#littlebitofeverythingphff

A quiet Addy peaked up at her boyfriend with a smile. “What?”

“Thank you for taking me on this trip, Henry.” Addy leaned in and placed her lips softly against the prince’s that lingered.

“You two get a room already!” Tom yelled from across the aisle making Harry and Addy break apart to turn and stare at him.

“Oh shut up, Tom. You and Mel were going at it like monkeys earlier.” Addy stifled her laughter seeing Tom’s surprised reaction. “Yeah, weren’t as subtle as you thought.” Harry muttered with a light giggle.

Adalyn peered out the window of the vehicle while holding tightly onto Harry’s hand. She had not let go of it since the moment the plane had landed. Harry had not disclosed the full details of their vacation to Adalyn, only the fact that they were going to Croatia for a few days and advised her on a few things to pack. Little did she know, she was in for a big surprise, as were all of his friends and their significant others.

Their range rover pulled up to a harbor coming to a rolling stop. A confused Addy turned to lock eyes with Harry questioningly. “Where are we going?”

A simple shake of the head gave Addy her reply. Harry was still not going to tell her. The prince hopped out of the vehicle and grabbed both of their bags. “I can carry mine.” Addy grabbed the handle, but was quickly scolded by the prince.

“No way!” Harry gently pushed Addy’s hand away. “I am not letting my girl carry her bag when I am perfectly capable of doing so.” Addy smiled adoring up at Harry while she rubbed up and down his back that signalled her appreciation.  

“Thank you.” She pecked him on the cheek as she watched his smile spread wider.

Melanie came up behind Addy and grabbed her arm. “Come on! Let’s go!” She pulled Addy away from the prince. “I cannot believe we allowed these guys to plan a trip…” Mel leaned in and whispered to Addy. “I swear to god I will kill them all if we are going on a stupid fishing trip with them.”

Addy glanced back over her shoulder to make sure that Harry was right behind her. “I don’t think they are that stupid… or are they?”

Mel’s eyes darted towards Addy’s, locking in their gaze. “Ok… maybe it’s possible.” They both dissolved into a fit of giggles as they walked along the wooden path and turned the corner. Melanie nearly squealed deafening Addy’s ear when she saw a yacht waiting for them as they rounded the corner.

“Is that for us!?” She ran back to Tom practically dancing around him. While Addy had stopped dead in her tracks making Harry catch up to her. Taking in the view of the magnificent yacht, she felt extremely uncomfortable knowing how much this would have costed for Harry.

“Is it not big enough?” Harry could sense the uneasiness evaporating from within his girlfriend as he tried to make light of the situation.

“It’s too much, Harry.” Addy crossed her arms defensively without an ounce of laughter.

“It’s not really that much.” He tried to convince Adalyn that it was no nig deal at all. Harry had already anticipated this reaction from Addy.

“I can’t let you pay for all of this.” Addy shook her head slowly as she absentmindedly played with the necklace that Harry had given her. The rest of the group had walked off ahead of them nearly running onto the yacht. Dropping the bags down, Harry released a deep sigh.

“I’m not like them Harry…” Addy confessed. “Like your ex’s.” She turned to stare deeply into his blue eyes. “I can’t pay for these lavish holidays or expensive clothes and jewelry or –”

“Stop it!” Harry reached out and placed his hands on either side of Adalyn. “I am not asking you to be like that, nor have I ever.” His deep blue eyes were sincere.

“But, I can’t let you pay for all of it either.” Her voice cracked as she turned her head away feeling ashamed. “And I can’t keep affording it, and when I can’t, you pay and that is not fair to you, Henry…” She stared off into his blue eyes.

The prince released a deep sigh. He understood where Addy was coming from, but that was why he offered to foot the bill. “I did not take you here to make you more stressed out. You have been off work for nearly three months now and I know things are getting tougher for you.” Harry stepped closer to Adalyn. “I wanted this to be about us and our friends. We need this…. we need this getaway.” He sighed. “All I want in return is to see a smile on that pretty little face. To me that is worth more than anything on this trip. To see that gorgeous smile of yours that I rarely get to see now.”

Addy angled her head staring up at him sweetly. The wrinkles that had formed across her forehead had softened. “Ok… fine.” Addy closed in the distance between them and wrapped her hands around Harry’s neck. “But one day, I am going to take you somewhere, deal?”

“Deal.” Harry bent his head down and pressed his lips against Addy’s forehead.

“Now let’s get going before they think they can steal our room.” Harry was quick to grab their bags and lead Addy aboard the yacht.

“How’s the view?” Addy had escaped outside to the balcony that led from their suite to take in the fresh ocean breeze as they sailed along the water. Her eyes were glued ahead as she watched the city they embarked from slowly fading in the distant horizon as a sea of blue created more distance between.

Addy glanced back over her shoulder and smiled. “It’s beautiful.” She beamed as her head swiveled back out towards the ocean. Hearing a pair of footsteps behind her, Addy felt Harry wrap his arms around her tightly.

“Mmm, you are right. It is beautiful.” Harry released a deep chuckle. Addy’s hand slid down Harry’s arms resting her hands on top of his giving them a squeeze as silence flooded between them.

“What are you thinking right now?” Harry’s soft voice broke through her thoughts.

“You.” Addy confessed.

“Me?” Harry questioned.

“Just thinking of that night we met…” A smile crept up on Addy’s lips.

“I remember.” Harry spoke. “You were wearing a burgundy dress and your hair was down.” Addy listened in silence as the memory that had been playing in her mind was coming to light with every passing word of Harry’s. “I ran into you and nearly sent you to the floor.”

“But you caught me.” Addy interjected and turned her body around to face him still within the confines of his arms. A pair of blue eyes were staring back into her green orbs intensely. “Harry?”

“Yes, love?” Harry could see a fire burning in her eyes.

“Do you regret any of it?” Addy’s green eyes averted away from his stare.

“Regret you?” Harry asked with confusion until a slight nod of his girlfriend’s head nearly punched him in the gut. “Not for a second.” He watched as Addy remained silent. “Do you? Where is this all coming from?” Harry gently grabbed her chin and turned Addy’s head to make her look at him.

“It’s been what…  eight months since we have been together and so much has already happened.” Her voice was quiet. “Some days I wonder what life would be like if I hadn’t met you.” Addy winced at the mere thought of it. “But, looking back now after everything… I wouldn’t want a day to go by without being with you. I would go through it all again if it meant I got to have you in my life.”

“Is this about me going back to Suffolk?” Harry cupped Addy’s cheeks tenderly.

“You going back… me going back to work… being on my own.” Addy shook her head with tightly closed eyes.

“I thought that was what you wanted, Adalyn?” A confused Harry massaged his thumb into the warm flesh of her cheek.

A set of green eyes opened staring right into the depths of him. “What I want is to be normal again.” Addy breathed in deeply. “I don’t want people tiptoeing around me. I don’t want you or my family always worried about every little thing I do like I am going to vanish or something.”

Harry held his tongue. But, I almost did lose you Addy. You almost vanished from my life. He thought to himself.

“I want to have fun again, Harry.” Addy rested her forehead against Harry’s. “Like that day we spent on the farm together….”

“Mmmm that was fun.” Harry smirked crookedly.

“I am just tired of bad things happening to us and want to focus on the good things. Like this trip and us!” Addy slowly tossed her head back while holding onto Harry’s hips.

“Well it is almost a new year. We can start fresh. Leave all the bad shit that has happened in the past.” He smiled down lovingly at Adalyn. “Except for meeting you. That was the best day of my life.”

“Ooh stop it.” Addy blushed at his words.

“It’s true.” Harry whispered across her lips as he leant down to place a kiss on top of them. “Don’t ever forget that.”

“I won’t.” Addy stood up and pressed her lips one more time to Harry’s. “We should go find our friends, shouldn’t we?”

“I guess so…” Harry growled and pulled his lips reluctantly off of Addy’s.

The yacht’s captain and crew were introduced to their group and were made aware of the schedule of stops for the next few days. The excitement of the group was palpable as if they all needed this mini vacation and getaway from the pressures of their daily lives.

The guys were diving into their beers as the girls got changed into their swimsuits. Today would be spent on the yacht with a chance to use the water sport toys as they continued onto their next destination.

Melanie and Adrianna were the first to appear as they headed straight to the bar for a drink. Tom could not keep his eyes off of Mel, checking her out in her bikini.

“Damn, I am a lucky man.” He stood up and went directly over to his girlfriend leaving the guys behind.

“He’s starting to sound whipped like you Harry.” Skippy stuck out his tongue at Harry seeing the glare in his eyes.

“I am not whipped, Skippy.” Harry took a swig of his beer. “Not even remotely.”

“I am.” Guy tossed his head back in laughter at his own confession while his friends joined in with his laughter.

“We all knew that, Guy.” Harry spoke out the obvious.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Adalyn walking down the stairs and did a double take. His mouth nearly dropped to the floor in surprise at how sexy his girlfriend was standing there in a green bikini that accentuated all of her curves in just the right areas.

“Holy hell.” Harry whispered under his breath, but he swore Addy heard him as she locked eyes with him in that very second. She shyly looked away from him seeing how he was devouring her with his eyes.

Addy was leaning up against the bar waiting to place her drink order when she felt a hand pressed on the small of her back. Knowing by the immediate touch it was her man, she leaned into him.

“You look so sexy.” Harry whispered into Addy’s ear as he gently rubbed over the exposed skin on her back.

“Thank you, love.” Addy looked up at her boyfriend. “Why don’t you get me a drink then and I will meet you by the hot tub.” Without another word she left Harry behind in a daze knowing that his eyes watched her backside as she walked away from him.

Walking by Skippy and Guy she quickly leaned in and said. “Harry is whipped whether he thinks so or not.” Skippy was nearly keeled over roaring with laughter that gained Harry’s attention as he caught Adalyn walking away from his friends.

“I cannot wait for the water fall hike! It is going to be so amazing!” Mel gushed as she stumbled and nearly spilled her drink over everyone in the hot tub. The yacht was sailing by the picturesque coastal town of Baska, attracting everyone’s eyes as the clear blue water along the old buildings captivated them.

Addy was mesmerized by the view that was in front of her. She felt Harry come up beside her as he kissed her shoulder gently. “Why don’t you go get dressed so we can explore a little bit?” His words caused Addy to turn her attention to him.

“We get to go there?” Addy beamed with excitement.

“Yeah! Let’s hurry so we don’t waste any time!” Harry grabbed her hand and helped his girlfriend climb out of the hot tub.

Harry could barely take his eyes off of Addy in the summery dress that she had put on as they embarked off the yacht. A pastel colored floral skirt was perfectly matched with a white off the shoulder top that hinted at her breasts. Her brunette hair was loosely pulled back into a classy bun, but what caught his eyes the most was the necklace he had given her that Addy kept on nearly everywhere she went. He would often find her playing with it when she thought he wasn’t looking.

“Hey!” Harry turned to look back over his shoulder to look behind at the group. “We have dinner reservations at 730pm. Don’t be late!”

“Are we going to split up or stay together?” Mel asked the group as they continued to walk along the harbour front boardwalk.

“What do you wanna do?” Addy whispered to Harry as they locked in each other’s eyes.

“I want you to myself for a little while.” Harry lifted his arm and wrapped it around his girlfriend’s shoulders as they broke apart from the rest of the group finding their own adventure in the small Croatian town.

“Hey! Where are you two heading off to?!” Tom yelled after them.

“Nowhere!” Harry snickered before grabbing Addy’s hand and nearly running off with her, laughing away as they ditched the rest of the group.

The couple walked around the small town of Baska and entered little shops along their way. People kept pulling them into their shop and taught them what life was like in the town as they showed them what they had made to sell in their sea-side shops.

Harry spotted Addy eying a painting that she kept going back to look at. It was of a couple sitting together on the beach looking across over the ocean done in a watercolour base. Something in it was drawing Addy to it, but each time she went back to it, she did not pick it up.

“See anything you like?” Harry approached Addy as ran her hands through the soft material of a hand made scarf.

She simply shook her head. “No…” But her eyes trailed back towards the painting for a few seconds before fully answering. “Not exactly.” Addy looked up at Harry. “I heard there is a market a few streets down. Do you want to go there?”

“Yeah, wherever you want to go.” Harry nodded while pulling out his wallet. “You thirsty? It’s so hot out here. Why don’t you grab us a few drinks before we go? I think I saw a stand just outside the door. I want to ask this owner something.”

“I could use a drink!” Addy took a few bills from Harry. “Coke or water, love?”

“Water is fine. I will see you out there.” Harry internally smiled as his plan to distract Addy worked as he watched her leave the little store. He quickly approached the shop owner. “Do you paint these by yourself?”

“I do, sir.” He nodded happily.

“Could you paint one for me?” Harry took a few steps back and grabbed the painting Addy had her eyes on to show him. “Like this?” He showed him.

“Yes!” He nodded again. “I can paint for you and your wife. She has an eye for art!”

Harry smiled at the thought of the shop owner calling Addy his wife. “Maybe one day she will be.” He joked with the owner. “Can you do it tonight? We are leaving back to the yacht later tonight. I will make it worth your while.”

“Give me three hours? Pick it up here?” The owner smiled at the prince.

“That would be great! I can come back or have someone get it.” Harry was smiling from ear to ear hoping that Addy would like it.

“Water colour? Same exact picture but you two?” The owner confirmed with the prince through broken English.

Harry nodded and pulled out his phone to show him a picture of a selfie the two of them took earlier that afternoon. “Yes, like this.”

Harry looked towards the exit and knew he had to get going before Addy became suspicious. “How much?” He gave the man more that what he had asked for and headed out the door to find Addy walking back with two cold waters in her hand.

“Ready to go? I asked around and I think the market is around the corner over there.” Adalyn pointed out ahead of them while handing her boyfriend some water.

“Let’s go there?” Harry took a big drink as the cool water trailed down his throat.

“I feel like we have been doing what I want today though… what do you want to do?” A hint of concern was laced in Addy’s voice as she found Harry’s hand and started to walk towards the direction of the market.

“I am good with whatever as long as I get to do it with you.” Harry picked up her hand and kissed it softly. “I got my fun earlier with the jet ski!”

The couple had found the market and was amazed at all the unique little souvenirs and Croatian things the people from Baska had made to sell. They were simply having fun picking out little gifts for one another, the sillier the better.

Addy was nearly in tears after laughing so hard at Harry as he modelled an apparent traditional dress that men in Baska wore to ceremonies. He popped out his hip with a pouty lip making Addy dissolve into endless giggles.

“I will take it!” She dug through her purse despite protests from the prince not to, saying he would never wear it. “It’s not for you!” Addy leaned into him. “I personally think it would look great on Will!” A mischievous smile formed on her lips.

“I agree with you, love.” Harry pulled it off over his head and eyed it again while holding it up. “I think William will love it too!” The prince winked at Addy as she paid for it and put it into a small bag.

“We should get Kate something too!” Addy continued to walk along the vendors eying custom jewelry when she heard their names being called out.

Harry looked up and scanned the crowd becoming on guard as he did not recognize the voice that called their names. His eyes searched hard and landed on what he saw were paparazzi practically running towards them with their cameras in hand. How the hell did they find them here? The prince had told no one he did not trust about this vacation he had planned.

“Addy, let’s go.” Harry gripped her hand and started to lead her through the market as quickly as he could. His eyes fell back on the protection officer that had re-joined them after keeping a substantial distance between them as per Harry’s request.

Addy heard her name being called out as she looked back to see why Harry was in such a hurry to leave. A group of paps were hot on their heals as they weaved through the market stands. Her body became tense as she quickened her pace in order to keep up with Harry’s long strides.

“How did they find us?” Addy looked towards Harry who was wearing an angry expression with his brow furrowed and jaw clenched tightly.

“I don’t know. They are ruthless like I have always told you, Addy.” He spoke through pursed lips. His hand was still gripping Adalyn’s hard as his eyes scanned for the best way to get them out of there.

“HARRY! ADDY! COME ON SHOW US A LITTLE SOMETHING!”

“Harry you are going too fast, I can’t keep up.” Harry was nearly running, but Addy’s sandals were not exactly the practical type.

“You have too, love. Please try.” Harry’s voice was begging her to.

She gripped his hand tighter and gained his blue eyes turning back to check on her. A playful glint in Addy’s green eyes caused him to not look away. “Lose them, Henry.” The corner of her lips turned into a lighthearted grin.

“My pleasure.” Harry squeezed her hand tight, ensuring he had a good grip on it.

“Extra points if you lose your RPO too.” Addy giggled as the thrill of the run coursed through her.

“Extra points?” Harry’s eyebrow rose suggestively as his determination to please Adalyn turned the pursuit higher. He suddenly turned back on his heel and weaved them back through the same vendors they had just passed through after he noticed the paps having taken another route.

The prince travelled back towards the harbour front with Addy right by his side as they tried to ditch the paparazzi and his RPO. Addy glanced back over her shoulder seeing that the paps had were somehow gaining ground on them as their continual shouts of their name echoed from behind closer and closer. “Harry, they are getting closer!”

His eyes searched around, trying to find an escape route.  A devilish grin appeared on his lips once he spotted it. “Do you trust me?” Harry locked eyes with his girlfriend’s that held a mix of fear of the unknown and adventure from the chase circling in them.

“Always.” Their gaze lingered for a second longer.

“Don’t let go of me.” He tugged on her hand gently as they took often down towards the docks. Running through dock after dock of boats lining them, the prince spotted an older man preparing his boat to leave. Their footsteps echoed against the old wood that swayed over top of the water as their pace quickened.

Addy looked up to see exactly where Harry was taking her as adrenaline coursed through her to run faster along side him. “A boat?”

“Yes!” Harry smiled proudly of his plan. “Sir?!” He waved his free arm to gain attention of the man. “Start your boat, we will pay you well!”

The elderly man looked around and spotted the couple eagerly running down the dock being chased by people with cameras. He waved his arm to join them before he ran towards the controls as the engine of the boat roared to life. Harry glanced back over his shoulder. There may be enough distance between them and his RPO that he may actually lose everyone like Addy had asked him too.

Harry helped Addy get on the boat safely first as she stepped across a short wooden plank, letting go of his hand for the first time since the chase had started. The elderly man directed Harry in quickly untying the ropes that secured the boat onto the dock while making sure his girlfriend was safely seated at the front.

His girlfriend looked down the long row of the dock and saw them gaining ground as their voices became clearer. “Harry come on!” Addy stood up and walked towards the boat. “Get on!” She warned him and stuck out her hand for him to grasp.

The prince gave the boat a hard push to create some space between the boat and the dock in a last ditch effort to ensure no one would jump on. He grabbed Addy’s hand as she pulled him onto the boat with all the strength she had within her. His body crashed into her, making her nearly lose her footing with a light gasp.

Harry’s arm wrapped around her to secure Addy in place as her green eyes peaked up at him fondly. “You did it!” A set of green eyes were proudly smiling up at Harry.

“I did it for you, love.” He wanted to get lost in the depths of those green eyes again, but their names being shouted alerted him back to the reality of the situation at hand. The couple could hear the snaps of the cameras left in their wake as the boat successfully left the harbour.

Addy blindly searched for his hand, turning around to see the elderly man grinning at them ear to ear. “Hello!” She could not help but dissolve into a fit of breathless giggles as she tried to regain her breath from the long run.

“Thank you, sir. For helping us out.” Harry greeted the elderly man and introduced themselves. “This is my girlfriend, Addy.” He shook the man’s hand. “I’m Harry.”

“Welcome aboard my boat! The beautiful Josephine!” The man graciously welcomed them and offered them to sit and relax as he took them on a tour after they politely refused not to further waste his time.

“Please. I insist.” The man sat them down and gave each of them a traditional Croatian fruity drink. “I want to show you my beautiful country!”

Addy looked up at Harry to see if he wanted to stay on the boat and get a private tour from a local. “Do you want too? I think it will be fun.” She searched his blue eyes for an answer.

“I am in!” Harry smiled happily and lifted his arm for Addy to snuggle in closer. “I am happy I got my extra points.” The prince cheekily smiled down at Addy. “When do I get my reward?”

Addy tossed her head back with laughter and then breathed out a sigh. “Tonight…” She peaked up at Harry and bit down on her bottom lip, silently telling her boyfriend what his reward would be.

“Mmmm… in the hot tub?” Harry questioned with a suggestive eyebrow.

Addy simply nodded at the idea before turning her attention back to the elderly man who was telling them about the history of the town as they sailed along the coastal line.

Harry and Addy were all smiles only having eyes for one another as they walked hand in hand into Gallo, the restaurant they were to meet the rest of their group at after an afternoon of exploring. No member of the group missed seeing their gleeful smiles as they took the last few empty seats at the end of the table. The couple were a few minutes late having gotten back from their little private tour along by the local man who aided in their escape.

“What did you two get up to this afternoon?” Adriana leaned in towards Addy as Harry sat down beside Guy.

Addy glanced towards Harry unsure of what to say exactly so he stepped in and answered. “Well, we were exploring the little shops and markets when paps starting chasing us.” The whole table was now listening as they all formed shocked expressions.

“Seriously? All the way in Croatia?” Melissa’s expression softened as she looked across the table to see Addy’s smile fade and become quiet. She felt for Adalyn deeply. To have someone always wanting to photograph you and the lengths that they would go to just to get that one picture would certainly take its toll on her. Especially when she was meant to be on a stress free vacation that she desperately needed.

“Why?” Tom asked his friend.

“They only have one reason Tom.” Harry simply shrugged his reply before seeing Adalyn’s smile no longer there. All of his life he had hated the press for intruding on his personal life. All he was trying to do was to take his girlfriend on a vacation and he couldn’t even do that without them following them.

The prince nudged her leg gently underneath the table to subtly get Addy’s attention. Her green eyes lifted, locking in his gaze as he silently asked with his eyes if she was alright. A light nod with an attempted smile gave Harry his answer.

“But, then we escaped from them and got on a boat.” Addy’s smile re-appeared. “We got a tour from a local fishermen and he showed us around. He took us to a little hidden cove and it was amazing!”

“No way!” Mel wanted to hear more about it all.

“Some total James Bond shit.” Guy patted Harry on the back. “Wait… you even ditched your RPO?!”

Harry bit down on his bottom lip as a naughty glint appeared in his blue eyes. He was waiting for a phone call from his grandmother or father knowing he would get in shit for doing so. But, it was all worth it to spend some alone time with Addy on that little boat. “Yeah, waiting for the backlash as we speak.”

What Addy did not tell the group was the local man, Leo, actually took them back to his home on the coastal town where they met his wife, Josephine; the women whom he named his boat after. They had a lovely chat and were offered an assortment of traditional Croatian baking and a large selection of teas. There was something that Josephine told Harry as they were leaving their home to meet their friends. She told him something that he simply could not ignore as it felt like a foreseeable warning to him. “The eyes always tell their own story you know. They are the entry to the soul. She has a lot of fear behind her eyes that girl does. She hides that fear from you.”

“Harry?” Addy’s voice brought him back from the memory. “Want to share something with me?” He picked up the menu and quickly scanned through it.

“Yeah we could order two plates and share, love.” Harry winked at Addy. “You choose what you would like, I am good with whatever.”

“Are you sure?” Addy angled her head at Harry.

“Positive.” His gentle eyes reassured her.

The smile that grew on her lips was a sight he simply could not look away from. It was a smile that Harry rarely got to see since after the incident with Jake. He planned this trip with Guy all because he wanted Adalyn to remember what it was like to have a little fun and to relax without the pressure building up around her from all aspects of her life.

The press were at an ultimate high with their inquisitive nature about Adalyn as news of the kidnapping and desire to know how ‘Prince Harry’s girlfriend’ was coping with the aftermath. They even were getting braver asking about Addy during his official engagements to which he never gave a reply to validate anything. This caused Adalyn to want to close her self off from the outside world simply because she could not handle how the paparazzi shouted question after question about it to her.

Adalyn’s curator job at the Imperial War Museum were continually breathing down her neck about starting back up as projects sat uncompleted and were threatening to give all of her hard work she had done onto someone else. She confided in the prince shortly after his surprise visit to her grandparents farm that she was worried if she did not go back, that she would have no job to go back too. Adalyn questioned herself if she was ready too, but in the end that question did not matter as she could not give up her job. The plan was for Addy to start back up in the new year part time for the first month and then back to regular hours once she settled back in.

But, for the time being he would take that smile she was giving Harry knowing what was awaiting for him later in the hot tub that night.

Carlson stood up with the paper, grabbed his coffee and left the room making the guilt evident. Popping her hip out she stared down her grandmother. “Gran?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Florence brushed it off like she did not know a thing. “Will you set the table for breakfast dear?” Adalyn pursed her lips together knowing that something must be up. Opening the cupboard doors she grabbed a stack of plates.

Everyone was around the table eating breakfast when Elena turned to see a black SUV coming up down the road to the house. “Gran are you expecting anyone?” Florence had just sat down in her chair and simply shrugged her shoulders.

“No, honey. I wonder who it could be.” Her innocent granny voice could fool anyone.

Adalyn peered out the front window following everyone else’s eyes. Indrawing a breath, she recognized that vehicle. “No…” she whispered and turned towards her father who was grinning from ear to ear. “Daddy?” The whole table turned to see Adalyn’s face light up.

“Yes, Addy?” His face was beaming seeing how happy Adalyn her green eyes were shinning once she realized who it was. “Go and see who it is.”

“Wait... it’s Harry?” Elena leaned into Reid and asked him while her fiancé shrugged his shoulders in return being completely unaware of the situation.

Adalyn pushed her chair back and slipped on a pair of boots. By this time the vehicle had pulled up to the side of the house and stopped. Hearing the door slam shut, everyone’s eyes followed Addy as she ran towards the car despite the snow coming down hard.

The back door opened and Harry stepped out with the biggest smile seeing Addy running towards him. Within a few seconds Addy practically launched herself into the prince’s arms as Harry caught her and slowly twirled her around.

“What are you doing here?!” Her voice muffled by his jacket.

“I wanted to surprise you.” Harry gently placed her back on the ground feeling her cool hands cup his cheeks. Placing his hands over top of them, he angled his head to kiss one.

“Well you really did! I had no idea!” Addy’s eyes were shinning happily staring up into Harry’s she still did not believe that he was here.

“I told your father not to tell you.” Harry confessed as his head turned to see Addy’s whole family eagerly peering out the window by the breakfast nook at the couple, watching their every move. He waved politely, making Addy turn her head to see where he was looking having completely forgot about them.

“I knew he was acting strange this morning!” Addy snaked her arm around her boyfriend and leaned up to kiss him. “Come… I want you to meet my grandparents.” She simply could not stop smiling at the fact that Harry surprised her and had come here.

The couple walked arm in arm towards her grandparent’s house. Addy just stared up at the prince in silence with an adoring smile plastered on her lips. “What?” Harry smirked as he caught a glimpse of it.

“I just…” She shook her head in shock. “You are here, you are at the farm!” Addy giggled lightly. “I thought you had to stay longer?”

“Let’s just say Zara easily convinced me to surprise my girl.” Harry and Addy climbed the steps to the house stopping briefly on the porch. Harry had noticed this was probably the last private moment he would have with Addy until later and he definitely was going to take advantage of it.

“Come here...” He lifted Addy’s chin and captured her sweet soft lips against his. Addy moaned into the kiss, putting more pressure on his lips indicating she wanted more of him. Harry cupped her cool cheek rubbing it over with his warm hand and holding her lips steady as he continued to taste them. Breaking their lips apart, Addy had her signature blushed cheeks on display.

“I love it when I make you blush like that.” Harry leaned in and placed a quick reassuring kiss to her lips.

“Stop it…” Addy tried to hide her head in embarrassment. “My whole family probably saw you kissing me.” She opened the door and reached back to find Harry’s hand to lead him into her grandparents home. The Mackenzie family had left the table and congregated near the front entrance ready to bombard the couple as they came in.

Addy walked in with Harry, never leaving his side as he greeted her family. Addy’s grandmother pulled him right into a warm inviting hug that caught him a little off guard. “Hello, Harry. I am so happy you were able to join us and spend some of your holiday time here.”

“Thank you, Florence. I hope it wasn’t a bother me showing up like this.” Harry moved out of the hug.

“Oh not at all! We have been waiting what seems like forever to finally meet you, dear!” Addy gently rubbed Harry’s back up and down, staring up at the prince fondly.

“Harry, this is my grandpa, Edwin.” Adalyn proudly introduced Harry to her grandfather who was like a second father to her.

“Hello, son.” Edwin shook his hand firmly while Harry admired the elder man’s huge hands. “Welcome to the farm!”

“Thank you, sir.” Before Harry could speak another word, he felt Chance whacking his leg with his tail trying to gain the prince’s attention. Kneeling down he was met with an excited pup dancing around in circles happy to see Harry. “Well hello to you too Chance.”

“Babe, are you hungry? There are a lot of pancakes left.” The family sat back down at the table finishing their breakfast.

Grandma Florence gave Harry a healthy helping of her pancakes. “Eat up, son.” “Harry, you are going to gain probably ten pounds here.” Gavin, Lila’s boyfriend chimed in.

“Oh, I believe it.” Harry took a bite of the pancake and was in literal heaven. “This is amazing Florence, thank you. Now I know where Addy gets her cooking skills from.” Addy’s smile still had not left her lips as she turned to glance at the prince.

Elena leaned into Reid and whispered, “Look how happy Addy is, Reid.” She placed her hand over top of her chest watching the giddy couples sit beside each other and steal loving glances. They were constantly touching or leaning into one another. Harry had finished his pancakes and had Addy leaned into him, absent-mindedly rubbing her arm gently up and down while the couple listened to a story of Edwin’s.

Addy had gone up stairs to shower after Harry brought his things to her room. He was outside with Addy’s grandfather getting a tour of Edwin’s gun cage. The look Addy displayed when her grandfather offered to show Harry it had him dissolving into a fit of giggles along with everyone else at the table. Edwin and Carlson convinced Addy that they would return Harry to her in one piece.

“Addy was sure surprised to see you.” Carlson watched Harry handle one of his father’s guns.

The prince smirked and bit down on his bottom lip. “She really was.” Harry handed the gun back to Edwin. “Thanks for letting me come, Carlson. I couldn’t wait any longer.”

“Hey, if you can make my daughter as happy as I saw her this morning you are welcome whenever, Harry.” Carlson crossed his arms and became quite serious. “I need to ask you this since it seems like you are the closest to Addy…” Harry lifted his gaze to lock eyes with Carlson. “How is she really doing?”

Harry released a deep sigh and bit down on his bottom lip. “With all due respect sir, I want to answer it but I think the best person to is your daughter.” He was not about to discuss every thing that Addy had confided about to Harry.

“I am asking you because she won’t tell me, Harry.” Carlson was putting Harry in a tough position. Her grandfather had become silent and was staring at the prince waiting to hear his answer.

“I can’t do that to her.” Harry firmly stood his ground with Adalyn’s father. “I can tell you that she has her moments like anyone would assume, but she is doing what she needs to get through it.” Sighing deeply Harry continued, “it is not fair to Addy to tell you what she tells me in confidence, without her permission.”

“He’s right.” Everyone turned around to see Adalyn leaning against the doorframe, surprising the whole group. Her eyes drifted towards Harry and smiled weakly at him. “You should not have put him in that spot dad.” Adalyn pushed herself away from the door and walked towards Harry.

“Addy, we all want you to be ok… we are worried about you because we care about you.” Harry lifted his arm so Addy could come in beside him. He watched her face morph into a soft gaze while staring at her father as she let his words sink in.

“That doesn’t mean you are allowed to ask Harry to do that. If you are so worried about me, then ask me.” Addy angled her head and leaned it on Harry’s shoulder.

“Fine, are you ok Addy?” Her father crossed his arms stubbornly and for the first time Harry knew exactly where she had gotten that trait. He coughed to try his best to stifle a laugh knowing it was serious question. Silence filled the room, the tension becoming more palpable with each passing second. Harry could feel the anxiety from Addy’s tense body as she blindly searched for his hand that he freely gave.

Inhaling a deep breath she answered, “I’m not ok, dad. How can I be ok? I am still working through it all.” Addy looked up at Harry who quietly smiled at her. “But, I will be because I have all of you.”

Carlson steadied himself as he leaned back against a pile of boxes. “You know… if you are ever feeling like uh…” Addy sensed what her father was trying to say as he struggled to formulate the words.

“Dad…” Addy shook her head. “I would never.” Her voice faded away.

“Good…” Carlson chocked back tears while hanging his head low. Addy dropped Harry’s hand and walked towards her father, engulfing him in a warm hug. After sharing an embrace with Carlson, Addy looked back at Harry remembering why she had come out here to find him in the first place.

“Would you like to go for a walk with me?” Addy patted his chest.

“Of course I would!” He let Addy lead him back through the house to grab their coats.

“Do you want to go for some walkies?!” Willow started running around the room while Chance wiggled in Harry’s arms ecstatically.

“He’s missed you.” Addy couldn’t help but giggle as Chance attacked Harry with kisses. “Shall we test out his Christmas present from you, love?”

“You got it already?!” Harry’s head snapped up. “Yeah, I got it that afternoon you left. Your friend was not sure if it would work, but at least we can give it a try?” Addy pulled out a make shift puppy leg prosthesis. A man that Harry had worked closely with for a veterans charity was known to make custom prosthesis for amputee veterans. Harry had mentioned that his girlfriend’s dog was in need of one and within a week, Harry had brought Chance to the man to get measured and fitted. It was Harry’s Christmas present to Chance as he knew that Addy had been in search of one for a few months. With how Chance’s leg was injured, he was not able to fit the average prosthesis commonly made for dogs.

“Here…” Addy handed it off to Harry. “You put it on him.” Harry shook his head up at his girlfriend.

“I will hold him, you put it on. You are the one who rescued him after all, it should be you who gives him this chance to walk normally again.” Addy’s eyes locked with Harry’s as his words tugged at her heart, choking her up.

“Ok.” Was all she could manage to force out with a shaky breath.

“Come here Chance.” Harry gently grabbed the excited pup.

“What are you guys doing?!” Elena and Florence glanced around the kitchen corner.

“Chance is going to test out his first prosthesis!” Addy grabbed the first piece and slipped it over Chance’s stump. Chance shook his leg, glancing back at it becoming unsure whether he liked it or not.

“It’s ok buddy. It’s going to be different, but you have to wear one.” Harry provided gentle strokes along Chance’s body that instantly calmed him down. They had now gained a full house audience as the couple fastened the last piece onto Chance.

“He will be more likely to try it outside.” Addy told Harry to pick Chance up as she held the doors open so Harry could carry him through. Addy was right behind Harry as she took out her phone to capture the moment. Her family had all come out and stood on the porch to watch.

Harry gently set Chance down on the ground and petted his ears. “Merry Christmas Chance.” He swore that dog smiled at him as he stood up and told Chance to run.

The dog looked back at his leg and took a few stumbling steps in a circle. “It’s ok, go play with Willow!” Addy encouraged the pup.

Chance spotted Willow running ahead and took off in chase of her. He stumbled a few times, but eventually caught up to Willow and egged her to chase him back.

“Yayy!” Everyone from the porch started to cheer and clap.

Harry turned his head hearing silence coming from the woman that stood beside him. Tears were forming in her green eyes, threatening to over pour. But, beyond those tears, her green eyes were smiling proudly as she watched Chance run free.

“You ok, love?” He wrapped his arm around her tightly.

“Yeah…” She wiped away a tear trickling down her cheek. “This is why I do this, Harry. Moments like this are what keeps me fighting for them.” Adalyn’s head twisted to lock in Harry’s eyes. “But, I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“No. You helped Chance when no one else would, you gave him this amazing life Addy. I only bought the prosthesis.” He leaned in and placed a soft kiss to her lips. “This is all you, babe. Enjoy it.” Addy’s head turned to see Chance running back as fast as he can just like a normal dog with a slight hobble. His tail was wagging happily while his tongue hung out over a smile. “Hey boy!” Addy bent down at her knees to give the dog some love. Chance jumped up steadying his paws on her knee and leaned into her body as if he was thanking her. “Do you like Harry’s gift for you? Isn’t he the best man anyone could ask for?” She angled her head to look up at the prince with a fond smile.

“I wouldn’t be half the man I am without you.”

“Oh, you two!” Elena had walked down the steps of the house. “Give me that phone and let me take a picture of the three of you!”

Harry gave Elena his phone before kneeling down beside Adalyn and Chance. “You should put this up on your website.” Harry spoke through a smile.

Addy turned her head and was scolded by Elena for not looking at the camera. “I want this moment for only the three of us... our little family.” It was now Harry’s turn to look her in the eyes as the camera captured their tender moment together.

“Our family.” Harry repeated while looking into Adalyn’s deep green eyes seeing the future clearly within them.

“Ok, where do we start?” Harry rubbed his hands together eager to learn some baking tips from Grandma Florence.

“Before we start young man, you need one of these!” Florence bent over and rummaged through a cupboard pulling out a flowered apron.

“I think I am good…” Harry eyed that thing knowing if one of the guys saw him in this, he would never live it down.

“Oh! Wipe that look off of your face. You don’t want it to stay that way!” Grandma Florence insisted as Harry reluctantly put it on to appease Addy’s grandmother. “What are we going to make?” Harry looked around searching for a recipe book. “Where’s the recipe?”

“Oh, my dear.” Florence leaned in and pointed to her temple. “It’s all up in this young mind.” Tying her apron behind her, Florence looked up at the tall prince. “I am going to teach you how to make Adalyn’s favourite dessert. That way, when you have a special occasion, you know how to surprise her with it? How does that sound?”

“That sounds fantastic Mrs. Mackenzie.” Harry’s lips spread into a wide smile.

“First rule, please call me Florence or granny.” Florence eyed the prince with smiling eyes. “Second rule, this kitchen is my church and we treat it as such.”

“Yes, Florence.” Harry leaned in and deliberately spoke her name.

“Be a dear and grab those pots on the top shelf for me.” Harry turned and grabbed a handful of them. Setting them down on the counter, he recognized one that had little paw prints and flowers all over them like a child had painted it. Pausing to admire he, he saw Addy’s scribbled name on it.

“I am sensing that she has not told you much about this place, has she?” Florence could see the curiosity brewing on Harry’s face.

“No… to be honest she hasn’t.” Harry set the bowl back down. “Just that she loves it here. I know that she was really looking forward to coming her for Christmas.”

Florence directed Harry on what to mix in the bowl as she handed him the items while telling him more about Harry’s past. “Addy… my son’s whole family stayed with us the summer that their mother left. This is all of their safe place.”

Harry’s hand froze almost dumping in a cup of flour into the bowl. “She doesn’t talk much about her mother. I guess I don’t either.”

“This is Addy’s safe place. She comes here when she needs to think, when she feels she has no where else to go.” Florence handed Harry some more ingredients. “She came here when you were deployed.” Harry’s head snapped towards Florence having no idea that she had done that.

“I could tell she had met someone new. There was a little sparkle in her eyes and I knew she was worried about whoever it was.” Harry remained quiet while gently mixing the ingredients together. “Now, I know that it was you, Harry.”

“And I am happy that it was you.” Harry’s lips spread into a wide smile at her grandmother’s remark. “I can tell how happy you make my granddaughter, Harry. You and Addy have been through a tremendous amount of struggles and hardships already. I know she can be….”

“Stubborn.” Harry interrupted causing Florence to bark a laugh.

“Ah yes… she is my granddaughter after all, Harry!” Florence offered the prince a wink. “Be careful with her heart. It’s full of love, but it has had it’s own fair share of breaks. I can see the way you look at her, that look of love. Just remember to keep seeing her.”

“Thank you, I will.” Harry smiled politely.

“Well we must move on because this dessert is not going to make itself young man!” Florence got right into the mix of things with Harry and taught him how to bake Addy’s favourite dessert.

It was after dinner when Harry and the guys were down stairs playing a game of pool when Addy wandered her way down to the basement. Catching Harry’s eye, he noticed in the way she fidgeted towards him that she was anxious about something.

“How’s it going down here?” Addy’s feet brushed against the wooly carpet walking towards Harry.

“Reid and Harry are winning.” A snide remark came from Gavin who was not the greatest at pool, but did his best.

“Hmmm… I see.” Addy wrapped her arm around Harry’s waist and watched Reid pocket a ball.

“What’s on your pretty little mind?” Harry whispered into Addy’s ear and placed a gentle kiss to her temple knowing that she was nervous about something. Green eyes turned to stare right into his own as they searched for whatever answer she was looking for.

“I want to steal you away for a bit…” A glint in her eyes sparkled. “I want to show you something.”

“Addy can’t it wait? We are in the middle of a game.” Reid turned around and must have over heard their quiet conversation.

Addy was clearly nervous to even ask Harry meaning that it was important to her that she show Harry whatever it is. The upset expression forming on Addy’s face at Reid’s remark made Harry step in. “It’s just a game Reid, it can wait.” Addy’s face perked up hearing Harry defend her.

“Let’s go.” He placed his hand on the small of Addy’s back and guided her forward.

“But we are going to win?!” Reid tossed his arms up in the air making the couple look back at him.

“I am already a winner.” Harry smirked and walked off with Adalyn up the stairs.

“So, where are you taking me?” Harry held Addy’s hand as she led him up the stairs towards the kitchen.

“Some place special to me.” Addy grabbed a thermos and a few mugs. “You better go change into something more warm. We may be outside for a while.” Addy giggled and gently smacked his ass as Harry ran up the stairs quickly.

“Addy? Where are we going?” She had led the prince down a narrowed path past a small pond towards the bush.

“It’s only a little further ahead.” Addy squeezed the prince’s hand firmly to reassure him.

“Here!” Addy looked up towards the trees. The sun had set, making their only light coming from the bright moon that reflected over the small pond.

“A tree house?” Harry glanced up, aligning his view with Adalyn’s.

“Not, just any tree house.” She pulled Harry close to her body. “It’s the one my father built us when we stayed here one summer.”

“The summer your mom left?” It came out without Harry even realizing it until it was too late. Addy’s smile instantly fell off of her face hearing Harry’s question.

“Shit.” Harry rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry Addy. Your grandmother told me.”

“It’s ok…” She trailed off and a hint of her smile re-appeared. “It just caught me a little off guard is all.” Addy inhaled deeply trying to calm her nerves. “I wanted to show you a little piece of my childhood…” She glanced up towards the tree house. “Share a little bit of my past with you.”

This was Adalyn finally opening up more to him and he was eager to hear every single thing she was ready to share with him. A mischievous smirk formed on his lips. “Well, shall we go up and check it out? Isn’t that why we brought all these flashlights, blankets and hot chocolate with us?” Harry encouraged Addy as best as he could.

“Here. Hand me these and I will carry them up and then help you.” The prince gathered all of their supplies and quickly climbed up the wooden steps up along the tree. Clambering into the tree house he took a brief look around to see little drawings that clearly Adalyn had done. Turning around and reaching his arm out, he waved for Adalyn to climb up.

Addy looked up and started to climb the wooden ladder. Her head rose to find Harry watching her carefully over the edge of the entrance. He stuck his hand out for her and she froze in her spot as a memory of Alex came flooding into her mind.

“Here, Addy grab my hand.” Alex reached down and offered his hand to his little sister who was trying her best to climb up the ladder. “I won’t let go of you, I promise Not now, not ever.”

“Addy?” Harry’s voice broke her out of the memory.

“Sorry… I just. You reminded me of a memory of Alex.” Harry clasped their hands together and hoisted her up into the tree house.

“I am sure there are a lot of memories with him here.” Harry sweetly spoke to her.

“There are.” Adalyn glanced around the tree house seeing little pictures and memories written all over the wooden walls.

Harry laid out a blanket across the floor and motioned for Addy to join him. Wrapping them both up in a thicker blanket, he ensured that Addy was warm enough from the wintery night air. Pulling out the hot chocolate Harry asked Adalyn. “So your grandmother said you spent the whole summer here, that year?” Harry wanted to encourage Adalyn to share what she wanted to, but did not want to push for any details.

Nodding her reply, Addy accepted a mug of warm hot chocolate that Harry had poured. “I know I don’t talk much about my mom with you.” Addy sighed, “but, it’s because no one really does anymore. It’s like she doesn’t exist to us and quite frankly that’s how we think she feels about us…”

“I don’t want you to tell me if you don’t want too, but… what happened?” Addy smiled warmly at Harry and snuggled in closer to Harry as if she was searching for his comfort to get her through it. “I’m right here.” He reassured her quietly.

“I was six.” Addy started. “I was in grade one, having only a few days left before summer break. My mom dropped me off at school that day and all I remember was that she was sad, but… happy too. She hugged me and said that she would always love me.” Adalyn grabbed Harry’s hand and stared down at their interlocked fingers.

“That was the last time I saw her. She didn’t pick me up from school so I sat on those steps for hours, at least that is what it seemed like. That is until Alexander came dressed in his football gear and asked if I was hungry. He took me to a convenience store and bought me anything I wanted.” She sighed deeply and closed her eyes. “When we were walking home I remember him holding my hand really tight, like he was never going to let it go. But, when we walked into the house something wasn’t right. Like our home would never be the same.”

A frown formed on Addy’s forehead creasing it. Harry slowly rubbed up and down her arm soothingly. “My dad came running towards me and hugged me tight and said that everything was going to be ok. At the time I had no idea what he was talking about. That night, Alexander said I could sleep in his big bed with him, which he never let us even be in his room, but he even let Lila and Reid in. He said he were having a sleepover party, celebrating him making the football team… but now I know he did it to make sure we were all ok and so dad didn’t have to worry.”

“He was looking after all of you.” Harry comforted Adalyn with a quiet whisper. In that moment, Harry wished that he had the chance to meet Alexander. He seemed like he was always looking out for Addy and his family. He understood better, how hurt they all were and are still that he is no longer with them.

“The next day, my dad packed us up and took us here for the summer. I kept asking where mom was and he couldn’t reply until he finally said she went on a long trip.” Addy leaned her head and rested it on Harry’s chest. “She abandoned us Harry. She never came back, never once did she write or even attempt to contact us.” Addy sat up slowly to stare into Harry’s eyes.

“She never even came to Alex’s funeral.” He could see the hurt, the betrayal, the heartbreak, all-circling in her green eyes. The same ones no doubt her mother gave her, the only thing that she ever gave Adalyn. “Years later, I found out that she was having an affair with a co-worker and that day she decided to leave us all behind. She wrote my father a note… a bloody note… saying that she did not want to have this life anymore with him. It wasn’t like he treated her poorly, he loved her and all of us. And what hurts the most is the memories I do have of her, I remember dancing and smiling and laughing with her. There was never a time where I felt that she didn’t love me. But, now I wonder if she ever really did and that is why she was able to leave. Some days I think if I told her I loved her or wouldn’t argue with her that things would be different.”

“It’s not on you that she left, Addy.” Harry firmly assured his girlfriend then fell into silence as Addy tried to comprehend what happened even to this day. He could see how difficult it was on Addy and probably her whole family to talk about their mother leaving them all one day. “My dad could hardly look at me…”

“Because you look like her?” Harry questioned as she nodded her reply. “The eyes?”

“How do you know?” She angled her head at Harry.

“You are the only one in your family with green eyes, babe.” His hand reached out and touched her cheek giving it a loving stroke. “They are gorgeous.”

“Thank you…” She grew quiet. “Thank you for letting me share this. I uh –” Adalyn paused and looked down at the wooden floor that creaked as she shifted her body. “I found it hard even thinking of sharing this with you because of your mother.”

Harry’s brow furrowed questioningly about to speak, but she cut him off. “I thought if you knew how much I hated my mother that you would somehow think less of me because of what happened to yours and I know that you would give anything to have her back, but I cannot say the same about mine.” She breathed out. “I felt I couldn’t share this with you earlier because I felt guilty about hating her and whenever I wanted to I knew it would bring up things for you too.”

“Addy… shhh…” His girlfriend bursted into tears and covered her face being ashamed from Harry. “I don’t think that at all.” He scooted towards her and brought her shaking body down into his arms. “Your mother left you by choice, mine had no choice. I would never think less of you because of that and I want you to tell me everything…. Things like this that make me know you more, that make me love you even more.”

Addy wiped away her tears and lifted her head. “I was so scared to tell you how much I hate her. For what she did to my family, my father… everyone.”

“Don’t ever be scared to talk to me.” He held her head steady between his hands before placing a sweet kiss to her forehead.  After wiping her dampened cheeks dry, Harry rummaged through the bag they brought and pulled out the final product of his baking session with Florence.

“I baked these for you today.” Harry handed one to Adalyn who displayed a shocked expression.

“Gran, showed you?!” Adalyn was nearly speechless. “Harry, she won’t even tell me how to make them! She always says then they would not be special to me.”

“Well take a bite!” Harry laughed seeing how amazed Adalyn was that he actually made them.

“Ok, ok.” She took a bite and let the dessert melt in her mouth. “Oh my god… this is.” Addy took another bite. “Amazing!” She spoke with a mouthful of dessert.

“Anything to make you smile.” Harry took a bite of his piece and was thoroughly impressed by his baking skills.

“I cannot believe you are here, right now, in this tree house with me.” Addy leaned in and kissed Harry’s lips tasting the dessert on them.

“Henry?” A quiet little voice broke through his thoughts. His blue eyes turned to lock in Adalyn’s green orbs staring up at him sleepily. She stretched out her body and snuggled into the pillow as if she was not quite ready to get up.

Harry leaned in and pressed his lips against Addy’s. “Good morning beautiful.” Addy’s hand snaked around the prince’s neck to pull him back down to her lips. “Where are you going so quickly?” She breathed across his lips.

“Mmm I am never leaving this bed with you.” Harry teased as his hand traveled down along her back. “At least for a few more hours.”

Helping Adalyn put her winter coat on; Harry tried his best to drag out their last few minutes together. Turning around he caught a glimpse of the necklace Harry had given Adalyn. A proud smile crept upon his lips seeing her wearing his gift. “It looks great on you.” Adalyn lowered her gaze in slight embarrassment feeling the warm crimson red flush upon her cheeks.

“I want to wear it all the time… it reminds me of those blue eyes of yours and makes me feel that we aren’t so far apart when I look at it.” A blushing Adalyn confessed whole heartedly.

“I love that you told me that.” He placed his hands on Addy’s head and pulled her closer to him so he could press his lips down gently to her forehead. “I want to always hear what you are thinking.” Adalyn’s green eyes lifted to holding the prince’s gaze hostage. “Even if it scares you to tell me. We have to be more open with one another Addy. We keep falling back into a rut where we shut the other out and look where it brought us this time.”

“I completely agree…” Her gaze averted away from Harry’s concentrated stare. “I uh…” Adalyn paused and closed her eyes. “Even though Jake’s dead, he is still very real to me.”

“I understand that more than you think.” He could see the tears nearly brimming over in Adalyn’s eyes. “Come here, love.” Harry engulfed Addy into a warm embrace, gently pushing her head down onto his chest. “You have been through so much lately, none of which you deserve. It’s going to take time to feel yourself again, but I am not going anywhere. You hear me?”

Adalyn wrapped her arms around the prince tighter closing her eyes as if she was making herself believe Harry’s words. “I don’t know what to say, other than I love you.”

Harry took in a deep sigh and just stood there holding Adalyn in the entrance way. Gently swaying back and forth, the couple relished in the last few moments of their private time together before they parted their ways for a while. The silence was comforting as Addy closed her eyes and listened to Harry’s slowly beating heart.

“Sir?” Addy’s body tensed becoming startled hearing an unfamiliar voice from behind her.

Harry’s brow furrowed angrily seeing how startled Adalyn was. His eyes lifted to find Luther’s temporary replacement, Ryan, in his apartment standing behind the couple. A look of anger grew upon the prince’s face not being pleased with how Ryan presented himself so abruptly.

Ryan had done this multiple times to Harry and the prince was growing tired of it. He would show up unannounced in Harry’s private flat that he had already requested be off limits other than in cases of emergency. Luther and Harry had an understanding that once his apartment was cleared, he could be left alone to be with Adalyn or his visitors. Ryan and Harry had yet to figure out their own boundaries, but it only made Harry miss Luther more.

“We need to go.” Ryan simply stated and stood there despite witnessing the anger placed on the prince’s face.

“We go when I say we go. Do not sneak up on her like that again.” Harry’s voice was livid making Addy lift her head to see creases formed in anger across his forehead.

Gently rubbing down his back, Addy pressed a kiss to cheek to gain the prince’s attention. “I’m fine.” He shook his head slowly showing Adalyn that he was still not pleased. Taking it upon herself she turned and politely asked the man to give them a little more time. “If you could just give us a few more minutes, I haven’t seen Harry in a while.”

“Sorry. We are ready to go now.” Ryan continued to stand there.

Harry had enough. He took a step forward and got right in Ryan’s face. “You address her as ma’am or Miss Mackenzie, got it?” Harry was practically breathing down Ryan’s neck. “Get the hell out of here and I will come when I bloody well want to.”

“Sir.” Ryan tried to speak.

“No. You have pissed me off right before I have to say goodbye to my girl so if you want to keep your job I suggest you apologize to her and leave me be with my girlfriend.” Adalyn crossed her arms with a lowered head trying not to look at the situation unfolding in front of her. She never liked seeing Harry in this state.

Ryan looked over Harry’s shoulder at Adalyn. “I am sorry Miss Mackenzie for interrupting your time together.” Without another word, Ryan turned and quickly left the apartment.

Harry turned around wearing a smug smile that faded as he saw Adalyn’s somber expression. Closing in the distance between them Harry could not get Adalyn to look at him as she averted his gaze. “Come on babe.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Look at me.”

“No.” She stubbornly welcomed his embrace. “I’m not going to have the last thing I see of you is that angry face.”

“But he-”

“No.” Addy cut off Harry’s explanation. “Yes, he startled me. But you know I hate it when people call me Miss Mackenzie and there was no need for you to go all crazy on him.” Addy’s bottom lip pouted out.

Harry released a deep sigh. “I did it for you.” He confessed.

“No, Harry. You did it for yourself. You clearly have an issue with that man.” Addy finally turned her green eyes towards him. “Do not use me as an excuse for your own personal vendetta.”

“Damn it, Addy. I AM NOT!” He raised his voice at her and regretted it in that very same second. Adalyn shook her head and pushed herself away from Harry’s arms. Grabbing her bag she swung the door open and started briskly walking out.

“ADDY!” He yelled after her and released a frustrated groan. “Get back here!” But Addy did not slow down her pace making Harry run after her.

“Addy… stop.” He caught up and gently grabbed Addy’s wrist to turn her around. Her green eyes flashed back towards him. “Please….” Harry begged her to stop.

“I didn’t want to leave like this, Henry.” A disgusted look grew on her face. “It was the last thing I wanted.”

“I am so sorry.” Harry’s hand slid from her wrist to her fingers and gently tugged on it to see if Addy would come to him. “I should not have raised my voice at you.”

How could she not forgive those deep blue eyes that were staring right into her. Sighing deeply, Addy took a step forward and reached out to cup his cheek. “We have to be better at this, at communicating and it not ending in a fight or we won’t last Harry.” He bowed his head into her hand relishing in the feeling it gave him as he listened to her words.

“I hate it.” He closed his eyes. “When we argue.”

“I am getting tired of it.” Addy took a step closer and wrapped her arms around the prince. Resting her head on his chest Addy breathed out. “Maybe this break with our families will be a good thing.”

“Addy… I just got you back.” Harry was quick to reply. Hearing the doubt in her voice scared the prince.

“That’s the problem, Harry. I was here all along, but you didn’t see me.” The words hit Harry like a ton of bricks. Addy was completely right.

“Hey….” Her quiet voice coaxed him out of his thoughts. “It will only be a few days and you will be home and I will be home.”

“Addy. I’m sorry for it all.”

“Don’t be like that.” Addy reached up and played with tufts of his ginger hair. “I wish you could come with me. It’s so peaceful up there.” His smile mirrored Addy’s. “Quiet. Away from all what’s going on up here…” She gently tapped his temple before standing up on her tippy toes and kissing it softly.

Before her lips could travel further, Harry turned her chin with his finger and connected his lips with Addy’s. His lips pressed down harder as his hand held Addy’s neck gently in place. Addy broke her lips off for a second, gasping for a breath.

“I’m not done with those lips.” Harry smiled and attacked them before she could get in another breath.

After an impromptu make out session. Harry grabbed his girlfriend’s hand and led her through the palace towards an awaiting car. “A good kisser and a gentlemen. Why I think I may have hit the jackpot.” Addy leaned in and rubbed Harry’s arm up and down making a smile appear on his lips.

Harry opened the trunk of the car and tossed her bag in. “Great kisser Addy. Great.” He pulled Adalyn into him hard feeling her hands brace herself against his chest.

“I will be the judge of that.” Adalyn leaned in and pressed her lips against Harry’s briefly. Breaking off his lips too soon for the prince and stepped away giggling.

“Hey! You can’t leave without me knowing the answer.” Harry lifted his hands up in the air.

“Goodbye, Henry.” Addy came back and received a tight hug.

“I can’t for you to come with me one day.” Harry mumbled into her ear. “I love you.”

“One day.” She squeezed him hard before releasing the prince.

“Let me know when you get there safely.” Harry opened the car door regretfully.

“I will.” Addy climbed into the back seat and shut the door, but quickly rolled down the window.

“Seat belt.” Harry ordered her with a wink.

Click.

“Happy?” She teased him before the silence turned their goodbye to a serious note. “Just a few days right?” “Just a few days.” Harry leaned in through the window and captured her lips one more time. “Goodbye, love.”

“Henry?” The prince froze inches from her face to look into Addy’s green eyes.

“Yes love?”

“What I said earlier….” She started to speak but was quickly interrupted by the prince.

“No. Don’t take it back.” A smile formed on his lips. “I asked you to tell me what you are thinking and I cannot be and I won’t be mad at that.” The prince reassured Adalyn.

“Then let me say what’s on my mind now… I love you Henry Wales.” A giddy smile graced her lips.

“I love you more, Adalyn Mackenzie.”

“Can you at least look happy Harry? It’s Christmas!” Kate nudged her brother in law.

Harry’s eyes peeled off the awaiting crowd that was eagerly waiting for them at St. Mary’s Magdalene church. It was a tradition for all the royals to attend a church service here Christmas morning. Staring into Kate’s chocolate brown eyes he forced a smile.

“That’s better.” Kate giggled in response before climbing out of the vehicle assisted by William.

Harry took a quick moment to compose himself and place a mask on his face to hide his unhappiness at the fact he had to do this yet again. There was no doubt in his mind that he would get asked about Adalyn. Even at engagements she was the basis of most of the questions asked by the paparazzi.

Stepping out of the car, the prince buttoned up his coat and joined the rest of their family as they walked down the path towards the church. The prince found himself walking beside his cousin Zara and her husband Mike behind Kate and William. Within a matter of seconds, the photographers were calling out his name and Addy’s.

Where is Adalyn, Harry? Are you two spending Christmas together? Is Adalyn coming to Sandringham for the holidays?

Harry kept his head lowered and his attention on his conversation with his cousin Zara, not giving them an ounce of any answers to their questions. Walking into the walls of the church he released a breath he felt like he was holding, feeling relief course through him and calm him.

He took his assigned seat next to Kate and settled into it. Feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket, Harry pulled it out to see a message from Addy pop up. With a growing smile he unlocked his phone and read it.

Hi my love. Where did that charming smile go to? It’s Christmas! Smile, be happy. Because I would give anything to be with you right now xx Now what do I have to do to make you smile?

Addy must have been watching them walk into the church. Harry felt Kate’s eyes on him as he peeked up at her from his phone. “Say hi to Addy and Merry Christmas from us.”

“How did you know- ?” Harry started to ask.

“Only one person can make you smile like that Harry.” Kate winked and then turned her head forward, staring up at the front of the church as the service began. Harry quickly typed his reply and put his phone away with that same smile plastered on his face.

Embarking from the church, Harry was a different man. He was all smiles and happy to see the people. The family always spent a little time speaking to the well wishers  once they left the church. Harry was always keen to walk up to anyone with kids or animals. Spotting a dog wearing a coat similar to what Addy had gotten Chance, Harry walked up to them and kneeled to pet the excited pup.

“Well hello there.” The dog was dancing in circles and wagging his tail happily receiving pets from the prince.

“Merry Christmas Prince Harry!” The owner wished the prince well.

“Thank you. What is your dog’s name? My girl- ” Harry caught himself before speaking another word. His eyes locked with the elderly woman whose eyes were wide in surprise at meeting him.

She leaned in and whispered. “It’s ok, I won’t tell them what you said.”

Harry laughed nervously and decided that there was no harm in what he was going to say. “Addy and I got our own dog a coat just like this one. He has been quiet spoiled this Christmas.”

“Peanut, loves his! How is she doing?” The woman was genuine in her questioning with sincerity smeared across her face.

Harry knew exactly what she was asking. How was Addy coping with all that had happened? The story had been front-page news with nearly everyone making their thoughts known on the matter. “Well, thank you.” He responded quickly not wanting to get into it further. “Have a Merry Christmas and stay warm in this dreadful weather.”

The prince moved down the line shaking hands and taking small gifts that were offered to him. A small little boy was wearing a Harry Potter hat and scarf that was eagerly watching the prince carefully.

“What is your name?” The prince crouched down to the child’s level and gently shook his hand.

“Max.” The boy shied away.

“I like your hat. Have you seen all the movies?” Harry spent a few more minutes talking to the little boy.

The Royal family had left the church grounds and completed all their Christmas Day traditions. Having had a long day, all the younger cousins decided to relax and have a few drinks together.

Harry leaned back into the chair taking a sip of his beer that Zara had just handed to him. Looking around the room, seeing all of his relatives with their significant others only made Harry miss Adalyn even more. It was Christmas night and their day had been filled with family events and outings making this relaxing time well worth the wait.

It had been such a long time since all of his cousins were able to be in one room together. Being on base had definitely taken its toll on his other familial relationships as of late.

“So… Harry.” Zara beckoned his name. “Tell us all about Adalyn. We are dying to meet her.”

“Yeah, why haven’t we yet?” Eugenie piped in as she eagerly leaned in.

Harry shook his head with a big grin. “Well… she is at her grand parents over Christmas. That’s why she is not here.” He hoped that would end the inquisitions, but thanks to Kate, they did not.

“She is so lovely. We absolutely adore her.” Kate chimed in as Harry’s head swiveled into her view. “They are very cute together, honestly it’s so adorable.” She continued to gush to Zara who was sitting next to her while Harry nearly downed his beer.

“Awe! Has my baby cousin finally met the one?!” Zara turned to wink at Harry, but was half serious.

“He better have after what she went through.” Beatrice spoke loud enough for every one to hear. Not realizing that she said what was in her head, Bea quickly apologized. “I am so sorry… I didn’t think I-”

“Bea, it’s fine.” Harry had only talked to his immediate family and grandparents about everything that had happened, so naturally the rest of his family was curious to know the truth.

“I haven’t told you guys much about her because she…we.” Harry corrected himself. “Have been through a lot these last few months and honestly was not entirely sure what would happen to us.” Harry frowned as the memory of it all hit him. “We have struggled a bit because of it and I don’t think it’s best to overwhelm her more at this point with meeting all you unhinged people.” He teased with a light chuckle.

“We all understand, Harry.” Zara smiled warmly at him. “The media frenzy around you two as a couple has been….”

“Insane.” Will interrupted and locked eyes with Harry.

“God, all the stories about her relationship with that stalker guy. Has she read any of them?” Eugenie shifted in her seat, displaying a concerned look.

“I won’t let her.” It was such a surprise to everyone else that Harry had read every single one of them. He did so so he knew exactly what reporter was writing what in order to keep his eye out for them. The media backlash over what occurred was next level. It had been why Harry had been keen on staying out of the media’s grasp for the next little while with his relationship, until it died down. Stories after stories and speculations of what happened were constantly being written. Harry was even being asked to comment on them by reporters at his engagements, which he of course refused to. The royal family had never put out a statement other than wishing Luther a speedy recovery.

“I think it’s so sweet how protective you are of those you love, Harry. But, you can’t protect her from everything. She is in this crazy life with you and needs to learn how to handle it on her own.” Eugenie’s unwarranted advice did not sit well with Harry.

“Eugenie. You have no idea what you are talking about.” Harry protested making the room fall into an uncomfortable silence.

“Yeah, Harry I do.” She was not going to back down even after Jack nudged her to stop pushing Harry.

“I am not getting into this right now. I really don’t care if you ridicule me for how I protect people in my life. I won’t let them hurt anyone like how they hurt...” Harry couldn’t say it, but Eugenie did it for him.

“Your mother?”

Harry shook his head slowly in disappointment at Eugenie as the frustration and anger became too overwhelming for him to handle. He stood up and walked out of the room in silence before he said anything else he would regret.

“Why would you say that to him?” Kate turned towards Eugenie and become very defensive on behalf of Harry. “You do not understand what it’s like to come into this life being an outsider and having to learn what to do and what not to do while being constantly harassed and photographed. Addy has never said a word to the press and they, as a couple, with permission from gran” she matter of factly stated before continuing, “released a joint statement together because Harry did not know how else to protect her when some crazy photographers ambushed Addy using her rescue. Then when he does, her ex goes crazy and kidnaps her after terrorizing her and Harry for months on end. So if he feels the need to protect her after all they have been through, then let him do it.” Kate was fuming by the end of her speech.

“Kate… I’m sorry. It’s not what I meant.” Eugenie was trying to back track.

Zara slowly got up and walked in the direction of where Harry left, leaving Kate and Eugenie’s little spat. Walking around, she found Harry out on a balcony alone.

“Hey… little cousin.” She didn’t want to spook Harry. Turning around she received a set of soft blue eyes looking back at her.

“Hey, Zara.” His cousin placed a hand on his back and gently rubbed it. “Sorry, I just don’t feel the need to feel judged by own family about what happened.”

“I think Eugenie doesn’t fully understand what happened, Harry. I think her intentions were to help you realize that nothing was your fault and that you cannot always be there to protect Adalyn.” Zara was trying to be the voice of reason.

“You miss her don’t you?” She asked after hearing Harry release a deep sigh.

“More than you know.” Harry looked down over the balcony. “I wasn’t being the best boyfriend to her afterwards… and we are just getting back on track.” His head swiveled to lock eyes with Zara. “I don’t think I could handle actually losing her.”

Harry’s phone started to buzz making him dig into his pocket and pulling it out to reveal a picture of Adalyn. “Wanna meet her now?” He flashed Zara the phone seeing that Addy was trying to facetime Harry.

“Yes!” An over excited Zara stepped in beside Harry as he answered the call. Adalyn was curled up in her bed wearing one of Harry’s sweaters. He probably should have warned Adalyn, but didn’t think she would really care.

“Hey babe, you look comfy.” He laughed as Addy pulled up his sweater up passed her neck.

“I am! So is Chance and Willow.” Addy angled the camera down to show Harry the two dogs that were snuggled up beside one another.

“Hi Adalyn! I’m Zara.” She waved through the camera at Harry’s girlfriend.

“Hi, Zara!” Addy giggled lightly. “Sorry to be meeting you like this. How’s your Christmas been?”

“It’s been great having all the family together. But, I know a certain someone has missed you quite a bit.” Zara teased Harry as Addy laughed through the camera.

“Well I think Chance and I have missed him more.” She replied with a warm smile.

“Did Chance open my present?” Harry waited for the delayed response as Addy nodded her head.

“Yeah, he loves his little coat and booties, love.” She was smiling from ear to ear, happy that she was finally able to see Harry.

“I cannot wait to meet you, Adalyn. Harry has told me a lot about you. After the holidays, you two should come out to our place for the weekend.” Zara patted Harry’s back knowing that he was going to protest the invitation.

“I would love that, Zara!” Addy yawned and rubbed her tired eyes.

“You should get some sleep, gorgeous.” Harry could tell that Addy was fading quickly. “Got a big day tomorrow?”

“I just wanted to say Merry Christmas in person. Well as in person as I can get!” Adalyn chuckled lightly. “No, I think I will take the dogs out for a long walk at least. We can talk more then?”

“Merry Christmas Addy.” Harry beamed proudly beside Zara. “Yeah, I should be around at some point at least. Get some rest, you can call if you need me, love.” Harry reassured his girlfriend.

“Goodnight, Henry.” She waved before blowing a kiss through the screen. “It was nice meeting you Zara. Have a good night!”

“You two, Addy!”

“Love you, babe.”

“Love you.” Addy blew one last kiss before hanging up.

“Awe, Harry! She calls you Henry?!” Zara placed her hands together and practically squealed.

“Ya… she does sometimes.” Harry started to become embarrassed. “God I miss her.”

“Well…” Zara swayed lightly in her stance. “You said you have not been the best boyfriend lately, but what better way to surprise someone by showing up when they least expect it?”

“Have I ever told you that you are my favourite cousin?” Harry pulled Zara into a warm embrace. “I can’t wait for you to meet her, Zara. I think you two will get along well.”

“I am serious about that offer to come for a weekend, Harry.” Zara squeezed his body tighter.

“Thank you. I will speak with Addy and figure out a date.” He released his cousin from his arms. “I need to make a quick phone call, will meet you back in there?”

“Yeah, I will check if Eugenie has her head still stuck up her ass.” Zara chuckled as she walked away.

Harry dug out his phone and quickly phoned a contact. “Hello, Carlson? Sorry I know it’s late.”