If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 79

"How's the hand?" asked Harry as he was backing out of the driveway.

"Still fairly painful, but I did manage to get myself ready."

"Quite the accomplishment," he said glancing at her.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

"I'd really like to be able to sit outside somewhere. I know it's chilly, but I just feel the need to be in the open."

"I know the perfect place."

Ashley opened the window a couple of inches as Harry drove them away from the center of town.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I feel like I'm going to have a full-blown anxiety attack."

"Is there something I can do?"

"Hold my hand."

"Of course," he said reaching over to take her hand. "What else?"

"Tell me again how this can be alright."

"This can be alright because we feel strongly for one another. We aren't kids, Ashley. You're 24, I'm 27. We are both financially secure, level-headed, smart, and I'm just crazy for you. Are you crazy for me?"

She looked at him with more vulnerability than he'd seen previously. He was glancing over at her repeatedly causing him to almost run off the road.

"I'm going to find a place to pull over," he said releasing her hand.

He found a small rest spot and pulled as far off to the side as possible.

"Sweetheart, do you love me? Are you able to trust me?"

"I love you. I think you know that."

"And trust?"

"That's harder. I'm working on it."

"Could you trust me in good faith?" he asked.

Ashley took his hand and rested her lips against the back of his hand. She maintained eye contact as she kissed his fingers. "I will try, Harry."

"If there is a baby, I want us to be parents together. Will you consider it?" he asked staring intently at her.

"Harry . . ." she trailed off. "Harry, you are asking a lot," she said beginning to cry.

"Ashley, look at me. I will always be with you. I won't let you down, sweetheart."

"I know you have good intentions," she said through sniffles.

He placed his hand on her headrest, leaned over the console, took her chin between his fingers, and gently placed his lips against hers. "All I can do is continually show you my intentions."

She nodded and kissed him on the cheek. "Okay."

"Are you still up to getting breakfast?"

"Yes," she said before looking out her window.

****

Harry was concerned about Ashley who had been unusually quiet during their meal. He'd tried several times to initiate a conversation about their trip to the vineyards, but she hadn't seemed the least enthusiastic. He decided to put the top down on the car and take her for a drive in hopes of alleviating some of her anxiety. Although there were numerous things he wanted to say, he remained silent giving her some space to think.

****

"Sweetheart?"

"Yes," answered Ashley absently.

"Can I get anything for you?"

"Oh, no thank you. I'm fine."

"Ashley, you've barely said anything since this morning. Do you want to join us for dinner?"

"Sorry, I didn't realize so much time had passed," she said looking up at him. "I think I have everything nailed down for our trip. "It'll be nice. We can have some private time, go for walks, relax, and talk."

He reached for her good hand and pulled her off the bed. "Let's eat!" he said enthusiastically.

"Ok."

Harry slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her before they walked down the hallway.

"Hi, you two," said Anne hugging them close. "Okay?"

"I think so," he said looking at Ashley who nodded her head.

"Hungry?" asked Anne.

"We are," said Harry.

"Good. Go get your sister and dad," said Anne.

"Ashley, I know I've asked this, but is there anything I can do for you?"

"I feel a little calmer. We're going to go to the vineyards in a couple of days. It'll be really quiet and peaceful."

"I would like to give you my cell phone number."

"Are you sure about that? We've only just met and things may not . . ."

"Ashley, this is not simply a matter of whether or not you are pregnant it's . . ."

"Oh my god! What!" screamed Gemma.

Anne placed her fingers to her mouth and looked at Ashley wide-eyed. "I am so sorry, Ashley."

"I guess there are no secrets in this family," said Ashley softly.

"Are you pregnant?" asked Gemma.

"Jesus, does everyone need to know everything?" asked Harry.

Ashley looked at each of them and then over at Robin as he joined them in the kitchen.

"Did I miss something?" asked Robin.

Harry raised his eyebrows as if to ask whether he should tell Robin. Ashley nodded.

"Ashley may be pregnant," said Harry.

"That is big news," said Robin looking surprised.

"It's a surprise for us as well," said Harry.

"Well, you know we'll stand behind you whatever happens and whatever you decide to do," he said patting Ashley on the back.

"We should have dinner," said Anne.