#chapter36

"Is it still snowing?" Jared mumbled into her hair.

"I think so." Lexi sat up reaching for Jared's shirt on the floor. Jared bit is bottom lip seeing the sheet slide down her bare back in the pale light that shone from beneath the bedroom door. "It sounds like it’s gotten worse out there." Lexi commented turning out her bedside lamp to find her panties. 

She slid them on and opened her curtains to see glowing white snow falling from the sky in a heavy downpour.  Jared having slipped on his boxers was behind Lexi peering out the window. 

"I think it’s safe to say we are in a full blown storm." Jared said sarcastically. Watching as the wind bent the trees as if they were rubber. The snow moved across the ground as if snow piled on the ground was a white ocean of waves. A tree branch snapped, the wind sending it flying into the power lines, sparks lightening up the sky with a bright flash of white. Jared and Lexi jumped back as the entire house went black. "You okay?" Jared asked Lexi.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She felt her way to her side table. "I have a flashlight somewhere."

The bedroom door opened and a beam of light shone through. "Y'all okay in here?" Jensen asked as Lexi turned on her flashlight. Both Jensen and Lexi then turned their light on Jared, Jensen only seeing his naked upper half. "Please tell me you're not entirely butt ass naked."

"I have underwear on." Jared answered with his hands up.

"Thank God." Jensen breathed out before turning to Lexi. "You may want to spend the night downstairs where it will stay warm."

"We'll bring blankets down." Lexi smiled at her brother.

"Fully clothed!" Jensen flashed his light back at Jared. "If you don't mind." He walked out of the room with an eye roll.

"Here." Lexi giggled handing Jared his pants. "You're not getting your shirt back, though."

Jared slipped his pants on. "It looks better on you anyway." He leaned forward buckling his pants placing a kiss to her lips.

 Jensen had pushed the giant L shaped sofa close to the huge fireplace that was burning so bright it lit up most of the giant living room. Jared had hauled down an arm full of fluffy blankets and plush pillows. Lexi was in the kitchen, the kettle beginning to whistle on the gas stove. Jared leaned his shoulder against the wall,arms crossed over his chest and a smile on his face as he watched Lexi fix a cup of tea. His eyes scanned over her, his cowboys t-shirt nearly reaching her knees, her bare feet and pink pedicured toes. The dark wine colored hair cascading over her shoulders and down her back in thick waves.

Lexi looked over at him seeing Jared through the dim candle light across the room. "What?" Lexi paused smiling at Jared. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Jared dropped his arms and walked over to Lexi slow and calculated. Like a lion inching towards its prey. He took her face into his hands and kissed her hard. 

"What was that?" Lexi asked out of breath when Jared finally pulled away. 

"I love you." He told her running his fingers through her hair before resting his hands on her cheeks. "I love you so much and I'm glad we are looking past our stupidity."

"I'm not calling it stupidity. I'm calling it stubbornness." Lexi corrected. " And I love you, too." She met his eyes. "More than you know." She placed a kiss on the tip of his nose. They walked into the living room Lexi handing Jensen his cup of tea and crawling onto the couch next to Jared. "I can't believe after all the storms y'all have been through and all the times the power went out, you two still never got a generator." 

"Because usually we're on set." Jensen said getting comfortable. "You're gonna freeze in just that shirt." He pointed towards Lexi cuddled up next to Jared.

"Have you ever slept next to Jared?" Lexi hitched her thumb towards Jared. "His body heat makes me sweat."

"No, I've never had the pleasure." Jensen said sarcastically.

~

It was early morning, close to twelve thirty am. Jensen keeping an eye on the storm with his phone, as long as the internet holds out on his cell. He looked over at Jared, a book in hand, his other arm draped over Lexi. She lay with her head nestled between his chest and arm, her legs wrapped with his and her hand resting on his stomach. He saw Jared look down at Lexi with adoration before placing a kiss on her head. 

"I'm glad you two fixed things." Jensen said from across the couch.

Jared glanced across to Jensen. "Yeah, me too." He placed his book aside. "I know it doesn't make sense but, when we were apart I felt so lost." 

"Cause she is your anchor." 

"I know she is." Jared gave a grin. 

"And you're hers."

"You think?"

"I know." 

Jared pulled himself up some, Lexi's head sliding down to just above his stomach, her arm wrapping around his waist.  "Can I tell you something? Without you being a big brother about it?"

"Of course." Jensen asked standing with a stretch. "Wanna drink?"

"Yeah, sure." Jared pulled himself up to sit better, careful not to wake Lexi. Jared pushed her hair from her face and kissed her cheek softly once more.

Jensen smiled, pouring him and Jared a glass of scotch handing it to him. "So," Jensen sipped. "Spill." 

Jared smiled. "With Lexi it's so different." He took a breath focused on the sip of the golden liquid at the bottom of his crystal glass. "You know, a big part of what kept Lexi and me at odds for so long was my fault." He confessed still focussed on his drink. "I've never-" He gave an exhale. "It terrifies me how much I love her." He finally looked up from his cup. "With Gen, yeah I loved her so much, I did. But with Lexi it’s different. It’s so much more. And that scared the crap out of me because I thought Gen was the one and it was end game. I mean she's the mother of my kids. Then we divorced."

"Then Lexi came to Vancouver." Jensen added.

"I can't even tell you what it was. But from day one when I saw her again after all that time, it was like a growing seed that I didn't even know had been planted." Jared looked back down at his glass. "Then we kissed and-"

"When did you kiss for the first time?" Jensen asked sipping his scotch.

"The night of her birthday party. When she was sixteen." He kept his eyes cast to the glass. "Cassie and Ellie took over her bed so she crashed in mine. When I came out of the shower she was asleep and for some unknown reason I leaned down to kiss her cheek. She turned at the same time and I kissed her lips instead." Jared gave a small huff. "She turned in and kissed me back." He smiled. "It was like she set a fire inside me. I-I couldn't get her out of my head after that."

"Then not long after that the stow storm." Jensen motioned with his hands. 

"Yep." Jared poured he and Jensen another. "And now," Jared looked down at her sleeping form beside him. "Aside from the kids, she's my everything."

Jensen watched the look in Jared's eyes as he spoke of Lexi. The way he explained his emotions and feelings was exactly how he felt about Danneel. He knew Lexi felt the exact same way about Jared. If his baby sister  was gonna fall head over heels in love with a guy, at least it’s someone Jensen knew as well as himself. 

Lexi stirred giving Jared waist a squeeze. "I'm glad you two are having yet another bromance moment, but lower your voices."

 "Sorry baby girl." Jared smiled.

"Sorry , Punk."

"Its cool." Lexi sat up next to Jared. "So, what's the topic at," She turned the watch on Jared's wrist to read the time. "One am?"

"Nothing." Jensen chimed. "Just guy stuff."

"Sure." Lexi rolled her eyes at her brother. "Whatcha got?" She grabbed the glass from Jared throwing it back. "Not bad." She tipped the glass up before placing in on the side table snuggling back into Jared's side. 

Jared slouched in the couch wrapping his arms around Lexi pulling her closer. Jensen downed the rest of his drink doing the same.

~

The next morning Lexi was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in hand, papers spread out on the table in front of her. The wind had finally calmed and the sun was trying to peak through the thick cloud cover. Jensen walked into the kitchen rubbing his eyes, hair a mess.

"Nice hair, Porcupine." Lexi smiled.

"Coffee?"

"Dumb question." Lexi pointed to the counter with her cup in hand.

Jensen poured himself a cup walking over to Lexi. "What're you working on?"

"Choosing the sketches for the new issue." She glanced back towards the living room. "Jared still asleep?"

"Mmhmm." Jensen mumbled filling his mouth with coffee. "He was still snoring when I got up. Tell me, how do you sleep next to him when he sounds like a freight train."

Lexi giggled. "He doesn't snore like that all the time." She took a sip of her coffee. "Most of the time it's a sweet humming sound." She smiled thinking. "I find it comforting."

'You would." Jensen rolled his eyes taking another gulp from his cup.

"Why is that?"

"Because you and Jare are equally weird." 

"You say that like it's a bad thing." She placed a handful of papers aside. "Not many people find some who is both the love of your life and a fellow weirdo."

"So, you're saying Jared is the love of your life." Jensen looked at his little sister who was clearly unaware that she'd made the comment.

Lexi paused mid reach for another stack of papers but didn't pick them up. She looked to Jensen and furrowed her brow. "What?"

"You just said Jared was the love of your life."

Lexi looked down at the pile of papers in front of her. "Well- I- he- we," A nervous chuckle was all she managed to get out fully. 

"Punk," Her eyes met his. "This is me you're talking to."

She leaned back in her seat with a look of deep thought on her features. "What I feel for Jared," Lexi swiped a hand over her face  giving another chuckled exhale.  "I have read about great loves and soulmates and, and these stories of people who find each other through the most horrific scenarios." She looked up to Jensen again. "I never thought happily ever after was real except in books. Till Jared fucking Padalecki." She gave a giggle. "So, yeah, Jared is the love of my life." She smiled at her big brother.

Jensen chuckled. "Yeah, sounds about right."

"Does that bother you?" Lexi peeked at her brother from over her coffee cup. "That the person I'm in love with is your best friend?"

Jared walked into the kitchen scratching his head. "Morning, baby girl." Jared leaned over wrapping an arm around Lexi's shoulders placing a kiss on the top of her head. 

"Morning, babe. Want me to get you a cup of coffee?" Lexi looked up at Jared as he stood up tall. 

"Nah, I got it." He reached grabbing her cup. "I'll get you a refill." 

Jensen watched as Jared fixed two cups f coffee and sat down next to Lexi. They talked while looking through papers and going over photos. He smiled when they finished one another's sentences and he watched as they poked fun at each other with little quirks and inside jokes. They really were in love. He sat back and wondered how things would have been different if he hadn't been such a hard ass. Would they be married? Would they have a kid?

"I'm sorry." Jensen said out of the blue causing Jared and Lexi to look at him in the most curious way. 

"For what, Dork?" Lexi nudged his foot with a smile.

"I'm sorry for all I did a few years ago." Jensen looked down into his cup.

"Jay, we talked about it. It's okay. We get it." Jared assured.

"Yeah we talked about it but I never really apologized for throwing yall lives into turmoil over this." He gestured between the two looking up. "I never should of forced you two to split up and given you ultimatums basically making your lives hell and forcing you to break each other's heart." Jensen looked at Lexi. "I'm not your dad and I didn't have the right-"

"Okay, first off." Lexi cut him off. "You raised me most of my childhood hood. I love dad to death but we all know the only reason you didn't adopt me is because no one wanted you to look like a weirdo because you were so young and I was almost a teenager."  

"Still." Jensen spoke sitting back in his chair. "I should have seen how much you loved him." He turned his attention to Jared. "And you, I should have known you would NEVER hurt Lexi."

"No hard feelings man, you know this." Jared assured once more.

"If I would have never done the crap I did maybe some of the shit that went down would have gone different."

"Like what?" Jared furrowed his brow.

"Lexi wouldn't have gotten back with Chris. She would have never let him back into her life and she would never have hurt herself like she did. And you two wouldn't have went back and forth for three damn years torturing one another." Jensen took a breath. "Lex, I felt like I needed to protect you because of what happened when you were fifteen. Like it was all on me."

"Shut up." Lexi snapped at him. "None of it was your fault, you dipshit. If you wouldn't have done what you did then I wouldn't know what I am capable of on my own two feet."

"And I wouldn't know how much this woman here means to me and how much she's changed my life and opened my eyes." Jared kissed the back of Lexi's hand.

"I wouldn't know what real unconditional love is. And that I deserve it." Lexi turned her attention from Jared to Jensen. "And I wouldn't know how amazing of a family I have. One that supports me and wants me. You all CHOSE me. When I was a kid you chose to be my family. And that was the best thing that has happened to me because look what it had brought me." Jensen smiled with a tear in his eye. "I mean, I get to deal with this oversized five year old for the rest of my life, now." Jensen and Jared let out a laugh. "I love you, you dork." 

Lexi stood and wrapped her arms around Jensen squeezing him tight, Jensen returning the hug with equal pressure. The light flickered on and Lexi stood. "And God said let there be light."

After putting the house back to the way it belonged the three of them dug out the driveway. The sun slowly made its return to brighten up the sky showing everything covered in pure white. It was truly beautiful. The sun didn't last long, though. By the time it fully broke through the heavy cloud cover, it was already beginning to set making way to night.

Back in Jared's room that evening they lay in his huge bed, each to their own devices as they rubbed their feet together, letting the other know they were there. It was a small comfort knowing they had the other back. 

Jared shifted his eyes looking over at Lexi, who was occupied on her tablet. He smiled at her concentration on her work, her stylus never stopping for too long. 

"Would you marry me?" 

Now that made her stop. She placed her tablet down looking over at Jared. "What?"

Jared turned onto his side facing Lexi. "If some day I were to ask you to marry me, would you?"

"I- are- are you asking me now?"

"If I did would you say yes?" He leaned up on an elbow placing his hand on her face looking into her eyes. "If I were to tell you that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and someday I want you to take my last name, would you say yes?"

"Jensen said not to marry young." Her eyes were borderline between excitement and panic.

"You're young, me not so much." He smiled. "And that's why I said someday. Not now because you're only twety and Jensen dd ask me to wait till you were older. But, when that time comes in the not too distant future that I wanted to make you mine forever, would you say yes?" He sat up face to face with her and reached beneath the pillow pulling out a small blue box. "Would you let me promise you tonight, that my intentions are to make you my wife some day?" Jared opened the box revealing a beautiful white gold band with pink/purple diamonds on either side of a round cut pink/purple diamond in the middle. 

Lexi looked from the diamond to Jared tears brimming her eyes. "You're saying you want to make this a- a forever thing?" She asked with no breath.

"That's the plan." Lexi pressed her lips to his as soon as she spoke. "So, no?" Jared pulled away, he and lexi letting out a laugh. Jared slipped the ring on her finger and placed a kiss on it.  

Next Chapter>

“Willow was Adalyn’s pup growing up. They went everywhere together, but sadly when she moved out Willow had to stay with us.” Remembering the fond memories, her father became quiet staring at the two dogs begging for Harry’s attention.

Joining her father in the front room, Harry settled down in a chair occasionally glancing up at the staircase waiting for Adalyn to come down. Willow placed her paw on Harry’s knee patting it gently while staring up at him with big golden brown eyes.

“Hello sweet girl. Do you like having Addy home?” Willow wagged her tail and barked her reply. Tossing his head back in laughter Harry could not contain his laughter at her response.

“Adalyn is thinking about going back to Ainsley’s.” Carlson released a small smile locking eyes with the prince. “She has been insistent on it the past few days.”

“Really?” Harry cleared his throat trying not to act surprised having heard nothing of the sort from Addy. His brow furrowed slightly wondering if it had anything to do with Jake. Harry had to agree with Carlson that she was still safer in her father’s home. There was a part of him that knew Addy had only told himself about Jake’s recent stalking activities and would of course keep it from her family as to have them not worry.

“Well she is quite stubborn.” Harry’s features relaxed seeing a smile spread across her father’s face.

“You have no idea Harry. She’s my little pistol.” Carlson shook his head with a sigh.

“Pistol huh? Nickname?” The prince glanced to the top of the stairs desperately waiting to see Adalyn. It had been a few days since their last day together, a day that he would remember for the rest of his life. The day they confessed their love for each other.

“Alexander gave it to her as a little girl and it had just stuck with all of us. Addy of course hates it, but I think she secretly adores it.” Addy’s father grew into a whisper.

Carlson paused to lean back into the sofa. “Oh! Rosalyn wanted me to invite you to her birthday party the week after next. The whole family will be invited and her son will be coming from the States!”

A smile spread onto the prince’s lips at the invitation. “Thank you Carlson, but unfortunately I will be out of the country on a tour that week. Please thank Rosalyn for the invite.”

“Of course Harry. I for sure will.”

“What are you two talking about now?” Addy’s voice carried from the top of the stairs into the front room.

Harry’s head turned glancing at the top of the stairs seeing his girlfriend in a maroon plaid dress that fit her in all the right places. Her brunette hair was delicately pulled back, her face carefully decorated with the just the right amount of make up. Harry still could not believe that Addy was his, this brunette beauty that did not understand how gorgeous she really was, was all his.

Standing up from the chair Harry could not keep his eyes off of her as they connected with Addy’s smiling green eyes. Carlson watched their silent interaction seeing the way Harry admired his daughter warmed his heart. Something between them had changed since he last witnessed them together, but he could not place it.

It tugged at his heartstrings seeing how Adalyn’s eyes instantly lit up at the sight of Harry. Carlson could tell that this relationship was far more serious than most thought. It brought a sense of joy that warmed his heart knowing that his daughter was able to find someone who treated her with the respect and love that she deserved.

He had been quite worried about his youngest after seeing the way she had broken from the heartbreak Jake needlessly caused. Even though Carlson still had reservations of his daughter dating a well-known prince, he hoped that Harry would never break his daughter’s heart like it had been. He could not just allow his heart to trust Harry like he had done with Jake; he owed that to his daughter to remain cautious of the prince.

“Just learned that Harry will be out of the country for Rosalyn’s birthday party!” Carlson patted Harry’s shoulder giving it a small squeeze as Adalyn took the last few steps down the stairs.

A natural smile graced her lips as she took a few steps towards the two men. “I know. He will be in Australia that was why I didn’t invite him myself father.” Her green eyes darted towards Carlson with a raised eyebrow knowing what her father was up too. He wanted Harry to meet the rest of her family, but she wanted to wait a bit longer.

“Hello babe.” Addy stood up on her tippy toes to place a quick kiss on Harry’s lips while her hand blindly searched for his. Interlocking their fingers, Adalyn peaked down at their conjoined hands before turning her attention back to Harry and her father’s conversation.

Tuning them out Adalyn was caught deep in her mind. Thoughts had plagued her mind all day long causing quite the distraction for her at work. Today was the day she was meeting Harry’s brother William and sister in law Kate, who just so happened to be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. To say that she was stressed was an understatement.

Addy was stressing over all the little intricacies that Harry had briefly taught her about the right etiquette to greet his brother. Though he insisted it be an informal dinner and none of that was necessary, Addy still wanted to pay her respects and make a good impression on them.

“Right Addy?” Harry’s voice pulled her from those thoughts seeing her caught in her own mind.

“Umm yes.” Addy sheepishly agreed, not knowing exactly what she had agreed to.

Harry’s blue eyes stared at her with a softened gaze. He had immediately felt how nervous she was the minute his hand wrapped around hers. Addy was fidgety, unable to remain still while her hand silently quivered in his.

“I think it’s best if we head out.” Glancing down at his watch Harry figured if they stayed any longer they would be late for dinner. Turning his head to her father, Harry thanked him again for the invite. Helping Addy with her coat, Harry pulled it over her shoulders before placing a hand on her lower back about to step out of the door when her father spoke.

“Midnight curfew Harry.” Carlson warned the prince, still being the over protective father that earned an eye roll from his youngest daughter.

Harry released a small laugh, “Yes sir. I will have her home and back in one piece.”

“Thank you Luther.” Addy took Harry’s hand helping her out of the back seat. Shutting the door behind them, Luther followed the couple into Kensington Palace.

“I got a better idea pumpkin.” Harry groaned at her nickname for him. She rarely used it, but knew it bugged him to his core; it made her giggle and hearing her laugh was better than anything so he swallowed his pride.

“And what is that?” Harry lifted his arm placing it over her shoulder as her hand interlocked their fingers. His blue eyes drifted to see a smirk delicately tugging at the corner of her lips.

Leaning into the prince she whispered. “We could go home and just have sex and miss the whole thing?” Addy winked at him hoping he would take her up on the offer.

“As tempting as that is Addy…” He squeezed her hand lightly. “We will have plenty of time after the oldies go to bed. I will still have time to fuck your brains out and return you back home before midnight.”

Addy inhaled a loud gasp appalled at the words that had left Harry’s mouth. “Do I need to remind you that my father has a shot gun in his home?” Falling into a fit of giggles watching the prince’s reaction nearly made her stumble in her heels.

“Careful Addy.” Harry caught her and was able to steady her.

Walking down the numerous sets of hallways and rooms Addy became increasingly quiet; a fact to which Harry was aware of. “Hey babe?”

“Yeah?” Addy plastered a fake smile on her lips to reassure him.

Harry’s footsteps halted bringing his girlfriend into a tight embrace he brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Looking into her green eyes he had never felt happier to bring someone like Addy to meet his brother. Even Kate had pestered him in the last couple day’s non-stop about her; stating how excited she was to have someone to have more girl talk with.

“Please don’t curtsey or say your highness. My brother is just like me and hates all those formalities.” Addy’s mouth parted to protest his request but Harry silenced her with a finger placed gently over her lips. “Just be my Addy… that’s all I want.”

Angling her head she smiled with a nod. “What if that is not enough?” Adalyn confessed to Harry with a sigh. “I want them to like me.” Her truthful whispers were barely heard as Harry caught the worry in her tone.

He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. “They already do because they have seen how happy I am with you Adalyn Mackenzie.” Before Adalyn could back out Harry grasped her hand and led her to the apartments door and knocked.

“Henry!” Addy scolded him with narrowed eyes that quickly softened seeing his deep blue eyes smiling back at her.

“You are meeting my brother and sister in law right now and not a minute later.” Pushing open the door Harry hesitated opening for a second longer. “Just remember that I love you.” The smile in his eyes calmed her nerves more than anything. Hearing those words leave his lips freely without any second thought caused her heart to skip a beat. Her cheeks filled with warmth as he hollered his brother’s name.

“Will! Kate! We are here!” Holding on tight to Harry’s hand, Addy followed him through the entrance. Peaking around his broad shoulders she saw two figures walking briskly towards them in a near run.

Will and Kate.

Duke and Duchess.

Royalty.

Harry’s brother and sister in law.

Taking one last deep breath Adalyn held tightly onto the prince’s hand.

“Harry! Adalyn!” Her name was yelled out in ecstatically along side Harry’s.

Will wrapped his brother up in a warm hug greeting him with a bright smile. Kate stepped around Will with her hands clasped together smiling at Addy happy to see her.

“You must be Addy.” Kate stretched her arms out for a hug, enveloping Addy’s frame. “I thought that we would never meet you!” A series of laughter rang out with a low side comment from Harry. Kate grabbed Adalyn’s hands taking a step back to take another look at the woman Harry had brought to dinner. “Wow! I love that dress! It’s adorable, where did you get it?”

“It’s from Zara’s!” Adalyn smiled wide, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks at the Duchess’s compliment.

“Oooh I love that shop! We must go on a shopping trip soon! I hear there is a sale coming up.” Kate was giddy, finally finding a woman she could talk with. “I am so happy that you are here, I am always stuck with these two boys.”

“Men. Kate. We are both men.” William corrected her earning a suggestively raised eyebrow from his wife.

“When you two start acting like men I certainly will call you men dear.” Kate smiled a toothy grin. Harry had found his place back by Addy’s side as the couple watched them silently bicker at each other.

“Will can I introduce you to my girlfriend now?” Harry eyed his brother with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, my apologies.” William took a step forward placing two greeting kisses on either side of Addy’s cheeks before hugging her warmly. “Hello Adalyn. I am glad we finally get a chance to meet the woman my brother has been hiding from us!”

“It’s great to meet both you and thank you for having me in your lovely home.” Addy glanced around before being taken away from Harry’s side for a tour of the Cambridge’s apartment. Looking back over her shoulder she made one last eye contact with the prince smiling at her. Harry watched her figure disappear into a room being led away by Kate before he saw Will’s eyes on him.

Will and Harry

“What Will?”

“You are so done for. That woman has you wrapped around her finger and you don’t even know it.” Will pointed his finger at his younger brother with a happy smile.

“Oh shut it Will! She does not!” Harry made sure he protested though internally he knew that Will was right, but he dared not admit that to his brother.

“So tell me…” Will led the prince into the kitchen checking the chicken that was nearly done cooking in the stove. “Why have you waited so long for us to meet her?”

Harry took in a deep breath. “You know what it is like Will.” Pausing he made eye contact with his brother. “I wanted a solid relationship with her before the madness interfered with it and it always does. Everything came out sooner than I wanted anyway and I wanted to give her time to adjust.”

“How is she handling the press?” Will leaned in on the counter with a sincere concerned look knowing that it was a part of their life that they struggled with in all aspects no matter whether it was their private or public life.

“She’s doing the best she can. Addy won’t tell me, but I know they are there everyday at her work just waiting to harass her and there is nothing I can do about it.” Will knew all too well exactly what Harry was referring to, he had felt the same about Kate’s torments with the press even to this day. “I honestly thought she was going to end it with me that first night.”

“Will I need your advice…” Harry grew quiet looking up at his older brother.

Kate and Addy

It been well past half and hour that Addy was alone with Kate searching through her closet pulling out clothes and have general girl chat. Addy was holding her belly laughing hard listening to Kate tell stories of her and William. Sighing in a breath Addy looked around Kate’s never ending closet of designer clothes and accessories. It was nice to look at, but she wanted to know more than that about life as a royal, but from someone who had been in her shoes, someone from the outside looking in.

“Kate?” Addy glanced down at the ground not wanting to look her in the eye while asking this. “Is it all worth it?”

Kate slowly sauntered over sitting down on a cushioned seat. Addy’s piercing green eyes peaked up at Kate as if she was afraid to know the answer, but knew Kate was the only one that could truly answer it without bias. It had been her wish that Adalyn and her would became close and even spending the short amount of time with Harry’s new girlfriend, Kate felt that they were well on their way to becoming friends.

“Is all of this worth it?” Kate gestured with her hands. “Is giving up your entire life, your career and your privacy worth it all?”

Adalyn nodded worriedly as Kate spoke. Only she understood what it was like for Adalyn, as easy it was to have Ainsley to vent to, Kate understood on a deeper level. Kate would be the one to know what it was truly like, even though Harry had been trying his best to warn and guide her through, only she knew.

“It is for me Adalyn.” Softening her gaze at the brunette she understood exactly what was circulating in her mind. “The love that Will and I share makes me believe that it is worth giving all that up for. Don’t get me wrong, it is harder some days than others to live such a public life, but that just makes moments behind closed doors so precious and so valuable.”

Kate sighed pausing as she searched for the right words. “I can sit here all night and tell you the reasons why it is worth it Adalyn, but you have to decide that for yourself.” Inching closer to Adalyn, Kate placed her hand on Addy’s knee giving it a gentle squeeze. “This life as a royal is such a privilege to give your name out for worthy causes, but it’s tagged along with endless scrutiny and is not for the faint of heart.”

“You have handled things so well lately. I remember what it was like to find your face plastered on every newspaper and magazine. They get easier to deal with, more so you get used to them invading your life and you don’t let them ruin your day or stop you from living your life.” Kate tried to comfort Adalyn knowing that it was more daunting than anything. “Trust Harry, confide in him when things are too hard for you. The Wales boys have been dealing with them their whole life and it’s more of a give and take with a very fine line that they do not let the press cross ever since Diana…”

“Thank you Kate.” Addy smiled warmly up at the duchess. “It has been hard lately, but Harry is always there and is a wonderful support, sometimes a little too protective.” She released a small giggle at the thought.

“He is very protective Adalyn. He always has been and always will be.” Kate smiled warmly wanting to help Adalyn as much as she could for she had walked in that same unpaved path. “I am always here for advice if you need. I will give you my personal number and please…” Kate stressed further, “do not hesitate to ask for help or you will surely drown in this life.”

Kate glanced up at an old clock hanging from the wall.  “Dinner must be ready by now, shall we go see what the boys are up to?”

Harry and Will

“Adalyn’s ex is stalking her?!” Will’s voice rose louder in shock.

“Shhhhh dam it William!” Harry quietly scolded his brother. Carefully he glanced over his shoulder to see if Adalyn was near. He needed to tell someone, someone who would give him advice on how to go down this new road. If it were up to Harry he would just go find the scum bag and make sure he never returned to London.

“Does father know yet?” His brother continued to subject Harry with a series of questions.

“No and he won’t know until it has been dealt with.” Harry narrowed his eyes at William making sure he was not going to tell a soul. “Father cannot know; he won’t let me protect her the way I want too.”

“Well what are you going to do?” Will looked at his brother with sympathy. He had no idea that this was happening with Adalyn above everything else she was dealing with. Harry informed his brother that he had only found out from Addy a few days prior to and that the stalking behaviour had already lasted a few months.

Harry relived that moment seeing Addy’s terrified green eyes silently begging him to keep her safe from her ex as he told William how frightened she was. This was new territory for the prince’s, having never dealt with a stalker ex before hand.

“You need to tell Luther…” Will’s eye lifted from his brother’s hearing laughter enter the room.

Harry glanced back over his shoulder as the image of his girlfriend with Kate came into view. Their eyes connected and Adalyn could tell the way Harry held himself that something was not right. Her mouth parted slightly seeing the worry circle in the prince’s eyes as each step took her closer to Harry.

He told Will.

Adalyn knew the instant her gaze averted to William’s seeing the pity he tried to conceal. She was not even mad at the fact that Harry told him; he wouldn’t do that unless he felt the need to. Harry was closest with his brother and she did not want to hinder or scold that close knit relationship hoping that one day Harry would confide in his brother more, especially about his PTSD.

“Are you all hungry yet? I am famished!” Kate broke the awkward silence that had fallen amongst them.

“So she would always make us wear matching sets of clothes and we hated it with a passion. I got to the point where I could refuse but Harry was still at her mercy and dressed him in the most ridiculous clothes!” Will had the room erupting in laughter hearing embarrassing stories of the two boys when they were younger.

Harry couldn’t help but join in at the memory of his mother that he fondly remembered. A hand wrapped around his instinctively squeezing it for a touch of comfort. His blue eyes darted down to his girlfriend cuddled up beside him that was laughing whole-heartedly at his expense.

The laughter subsided as Addy snuggled in closer to the prince causing him to lift his arm and pull her body in closer. “You alright?” Addy discretely whispered in his ear knowing how hard it was to talk about his mother.

A simple squeeze of the hand followed by a crooked smile gave her his answer. They had rarely talked about his mother Diana other than the one night Harry had taken her to ‘their spot’ that meant everything to her. In a way she desperately wanted to hear Harry’s memories of his mother like William freely shared, but knew they were precious to him and tucked away deep in heart; a place where only him could know of them.

“Tell Adalyn about the time where Harry wanted to play with the older cousins and –”

“I think that is enough reminiscing for tonight Will!” Harry interjected before another embarrassing story was shared with his girlfriend earning an exaggerated pouty lip from the woman beside him.

“Oh come on! One more story please William!” Addy chuckled while Harry turned his head giving her a non-pleasing expression. “I love to watch Harry squirm!”

Her lips pressed firmly against Harry’s holding them in place for a couple seconds hoping that it would help distract Harry from her request. The prince groaned with agony as he agreed to one last story making Addy grin from ear to ear. Her lips tugged into a stagnant smile hearing more child hood memories of Harry.

Kate could not take her eyes off of the couple. She saw how comfortable Adalyn was around Harry, eager to be by his side and always wearing a small smile in his presence. It was not hard to see that her brother in law was in love with this woman as the revelation hit her she could not keep it inside.

“You love each other!” Kate interrupted her husband earning all eyes turning to her. Clearing her throat she began to speak again. “I am sorry, but it is so easy to tell…”

Harry could not hide the smile that spread across his lips as Addy buried her face into the crook of his neck. Her cheeks had become flushed in embarrassment as Kate went on to explain how she knew. Was it really that obvious?

“Of course I love her Kate. You do not have to explain how you know, it’s true that I do.” Harry proudly confirmed Kate’s suspicions. “But, it is far later than we expected to stay and I have to get Addy home before her father gets out his shotgun!”

“Thank you for such a lovely dinner, it was so nice to meet you.” Addy beamed as she leaned into the prince’s arm gently rubbing it up and down.

“You are welcome anytime Adalyn. Thank you for making my brother as happy as he is.” William couldn’t help but not hug the woman who made his brother smile ear to ear.  “Though I do not know how you can stand that ginger hair of his!” Of course his brother would take any opportunity to throw banter his way.

“At least he has hair Will!” Addy wittily snapped back in laughter defending her boyfriend. Reaching up she ran her fingers through his thick ginger hair. Harry was not laughing due to the state of shock that he was in not thinking that Adalyn would respond that way, but loved her even more for it.

“Oooooh!!!” Kate held her belly in laughter. “She got you Will!”

“Damn Harry she is a keeper!” Will pushed out between breaths of laughter.

“She is quite amazing isn’t she?” Harry turned his gaze down at his girlfriend seeing her eyes smiling back up at him.

“Just amazing Harry?” Addy raised her eyebrow suggestively.

“Well…. smart, talented, beautiful and…” Harry paused pretending to ponder.” Well ya that’s it!” Harry braced himself knowing a playful smack was coming towards him.

“Ok we really need to go!” Harry urged not wanting to witness the wrath of Adalyn’s father. Grabbing Addy’s hand he led her through the door waving and exchange one last set of goodbyes.

“Shopping date soon Adalyn remember!” Kate hollered at them from down the hall.

Running up to the steps of her father’s home Harry released her hand allowing Addy to dig out her keys. The lights inside of the house were turned off indicating that everyone had gone to bed and Addy needed to sneak in quietly, careful not to wake anyone up.

Fumbling with the keys Addy quietly opened the door, pulling Harry inside to say goodbye. His arms immediately surrounded her pulling her body flush against him about to press his lips onto her full luscious lips when a lamp light quickly turned on in the front room nearly startling the couple. Her father’s face was half lit as he had been waiting patiently for her to make it home.

“Dad?!” Addy gasped in shock as her hand flew to her chest. “What the hell! I am twenty six years old!”

“12:01 Harry.” Her father sat up closing in the distance between the couple. Harry’s hand dropped to his side making more space between him and Carlson’s daughter.

“Time to say goodnight Adalyn.”

Addy peaked up at Harry with a guilty smile that half loved how protective and cute her father was acting. “Better say goodnight Harry…” She whispered into his ear.

Harry nodded acknowledging her father, secretly wondering where the shotgun was located at that exact moment. The prince pulled his girlfriend into a quick embrace careful of where he placed his hands. Addy pecked his cheek with a swift kiss saying her goodnight, desperately wishing that she could sneak her boyfriend upstairs like a rebellious teenager.

“Goodnight Sir.” Harry dropped Adalyn’s hand giving it one last squeeze before he turned towards the door and left her home.

Addy ran to the front window watching her prince climb into the backseat giving her one last wave before he disappeared into the back. Her hand lifted giving him a small wave wanting him not to leave her. Staying at the window she stood there until his black SUV made it out of her range of sight.

Pulling the covers over her body she snuggled into their warmth that they provided. Chance and Willow had both climbed up onto her bed making themselves comfy on either side of her. Her phone vibrated on the bedside table just before she was about to turn off the light.

A text from Harry read….

They loved you babe. I love you xx sleep well.

Addy immediately replied.

“How did it go Harry?” Luther asked from the front seat curiously.

Harry opened his mouth about to speak before feeling his phone buzz in his hands. An instant smile appeared on his lips seeing her reply.

I love you Henry. Wish you were here with me tonight xx I am here when you wake up tonight, please call me xo

“Great Luther, they loved Addy!” You could hear the smile on the prince’s lips.

“Luther?” The prince’s tone became more serious.

“Yes Harry?” He looked back at the prince seeing the concerned expression grace his face.