If I Could Fly // h.s.

Chapter 24

The gala. 

If this is what Cinderella felt like when she went to the ball, I don't know how that bitch ever managed to leave at midnight.

Incredible. Positively breathtaking. Aunt Jane 100% outdid herself on this. The rich colours of the flowers and lush materials that are draped along the walls and ceiling are incredible. Dinner was fabulous and we had such a wonderful time getting to meet all the other board members and sponsors of the event... but nothing, I mean nothing, compares to walking into this gorgeous room. Between the giant crystal chandeliers and the elaborate gowns and the dance floor, my eyes just don't know where to look. 

Harry brings me out of my stupor when he releases my hand and slides his arm around my waist, successfully pulling me closer to his warm body. I look up and all thoughts of the beautiful room vanish as I study his face. Even though I'm sure he shaved before getting ready this evening, the slight hint of a stubble is already evident along his upper lip and chin. His perfect lips are drawn up into his ever-present cupid's bow. I watch them form a smirk as he no doubt has caught me gawking at him. I slowly grin before lifting to my toes and kissing him softly on the corner of his mouth. "I love your lips," I whisper against his skin. I hear him groan softly under his breath. His fingers slowly begin digging into my hip where his hand rests. 

"Keep flirting with me like that and I'll unwrap you like a gift on Christmas morning right here, right now," he growls into my ear. 

"I was only being sweet, Harry. Keep it in your pants," I chuckle and take his hand, dragging him behind me as I approach the bar to get us a few drinks. I order us both a glass of wine while Harry makes himself comfortable behind me, snaking an arm around me and resting it on my belly while his eyes scan the room. 

"This really is amazing, Mia. I've been to loads of these sorts of things but your aunt puts them all to shame with this one." I smile at the compliment he's given. "Ah, here comes Niall and Nicole. I wonder what could have possibly kept them," he accuses as he obnoxiously wiggles his eyebrows at me. I shake my head in laughter. Bloody idiot. 

"There you two are!" Nicole squeals as she walks over to take her place beside me, successfully dragging Niall along behind her. 

"Mhmm.. and where have you been, missy?" Harry jests, earning a slight slap on the arm from my best friend. 

"We were actually discussing the day after tomorrow... I told Niall about my decision," Nicole says, positively glowing as Niall looks down at her with the biggest smile on his face. 

"What decision?" Harry asks, completely clueless.

"Oh yeah.. I kind of forgot to mention it on the way to the banquet earlier," I say, blushing as I remember just what took my mind off of such important news. "Uncle Richard kind of insisted on Nicole staying over here with us. He's going to help her find a comparable position at a company like she worked for back home. She is going to continue staying with us. I believe Aunt Jane was already putting out emails to her decorator so that her permanent room will be ready as soon as possible."

"That's amazing!" Harry exclaims, tucking me back into his side so that he could shake Niall's hand and kiss Nicole on the cheek. "Oh thank god. I was already dreading dealing with this one having to manage without you..... OW!" He yelped as I pinched his side. "Well it's true!"

We all have a laugh and start making plans for the next two weeks before the boys had to leave town for a little while. It's amazing how natural all of this feels. We really have fallen into being the perfect little family. After a while, Niall and Nicole go to find Aunt Jane and Uncle Richard. Within seconds, I hear the first few cords of a familiar tune. The band must have learned that Harry was here. Just as I am about to look up at him to comment on the song, he releases my hand and steps in front of me. Displaying the cutest bow I've ever seen, he extends his arm and asks me to dance. Unable to say anything for fear of the entire room hearing my subconscious screaming, I accept his arm and let him lead me to the center of the floor.

With a twirl, he guides me out and right into his arms. He effortlessly leads me into the only slow dance I've ever actually shared with a man. In case my heart wasn't already swooning away in my chest, I feel his warm breath against my ear as I hear him sing along just loud enough that I can hear...

"I know you've never loved the crinkles by your eyes when you smile
You've never loved your stomach or your thighs
The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine

But I'll love them endlessly "

Harry continues to quietly serenade me as we dance around the beautiful ballroom. I literally have to choke back tears when I hear the last line leave his perfect mouth. My beautiful, beautiful man. I grab his face between my hands as soon as the song ends and pull him into a deep kiss, not giving three fucks who can see. My mind is screaming at me to keep my shit together but all my lips can do is continue attaching themselves to the man towering over me. Once we finally break for air, I stare into his green eyes. 

"I love you," I say simply. 

"I love you, baby," he smiles before kissing the tip of my nose and taking me by the hand. We spend the next hour in small talk with various attendees. We finally make it back over to Aunt Jane and Uncle Richard. Aunt Jane starts immediately discussing Nicole's room back at the house while Uncle Richard makes some sort of plans to take Harry to the Club with him later in the season. After we feel like we've put in the necessary amount of time, we begin saying our goodbyes to everyone. While that seems to take forever, we finally make it outside to the car. 

"Oh, we don't need that, Harry," I smile cheekily.

"Uh.. why's that, then?" He asks.

"We are staying there," I say, pointing at the hotel across the street. 

"Oh really?" He asks, his eyes lighting up with mischief. "Just what is my baby up to?" 

I smirk before winking at him, "Guess you'll just have to follow me to find out."

"I would follow you anywhere, angel."

A/N

Short, but you guys know some good shit is coming next!!! I promise I'm not trying to wait so long between chapters. I'm so busy all the time and I would much rather write a chapter meant for this book than settle for fluff. I love you guys! Thanks for your patience and of course your support. 

xxxJess