#dad!henry

His eyelids heavy and his mind still floating between dreams, Henry slowly opened his eyes and saw a tiny figure, with tousled curls and bunny pajamas, peeking in the door.

"Daddy," Sophia whispered, standing with her hands clasped in front of her chest, as if asking the whole house for permission to enter.

Henry sat up carefully, without waking his wife or the baby, and smiled at her with that expression that was only seen on him when he looked at his daughters. He gestured gently with his fingers, inviting her to come closer.

Sophia walked slowly, with short steps, until she was beside the bed. She looked at her mother and the newborn with huge eyes, full of fascination.

“Can I come up?” she asked in an excited whisper.

Henry gently took her in his arms and placed her between him and Y/n on the quilt. The girl immediately snuggled against her father, but kept her eyes on her sister, as if she were seeing something magical.

“Her name is Gracie," Henry reminded her softly, stroking her hair. “Remember?”

Sophia nodded solemnly.

“She's so tiny.”

“Yes," he replied, with a faint smile. “Very. She still needs to sleep a lot with Mommy. But soon she'll grow up, and you can teach her your stories. And the songs you know. And how you make castles out of sheets.”

Sophia looked at him as if he had just entrusted her with a sacred mission.

“Can I teach her how to put hats on cats, too?”

Henry held back his laughter so as not to wake anyone.

“Maybe later.”

Sophia was silent for a while, watching her mother and the baby. Then she leaned a little closer to Henry, covering her mouth with her little hand to whisper:

“Mommy is very pretty asleep.”

Henry turned to look at them and nodded.

“She always has been.”

The little girl laid her head on her father's chest, wrapped in that warmth of home that you don't learn, you just feel. Henry draped part of the blanket over her shoulders and rested his chin on her little head.

Hours later, Y/n opened her eyes slowly, still enveloped in the sweet slumber of a dream without nightmares. It took her a few seconds to remember where she was, until the light weight on her chest anchored her back to reality. She looked down gently and there she was: Gracie, her newborn baby, sleeping soundly on her chest, her little head turned to one side and one little hand peeking out from the blanket wrapped around her.

Her little sighs, warm and moist, caressed his bare skin between the unbuttoned buttons of his nightshirt.

And as she turned her head slightly to her left, she saw the image that made her heart complete: Henry was semi-recumbent on the bed, his hair slightly disheveled, his eyes already awake and calm on her. Above him, sound asleep, Sophia - their first daughter - rested with her cheek pressed to his chest, wrapped in her bunny pajamas, her hair disheveled from sleep.

Y/n gave Henry a slow smile, full of tenderness. He looked back at her as if seeing her for the first time.

“Have you been like this for long?” She whispered, not moving her body too much so as not to wake the baby.

“A while," Henry replied, gently stroking Sophia's back. “She snuck into bed at dawn. She wanted to see Gracie. I told her she was still asleep, like you. And then... well, she stayed here.”

Y/n laughed very softly. She stretched slowly, feeling her body still somewhat weak but full, placid. She caressed with her fingertips the arm of her eldest daughter, who barely moved in her sleep. Then her eyes fell on Henry again.

“She's like a kitten. So cute.”

“A snoring kitten," he said, looking at Sophia with transparent tenderness. “But yes. A little.”

Y/n looked down at her little daughter, who was still sleeping on her skin as if the world could not reach her there. She caressed with her fingers her tiny back, feeling that soft and perfect warmth.

“I love the way she's settling in...like I'm still part of her," she murmured.

“You are," Henry said, and his voice was so soft it barely broke the air. “And she's part of you, too.”

Y/n looked up at him again. There was no hurry on his face. Just that serene expression she sometimes saw on his face when he looked at his daughters. That mute peace that seemed to grow from his chest.

“Thank you," she whispered.

He frowned slightly, not understanding.

“For this," she explained. “For mornings that don't feel empty. For this quiet love. To you.”

Henry reached out his free hand to her. And though he could not move much with Sophia asleep on top of him, he intertwined his fingers with Y/n's and held them thus, loosely, with a tenderness that spoke of years and decisions.

The baby stirred slightly on her mother's chest, but did not wake. She made a tiny little noise and settled back down, as if she knew there was no safer place in the world.

“We're going to have to move soon," Henry said quietly. “Before the two of them wake up and declare chaos.”

Y/n laughed very softly, and that made the baby cower even more, like a warm little animal in a burrow.

“Five more minutes," she asked, gluing her cold feet to his legs, as she used to do. “I'm too well off here.”

Henry smiled.

“I'm not moving.”

And so, with one girl on her chest, another on the bed, and the woman he loved in front of him, Henry closed his eyes for a moment. Not to sleep. Just to keep the image. In case someday he needed to remember what it was like to have it all.

His girls.

His whole world, breathing slowly, by his side.

—————

Hey angels! Hope you like this little post. I personally do, but actually anything involving a cute family is just what makes me happy. 😆

Anyway, I just realized I have more requests and I didn’t notice 😭. I’m already working on one of them so I will be publishing them. Sorry I didn’t notice.

Widow’s Pique

"White or Pink Pen?"

"White, always white" Penny shouted from her office over the sounds of Dusty Springfield.

She was dancing on the spot as she worked on an intricate collage piece at her idea bench. Moments later a large, warm pair of hands crept onto her hips as Henry joined her.

"I'm sorry to interrupt the artist at work honey, but I just couldn't resist those wiggling hips".

Penny spun around and laced her hands behind Henry's neck, continuing her swaying. Henry took the opportunity to steal a kiss from her smiling lips and a squeeze of her ample backside in the process.

She rested the side of her head against his chest as they continued to move to the music. Henry peppered her hair with more kisses as he squeezed her close.

"You ok mama?" he asked as the song finished.

"I'm good thanks." she spoke dreamily.

"What can I do for you, get for you?"

"Nothing Honey, I have everything I need." she rested her head back against his chest as she rubbed her hands over his strong, smooth back, tucking her hands up under his t-shirt to feel his soft, warm flesh.

"Was that Fernando on the phone?"

"It was indeed."

"All ok?"

"All is ok. Going swimmingly in fact"

Henry had kept his word and had made the wedding planning as stress-free as possible. In the space of two weeks the date had been set, invites sent, catering and entertainment sorted and even the flowers. By using the professionals (and throwing undisclosed amounts of money in their direction), most of the hassle was out of their hands, leaving Henry and Penny just to make the fun decisions. The venue was easy; Penny's back garden was perfect for an informal late summer wedding. The field behind would house a marquee for the meal and evening entertainment. All that was needed to finalise was Henry's suit and Penny's dress.

"So are you excited to sort out your dress tomorrow, Pen?" he asked, knowing she was apprehensive.

"I am, I just hope they can make me something comfortable and pretty. God knows how much bigger I'll be in another two weeks time!"

Henry rumbled a small laugh, placing his hand on the side of Penny's stomach, rubbing it gently.

"You're going to look stunning Pen, I have no doubt."

He was careful with his choice of words, knowing how uncomfortable she had become lately. He was also worried the baby might arrive before they had the chance to get married. Penny certainly looked ready to go. She hardly complained though, in fear of him becoming even more over protective of her.

Henry insisted on driving Penny to the dressmakers, parking up in a secluded alleyway to access the discreet entrance for high-profile clients. Marianne and Helen were already inside, sipping champagne despite it only being 11am. He wore a tracksuit and baseball cap as his 'disguise' as he graciously helped Penny out of the beast. He made sure Penny was happy and comfortable inside the boutique before being shooed away by his mother.

"I'll meet you all back at yours later ok?"

"Yes dear, now clear off darling, you're not supposed to be here." Marianne quipped as she waved her hand dismissing Henry from the lavish room. Henry grumbled and kissed Penny gently on the lips.

"Any issues, call me ok honey?"

Penny nodded and crossed her heart as she helped move him towards the door.

A tall elegant lady and two young assistants wafted into the room to greet Penny.

"Ms Green? I'm Lily. It's a pleasure to meet you, thank you for choosing us to make this special piece for you."

Penny blushed, not sure she was up for all the fussing. "Thank you, Lily. And thank you for seeing me so quickly, as you can see, time is of the essence." she laughed as she patted her bump.

Although Penny had been trepidatious, the experience was unfolding to be much more relaxed and enjoyable than she'd expected. Despite spending most of the time in just her wedding underwear she enjoyed being swathed in different fabrics, Lily draping and folding the most stunning lace and silk around Penny to find the look that worked best. There were even a couple of pre-made maternity wedding dresses that Penny could try on. Unsurprisingly these were too small still for Penny, making her feel huge again. Lily was so serene and patient, listening intently to everything Penny liked and disliked. The idea of the dress slowly came together from shape ideas and inspiration from the other dresses she was shown. All of Penny's concerns were met, and Marianne and Helen even managed to keep their stronger opinions to themselves.

Once Penny was back in her own dress she hugged Lily and popped to the loo whilst Helen brought her car around to the side entrance.

Helen's drove a Tesla Model 3, which seemed like it was on the ground when Penny tried to sit elegantly in the passenger seat. She regretted wearing such a figure hugging outfit, adding to her inflexibility.

"I hope you're hungry ladies as I've booked a table for lunch at Bertrand's."

"Oh, I thought we were going back to yours Marianne? Won't Henry be waiting?"

"He'll be fine with Colin, It'll do you both good to have some time apart."

Penny wasn't sure what she meant by that but her stomach growled happily in the anticipation of food.

The beautiful Art Nouveau facade of the swanky restaurant opened up into a vast maze of eclectic but lavishly furnished booths, perfect for discreet dining. On their way to their table they hardly saw any of the other diners, but the hubbub of conversation proved that the place was full. Penny was glad of this, really not wanting to get recognised in her current state.

After a delicious array of crudités Helen and Marianne revealed their motivation behind the lunch.

"Penny, we wanted to talk to you about the wedding." Hells began, glancing nervously at Marianne.

"We, well a few of us are a little worried that this might be a bit too much for you at the moment. If you wanted to change your mind no-one at all would think bad of you."

Penny finished crunching a radish as she took in what was being said. Marianne took this as a bad sign.

"Penny, dearest. You know I adore you both, and I know Henry better than he knows himself. Once he puts his mind to something he's a force to be reckoned with. We just want to make sure that you're not feeling too pressured. We just worry, that's all."

Silence fell on the table as Penny slowly sipped her water.

"Honestly, you have nothing to worry about. I'm ridiculously calm about the wedding. It's as much my idea as it's Henry's, he's not pressurising me into anything. I swear. If anything it's been taking my mind off birthing this huge-ass baby."

Helen snorted, and instantly covered her mouth in embarrassment.

At that moment Marianne's phone rang, it was Henry.

"We're just grabbing a bite to eat darling. Penny was famished." Marianne winked at Penny as she continued to 'uh-huh' and 'ok' to Henry's call.

"She's fine Henry, we are taking good care of her, it's all very private here too so please don't stress. See if you can help your Dad move the treadmill upstairs while you're waiting." All three ladies chuckled at the thought of Henry wrestling the machine up the staircases.

After the call, lunch progressed as normal. Talking of their outfits and the guest list.

"Henry's requested no phones at the wedding too, that'll be interesting. He's also hired security! I've never heard of security at a wedding, I think it's a bit OTT really."

"It's all quite standard for this kind of do Penny. Let's just hope the press don't get a whiff of it beforehand, you don't want helicopters buzzing over the house." Helen joked, but Penny suddenly sat up a bit straighter, looking concerned.

Marianne held her wrist "Are you ok my dear?"

"Could that really happen? I not a big fan of paparazzi or helicopters." Penny shuddered thinking back to the time Henry was whisked away from her.

"There's always a small chance of it being leaked, but Henry is more than on top of the privacy for everyone, especially you my darling." Marianne squeezed her wrist again before finishing her fish.

Penny sat back, feeling a small braxton hick threatening. Her appetite for her fancy sandwich suddenly lost.

Four days before the big day the house and grounds were already buzzing with people. The marquee was set up. the walkways being laid, the car parking mats covered the field next door, and swathes of festoon lights were being hung in every space. A small barn-style building was being constructed at the end of the garden. This was the covered area for the wedding, where Penny and Henry would stand. It was beautiful, even before it was decorated. Penny wondered if they could keep it.

Today Lily was visiting with the final fitting of the dress, Penny couldn't wait to see it. Henry's tailor was already downstairs, making final adjustments to Henry and Ben's suits.

"Jesus George, the waist is cutting into me, is that right?" Henry complained, feeling a bit hot and bothered.

"Well, Henry that will be because you are a little bit fatter than the last time I measured you. I'm going to have to let this out, quite a lot too by the looks of it."

Henry breathed in and looked in the mirror. Ben sniggered at him.

"Hey, short stuff, the same will happen to you when you get to my age." Henry joked as he breathed out again and patted his pooch. He'd not paid that much attention to his own physique of late. Especially as he'd cleared his schedule and had cut down on the training. What he'd forgotten to cut down on was his calorie intake. He looked again in the mirror as George fussed around his waistband, getting impatient with Henry's movement.

"It's not too bad is it George?" Henry rubbed his stomach, purposefully pushing it out even more for comedic effect.

"Hmm, nothing that a girdle wouldn't fix, now keep still."

Henry looked at Ben and pulled a face like a naughty school boy.

"No competition for Mummy's though Ben, right?" he joked "Don't tell her I said that please!" he added, suddenly becoming serious.

Ben motioned locking his mouth and putting the key in his t-shirt pocket.

The gate buzzer seemed to be going off every 10 minutes with one delivery or another. This time Colin was sent to answer the door as Lily and her two assistants arrived carrying a huge garment bag between them. He smiled, nodded and again wordlessly ushered them towards the stairs.

Penny was in her bedroom with Kate helping her tie her hair back. She was already suffering in the heat, a large fan blasted warm air at her in an attempt to cool her down. She fiddled with the back of her white bra as Kate swotted her hand away and sorted it for her. She'd resorted to bearing a belly band to support her bump. Henry helped her with it every morning now, it gave her some relief on her aching back and hips. He'd also cradle her bump for her as he stood behind her. It was such a relief until he gave up complaining it was uncomfortable and pulling his back.

A light knock on Penny's bedroom door signalled the arrival of Lily and The Dress. At this point Penny just wanted something white that fitted. Lily greeted Penny like an old friend, Penny loved how elegant and serene she was. She hoped some of that would rub off on her right now.

"Are you ready for this Penny? Any adjustments we can make today, we have our kits with us, so don't worry at all ok?"

The garment bag was hooked onto the top of the door frame as the two young assistants Eloise and Suni slowly unzipped and lifted it out to present to Penny.

"Oh, my, god Lily! It's absolutely stunning, you're a freakin' wizard! The detail, the fabric, it's, it's, just beautiful - so beautiful." Penny covered her face as she shuddered a huge cry into her hands. Kate rubbed her back as she too hitched her breath with tears in her eyes.

"Right, enough of the hormones Mrs Bump. Let's wrangle you into this and see how it looks." Kate barked, knowing that they needed to get a move on.

Another knock at the door signalled mild panic thinking Henry was trying to come in until Marianne spoke from the other side.

"Is it here? Can I see it Penny?"

Carefully, the several pairs of hands helped Penny step into the silk slip under-dress. Lily skilfully began lacing the back as the cool, soft fabric began to mould around Penny's curves. The bias cut of the fabric clung to Penny's shape without restricting her movement.

Next was the sheer lace part. Suni and Eloise laid this out on the floor in front of Penny. She carefully stepped into the centre as the delicate fabric was lifted up carefully. Marianne stood with her hands over her mouth. Tears in her eyes, unable to speak. Kate was also uncharacteristically quiet as she swallowed her emotions, not wanting to set Penny off again.

Slowly Penny threaded her arms into the long sleeves, thankful that the fabric had some give to it. Nothing felt tight, everything fitted so well. Lilly and Suni began to fasten the tiny buttons at the back as Eloise adjusted the fabric to the right position. Penny smoothed her hand over the beautiful open mesh cotton lace, tracing the large swirls and leaves.

"Now Penny, the good news is that we just have half a dozen buttons to reposition, tell me, how does it feel? How do you feel in it?

At this point Eloise angled Penny's floor mirror towards her. She stared at her reflection, unable to find the right words, amazed at what she was seeing. Her large bump looked perfectly at home within the dress, something Penny never expected. Her hips were smooth, her arms looked slender, and even her boobs were flattered but tamed within the stunning outfit.

Realising that everyone was waiting for her to speak, Penny cleared her throat.

"I - I bloody love it!!" as she jumped up and down on the spot squealing.

Everyone else followed suit as downstairs in the kitchen Henry, Colin and Ben stared up at the ceiling.

"Either the dress looks good, or there's a huge spider in the bedroom", Henry joked as he picked up Ben for a hug. "Let's go check on the progress outside, short stuff." and they went to track down Fernando, the wedding planner.

After lunch more pampering arrived for Penny, a fresh hair colour and spray tan whilst Marianne and Colin readied the spare rooms for more guests.

Even Callum was helping by re-gravelling the track and tidying up the entrance through the farm.

Penny had needed another nap so Kate left her to rest whilst she surveyed the back garden, marvelling at how pretty it already looked. She found Henry in the marquee looking frazzled.

"Hey, hot stuff - how's it all going?"

Henry blew a sweaty curl from his forehead as his face cracked into a tired smile.

"It's ok, there are a few delays with some bits and bobs, but on the whole, ok. There's just so much last minute stuff. Is Penny ok?"

"Yeah, she's having a cat nap. I thought you had a guy for all this running around?"

"I do, I just want it to be perfect."

"Well it won't be perfect if your blood pressure is through the roof and you feel like shit will it? Now come inside and have a drink and a sit down - no buts."

"Yes Mrs Roberts" he saluted as he followed Kate back through the garden, his beady eye checking off other things he still needed to ask Fernando about. Kal bounded up to him, knowing he need a bear hug.

"Leave the dog Son and come and get a cold one, you've done enough for today." Colin instructed.

Henry laughed at everyone's concern, he felt truly grateful of how helpful everyone had been. He grunted in discomfort as he sat down at the dining table, grabbing for some buttered bread.

"Why don't you get an early night after you've eaten poppet?" Marianne suggested.

"You all trying to get rid of me or something?" he muttered with his mouth full.

"Not at all, you just need to save some energy for the big day son, and of course tomorrow evening."

Henry had refused a stag do, convincing himself he would jinx everything and send Penny into early labour if he were to go somewhere, so instead his brothers were coming to the farm to give him some kind of a traditional send off.

Kate had organised a similar evening for Penny despite her reluctance too. Henry had pleaded with Kate not to do anything too rowdy.

"It's not a stag do Pops, just a few of us having a couple drinks and playing some poker ok?"

"Of course, of course." Colin winked at Ben, who had been clinging to his new grandad like a limpet since he arrived.

Henry decided an early night was very appealing if it meant escaping the fussing, and the chance to spend some alone time with his Penny.

"Hey sleepyhead." Henry whispered as he kissed Penny's forehead.

"Oh, shit. It's dark already, you should have woken me up." Penny groaned, as she shuffled and shifted to sit up. Henry went to help her but she clamped her arms down in defiance "I'm fine Henry, I can sit up myself!"

Henry stood back, hands in the air. Too tired to laugh or get annoyed at her snapping. Instead he began undressing on the way to the bathroom to clean his teeth.

Moments later Penny appeared to use the toilet.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't wait." she apologised for her unladylike gesture.

"You can poop in front of me my dear, I really don't mind."

"I'm not pooping, just having a wee. Your daughter is using my bladder as a yoga mat."

Henry chuckled, she was always 'his' daughter when she was causing trouble. He had a feeling this would still be the case once she arrived. He was more than ok with that, already knowing she would have him around her little finger from day one.

Back in bed, Penny remained sitting up as Henry plonked himself down face first and wrestled with his pillow for a comfortable position.

"You're exhausted Hen." Henry murmured into his pillow. Penny reached over and began rubbing his shoulder muscles, Henry groaned again. After a couple of minutes he shifted to lay on his side, taking Penny's hand and kissing it.

"You shouldn't be fussing over me, I should be fussing over you, my love"

Penny smiled softly "You've not stopped for days, you're going to be exhausted by Saturday."

"I'll be fine. I'm strong, like ox" he joked as he flexed his bicep half heartedly.

"I'm sorry for snapping earlier, I know I've been a prize bitch lately."

Henry smirked and blinked slowly. "You've not been a bitch, you wouldn't know how. So you've been a bit testy. So would I carrying around our not so little beany baby 24/7. You're doing so well honey, I'm so very proud of you."

Penny's skin shivered with his praise. Henry schooched up to sit closer, his large warm hand atop Penny's round stomach. Henry dipped his head towards her belly and kissed it. Penny rested her hand over his.

"Mummy and I can't wait to meet you our darling girl. Just keep on baking nicely, ok?" he kissed her again as Penny wrapped her arms around her beautiful, sweet man. Overwhelmed with happiness and emotion. She began to cry, a regular occurrence lately, as Henry shushed her, peppering her hair with kisses as they both drifted off to sleep together.

The next day seemed just as hectic as the last few. Not helped by the arrival of more Cavill's.

Kate's sole purpose seemed to be in following Penny everywhere she went, making her sit down and drink and eat enough. Whilst Kate had to visit the loo Penny escaped into the back garden to check on things. She found Henry and Callum helping roll barrels of beer towards the marquee. It was only 10am but the sun was already scorching hot. Both men were red faced and very sweaty.

"You know there are dozens of guys here that are hired to help with this kind of stuff!"

Henry straightened up, his back obviously hurting him.

"Why are you out here Penelope?" he scowled at her, ignoring her comment.

"Because I'm sick of being under house arrest, I want to help."

"Somehow I don't think you're going to be much help at the moment Penny." Callum joked.

Henry shot a worried glance at Callum.

"I'm pregnant, not useless Callum." Callum looked at the ground, knowing he should have kept his mouth shut.

"Pen, most of the stuff is lifting and shifting stuff. You really think that's a good idea?"

She pursed her lips, knowing she had a weak argument.

Surprisingly Henry added "Find Fernando, he's in the marquee, he might have a job for you."

Penny perked up and turned on her heel as she tried her best not to waddle away towards the marquee.

Callum gave a surprised look in Henry's direction.

"Don't worry, Fernando will send her away. He's terrified she's going to have the baby any second now." Henry laughed.

"Aren't we all?" Callum added as they shared a concerned look at each other.

The plan that evening for the 'non' Hen and Stag do's was for Helen's girls to host a fun games and pizza night for the children upstairs, whilst the men tested out a section of the marquee and the bar outside. This left the ladies with the downstairs of the house. Whilst Penny was upstairs trying to find something to wear the other ladies were setting up balloons and decorations as a surprise. Henry poked his head in through the back door only to be shooed away by everyone.

Out in the marquee, Colin was mixing up cocktails as Charlie and Simon cooked up a meat-fest on the barbeque. Tom was in the DJ Booth, reliving his youth whilst Callum helped Piers and Nik set up the poker table. Henry purposely didn't want any celebrity friends there tonight, despite feeling guilty for not inviting them. Some he'd invited to the wedding though but he didn't want it to feel like a showbiz event, it was about him and Penny.

Callum was surprised to get an invite tonight. He wasn't sure if it was the best idea considering his feelings towards Penny. Over the past few months, he'd tried to keep his distance, but Penny and Henry both tried to keep him in their lives.

Henry arrived back from the house "So let's get this fucking party started then boys!" Much to the amusement of the other Cavill brothers. Despite strict orders from Marianne, they were going to make their brother's 'stag do', an evening to remember.

Kate found Penny rifling through her wardrobe, piles of clothes already discarded on the bed. Penny was red faced and swearing under her breath as she fanned her face with her spare hand.

"Oi, Green, what the hell are you up to?"

"What does it look like? Trying to find something to fucking wear! Nothing fucking fits!"

"Woah, alright Gordon Ramsay, chill. Let me chose. Where's the first thing you tried on?"

"On the bed." Penny gestured, with a petulant look on her face.

Kate could help but smirk at her attitude, but was careful not to rile her up too much. She flipped the pile of clothes over and found a simple round neck bodycon dress made from a beautiful dusky pink stretchy fabric.

"What was wrong with this one Pen?" Kate asked.

"Too clingy, looked like Kim K on a very bad day." Penny tried to joke, knowing she was being difficult.

"But does it fit?"

"Yes.."

"And is it comfy?"

"Hmm, I guess so…"

"Great, that's what you're wearing. Put it on and stop your whinging woman."

Penny sighed and stomped over to grab the dress from Kate.

"Henry bought me this, I look like a fucking sausage in it Katie."

"I don't care, no-one cares. They just want to see you and celebrate with you ok. Stop being so difficult woman." Kate knew she was pushing her luck being so bolshy with her, but she figured it was the only way to get the night started.

Penny readjusted her boobs once she pulled the dress down. Kate grabbed some hairspray and fluffed up Penny's hair. A quick flick of mascara and lipstick and Penny was finally ready.

"Fucking Kim K would wanna look like you Pen, you look hot honey!"

Penny daren't even look in the mirror, knowing Kate was just trying to make her feel better.

After copious amounts of barbequed protein, the men readied their bravado for the poker game. The Cavill brothers, in particular Charlie, seemed supremely confident that he would fleece everyone before the night was over. Colin quietly smirked, knowing from experience that the opposite would be more likely.

"Deal me in, I'm just going to check on Pen." Henry slurred, already several beers in.

"Woah, woah, woah!" came the combined protest "Leave the woman alone, if there was a problem, you would hear about it Hank - so sit the fuck down." Piers barked.

Henry sat down with a pout.

Kate led an anxious Penny past Ben's room after goodnight kisses, and loudly announced her arrival to the gaggle of girls downstairs.

"Surprise!!!! Happy Hen, Engagement, Baby Shower Penny!!!" the well practiced chorus sang out.

Penny clutched her chest and held back more tears as she saw the beautiful balloons and banners that the girls had put up whilst she was getting ready.

"We thought we'd roll them all into one Pen, as you don't like to waste any time!" Kate whispered as she patted Penny's backside.

Julia walked up to Penny, giving her a huge double cheek kiss and then tying a pretty flowery belt around her waist as Charlotte placed an equally tasteful floral crown atop Penny's head.

Several photos were taken with the custom balloon backdrop as Marianne poured the Prosecco.

Penny reluctantly agreed to a couple sips before complaining it was giving her heartburn.

Her dress was a big hit, with everyone admiring Penny's impressive bump.

"When I was pregnant with Hughie I swelled up like a balloon, do you remember Pen? It was fucking awful, you're just all belly Pen Pen, like you were with Ben. So not fair how you can look so good when you're so pregnant!"

"Did Henry pay you all to make me feel less huge ladies?" Penny asked, half seriously as she was feeling super self-conscious in her figure hugging outfit.

"I see Hank is trying to compete with you Pen in the belly department." Heather joked, nudging Penny with her pointy elbow.

"Heather, now that's enough. You know better than to comment on Henry's weight, he can get very sensitive about it." Marianne chastised.

"He's always the first to take the piss out of my Charlie if he's starting to look a little chubby, it's nice to see the tables turned." Heather continued, as Vicky and Charlotte nodded in agreement.

"Well I love his new tummy, it suits him too." Penny added, feeling bad that Henry's weight was being discussed.

"That man can make anything look good, even a gut!" Kate chuckled.

"Well that's enough fat-shaming our lovely Henry, let's all grab some food and then we can get the games underway." Helen instructed.

"Games?" Penny asked reluctantly.

"Read 'em and weep." Piers gloated as he laid down his winning hand amidst groans and obscenities from the rest of the table.

"Fuck this, I need a piss." Tom threw his cards down and headed off into the dark field outside, tripping over two guy ropes on the way.

"So bloody lucky Piers, next year we're going to Vegas son." Colin added

"You're on Pops, as long as we can take Hank to pay for everything."

Henry sat up from resting his head on the table, struggling to keep his eyes open after the constant flow of whiskey.

"Shall I run in and get coffees?" David suggested, being the most sober of the group.

"I'll come with you." Henry lurched out of his seat.

Callum stood to support him, "Maybe let Dave go for now Henry, you might want to sober up a bit before you go back inside."

"Hmm, kay." he agreed, feeling lightheaded from standing up so quickly.

"Let's finish up this meat and get the after party started boys." Charlie added with a chicken drumstick already in hand.

"Report back on the situation inside will you Dave?" Nik asked as David wove his way back to the garden.

The Hen party was well underway as David tried to sneak in the back, it took 5 seconds for Helen to spot him.

"David, what are you doing here?"

"Coffee." was his deliberately short response.

Helen was too tipsy to question him, "How civilised!" she chuckled before heading back to the makeshift dance floor.

Penny was trying her best to keep up with everyone despite being the only fully sober adult in the building. 'My humps' came on the sound system and one by one the ladies grabbed cushions, bowls and spare clothing to shove up their dresses to mirror Penny's impressive humps of her own.

Penny was screaming with laughter at the ridiculous sight before her. Glad that Kiri and Marianne were taking lots of photos to document it. Penny joined in as best as she could rubbing her bump against the others.

David looked up from the kitchen, shaking his head in amusement.

"There we're doing what?" Colin asked, confused by David's explanation.

"They'd all wedged cushions up their dresses to give them big bellies, like Penny's." he repeated as he set the heavy tray of coffee and cups on the bar.

"What the fuck? That's hilarious." Tom piped up.

"What was Pen doing?" Henry asked, now leaning against the bar, messily making himself a coffee.

"Dancing and laughing."

"Jesus Christ, if those women put her into labour there'll be hell to pay." Henry grumbled, trying to squint through the opening in the marquee towards the house.

"Chill bruv, she's in safe hands." Simon added, trying to stop Henry worrying.

"Maybe we should go back in the house with cushions up our tops and join them." Piers joked.

"Dad and Henry won't need the cushions though P" Charlie quickly quipped.

Henry broke the laughter with his angry rebuttal "Fuck off Chuck, I knew you couldn't help but take the fucking piss."

"Ah come on Hank, I'm only joking, so what, you're carrying a little extra timber these days."

"Don't they call it a sympathy belly?" Nik retorted with a snigger.

"Both you and Simon did the same when your girls were expecting." Nik pointed to Charlie.

"I can still take you all down brothers, just remember that."

"Let's fucking have it then!" Charlie shouted with excitement as he practically ripped off his shirt and ran towards Henry, attempting to wrestle him to the ground.

Several minutes later a bemused Tom, David & Callum leaned against the bar as they watched the five large men act like kids again, shirts off, clumsily trying to pin each other down onto the floor. Henry was bearing the brunt of most of this after his challenge.

"Are they always like this Col?" Tom inquired, as Colin sighed and nodded.

"Fucking hell Piers, mind my face." Henry grunted as he tried to get away from his brothers. They helped him to his feet as he grumpily wiggled his nose, checking for damage.

"Let's try something a little more civilised shall we chaps?" Tom began, as the Cavill boys wiped their faces with their tops. "A little arm wrestling competition will sift the boys from the men I think…"

Callum looked up at the ceiling and chose to Irish up his coffee…

After an enforced break to let Penny rest, the classic baby shower games began. Labour or orgasm faces, famous baby photos, nappy snacks, and guessing the weight of the baby.

Ben sneaked down to check on Penny and see if he was missing out on any fun. He made sure to give Penny the biggest hug, with a kiss for his baby sister too before he scampered back to his own party.

Penny was helped up to go and cut the stunning three tiered buttercream cake. It had edible flowers pressed into the icing and a beautiful gold crepe paper flower on the very top. The ladies had all worked up an appetite, so before long they all were tucking into the deliciously moist masterpiece.

Penny stood looking out into the back garden, the festoon lights making everything look romantic. She could see some movement inside the marquee, but it was too far to make out what was what. She could guarantee that Henry was already three sheets to the wind, but she was glad he was letting his hair down after how hard he'd been working lately.

"Right-ho, everyone pair up and get comfy. Remember the rules gents, and may the best man win." Tom announced as he sat down to square up to Charlie. David was against Simon, Callum against Piers, and Henry against Nik.

They took turns so they could watch each match. The aim was to all arm wrestle each other, and the two with the most wins face-off at the end.

Callum was reluctant to join in, not sure if he was up for the testosterone-fuelled challenge, but he was also a little curious to see if he could beat Henry.

Nik, Tom, Henry, and Callum all faired well unsurprisingly. Tom gloated knowing they'd underestimated his natural strength. All that rock climbing was finally paying off. Charlie pouted every time he lost, only managing to beat David. Henry was being pretty cocky, sure that no one would be a match for him. He knew Nik was his biggest opponent, so braced himself for a challenge. But his flippant attitude to Callum led to a quick surprise defeat. Henry's pride was dented. His brothers found this beyond hilarious. Tom and Callum were deadlocked in their match for so long that the others started to get bored. They were both evenly matched. But Callum's larger frame eventually won for him. Finally once the scores were totted up the last match to decide the winner was on. Henry vs Callum.

Both men shook their arms and stretched. Trying to revive their overworked muscles after so many matches. Both tried pretending that they weren't too fussed about winning, but once they sat down, face to face again the atmosphere changed. This time Henry wasn't going to underestimate the farmer, he knew Callum would love to have bragging rights from this, but Henry wasn't going to allow it. He was fucking Superman for crying out loud, his inebriated brain kept reminding him.

After the first minute, both held up their sides. Each huffing and puffing with exertion. Sweat dripped off the end of Henry's nose, whilst Callum's neck and face were bright red.

"Ready to quit yet Supes?" Callum goaded.

"Just about to ask you the same thing Giles." Henry spat, with gritted teeth.

The other men shouted out their support and tried to put them off at the same time. Charlie was filming on his phone, adding to Henry's annoyance.

After another few minutes of stalemate, Colin piped up.

"Boys, you're going to cause yourselves some mischief like this, let's just call it a tie now."

Both ignored Colin and looked into each other's eyes. Neither wanted to give up, but neither felt they could keep this up much longer. Henry's bicep and forearm were on fire, his fingers threatening to cramp. The tendons in Callum's neck looked painful as he breathed heavily through his flared nostrils.

"Decorative muscles don't always equate to real world strength Cavill." Callum muttered, using what felt like his last attempt to put Henry off.

"And shoving your arm up a cow's arse does too then?" Henry added with a cocky smile.

From nowhere Callum found some extra energy as he managed to push Henry's arm to the side. Henry dug deep and used every ounce of strength, but at this compromised angle, he just didn't have the power to come back. He grunted loudly and suddenly the back of his hand hit the table, he'd lost.

"What the fuck Hank?" Charlie shouted at him.

Henry stood up, knocking his chair over in the process as he angrily walked back to the bar to reclaim his drink before heading out into the field.

Callum was amazed he'd properly beaten him, after accepting that their first match was a lucky punt. Disappointingly he didn't feel as elated as he'd expected either. He stood up, rubbing his arm as he received several pats on the back in congratulations.

Penny leaned against the kitchen island nibbling on some red peppers, one of her main pregnancy cravings, as she shifted her weight to her other foot. Marianne walked up behind her giving her a small back rub as she passed.

"Do you want me to check on them Penny?" she asked.

"Who?" Penny replied, knowing exactly who she meant as the kids had only just been checked on by Helen.

"The boys outside my dear, I can see that you're fretting a little."

"Am I that obvious?!" Penny chuckled, holding her bump as it moved. "I guess I'm feeling a little needy, I just hate being apart from him at the moment. I feel safe when he's around."

Marianne wrapped her arm behind Penny, giving her a tight squeeze.

"That's very sweet my dear, not needy at all. And perfectly natural in your condition too."

"I'm sure they're having a good time, and don't need us checking up on them," Penny admitted, making herself drag her focus away from the garden.

When Henry didn't return to the tent Callum poured a couple of whiskeys and went in search outside.

He found Henry sitting on the wooden ceremony platform at the back of the garden. He'd watched as Penny looked wistfully out into the garden and her sweet interaction with his mum. Tears had tumbled down his cheeks.

"Hey" Callum announced.

"Hey", Henry added, sniffing and wiping his face as he gladly accepted the scotch.

Callum plonked himself down beside Henry, almost losing his balance in the process.

They sat in silence for a few moments, just watching the ladies inside, smiling at their happy faces and bursts of laughter.

"Looks like they're having a good time?" Callum interjected.

"It does."

"You ok Henry?"

"Yeah, just needed some air."

Callum swigged the last of his whiskey down with a grimace. He was feeling bad thinking he'd upset Henry.

They both looked up again as a loud cheer was heard from the house. They could see Penny hugging Kate and creasing up in laughter.

"You're a fucking lucky man, Cavill."

Henry turned to look at Callum, wondering where this praise was coming from.

"I know - I know it's no secret how I feel about Penny, but above all I'm just glad she's happy again. You make her happy. Despite your noodle arms."

Henry chuckled and nudged Callum sideways, grabbing him before he toppled over.

"Thanks mate. I never thought I'd find her, I thought I'd never find this kind of happiness. We just need to find this for you too buddy." Henry put his arm around Callum.

"I'm working on it. I'm working on it."

"Don't fanny about this time though, Life is too fucking short."

Callum nodded, sucking in his emotions as they threatened to escape.

"Come on, let's go back to the lads." As he hauled himself up and held a hand out for Henry.

Karaoke was the next segment of Penny's Hen do. Heather and Charlotte started off the proceedings with their duet of "Islands in the Stream" and Helen continued the theme with her very warbly version of "Nine to Five". Penny was quite enjoying being the sober one amidst the gaggle of loud, sozzled women. Kate decided to attempt her favourite Van Morrison tune, dedicating it to Penny, even though she had blue eyes. A few of the kids sneaked downstairs to see what all the noise was about before deciding that they preferred their video games to their mothers vocal talents.

Heather was desperate for Penny to join in, but she felt far too comfortable in her chair, and sober to be tempted. So Heather roped Marianne and Julia into a murdering of 'It's Raining Men'.

Back in the marquee Tom was back on the decks to his one loyal fan, Charlie. Reliving their Ibiza days. Henry walked straight past, spying the last sausage and grabbing for the scotch. Piers beat him too it as he flung his arm around his little brother and poured them both another drink.

"Can't believe you're finally tying the knot little brother." he shouted.

Henry nodded, and grinned. "About bloody time eh?" Henry raised his glass, "To my beautiful bride to be." he shouted as he staggered back slightly. All the men raised their drinks.

"To Penny!" they all cheered.

Tom returned to the main table where the conversation had turned to ex-girlfriends.

"Si, remember that girl you used to date with the lazy eye?" Charlie began, getting far too excited by his recollection. "whatever happened to her?"

Simon gave Charlie the death stare and raised his middle finger to his annoying younger brother.

"She broke my heart Charles, you know that you little runt."

The rest of the brothers and Colin all found this hilarious.

"What about that Spanish girl Charlie?" Simon retorted. "the one you bought a car for and she left you the week after?"

"She was Portuguese actually, and it was only a Fiat 500, not a fucking Porsche, no biggie." as he returned the middle finger gesture enthusiastically.

"What about that nice young girl that you used to court Henry? The one with the dubious family background." Colin asked, with a knowing grin already on his face.

"She was lovely, but unfortunately her brothers were the next Krays and frightened the absolute life out of me." he turned to Tom "They threatened me with castration if I dishonoured their sister!"

"Castration eh? Who would threaten such a thing?!" he winked back at Henry.

A quite lull in the conversation allowed the baseline of one of the karaoke songs to drift through the night air.

"They fucking singing in there?" Nik shouted, standing up to look outside. "Right boys, I think it's time we merge these parties, who's coming?"

"Finally!" Henry shouted, feeling glad to see his Penny again.

Helen was just starting 'Copacabana' As Charlie, Tom and Piers noisily flung open the back doors to announce their arrival.

"Someone ordered the Dreamboys Ladies?" Charlie shouted as he made a beeline for Heather with his sexiest walk.

Penny craned her neck to see the newcomers as she spotted Henry and Callum stumbling through the door together. Henry's shirt was partially unbuttoned. And what buttons were fastened were in the wrong holes. Callum was still topless as was Nik after the arm wrestling tournament.

Callum suddenly felt a little conspicuous now with several females eyes upon him.

"What the hell have you lot been up to? You all look like you've been pulled through a hedge backwards." Kate laughed as she tried to fix the mess that was her husband's hair.

Henry reached the back of the sofa and kissed Penny's forehead as she leaned back to smile at him. He then dramatically rolled over the back of the chair, narrowly missing Julia's drink.

"Woah, steady on honey." Penny added, chuckling at her lumbering man.

Henry composed himself and with a soppy smile manouvered himself to sit close up to her.

"My beautiful Pen Pen. I missed you." he smooched, lips searching for hers.

"Missed you too Yogi, did you have fun?"

"I did, I may have had a lickle too much to drink though, sorry." he pouted, looking up at Penny with puppy dog eyes.

"That's ok Hen, I don't mind. Just don't throw up on the carpet later."

"Right!!" Tom spoke loudly into the mike, making Penny jump. "All you lovely ladies have been making the sweetest of sounds, but now it's time for the men to show you all how it's done. Big man, come here and serenade your betrothed." He gestured to a reluctant Henry as Penny smiled and pushed him a little to gee him up. Everyone shouted encouragement and before long he relented and hauled himself off the sofa, slightly swaying as he finally straightened up. Tom walked over to him and ushered him back to the karaoke machine.

"So, what will it be cherub? Pick something that'll make her cry." Tom whispered into his ear.

After a bit of deliberating Henry pushed his hair out of his eyes, rotated his shoulders, and took a deep breath as the first chords began. All eyes were upon him as Penny cringed in embarrassment.

She grabbed a cushion to hide behind when she realised what he'd chosen, knowing she'd be in tears before too long.

Henry's deep baritone attempted the American screech of "Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a Mercedes Benz.." Only Penny knew the significance of this and laughed as the others looked at each other and her in mild confusion. Henry kept his gaze fixed on Penny during the whole song, enjoying her reaction. They both thought back to that bitterly cold, grey Saturday in January. Such a chance meeting. A real turning point for them both. It truly felt like fate had intervened in their lives to make their paths cross. As Henry finished the last note Penny shuffled to stand up, Henry's strong arms ready to help her as she stood and they embraced. Their tears weren't the only ones after witnessing their dedication to each other.

"Oh honey, that was beautiful." she managed to say, as Henry's broad shoulder muffled her face. Henry kept hold of her for the longest time until Charlie grabbed the mike…

----

Penny had just finished what felt like her thousandth toilet visit of the day to find Henry waiting for her outside in the corridor. A naughty look in his eyes.

"Henry."

"Penelope." he replied as he stepped towards her and swept his hands around her curves. "This dress is un-fucking-believable Pen. I've been trying so hard not to ravish you in front of our friends and family. I'm literally struggling right now." He took her hand and led it over the impressive bulge in his dress shorts.

"You're kidding right? I look like an over-stuffed sausage Hen." Penny blushed, enjoying Henry's continuous exploration of her stomach, boobs and bottom. She tilted her head back as he gently pushed her back against the door.

Henry ignored her comment, leaning forward to press his forehead against hers.

"Can we have lots of babies honey, I want to keep you like this forever." Henry breathed heavily his eyes dark with arousal.

Penny raised her eyebrows at him "Christ almighty Cavill, you're practically feral tonight. Let's just get this little Princess sorted first before we talk about any more. And then we'll see how frisky you are when there's a newborn in the house."

Again, Penny's words washed over his inebriated brain and he continued to paw at her and kiss down her neck, pulling at the neckline of her dress attempting to find her nipple.

Tom walked around the corner nonchalantly and smacked Henry on his backside.

"That's what got you into this situation you horny fuckers, move aside, I need to drain the lizard."

Penny chuckled, relieved it wasn't either of Henry's parents that caught them.

"Come on honey, let's get you some water to cool you down." Penny suggested as she ushered her big bear back towards the party and Heathers singing.

Henry was stolen away by Simon, Charlie and Colin to sing Bohemian Rhapsody whilst Penny stood stretching her back against the kitchen island, wondering whose hangover would be worse tomorrow morning.

Callum sidled up to her.

"You ok Penny?" he asked, trying his best to sound more sober than he was.

"A little achey, but enjoying the entertainment." she chuckled.

"You look amazing by the way." he mumbled, instantly regretting his compliment. His cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Penny looked up at him, trying to judge his emotion after his unexpected praise. He looked over at the others with an unconvincing passive expression on his face.

"Thanks Callum, everyones been so sweet trying to make me feel less like a bloody whale."

"No!" he stated, louder than they both expected. "It really suits you - being - being, pregnant. You're - glowing Penny." Penny looked back up at him, to see him looking back down at her. A strange expression on his face. Penny smiled, hooking her hand around his arm and giving him a small side hug.

"I'm genuinely happy for you, you know that right?" he continued, Penny looked over to see Henry's eyes on them briefly.

"Thanks Callum. You ok?" she asked, squeezing his arm and resting one hand on his shoulder.

He nodded and smiled. His eyes glassy with tears as he drank from his beer bottle.

Penny opened her mouth again to say something, anything. But an increasingly loud squeal broke the moment as Julia and Kate (who were getting on like a house on fire) barrelled up to Penny to grab her away.

"Pen-Pen, you can't say no. They've fucking got it!" as she pulled Penny away reluctantly. She looked back as Callum smiled and shooed her away. Julia unsubtly stayed behind to seize her opportunity with the farmer.

"No, No, No. It's been too long." Penny protested, seeing what she was being dragged towards.

"Come on Pen, let's have it!" Tom encouraged as Nik and Charlie joined in.

Henry stood watching this with a befuddled expression as Marianne adorably re-buttoned his shirt for him.

"Can't chicken out now Pen, unless you're too old to be cool babes." Kate goaded.

"Fuck off Roberts, give me that mike." Penny narrowed her eyes at her bestie as she abandoned her awkwardness for the challenge.

Penny launched into her memorised and well-practised rendition of 'Alphabet Aerobics', not dropping a beat or missing a word. Most of the Cavills were agog at Penny's unexpectedly skilled rap, Charlie was bouncing around like a puppy with excitement.

"Shit the bed Penny! You were fucking amazing!" Charlie shouted, draping one arm heavily over Penny's shoulders. Henry appeared to rescue her as Charlie switched to Henry's shoulder. "Did you know about your woman's hidden talents Hank?!"

"She's a woman of many hidden talents young Chuck." Henry purred with a dramatic arched brow.

"Rap Battle it is then Penelope Green." Tom announced as Penny shook her head.

"I'm too pregnant for all of this Thomas!" she protested.

"Come on! You don't hear Dre making that fucking excuse do you?" He began to giggle, finding his own joke hilarious.

Penny relented easily and performed several more hip hop classics alongside Heather, Kate, Tom, Charlie, and even Henry.

The lyrics to 'It's Tricky' coming out of Henry's mouth were hilarious for all involved. Henry hammed it up as only actors can do and gave it his best shot. Penny genuinely thought she was going to wet herself at one point with laughter.

Eventually, the singing turned into a more chilled end to the evening of chatting, drinking, and more eating. Penny was back in her comfy spot with Henry and Kate sat on either side of her, both having their own conversations with her unborn child.

Kate leaned forward, hands cupped on the globe of Penny's stomach. "Listen up short stuff, Auntie Katie will be making such a fuss of you when you finally get here. You might have been a surprise.."

"Kate!" Penny exclaimed as Kate dismissed her with an annoyed wave of her hand

She continued "You might have been a surprise, but you will be so loved and will bring us all so much bloody happiness. Now stay in until the 10th as I have money riding on that date."

"Katie, you're incorrigible, and so bloody soppy. Love you." she reached as well as she could and pulled Kates head towards her lips.

It was Henry's turn to offer his wisdom. "Mummy's done a fabulous job of baking you, my little cupcake. Can't wait to see your pretty little face and kiss your tiny toesies. Now just keep chilling for a few more days, my little girl." He instantly held his hand over his mouth. Realising his slip up.

"A girl?!" Kate asked "A Girl!!" she then shouted as everyone's attention was caught.

Penny shot pretend daggers at a cringing Henry as their news was out. She didn't really mind, and seeing the joy it brought everyone who now knew she couldn't be angry at him.

Kisses, handshakes, and hugs came from all directions as Marianne burst into tears. "Just perfect darlings, we needed more girls. Wonderful news." she sobbed as Colin patted her back.

Penny stifled another yawn just as Henry looked around.

"Right Mama, you need to sleep, let's hit the hay."

Penny protested politely, but was more than ready for her bed after such a full on evening.

Henry grasped her hands and slowly helped her stand, he could tell she was in a reasonable amount of pain despite her smiles.

"Thank you everyone for making this such an amazing evening, I'm sorry to be such a lightweight but feel free to keep the party going!" Penny spoke as Henry held her tight.

"Thanks guys, love you all!" Henry added as he ushered Penny past several more kisses and hugs.

If Henry had been sober he would have carried Penny up the stairs seeing how uncomfortable she was. Instead, he tried his best to guide her hips forward to take some of her weight. He also couldn't resist grabbing her arse in the process too.

They poked their heads into Ben's room to see them all fast asleep and the room filled with bodies. Penny had never known so many people to be in her house overnight.

Despite his lack of coordination Henry tried to help Penny to clear away the pile of clothes on the bed, left from Penny's earlier stress. After removing her floral decorations she began to wriggle out of the dress. Unsurprisingly Henry appeared to help. Kissing her shoulders in the process.

"Hmm, Pen, you're gonna get me all worked up again honey," as they stared at each other in the floor length mirror. Both watching Penny disrobe. Henry abandoned his clothes by his feet as he stood behind Penny and watched his reflection massaging her heavy breasts and taut stomach.

"Hold that thought, Cavill. I need to pee." as she made a dash for the bathroom. After cleaning her teeth and removing her makeup she returned to the bedroom to find Henry asleep on the bed.

"Gah!" she complained, as she haughtily pushed his knee over to his side of the bed so she could enter her cave of cushions. After finally finding a reasonably comfy position Henry snorted himself awake.

"Ung, fell 'sleep" he mumbled "Sorry baby," he said, his voice muffled by his pillow. He reached his arm up and plonked it heavily onto Penny's bump.

"I noticed." Penny said with subtle annoyance, hoping to get some time alone with her bear.

Henry sat up, with one eye open. Penny chuckled at his comical expression.

"I'm awake now!" he stated with a cheeky grin. He sidled up to Penny, mirroring her pose.

"Did you have a good night honey?"

"I did indeed, although I missed you lots." he admitted coyly.

"Missed you too Yogi, even though you were only in the field."

After a moments silence Henry piped up.

"Pen. Do I….. do I look fat?" he asked sheepishly, staring down at his stomach. "I'm sorry I've let myself go lately, I'll work extra hard to get back into shape."

It took everything Penny had not to laugh at his endearing comments, but she knew how much of a sensitive subject this was.

"Henry, honey." she took his hand and squeezed it. "First off, you don't look fat, you're not fat. You can be whatever shape you want to be, whatever makes you happy. Not me, not your family, not your fans, you honey. You're so used to trying to maintain an unrealistic physique, exhausting yourself, depriving yourself, and for what? A few photos, a few moments in a movie. It's crazy. And actually unhealthy in lots of ways. This is normal honey." she rubbed his softened stomach.

"You still think I'm sexy Pen?" he asked in all seriousness.

"You're fucking kidding me right? I'm sat here like this and you're the one thinking you're fat and unsexy?!"

Penny stared at him, seeing that he was still full of doubts and insecurities.

She pulled his head towards her chest as his arm cradled her belly.

"Baby, you're such a doofus at times. Do I really need to tell you that you are the sexiest freakin' man alive?!! That all I want to do every time I see you is run my nails down your back and lick your chest."

Penny flung aside her largest pillow and with all her strength swung her leg over Henry and straddled him.

"Fuck, Pen. Steady on honey." he gasped, as his hands automatically grasped her waist. "Christ almighty" he continued as his hands roamed up and down her. She was wearing a soft cotton sleep bra and matching knickers. She rested on her side and slipped off her bottoms before sitting back over Henry again.

"Pen, oh god. This is so fucking hot. But Pen, Pen." he threw his head back onto the pillow as she grasped his cock, tugging it and then rubbing herself over it. He rutted upwards as he grasped her thick thighs, Penny supported her back as she moaned loudly in pleasure.

"Pen, stop, we can't."

Penny took Henry's hard dick and lined him with her entrance. Henry was torn, reaching out to massage her breasts. She began to slide down onto him slowly as he grasped her arms.

"No! Pen, we can't risk it." again she ignored him, lost in her passion.

"Stop!" he shouted, finally able to make her listen.

Penny looked at him in confusion and hurt. "Why?" she asked.

"The baby, Pen. What if you go into labour?"

Penny continued to sit down further onto Henry, feeling the delicious stretch. She clenched, making him throw his head back in pleasure again.

"I'm fine honey, I've got weeks until she's due."

"I just don't want to risk it before the wedding Pen Pen." He held his large paw against the side of her pouting face. "Lay back down and I will help ease your frustrations, my love."

Penny relented, pouting, feeling tired and uncomfortable now the moment was lost. But she soon perked up on feeling Henry's strong digits delving between her legs. Penny ground against his touch, needing more friction. Henry's tongue swirled noisily around Penny's nipples as he readjusted his position, kissing her as he moved. He knelt on the bed, between her legs. Smoothing his hands up along Penny's legs, hips, waist, and breasts. A greedy grin on his face. Penny clenched at his electrifying gaze. His desire and lust felt ready to explode. Unexpectedly he froze and scrunched up his face. He raised a finger.

"Hold that thought, Pen" as he leaped off the bed, hopping as one foot was wrapped in the sheets, heading for the bathroom. At first, Penny thought he was going to throw up, which would have made her feel absolutely devastated, considering where he'd just been, but the familiar sound of him peeing like a racehorse echoed from the ensuite, and a loud "Ahhh…" on top.

Penny chuckled as she waited for him to return. After some noisy hand washing and fumbling in the dark, Henry plodded back over to her, locating her feet first and climbing between her legs again.

"Right. Where were we..?"

"Actually, Hen. I'm feeling super tired again, sorry…"

"Oh.." he said, surprised by her sudden switch. "Ok, my sweetness. I'm sorry for ruining the moment."

Penny didn't disagree with him. "Just make sure our wedding night is more romantic honey," she said, sleepily. Tucking her pillows around her as she made herself comfortable.

Henry leaned over and kissed her shoulder, helping tuck another pillow behind her at the same time.

"Just you wait Penelope, Daddy's going to pull all his tricks out of the bag."

They both giggled at his bravado as Henry snuggled up behind her, smoothing his hand up and down the contours of her hip and thigh as she quickly succumbed to her sleep.

Authors Comments I hope you enjoyed the run-up to the big day. The interactions with their friends and family. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, I hope you liked reading it!! Thank you all for your continued support with this epic saga that is slowly coming to its natural end xxx

“We'll take that as a yes.” You chuckled, appearing beside them with the stroller, smiling at your husband and daughter.

Henry smiled back at you, kissing your cheek, before settling your daughter in her stroller. “I'm really excited about this.” He said, taking your hand and pushing her stroller towards the front gates of the Durrell Zoo.

“I know you are.” You smiled up at him, giving his hand a squeeze.

It was Father's Day, and while your and Henry's daughter was two years old, Henry was regrettably working on his very first Father's Day, missing the opportunity to celebrate it with her, something that had crushed his heart. But, this time, Henry had purposely made sure he had no work projects or engagements to keep him away from spending this one with his two favorite girls. Not only that, he wanted to take your daughter on their first Father's Day to a place that held special meaning to him, to a place where he had gone countless times on the holiday as a young child himself.

The Durrell Zoo on his home island of Jersey.

So, the three of you traveled to St. Helier from London, much to the added excitement of Henry's parents. They always wanted to see their granddaughter, since the Cavill boys tended to produce grandsons; so a granddaughter was like the holy grail in the Cavill household. Neither you or Henry were sure you would be getting her back, once Marianne had her, spoiling her rotten. But, it did give you both a few hours of blissful alone time, going out to dinner and an evening stroll on the beach.

You could feel how giddy Henry was without even looking at him, he was practically vibrating with excitement and joy. He had talked about taking her to the Durrell Zoo since seeing those two pink lines on the pregnancy test all that time ago. Showing her all the animals, having her meet Ben the Bat, sharing his love and knowledge about the species and conservation, creating new memories in the park to go with the ones he already had as a kid or when he proposed to you, by the otter enclosure, where the two of you had met, thanks to Kal, almost five years before.

You watched him kneel down beside her stroller as you stopped by different animal pens, pointing them out to her, her blue eyes wide with innocence and fascinated, your heart warm and melting.

“That's a Galápagos tortoise.” Henry was explaining to her, as they stared at the large shelled reptile. “They can live for a really long time! Almost a hundred and fifty years.” He said, making shocked and fascinated faces at her, not bothered by the fact she might not completely understand what he was telling her.

But, she was still excited, squirming in her stroller, knowing by the tone of her beloved Daddy's voice and the expression in his matching blue eyes and on his face that it had to be something really cool and wonderful, if he was acting like that. You smiled at the pair of them, two peas in a pod, always had been and likely always would be.

“What are you smiling at?” Henry asked, standing back up beside you.

“Two peas in a pod.” You replied, voicing your thoughts to him. “You and her are like two peas in a pod.”

“Well, that's simply not true.” Henry replied, stirring her stroller out of the reptile house.

“Oh?” You chuckled at him.

“We're three peas in a pod.” He answered, pressing his lips to your forehead. “Hey, how about some ice cream?” He suggested, perking up as he saw the little ice cream stand.

“Oh, that does sound super nice.” You nodded at him.

“Cream, Da! Cream!” Your daughter chanted back, twisting in her stroller to look up at him.

“Good lord, Puppy.” You gasped, seeing the puppy dog face she gave him, puffing out her little bottom lip. “She's got your pouty face down to a fine science.” You grinned, eyes bright with amusement and teasing.

“I'm scared, Nugget.” Henry replied, staring directly into her eyes and frozen in place, like he was being entranced by a snake charmer.

“Why?” You snorted, your cheeks starting to hurt from how hard you were smiling.

“I didn't bring enough money.” He mumbled, his eyes losing a bit of focus.

“What are you talking about, Hen?” You blinked at him, some of your amusement lost as you looked at him. “The ice cream is only £2.00.” You told him, pointing to the price sign on the front of the ice cream stand.

Henry gulped and licked his lips. “But, what if she wants all of it?” He asked, blinking at your daughter, their eyes still locked.

You dropped your face into your hand, your chin resting on your chest. You stayed that way for a moment, before your shoulders started to shake and a laugh slowly bubbled out of you, turning into a full blown laughing fit.

“Oh, for fuck sake.” You roared, grinning like mad, you reached into Henry's back pocket and pulled out his wallet, removing his bank card. “Come on, Hen. I'll do the ordering, so you don't get tempted by the Puppy charmer over there.” You teased, tugging on his arm.

“Okay, that's a good idea.” He nodded, turning her stroller towards the line with you leading the way, still giggling to yourself.

“What flavor do you want, Hen?” You asked, looking up at him.

“Um.” Henry frowned up at the selection board, tapping his foot and chewing on his lip. “I think I'll just have a vanilla.” He said, nodding his head. “Yeah, vanilla.”

“Okay.” You nodded back, picking your flavor and a chocolate for your daughter.

You had just made it up to the counter to order, when there was an anxious and agitated disturbance ripple through the crowd, that made you look away from the ice cream worker, frowning and looking around to see what the problem was.

“Hey, is that your baby?” A voice in the line behind you asked.

“What!?” Henry's voice barked back and looked into her stroller.

Sure enough, her stroller was empty and Henry's head jerked in the direction the stranger was pointing, to see her pull-up padded butt half-waddling and half-running towards the nearby enclosure for the meerkats. Henry's heart ruptured in his chest and he shot out of the ice cream line, dodging and weaving around people, even pushing a couple out of the way. He pounded pavement harder as she dropped onto her hands and knees, crawling underneath a heavy chain that blocked access to a gate that led into the enclosure for the Zoo employees to access it for major repairs and changes to the exhibit. Henry just managed to jump over the chain as she reached the gate, pulling herself up on it, and got his hands on her, scooping her up into his arms and pressing her against his chest, huffing out of breath, cupping the back of her head in his palm and burying his flushed and sweaty face into her soft curls.

“Is she all right?” You asked, rushing over to him, eyes wide with fear and concern.

Henry nodded at you, still out of breath and frightened himself to speak.

“Thank god.” You sighed, pressing a hand to your forehead. “Our little escape artist.” You said, trying to lighten the situation now that it was over and she was safe and unharmed. “Hen, she's okay.” You told him a few minutes later, as the three of you sat at a picnic table, eating the ice creams.

“I know.” He replied, gently wiping the dribble of ice cream off your daughter's chin; he hadn't put her down since stopping her attempted visit with the meerkats.

You smiled softly at him, seeing he was still rattled by the incident, by how he held her close to him, tucking her close to his side and under his arm.

It didn't surprise you, Henry was protective about those he loved, but especially your daughter. She was almost like fragile and precious glass to Henry. When she was first born, it had taken you two hours in the hospital to convince him to hold her, because he was so convinced he would end up hurting her. The one time in Henry Cavill's life he thought working out like he does was a bad thing, especially after beefing up for his Syverson role, that he had only completed a month before your daughter was born. He was terrified, with his big muscles and her teeny little newborn body, that he would end up crushing her. But, after coaxing, reassurance and a mild argument, Henry finally held her, and that was all it took, they had become peas in a pod.

Along with you and Kal, of course.

“Why don't we introduce her to Ben?” You suggested, finishing your ice cream, lifting a brow at him. “I bet she'd love to meet her Superhero-Uncle.” You chuckled, grinning at him.

“I think that's a good idea.” Henry agreed, cleaning the last bits of his own ice cream from his mustache, before tossing his crumpled napkin into the trash bin at the end of the table and standing.

“You got her?” You asked, lifting your brows at him.

“Yeah.” He nodded, turning in the direction of the bat roost, knowing the Zoo better than the mews back in London. “There he is.” Henry smiled, pointing out the fruit bat as he hung upside down in his enclosure. “Looky, baby.” He cooed at your daughter, bouncing her gently in his arms. “That's Ben, he's a fruit bat that Daddy adopted just before you were born.” He explained to her, brushing his thumb over her plump cheek.

“Can you say, Bat?” He asked her, lifting his brow at her. “Bat.” He repeated. slowly pronouncing the word to her.

“At.” She replied, her little brows pinched in concentration.

“Close enough, angel.” Henry chucked, kissing her cheek, then playfully blew a raspberry into the nook of her neck and shoulder, making her squeal and shriek in merriment.

“Uh-oh, someone's getting sleepy.” You cooed, watching her yawn, then tuck herself into Henry's chest.

“Yeah.” He agreed, patting and rubbing her back. “We should probably go, it's past her nap time.” He said, gently rocking side to side as they left the roost. “Minus the great Durrell escape, it was a really good day.” He commented, as you started heading for the Zoo's exit.

“Yeah, it was.” You agreed, smiling up at him.

“Oh, it's the peafowl.” Henry commented as the colorful bird landed in front of you on the walkway. “A male, by the looks of it.”

“How do you tell?” You asked, frowning at the bird.

“It has colorful and long feathers, only male peafowls, what are known as peacocks, are known for them. Females, or peahens, have shorter and brown feathers.” He explained to you, moving by it.

“How are you an actor and not a zoologist?” You teased him, going to move around the peacock, only to have the animal move in your way and spread its feathers at you, shaking them. “Cute.” You commented and tried to go past it again, but it again blocked your way, fanning out and shaking its feathers.

“What's it doing?” You asked, looking over at Henry.

Henry shook his head at you, his brow creased as he watched the bird continue its behavior towards you. “I don't know. But, I don't like it.” He replied, biting his lip and shifting your daughter in his arms.

“Is there an issue here?” A voice asked, one of the Zoo workers appearing.

“Yeah, the peacock won't allow my wife to pass.” Henry replied, motioning to you and the bird with his head.

The Zoo worker looked at you and the peacock, then instantly smirked, chuckling at the situation.

“You think this is funny?” You asked, annoyed by now.

“Yes, actually I do.” He nodded at you, still laughing. “It's trying to mate with you.”

Your brows shot up. “It's trying to what now?”

“He's trying to mate with you.” The Zoo worker repeated, grinning at you. “He seems to have taken a liking to you.” He explained, carefully putting himself between you and the peacock. “For some reason, Argus, that's his name, is attracted to lady's with your hair color, and when he encounters them, he does his best to mate with them.”

“Should I be worried?” Henry asked, lifting a brow at you, a smug grin on his lips. “I didn't have to shake my tail feathers that hard for you to fall in love with me.”

“Men.” You huffed, rolling your eyes. “You're all the same.” You sighed, edging around Argus, now that the Zoo worker had given you an opening. “In all species.” You added, looking over your shoulder at the bird.

“Well, did you have a good Father's Day, Henry?” You asked, once you three were back in the car.

“It was amazing.” Henry grinned at you and glanced into the back of the car, where your daughter was sound asleep in her car seat. “It'll make a great story to tell in the years to come. Her trying to climb into the meerkat enclosure and you getting hit on by a peacock. Nothing could have made it any better.”

“Not even a fourth pea in our pod?” You asked, biting your lip at him.

Henry froze and looked at you wide eyed, his mouth slowly falling open. “Are you..” A smile pulled across his face and his eyes lit up. “Are you pregnant again?” He asked, shifting in the driver's seat with giddy energy.

“I am.” You nodded, grinning excitedly.

“Babe!” He exclaimed, reaching over to pull you across the center console and into his lap, elated at the news as he hugged you and kissed your face. “When did you find out?”

“Yesterday morning.” You replied, rubbing noses with him. “But, I had a suspicion for a little bit.” You explained.

“Why didn't you say anything?”

“Well, I wanted to surprise you.” You told him, chuckling. “And, we both remember what happened with suspicion.” You mumbled, glancing away from him.

Henry nodded, pressing his lips to your temple, it had taken a little while for you and Henry to get pregnant. You had started trying after being married for a year and there had been a lot of false pregnancy tests, many built up hopes that ended up being torn down with reality. Both of you worried it had something to do with yourselves, medically, and ended up going to a doctor to get tested, but the tests came back normal and the doctor explained that sometimes it was just hard for couples to conceive, but not to give up, and neither of you did, finally resulting in your daughter.

“Mama? I stuck”

“Oh Will...what happened honey?”

“Is Kal” he points to the fluffy dog, who looks back to you and sits right beside your feet, trying to prove his own innocence in this mess, while your hands remain placed on your hips. You were going to get to the bottom of this, even if Kal couldn’t speak, and Will had the odd aversion to the truth now and again. A typical 2 year old with those wild Cavill genes in him, meant you faced very unique situations each day you left Will and Kal out to play together.

“Ohh, so Kal made you go into the mud?” you try and avoid the grin creeping onto your face, watching as Will again tried to unstick himself from the pile of mud and marsh he had waded through.

“Yeah Mama. Kal ball!” his big innocent blue eyes widened in his explanation, as he turned his body to his left, pointing again and emphasising his point; “Kal’s ball stuck Mama”

You focused your gaze to where the finger of a small meaty fist was pointing, and realised exactly how this had all come about.

Last weekend, Henry had been throwing around a ball with Kal, playing fetch in the early hours of the morning before Will, and eventually you, woke up for the rest of the day. While waiting to be picked up and held in your loving arms each morning, WIll’s nursery provided the perfect place to watch the goings-on outside, the crib firmly against the wall beside a window with the best view in the house of a world just waiting to be explored. And on that bright Saturday morning, Will had watched Henry throw the ball further than expected, and right into the mud patch.

Henry had only got his feet dirty in trying to rescue the ball from the marsh, which until that point had gone unnoticed by all in the household - including Will.

Now? Will, ever the explorer alongside his trusted best friend Kal, had been drawn to this new area of the garden, somewhere exciting, somewhere that his absolute hero - Daddy - had been. It hadn’t been Will’s fault that the ball got stuck too far into the mud, and it hadn’t been his fault that he got stuck in there himself, losing a wellington boot in the process.

“Mama, I stuck”

“Yes I can see darling, were you trying to fetch Kal’s ball?”

He nods, the curls atop his head bouncing with his movements.

“Like daddy did. Want ball to play. But I stuck.”

You look to Kal, and you sense that he knows he is not innocent in this either. He knows the marsh is messy and muddy, and he knows that Will has no business going near it and getting coated in mud in the first place. It’s all very well for Henry to do something, but both Kal and Will believe that anything Henry does, must be okay for Will too. It always gives Will a bit of adventure during his day, and Kal an excuse to be a little naughty while on tiny-Henry patrol. Evidently, the outdoor blocks and exploration board that Henry had taken the time to diligently craft, did not cut it any more.

Taking a few steps forward, careful to avoid the worst of the squelching puddles, and sinking too far in yourself, you hoist Will out of the garden, making sure he has at least one boot on. You would save the other one soon. Failing that, it would be a job for his father.

“Mama, the ball!” you hear his cries from over your shoulder as you carry him into the house.

“We’ll get it later Will. You’re going to have the world’s biggest bubble bath. And when Daddy gets home, I think he’ll love to hear about your adventures.”

Maybe now Henry would finally put those muscles to use, twinned with his DIY building skills, and close that marsh off before your next wild one is on the way.

taglist: @ohmygoodie​​ @michelehansel​  @la-cey​​  @palaiasaurus64​  @sassy-pelican​​  @brandycranby​ @melancholyy-hill​ 

I loved this movie as a kid, so it only felt (super)natural to make a Henry-cast version. Practical Magic by me. [Henry x Sally Owens] 

Loving the witchy vibes? Bring forth my smutty hoes, for this one’s pure witchy, breeding-kinka-liciousness. Break the Circle by @blakerogue [demon!August x witch!reader]

And when speaking devils & demons, August’s got all it takes. This fic by our own lovely demon of lust, @littlefreya, brings you a beautiful, haunting monster that is here to take it all (also..does anyone else get Phantom of the Opera vibes or is it just me?😮 )  [devil!August x OFC]

Are your thighs quivering yet? This one’s giving you a whole new meaning to “la petite mort”. Red Night by @littlefreya [vampire!Sherlock x reader]

Dressing Up Fun

The Addams Family *snapsnap* tududu *snapsnap* tududu-tududu-tududu. Dad!Henry, your daughter and you dress up for your Halloween party. By @thecavillchronicles [Dad!Henry x reader]

More Addams Family romance, because who can be more sultry as Gomez than our darlin’ August? Fright Night by @supersweetstache [August Walker x reader]

 “It’ll be good for us, plus it’s not like I can get you anymore pregnant,” he says with a gruff chuckle. 😳 Gimme all this cheeky, food making fluff, please! Monster Mash by @its--fandom--darling [Dad!Henry x reader]

Let’s agree we’ll call ‘getting it on’, ‘getting spooky’ in the Month of October, mkay? Surprising Henry with a sexy costume by @okay-klepto [Henry Cavill x reader]

Just because he doesn’t wear a knight’s armour, doesn’t mean he can’t be one. Haunted Houses is cute fluffy yearning stuff by @littlefreya [Henry Cavill x OFC]

Naughty kitten, dirty kitten, little tease of.. Henry Cavill Untamed by @maggotzombie [Henry Cavill x reader]

Combining two great things: Halloween and karaoke night. What could possibly top THAT?! Sing Your Heart Out by @thelastsock [Henry Cavill x reader]

A short little list of what it’d be like if Sy would get babysit duty of his nieces and nephews on Halloween night. Trick or Treating by @gearhead66 [Sy]

Ghosts & Werewolves

Silly smut seems to go hand in hand with spooktober. So are you ready for some invisible schlong? My Boo by @the-soot-sprite​ [Mike x reader]

A crazy cool haunted house vibe, a smidge of good ol’ horror movie panic, and a werewolve with a perfectly handsome moustache. I absolutely devoured this fic by @chuuulip​. Another Earth [August Walker x reader]

Picture edits:

Vampire august by @rmtndew

Werewolf henry by @ajossi-art

Dad!Henry carving pumpkins by @eastwesthomeisbest

Vampire Charles by @demivampirew

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