The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 166

Arriving at Sandringham the day before Christmas Eve felt a bit like a dream, or a scene from a movie. The sky was overcast with snow falling in random spurts from the thick clouds. Though the chill inched towards bitter outside, their car was warm and cozy and Maddie—nearly thirty-three weeks pregnant—had cuddled up to her husband's shoulder and dozed for the last half of the trip.

As the gravel drive crunched under their tires, Harry nudged her gently; squeezing her hand in his, kissing the top of her head as he woke her.

"Captain..." She groaned, wishing she could stay tucked into him for just a little bit longer.

"We're nearly there Maddie," he chuckled, kissing her again. "The family is waiting to see you and this enormous belly of..."

"Enormous!" She sat straight up, her eyes flying open as she turned on him. "Excuse you?"

"Good morning darling," he leaned in to kiss her.

"No way," she shook her head, the palm of her hand meeting his mischievous smile, halting him in his path. "No kisses for you."

"Aw, come on," his head tilted to the side, his voice muffled against his hand. "You know you're the most beautiful woman in the entire world..."

"I have no idea what you just said Henry Charles," her eyes narrowed though her lips curled into a smile—because she had heard what he had said. "But you had better watch yourself." Her fingers slipped from his mouth as her eyes turned out to the beautiful, historic home. "Enormous," she muttered.

With a chuckle, Harry followed her gaze. "I wonder if everyone's here already."

"I think Mike, Zara, and Mia are coming up in the morning," Maddie smiled. "They are stopping at his parents' place tonight."

"Sure," Harry nodded.

"You know, this is my second year here," she turned back to him as the car pulled up front, slowing to a stop.

I do know that," he smiled across the car at her, his fingers moving to her stomach.

"It doesn't lose its punch though, does it?" She nodded her head towards the house. "It still stands so impressive."

"It does," he nodded. "At least this year we have something much happier to look forward to than last."

Maddie's eyes held more emotion as she nodded, remembering. "Yes we do." Taking a deep breath to steady her memories from last year of Harry's impending deployment, she reached for his hand resting on her belly. Pulling it up into hers, she met his eyes and with a soft, serious gaze, she smiled. "Don't you call me enormous again Captain."

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Harry had been right about one thing, the family was waiting for them to arrive and every single one of them was thrilled to see Maddie and her growing belly. Stepping into the entryway, they were swept up in greetings; hugs and kisses, wide eyes and big smiles, and a round of curtsies and bowed heads when their grandparents joined them.

Taking tea and scotch in the salon with the fireplace warming the air, Maddie sat tucked up next to Harry as baby-fever seemed to take over all of their minds. It all began when Charles was telling Maddie a story of Harry as a baby. That story quickly morphed into another and another and then it was Andrew talking about William and Harry's reactions when the girls were born.

And before she knew it, the sky had turned dark outside and the laughter had continued inside; particularly when gran began telling baby stories of Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. Maddie loved the way the room listened to her as she spoke; hanging onto her words, mesmerized by her voice. With Harry's arm around her shoulders and their daughter shifting around inside of her, Maddie felt warm and content and complete. And the Christmas spirit was alive and well inside Sandringham House.