#chapter34

Luther started to chuckle from the drivers seat gaining the couple’s attention. “Luther why are you laughing?” Addy started to join in on his infectious laugh, unable to control it.

“He is laughing at my expense Addy.” Harry groaned listening to Luther and his girlfriend fall into a fit of laughter.

“I have never seen Harry this nervous Addy!” Luther slapped his knee seeing the prince glare at him through the rear view mirror.

Trying to stifle her laugh Addy pursed her lips together and successfully failed. Bursting into a series of giggles she keeled over in the back seat. “I am sorry Harry.” Addy managed to speak between breaths.

“You guys really are not helping in the least!” Harry released Addy’s hand, crossing his arms with an exaggerated pout. He hid the fact that their laughter did calm his nerves making the tension in his body float away.

Harry released an audible sigh as he helped Addy climb out of the back seat of the vehicle. Taking her hand he shut the door behind them, turning on his heel he started to lead her up to her childhood home basking in the memory that would be forever planted in his mind; the day he met her family.

“Hey… wait a minute.” Addy tugged on his hand bringing his body flush against hers. She wanted to have a private minute alone with him before they entered the madness. Linking her arms together behind his neck she gently swayed back and forth for a few quite moments staring into his deep blue eyes.

It amazed at her at how far they had come, how they got to this point in their relationship. Addy never thought that the day she met the prince that she would ever be bringing him home to meet her family. There was a piece inside of her hoping that this was the last man that she would bring home, after all, everything about it seemed right. No doubt in her mind caused her to think otherwise.

“You know I never thought that I would be bringing home another man…” Addy’s lips spread into a beaming smile. Harry held her gaze as she continued to speak. “My family is quite protective of me and just remember they will see what I see in you. I know it’s nerve wracking to think, but just be your cute self and they will fall for you like I have alright? They will see how happy you make Henry, whether it’s tonight or another time.”

Addy searched his eyes for any sign of doubt that she could squash before it developed into something more. Her eyes saw a movement in the distance seeing the curtains in the front window shut in a hurry. Addy’s continual gaze in that direction caused Harry to raise his eyebrow in suspicion.

He turned his head to see silhouettes vanishing back into the home. “We are being watched.” Harry twisted his attention back to Adalyn who had buried her head in chest in embarrassment that shook with laughter.

“We could always go back to Kensington…” Addy silently admitted that she too was nervous. She had been hiding that fact from Harry in order to help him relax, but he had known she was. I mean it is not every day that you bring you boyfriend home to meet your family that just so happens to be a prince.

“Addy we have to go inside.” His hand traveled down her arm finding her hand. “As much as I would love take you back home and ravish you…” Taking a step backward he tugged her forward making the decision for them. “But we should not keep them waiting especially since they are already watching us.”

“Harry!!” She whimpered before quickly surrendering to his lead and fell into step beside him. Addy released a deep sigh as they climbed the concrete steps. Finding comfort in Harry’s firm grip she squeezed it tighter gaining the prince’s attention.

“Let’s just have fun Addy. Don’t worry I can handle myself.” He quickly reassured his girlfriend, as he was about to knock on the door alerting her family to their presence. Before his fist made contact with the wooden door it swung open revealing her family eagerly gathered in the front entrance.

“Addy, Prince Harry!!” Rosalyn stood in the doorway with a beaming smile staring at the couple. She immediately pulled Addy into an enveloping hug while her hand remained clenched tightly to the prince’s hand.

“We are so excited to have you both for dinner!” Rosalyn squeezed her frame harder while stealing a glance at the prince offering him a wider grin. 

Harry was her next victim as she released Addy and greeted the prince with a warm welcoming hug. Tapping his back with her hand, Rosalyn whispered in the prince’s ear. “It is so wonderful that we finally get to meet you your highness!” Rosalyn freed the prince from her grips running her hand down the side of his arm in a friendly gesture.

“Thank you Miss Mackenzie, but please call me Harry.” His posh voice rang out. Adalyn watched Elena’s mouth open, swooning over his elegant deep voice.

Carlson stepped in front of his wife, his wide smile evident that he was happy to see Harry once again. “Harry. Nice to see you again! Welcome to our home.” Addy’s father eased his budding nerves. At least her father seemed to already approve of him and was one less person he had to win over.

Carlson shook the prince’s hand firmly before pulling him into a welcoming hug, a gesture that Reid watched carefully. “Thank you Carlson for the invitation for dinner.” Harry smiled warmly while the couple stood hand in hand still outside on the step.

“Dad…” Addy giggled awkwardly as the greetings took a lull. “Are you going to let us inside? Or are you all just going to smother my boyfriend at the door like typical Mackenzie’s?”            

“Of course of course. Please come in!” Rosalyn pleaded with a wide grin.

This gave Addy a quick moment with the prince to silently check in with him. She knew that Harry was nervous, but he did not show it in the least wearing his princely charm that he was so accustomed to displaying. She stole a silent glance, locking eyes with him asking if he was ok.

Harry squeezed her hand in reassurance before he flashed a grin. “I’m fine Addy.” He leant down to whisper catching the soft skin of her temple with a delicate quick kiss before anyone saw. Walking into her child hood home Harry was immediately absorbed in an overpowering sense of welcome and warmth, of home.

Carlson and Rosalyn had stepped back allowing the couple a bit of space to breath before the next introductions. Harry’s eyes fell upon a woman who seemed a bit older than Addy but her resemblance definitely indicated that was she was indeed Addy’s sister Lila.

“Harry…” Addy’s arm snaked around the prince’s waist. “This is my sister Lila and her boyfriend Gavin, that we are all waiting on to pop the question.” A light giggle escaped her lips hoping that humor would ease the palpable tension in the room.

“It’s very nice to meet you Lila.” Harry stretched out his arm but was surprised when her sister wrapped her arms around his body. “Sorry Harry we are a hugging family if you have not noticed yet!” Lila barked a laugh giving him an inviting hug.

Stepping back from the hug Lila angled her head at Addy narrowing her eyes slightly. “We have been waiting quite some time to meet you Harry. Excuse our little sister for her stubborn ways.” 

“Ahhh! Lila!?” Addy gasped shockingly, but of course it came to no surprise that Lila would make that comment.

“It’s quite alright Lila. I have become accustomed to her stubbornness on more than one occasion.” Harry dared to glance at his girlfriend who was now displaying a suggestively raised eyebrow at him.

“Careful Henry…” Addy warned him playfully.

“Awwww!” Elena squealed earning everyone’s eyes turning towards her. “What? It’s so cute she calls me that!” Elena shrugged without any shame or second thought on her remark.

“Don’t worry the Mackenzie women are all pretty harmless.” Gavin piped turning the conversation away from Elena before earning an elbow in the ribs from Lila. “At least most of the time…” Gavin sputtered out between breaths eliciting a barking laugh from the prince. Harry loved the teasing atmosphere he found himself in, as he was a joker at heart and made him feel right at home.

“You deserved that one Gav!” Elena tilted her head back in laughter.

“Welcome Harry!” Elena piped in taking a step forward to give the prince another hug. “You will get used to all the bickering and teasing soon enough. I’m Elena, Reid’s fiancé.” Adalyn had never been so grateful for Elena in that moment. “It’s great to meet the man that has been taking up all of my maid of honors time!”

“I am completely guilty on that part Elena.” He broke away from the hug watching Addy eyeing her brother cautiously. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Addy had been silently catching glimpses of the eerily quiet Reid that was watching Harry’s every move. Addy had never been so nervous for an introduction before in her life. Reid had made it clear on his thoughts about Harry and she begged him silently to not ruin the night for her.

“Reid…” Adalyn interjected before he could greet Harry. She pulled her older brother into a tight hug. “I really like him Reid… please be nice to him… please.” Addy whispered in his ear with a pleading voice. The fact that he never even gave her a silent response worried her to no end.

“Harry…” Reid stuck out his arm shaking it firmly eying down the prince as if to let him know that he was the won to worry about in the family. He was about to make a snide comment to the prince but his eyes fell upon a watch that was carefully fastened around Harry’s wrist.

 Alexander’s watch.

 Reid’s mind immediately flashed back to his conversation earlier at home with his fiancé.

 Flashback

 “Promise me Reid.” Elena’s arms snaked around his waist looking up at him with her chocolate brown eyes. “You saw how happy Adalyn was when she told everyone about Harry. No one has seen her this happy, even when she was with Jake so please don’t ruin it for her.” 

“But –”

“No! No buts Reid!” This is Addy’s night and you will give her and Harry the respect they deserve.” His head looked to the ground hanging low taking in Elena’s truthful words. Elena was always able to make him see reason.

“I need to protect her Elena… Alexander would want me too.” His head lifted to find her eyes starring at him intently nodding her head in agreement.

“That means giving her the chance to show you how she sees Harry, how they are together. We all are protective of her, but let’s be courteous and respectful. Give him a chance Reid.”

End Flashback 

“Welcome to the madness.” A smile appeared on Reid’s lips easing the prince’s solid grip allowing him to take in a calming breath. “It’s nice that you could take time out of your busy day to meet us.”

Harry could feel it in the way he shook his hand. Reid was the going to be the hard one to convince that he should be with Addy. He had come across people like Reid before hand and knew his simple charm and smile would not win him over, rather his actions and the way he treated Adalyn would be the ultimate deciding factor. 

“Anything for Addy.” The prince smiled warmly unsure of how to judge their interaction.

Guess it could have gone worse. Addy thought internally while standing quietly beside her boyfriend.

She unconsciously leaned into Harry placing her hand on his chest. A gesture that had become so innate that Addy did not even know she had done it. Harry’s arm wrapped around her shoulder pulling her in closer, silently comforting her as he rubbed down the warm flesh of her arm.

“What’s for dinner it smells amazing?” Addy took in the aroma wafting in from the kitchen of freshly baked food.

“Your favourite dear.” Rosalyn grabbed Addy’s arm pulling her along into the kitchen away from Harry. Addy glanced back at him wanting to make sure he would be alright on his own.

“It’s alright Addy, you girls go into the kitchen while we head downstairs for a pre-dinner drink!” Carlson waved her off before he patted the prince’s shoulder.

“Fancy a whiskey Harry?” Carlson looked up at the prince with a smile. “Us men always have a quiet drink away from the women before dinner starts.” Harry graciously accepted her father’s offered and followed the men down the stairs into the basement.

Carlson took out four glasses out of the cabinet behind the homemade bar while Reid scrimmaged around searching for the bottle of whiskey beneath the bar. Her brother poured them all a generous glass of whiskey.

“Let’s toast!” Carlson spoke up looking around at the three others.

“To new friendships and beginnings!” Her father’s eyes landed on the prince halting for a shared glance. Harry nodded his head with a crooked smile.

“Cheers!” The sounds of glasses clinked together.

“Addy!!! You forgot to mention how handsome he is in person. His pictures do not do him justice!” Elena swooned, her head slightly tilted as she dazed. “Oh and his voice… damn I nearly forgot how to speak.”

A hint of a blush started to creep up under Addy’s cheeks. Of course she knew all of this, but it felt good to finally talk to someone other than Ainsley about Harry. “He’s more than just good looks Elena.” A small smile was plastered on her lips as they continued to gush about her new boyfriend asking her questions about him.

“I am surprised Reid didn’t say anything stupid…” Adalyn trailed off taking a sip of her wine.

Rosalyn was the first to comment. “He is an over protective brother Adalyn. After all that happened with Jake…” she paused realizing that she should not have brought up the topic. Addy’s arm paused holding her glass of wine in mid air as her eyes darted towards her stepmother.

“My point is. Reid and well all of us do not want to see you hurt like that again sweetheart. It was heartbreaking to see you go through that.” Rosalyn’s gaze softened as she spoke what everyone else was afraid to speak.

“I know that.” Addy breathed a sigh. “But it’s different with Harry and all I want is for you to see what I see in him.” She turned her head towards Lila and Elena. “He is not just a prince, he is more than that. More than that to me at least.”

Elena’s arms wrapped around her squeezing her in an attempt to comfort her. “Oh Addy we already see the way he looks at you. You can tell that he cares a lot about you and this is a true relationship. Besides! We all want the best for you and if that means Harry is in that picture, we will treat him just as one of us!” 

“Thank you Elena.” Addy angled her head into Elena’s embrace patting her arm lightly. “Speaking of which I better go see how he is doing down there in the wolf den.”

“I am sure he is fine Addy.” Lila ensured her. “But tell the guys to come up for dinner. It’s almost ready.”

Her stool scrapped across the wooden floor as she pushed it out from underneath her. Taking a few steps out of the kitchen she inched her way downstairs quietly walking down the carpeted stairs hoping to catch a few words of the conversation in secrecy.

“How can you two support Arsenal?!” Gavin tossed his arms up in shock. “They are absolute shite!”

“So did they not just annihilate Man U this season?” Harry’s voice rang out. “What was it Reid 14 nil?!”

Addy quietly giggled while she sat down on the step. Knowing that Harry and Reid supported the same football team and the fact that Gavin was teasing him was a sure sign that Harry was doing well without her there.

“16 actually!” Reid barked a laugh joining in on the prince’s remark.

“Have you been to many games Harry?” Addy watched Reid lean forward, Harry’s back was facing her as he sat relaxed back into a chair holding an empty glass.

“Yeah it’s quite an amazing time. I am sure I could get tickets for you if you’d like?”

“Yeah? I have only been twice. I wouldn’t want to impose or anything?” Reid held his hand. “But my birthday is coming up!” He tossed his head back in laughter patting the prince’s back.

Addy figured that she should make her presence known before she was found out. Standing up she stepped down more loudly down the rest of the stairs. Their conversation became non-existent as their heads turned towards her to see who was coming down.

“Addy!” Gavin hollered out.

“Coming to check on Harry?” Her father knew her intentions in a heart beat.

Harry’s head turned watching his girlfriend come walking towards him. Her green eyes locked with him as she closed in the distance between them. “Of course I am! I can’t leave him with you apes for very long or he might turn into one!” 

Addy’s hand rubbed his upper back before running her fingers through his ginger hair. “You don’t need to worry babe.” Harry glanced up at Addy from his chair. “The one you need to worry about is Gavin thinking Man U is even on the same playing field as Arsenal!” 

Laughter roared out at Gavin’s expense. It calmed her heart hearing Harry’s unbridled laughter. It meant that he was comfortable enough to have a good banter with the men of her family.

“Is this seat taken?” Addy glanced down at Harry’s lap.

“All yours Ad.” Harry sat up straighter so Addy could comfortably sit down on him. Her hands snaked around the back of his neck.

Carlson went off into conversation, but his eyes were kept on Harry and Addy watching their silent interaction. Her head had pressed lightly against the side of Harry’s while sitting quietly on his lap listening to her father speak. Harry’s hand was rubbing against her thigh holding it in position.

They looked comfortable as a tiny smile was placed on both of their lips. Carlson watched Addy press a kiss to Harry’s cheek and whisper something in his ear that made the prince’s smile light up into a wide grin.

Something about Addy was different. It was in the way she smiled at Harry, the look dancing in her green eyes as they too shone bright. Carlson could not help but mirror her happiness in his smile.

Carlson was not the only one watching their interaction as Reid’s sat back into the couch watching Harry’s hand waiting to intervene if he moved it to close to parts of his sister that he did not approve of. Reid knew that he wanted to pull Harry aside for a conversation, just the two of them before the night ended. Knowing that Addy would not approve he still had questions for Harry that needed to be answered.

“Oh I was supposed to tell you guys to come up for dinner it’s ready.” Addy was caught up in Harry’s close proximity and forgot to mention dinner.

Harry and Addy were the last to leave the basement. Before walking up the stairs Harry grabbed her and placed a hard kiss capturing her lips against his. “You know better than to tease me like that in front of your brother and father… you nearly gave me a hard no telling me you weren’t wearing any knickers.”

“I wanted to make you smile…. And it worked.” Addy stood on her tippy toes placing a soft kiss on his lips before taking his hand to lead Harry up the stairs.

Sitting back in his chair with a full stomach after having indulged in the fine cooking of Rosalyn, Harry took a moment from the constant flood of questions that were asked of him. It was the general type of questions he anticipated like how he met Addy, where they went on their first date, what he liked most about her, had he been to an exhibit of hers; questions that mainly came from her sister Lila. 

Harry had learned that Rosalyn was quite the matchmaker and even tried to set up Addy with a doctor while he was away on deployment. Her stepmother could not figure out why she had turned the doctor down on so many occasions until she realized that Addy was already in a secret relationship with Harry.

“Harry I know I have bombarded you with all these questions and I know all of us are quite curious of you… but how did the press get wind of your relationship?” Lila was asking more of a concerned sister than as a lawyer.

Addy’s eyes flew to Harry silently begging him not to tell them about Lindsie. She had not mentioned that vital piece of information to them as of yet. Having only to imagine what the night would end up like if her family knew family friends of theirs was the source of the leak. Addy knew she would have to tell them eventually, but now was not the right time to do so.

“It wasn’t his fault…” Adalyn came to the prince’s defense before he could speak.

“Addy.” Harry’s deep voice caused her gaze to turn towards him again locking eyes. “It’s ok.” He reassured his girlfriend grabbing her hand.

Clearing his throat he knew that this was coming. “First I wanted to apologize for all of that. It’s a part of me that I wish I could change and has hurt many people that I care about including Adalyn.” Harry released a deep sigh, as the table became quiet waiting for his next words.

“Addy and I had been quite careful knowing that it was a very good possibility that the news would eventually come out. It’s why I thought of not even getting into a relationship with her in the first place. It not only drags her into the frenzy, but you all as well in time and I apologize for that. We did not want you all to find out about us the way it happened… I am not proud of it and if there is anyone harassing you or trying to contact you, I will do all that I can to help.” Harry knew that it was only a matter of time before they reached out to her family and invaded their lives as well.

“You do not need to apologize Harry.” Carlson reaffirmed. “It is out of your control and as long as you keep Addy as safe as you are able to that is all we ask. We can handle the rest son.” He spoke on behalf of the family.

“I am a lawyer Harry, I can come down on their asses if need be.” Lila got the table to erupt into laughter hearing her determined words leave her mouth.

“And a damn feisty one at that. No need to worry Harry.” Gavin added above the laughter.

“Thank you for being so supportive.” Addy scanned the table. “It really means a lot to us and I know I don’t need to say it but... just don’t give them anything to write about. Don’t comment on anything if they ask.” Her eyes landed on Rosalyn giving her a playful wink.

“Even to your friends Rosalyn.”

The conversation died down as people got up from their spots around the table. Harry had helped gather up the plates carrying them into the kitchen thanking Rosalyn for a lovely home cooked meal. Addy was not far behind him talking with Lila quietly as she smiled and glanced at the prince every now and then.

“Hey mate.” Reid’s voice startled Harry not realizing that he was beside him. “Can I steal you away for a bit. I have a few questions myself…” Harry’s eyes locked with her brother’s knowing that there was a potential they would be having a conversation like this especially since Reid did not ask one single question at dinner. 

Harry nodded accepting the offer. Following Reid to the screen door that led to the back, Harry wanted to quickly escape before Adalyn realized that her brother was about to interrogate him.

“Where are you two going?” Addy’s voice yelled at them causing them to halt their strides.

Harry looked back over his shoulder at his girlfriend seeing the fear circling in her eyes. “To get some fresh air.” He smiled back not wanting to worry her further. 

“Reid!” She called her brother’s name.

“Adalyn stay out of it.” Reid simply replied opening the door and walking out into the back yard. Footsteps pattered across the cement patio causing Harry to look back knowing that it was going to be Addy chasing after them.

“No…” She grabbed Harry’s hand. “I am coming with you.”

“Adalyn…” his voice was deep, his tone hard. “Go back inside. I will be fine ok?”

Harry cupped her cheeks feeling her shaking hands cover his. He leant down and kissed her forehead knowing that her whole family was watching them from inside. Now would not be the time to devour her in a shower of sweet kisses so he opted for a small gesture of comfort, but yet she still refused to go. 

“Listen Addy. Reid wants to talk with me and you know it needs to happen so let me do this on my own. Don’t make this harder by being your stubborn adorable self, but please do it for me.” Harry was becoming accustomed to talking her out of her stubbornness when the time seemed fit.

Adalyn stole a glance at her brother Reid.

“Ten minutes.” She narrowed her green eyes at him before stomping off inside reluctant in her decision.

Harry sighed, relieved that she listened to him this once. 

“There is more where that came from.” Reid sat down with a laugh. “She is the most stubborn person I know.” 

Harry took the seat across from him feeling the cool wind bring a quiet chill to the night. “Yeah, but it is also why I like her.” He grinned widely. “She keeps me on my toes, won’t let me get away with anything.”

Silence fell between them as the two starred at each other. “I am just going to come out and say it because there is no other way to.” Reid gestured with his hands.

“What are your intentions with Addy?”

All Harry needed to do was make Reid see that he was being honest and truthful in his answers. “If I told you it was to marry her that would be a lie.” Harry watches her brother’s face contort knowing he needed to explain.

“There is a lot that comes with marrying me and it isn’t exactly a walk in the park despite what some would think.” Harry leaned forward in his chair. “I do not want what happened to my mother, happen to Addy. I care too much about her to put her through that Reid. Her safety and her happiness is more important then me marrying her. I cannot make her decide if she wants to be apart of my crazy life with me, she has to do that herself. So my intentions Reid, is to make her happy and know that I would never hurt her like Jake did… if it means in the long run we end up married I would be more than happy to share a life with her.”

“So she has told you all about what happened with Jake?” Reid leaned forward matching the prince’s stature. “And I assume Alexander by the watch you are wearing?” 

Reid knew that Addy was a guarded private person with everything she had gone through. If Harry knew about Alexander and Jake, Reid would know that Addy trusted Harry more than most people. A fact that would bring some comfort to Reid.

Harry shifted uneasily in his chair knowing that this was a difficult subject. “Yes she has told me about them… Alexander more recently.” Harry confessed. “I know how hard it is for her to give people her trust and I can be that way too.”

Reid relaxed his tense body pleased with his answer. Leaning back in the chair Reid nodded lightly. “You know I am only being skeptical of all of this Harry is because of Alex…”

Harry’s gaze locked with Reid’s seeing a glimpse of the pain that he had seen in Addy’s eyes a few days prior. It was no doubt a difficult topic to speak about so instead of saying anything, Harry sat there and listened.

“He was so protective of her Harry. If he were here there would be no doubt in my mind that he would be marching her into her work every single day making sure she was ok. It was just who he was and I know that I cannot take his place, but I have to try and protect her….” Reid trailed off looking into the prince’s eyes. “I was not cautious with Jake and look what he did to my little sister. Harry she was so broken that I constantly thought she would leave us like Alexander had done.” His confession shocked the prince.

Harry had no idea that it had been that bad for Adalyn. He of course was not there in the aftermath of it all, but he could hear the concern laced in her brother’s voice. All Reid was trying to do was protect Addy from the hurt again. So Harry sat there for as long as Reid needed him to answering question after question until Reid was satisfied.

“Thank you Harry for putting my mind more at ease….” He stood up pulling Harry into a friendly hug. “Just know I am still keeping my eye on you!” Reid teasing smiled, but Harry knew he was half serious.

Harry helped Adalyn slip on her coat at the front entrance. “Thank you for having me here for dinner. It was lovely to meet you all, except Reid.” The group erupted into laughter as Harry shared an understanding look with Reid.

“Well that means we need to do a double date sometime right?!” Elena patted her fiancé’s chest glancing up at him before her eyes darted towards Adalyn.

“Yeah that would be fun actually! We will have to work something out.” Addy beamed at the thought. It would be the perfect thing for Reid to connect and get to know Harry more.

“Harry you are welcome back for dinner or a visit anytime!” Carlson’s arm hung loosely around Rosalyn’s shoulder. “But no overnight visits!” He shook his finger at the couple.

“Dad!” Addy’s mouthed dropped open in shock.

“Oh come on Addy. Don’t think we all know that you are going back to Harry’s to stay the night or you wouldn’t be getting your coat on!” Lila of course had to join in the teasing.

Addy welcomed all of it. It was their way of letting her know that they approved of Harry and that they were comfortable enough around him to tease. She had to admit that she was quite nervous for tonight, but it went far better than she had expected to. Even though she had no idea what was discussed between Harry and Reid, she could tell Reid had progressed somewhat in his initial thoughts of the prince.

“Shall we get going? You have an early morning at work.” Harry’s hand found the small of her back rubbing it soothingly.

“Yeah… we should.”

Harry and Addy were surrounded in goodbye hugs before they opened the door and walked back hand in hand to the vehicle that had pulled up waiting for them.

“See?” Addy tugged down gently on Harry’s hand gaining his blue eyed gaze while she beamed up at him proudly.