustle through her bag. "Aha!" She held up her notebook and a pen.

"You're so beautiful sometimes," he spoke mostly to himself, shaking his head as she crawled back in bed, flipping through to the ongoing list of names. "You okay?" He smiled at her as she moved back to the head of the bed with him.

"I'm better than okay," she nodded with a wide grin. "In fact, I think I have a perfect name."

"For Baby Girl Sussex?" Harry's eyebrows shot up, intrigued.

"No, for Bishop when he..."

"Easy," he warned with a smirk, eyes glancing down to the pad of paper. "So...are you going to show me or..."

"I am," she nodded. "I just....I hope you at least think about it for a minute."

"I promise," he held his hand up in the air and then out to her.

"Very well. Here..." She turned the pad over to him and watched.

She watched as he focused. She watched as his eyes bounced, reading the name she had just scrawled on the paper and then she watched as his wide blue eyes lifted to meet hers; sweetness and love pouring out to her.

"Really?" He whispered. "You really want to..."

"It's a lovely name," she whispered in return. "And it's sweet and powerful and...I think it would suit her well and...do you hate it?"

"No," he shook his head and put down the pad of paper, moving closer to her. "In fact, I think maybe you're going to win the prize."

"Oh yeah!" She clapped her hands together. "I love winning prizes!"

"Ha!" He laughed along as he pulled her back into his arms. "I know you do Mummy. I know you do." His lips moving to her neck.

"Does that mean we have a name?" Maddie's head tipped back as he kissed her skin.

"I think it does," he nodded, kissing up to her jaw.

"Don't we need to ask..."

"I'll ask," his voice was low and husky in her ear.

"But...we don't have a second or a third or..."

"We have time," he pulled back to look at her, his hands moving to cup her face. "We'll come up with the others later..." His eyes grew darker as his hands slid down her body, drawing her to him, moving to kiss her. "Now come here."

"Am I about to collect my prize?" Maddie's eyes were shining as she grinned up at him, letting him move her back into their bed.

"Yes love," he nodded, stretching them both out. "You are about to collect your prize."

With a giggle and a sigh, Maddie clapped her hands and opened herself up to him; his mouth, his body. They had chosen a name for their baby girl; one that invoked all kinds of wonderful sentiments. And as they slipped back into their bed, back into each other, they enjoyed their own little celebration.