#phff-hereforyou

She wasn’t a partier, ever. Brianne assumed that was because she went right from college with Lynn, to pregnant with Rhys to then being a mother her whole life. Her mother and father taught her hard work pays off and she had done so her whole life. There weren’t vacations to, well, anywhere, except maybe America every once and a while when she was kid. She never had enough money to take Rhys away on vacation, so relaxing to Brianne was sitting for a day by the beach or lounging outside her dad’s house with a straw hat on her head and a book and margarita nearby.

Lynn was waiting at the airport for Brianne when she landed. Harry was spending another day in the snowy weather to ski with Guy, Eugenie and Jack. Catherine and William were also on the same flight as Brianne – just in first class.

As she disembarked, Brianne through her hood up and grabbed her carry-on bag. Her son was waiting at Kensington with her father.

“Are you and Harry having problems?” asked a reporter who pushed his way to the front asked as Brianne was walking down an escalator. “Are you and Harry having marital issues?” He asked again, seeming to follow her. After he asked a third time when Brianne turned around.

“Excuse me?” She questioned flipping down her hood and walking over to him, attempting to not make a scene or have William and Catherine come through.

“You heard me,” the man replied in a huff.

Brianne tried to calm her breathing before starting. “You try work for and living into a family you know little about. Taking on and hearing stories you don’t expect to hear. I didn’t grow up doing this. I feel confident in myself to go around alone. I don’t need Harry for everything I do. He’s a big boy. He’s done engagements for years before me.”  She turned around, flipped the hood back up and went to Lynn who already had her bags in hand.

“What?” Lynn asked as the best friends got in the car. Brianne should be happy to be home, not tense and rough. Brianne just shook her head at the question. She didn’t want to go into detail. “Bri, you’ve-“

“No,” the royal girlfriend cut off her friend. “I don’t have to explain. I just can’t do this anymore. I’m not cut out to be the girlfriend he wants. I’m not.”  Lynn sat and listened as Brianne explained the meltdown at the club and New Year’s Eve.  She sniffled before getting out of Lynn’s car at Nottingham; and composed herself as she walked into the house, smiling at her little boy.

He turned at the door’s opening. “Mummy!” Brianne’s tense feeling left as she knelt to her son’s level and hugged him with everything she had.  The life had gotten the best of her, and she needed to cool down; even if it meant forever.

Her dad saw through her façade and patted her shoulders. Lynn and Huw went upstairs to give the mother and son time to talk through some things.

“Mummy, I had so much fun with Charlotte and George.” Rhys rambled. “We coloured and watched movies and I got to see the Queen. Mummy, the Queen.” Brianne nodded as she took some Advil and continued to listen to her son but looked out the sliding glass doors at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Park. The park was lined with people happy and unknowing her pain.

When she turned around she had tears pricking her eyes. She hated to leave this life, the man and family but she knew she had too. If she was ever going to be herself again, she had to go.

“Go upstairs, Rhys. Go pack some things. We’re going to take a trip,” Brianne told her son. He nodded and ran off to find his grandfather and Auntie Lynn. “Where did I go wrong?” Brianne whispered to herself.

She walked over the front foyer and she looked at the set up; which was under her purview. In between two candles was a lone photo.  It was Harry, Brianne and Rhys at Althorp House, near the Round Oval Lake. Brianne’s head was on Harry’s shoulder and Rhys was on Harry’s lap. She was taken from her revire when Lynn came down with two of her suitcases and Huw came down with a suitcase for Rhys.

“Where are you going, B?” Lynn asked sincerely. Brianne shrugged.

“America.” She deadpanned.

“America.” Huw nodded before clapping her on the shoulder. “Be well, Brianne. Don’t runaway because you’re scared, don’t runaway because you don’t love him. Don’t runaway because you don’t want to be found. If you’re going to runaway, runaway to make a new life.” She nodded and they talked out details. She would leave her car at her father’s house and Lynn would take them to the airport.

She left a note for Harry explaining she was quitting as his chef, and leaving as his lover. She’d call him in a few days to officially say goodbye but her heart and mind wasn’t in the relationship anymore.

Brianne, in jeans, a sweater and boots, had two bags slung over her shoulder.

“He’s going for a weekend, Brianne,” Lou laughed taking the two bags. “And Their Royal Highnesses have everything he’s going to need if something is missing.” Brianne hummed and ha’ad over Lou.  

After a kiss and hug sent the two men out of the house. “Be good,” she said as she waved at the car. Lynn and Mark pulled up into the driveway as Rhys and Lou were leaving. “You two.” Brianne greeted them and ushered them inside.

“Man, Rhys was a good kid this year,” Mark said pointing out the new bike leaning against the wall.

“Santa had a good helper this year,” Brianne quipped before going down the hall to get her bags. She came out of the room and found her friends getting water. “Harry bought most of the gifts. He had them delivered Christmas Eve via Lou.” She shrugged. Brianne didn’t want to admit it, but it felt good to let Harry pamper and take care of her for a while. The not-paying-rent was great and the fact she felt loved and watched over made her sleep much easier at night.

Grabbing their plane tickets, Lynn shoo’d her baby daddy outside the house and allowed Brianne time to lock up her father’s house. Huw was spending the beginning of the new year taking a life-long wanted train ride across Great Britain.

After checking their bags at the terminal, the trio passed through Heathrow Airport security.

“Brianne,” someone said catching her attention. She made the mistake of looking and a flash went off. Soon, there were several people taking photos and calling her. Mark kept his hand on her back and kept her walking. Lynn trailed behind shaking her head. The ten minute walk to the terminal was the hardest part, dodging people and trying to stave off photographers. When they arrived, she was whisked on the place with Mark and Lynn straight behind.

“If Harry was here, it would be all kinds worse,” Mark said sitting next to her. Lynn took the outside seat. They put music on as the plane took off for a 90 minute British Airways flight to Geneva.

The flight was packed and even though the trio had first class seats, people still wanted a glimpse of Brianne. It was making her uncomfortable. As they were led off the plane and to the waiting car, Brianne checked her message.

“Hey Bri, I’m here, I can’t wait to see you. It’s been too long.” Harry’s voice coo’d over the phone. She smiled and leaned her head on the car window. It had been almost two weeks since Harry went to Sandringham. Mark brought the bags to the car and sat in the front seat as a driver took them the two hours to Harry and friends.

Brianne’s mouth dropped as she saw the chalet they drove up to. A quick horn honk and Harry was racing out the door to his beloved. “B.” He said lifting her in the air. The royal nearly smothered her in kisses. “Welcome to Verbier, Switzerland.” Brianne wanted to cry. The air was so pure, the weather, though cold, was just enough to be perfect and the Mont Blanc massif was too much for her.

A small town girl living in his grown up world was almost too much, until she came back to her senses and saw everyone standing there taking photos of her and him. Her heart raced until she looked and it was everyone she knew and cared about in their circle.

William and Catherine. Lynn and Mark. Sam and Isabella Branson. Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

“You’re amazing,” she whispered as he let her down. “This is beautiful.” Harry nodded as the group descended on the North Wing chalet of the Verbier Mountain Estate. A fireplace was already going and bags had been suspiciously placed in rooms. ”Incredible.”

“Well, I know what I’m doing tonight,” Lynn quipped pulling Mark to a bedroom. Everyone laughed as some went about doing their own thing. Sam and Isabella put the remainder of their snow gear on to take to the Alps behind them.

Eugenie and Jack continued to read by the cracking of the fireplace. William went about making food while Catherine stretched out on a couch in the lounge.

“What do you want to do?” Harry asked as he led Brianne to the outside patio. “That’s the Alps. There’s a spa?” She shrugged. There wasn’t any televisions, Brianne noted and the air was too perfect outside to want to go back inside.

“Can we just sit outside and watch the view? Maybe some champagne and us for an hour?” She asked meekly. Harry nodded leading her over to a wicker chair before turning inside for the drink she requested.

“Good morning,” Brianne said as William still in his pyjamas held Charlotte in his arms answering the door. He groaned a welcome and invited her in. Their tree was beautiful, highlighted by a paper-and-string Christmas garland. Their dinner table had a centerpiece of miniature electric table lights weaved through a Christmas wreath. “Wow. You’re place is Christmas alright.”

“Oh, good morning,” Catherine said coming out of their bedroom. Brianne checked her watch, it was 8 a.m. and they were still sleeping. Harry had gone to Northampton for an engagement and Rhys was already at school.  Brianne handed over the boxed wreath and left but not without silently judging the royal duo.

Back at Nottingham, Brianne got started on a traditional St. Nikolas day feast for her favorite men.  It was Dec. 5, which meant Brianne was able to teach about her favorite saint. It was then she paused, because she didn’t know Harry’s feelings on religion. When she was a kid, religion played a big part in her life, she had swayed as she grew up but she kept some traditions, most notably going to Mass on Christmas and Easter.

She put on Christmas music though the home with Harry’s surround sound, which he had installed for her. Brianne had a penchant for dancing around the kitchen when no one was paying attention.

Her favorite though, was St. Nikolas day. She wrapped a few small items for Rhys and Harry and herself while the plum pudding was steaming.

After placing the gifts in a secret spot, she made two Kruidnoten cakes, with premade pound cakes.

“Hi mom,” Rhys  said as the door slammed and his book bag slid across the foyer door.

She smiled and opened her hands for a hug. She was baking and the kitchen was relatively messy. “Wait, how did you?” Brianne looked at the clock and then at her son. He was early from school. “How did you get home?”

“Hello love,” Harry announced as he walked into the home. “I’m home.”

“Harry,” Rhys answered on cue. She nodded and came to the foyer for a kiss from Harry. “Get a room.” They both chuckled as Rhys walked past them upstairs to his room. He had adjusted well, as far as they could tell.

“Something smells good,” Harry quipped as he pulled some drying dough from Brianne’s fingers and popping it in his mouth. “What’s all this for?”

“St. Nikolas Day.”  Mel deadpanned. Clearly he had no idea. “Well, St. Nikolas is the Greek version of Santa and he comes on December 6. Kids and adults put shoes outside their door and he drops small gifts in the shoes. He’s like a precursor to Santa. It’s big in the Eastern Religions too.” Harry nodded as she explained the tradition. “I was hoping Rhys could set our shoes out by the fireplace.” The Prince shrugged as they both went back into the kitchen, but not before stealing another kiss. “My family believed St. Nikolas only came when you’re a certain age. An age to understand and thank God for being good and blessing us.”

Harry sighed. “Oh.”

“Yeah,” she replied pulling out the cakes. “But these can’t be eaten until tomorrow. Sorry love.” Brianne chuckled as she pulled out a rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner.

Chicken was Rhys’ favorite dinner. He blew through two servings of it before getting antsy. Harry had educated the two non-royals about his day with children who came from an abused home.

“You do such great work,” Mel beamed at Harry.

“Mom,” Rhys perked up, “Harry asked me what I wanted for Christmas in the car on the way home from school.” Brianne looked at Harry who shrugged. “I know what I want. I don’t want presents, really. I want a daddy and a baby brother. I’m going to play now.”

Harry nearly spit his drink back into the cup he was drinking out of. Brianne blushed as she put her head in her hands. Her son did not just tell that to Harry.

He did.

“I’m sorry.” She mouthed to him losing her appetite and cleaning her plate and the rest of the table off. Harry sat at the table pushing around the food with utensils. After doing the dished, the mother disappeared up the stairs to Rhys’ room. “Take your shoe downstairs, and apologize to Prince Harry.”

Rhys groaned. “But mom.” Brianne cut him off but he gave it a valiant effort. “Mom, I’m not apologizing. I want him to be my daddy. He drops me off and picks me up. He hugs me and he kisses you. It’s what George and Charlotte’s mommy and daddy do.”

“No, just Rhys, our situation is complicated,” Brianne tried to explain.

Rhys, innocent as he could be, replied back. “How? I love you. I love Harry. You love Harry. Harry loves you. Can’t he just be my daddy? I asked Santa at school today for a daddy.” Brianne nodded and hoped one day her situation would be that easy.

“Shoes. Stop in my room and get a shoe for me and Harry too.” She said before shoo’ing her child out and ending the conversation. Brianne knew it was a conversation coming; they had been living with Harry far too long. The domesticity had been getting to everyone, including now Rhys. She knew she was princess material and she was afraid how the public would accept Rhys.

Harry and Rhys chatter broke Brianne from her few minutes of silence. Harry was smiling as he tickled the child who wiggled in his arms.

“PJs, teeth, book,” Harry said. He was becoming the best story teller Rhys had. Brianne agreed as the pair went to their room to change into bed clothes. “He’s right you know.”

“We’re not talking about this now, or over the holiday,” Brianne replied.

“No matter how right he is?” Harry questioned sliding into ball shorts.

“No matter how right he is.” Brianne replied brushing out her hair.

While Harry went to read a bedtime story to Rhys, Brianne went downstairs to place goodies in the shoes and lock up the house. Whether Harry wanted to stay up or not was his business, but she was going to bed.

And that’s exactly what happened.

Harry to the study for post engagement paperwork, Brianne to bed. She was halfway through a Stephen King novel and the night would be a good time to finish it. After brushing her teeth, she checked the time. It was 10 p.m. She laughed internally, what was she, an old maid? Harry coming into bed didn’t even register with Brianne, who was sleeping.

Brianne  groaned as Rhys jumped on the bed, excited to see what small gift the Saint had brought him this year. Last year, he told Harry, St. Nikolas brought him the LeapFrog educational console, which Rhys kept close.

“It was from my dad,” Brianne had later informed Harry as Rhys ran off. Harry placed his hand in hers and escorted her downstairs.

What she saw was not what she had expected.

Rhys’ shoe sat atop a small pile of wrapped boxes. Brianne’s atop two and Harry’s over three. She wanted to be mad at Harry, especially for butting in with her financial situation, but the glow on her son’s face meant she couldn’t lay into him.

“Harry,” she said her hand to her mouth letting tears freely flow.

Harry let her cry in his shoulder and wrapped an arm around her waist guiding her to the couch. “I won’t be here for Christmas, this is my way of celebrating Christmas. I called Lou after finishing paperwork last night and had him make some changes to what you bought your son for this holiday. It was perfect timing.”

“Can I open these?” Rhys asked bouncing on his heels. Brianne, her cries turned to sniffles, allowed.

Among several board games like Hungry Hungry Hippos and Beat the Parents was a Hot Wheels AI race track starter pack, controllers and hot wheels cars included, also an interactive globe of the world.

“So cool,” Rhys said as he opened the box to the racing set. Harry slid on the floor between the mother and son to help Rhys but also watch Bri as she opened her packages. Two new outfits, both Karen Millen.

“One for New Year’s Eve and one for whenever,” Harry told her watching her eyes shift over the dresses. A dress was black, jeweled neckline short dress; the other was a belted black sleeveless jumpsuit. She whimpered as she ran her hands over the fabric.

“This costs more than my closet upstairs,” Brianne whispered to Harry. He closed his eyes and kissed her.

“You’re worth it.” He told her before opening his three boxes.

She watched as he opened a button down shirt, dark wash jeans and a wool pub cap.

“Oh, we have a party on New Years,” Harry told her as if she hadn’t already figured it out. “We’re going to Guy Pelly’s club, Public, in Verbier, with William, Catherine and a few others.”  Brianne coughed at her surprise.

“Oh.” She responded, nearly shell-shocked.

She chuckled as she unbuckled her seat belt. “You heard me.” Harry nodded and sighed. Of course she would want to pop popcorn and watch old movies. That day screamed Brianne. “And I want to watch How Green Was My Valley first.”

Harry had never heard of the movie and couldn’t imagine what it was about. As he called Lou to secure the DVD of the movie, Brianne made her way to the kitchen to make a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs.

“Lou said as soon as he finds the three movies you’ve requested he’ll be over,” Harry said interrupting Brianne’s work flow. Everything they had done so far in the morning – sex in the shower after Harry woke Brianne up with feathery kisses on her neck, waking Rhys up for school, checking the news and tabloids and finally taking Rhys to school – seemed very domestic and Harry oddly liked it. Bri nodded and went back to cooking.

She was happily in her element at the stove.

As Brianne washed the dishes, Harry dug into her cheesy eggs. “Henry?” Brianne deadpanned. “What’s going to happen when you go to Sandringham for the Christmas holiday?”

Harry sighed. She had a point. Last year Brianne was off duty while the family was together at Sandringham. This year, he wanted to take her to Sandringham but knew that would be out of the question and seeing as the holiday was a month away he needed a contingency plan.

“You can stay here,” he said with a mouthful of food. “I’ll be gone with everyone but feel free to stay here.”

“I can’t stay here,” she scoffed. “I can’t go with you either.” When she said it out loud it hurt Harry more than he had anticipated. “I guess I can stay with my dad for a time. Maybe Lynn and Mark want some time to themselves. I can babysit baby Mark.” She had a way of musing things at the worst times.

The tension in the air hung over Nottingham Cottage as Harry sighed while washing his plate.

Just as she had sat down to eat, Lou came in the backdoor and set down three DVDs on the table. “Your movies, Your Royal Highness.”

“What fresh hell is this?” Harry shrieked as he looked at the covers of the DVDs. Three movies from the 1940s were in front of him: “How Green was My Valley,” “Miracle of the Bells” and “Blithe Spirit.” He sighed when Brianne laughed. “You can’t be serious Bri.”

“Oh but I am. I can recite every word of Valley. Even the Welsh!” She proudly told him as she watched Lou make himself a plate of eggs.

Harry resigned himself to being extremely bored while the movies where playing. One of the movies, Harry found out while he held them up to inspect them, was a movie about coal mining in Wales, another movie was about a Catholic church in some Pennsylvania town and the final one was about a first wife who was a ghost and visited the husband and second wife.

“If there was one thing, besides Rhys, that I loved about Walter, it was the time I was able to spend in Wales. Seeing as Walter and I had very little money, we did things like go to the local library and learn Welsh or visited museums to understand the culture and people. I personally enjoyed the Rhondda Valley. I enjoyed learning about coal mining.” Brianne admitted as she cleaned off her part of the table. Harry knew right there he had a winner in Brianne – if she enjoyed learning about people on her off time, she would be perfect to enjoy learning about people on a daily basis.

“Take her to see Treorchy Male Choir,” Lou piped in before Brianne grabbed his empty plate.  She rolled her eyes at his suggestion and went upstairs to change into sweatpants.

When she came down, her hair was in a ponytail, she was in sweats and a hoodie and to Harry she was the most beautiful girl he’d seen. Lou had gone and the movie was ready to have play hit on the remote.

Brianne grabbed her tea and the pair went into the watch the movie.

Throughout the movie, Brianne noticed Harry would fidget if he was bored. Both had agreed to leave their phone where they were out of reach and Harry just couldn’t stay focused. To rectify the situation, if there was a song or a memorable line, Brianne would say it or sing it.

By the end of the movie, Brianne was crying on Harry’s lap and Harry was glad it was over. But he had a new sense of love for her.  She had a love for a people she didn’t know and threw herself into whatever she did with pride.

“That was great,” she said getting off the couch and stretching. Harry rolled his eyes and hmm’d over her assertion of the movie. Looking at the time, she decided to finally make popcorn. Harry stayed behind to put in Blithe Spirit.

He had heard Camilla talk about the plot before but had never seen it. Judging by Camilla’s review it was decent.

In between them sat a bowl of buttered popcorn, a bag of wine gums and a fizzy lemonade with two straws. “It’s just like going to the cinema,” Brianne said as her and Harry’s hands touched while they went for the popcorn at the same time.

He laughed and nodded. “Sure it is.”

After the hour and a half movie was over, it was Harry’s turn to like the movie. Brianne sighed and nodded. It was finally something they both liked.

“Camilla will be happy to know I liked the movie.” Harry told her. “She likes this movie. She’s even seen it on West End.”

Brianne smiled and went to get the third movie.

Harry groaned as the black and white of the movie began. He was beginning to have other thoughts about what he wanted to do with Brianne, but kept his mind occupied by listening to Brianne sing.

“Miracle of the Bells” was a Christmas movie and Harry noted Nottingham was lacking in Christmas cheer. He accepted he had to get a tree for Rhys, at least, within the next few days. Brianne had already started preparing for Christmas by stocking bags in their closet after a trip to the grocery store. She was definitely a mother.

“I really wish you could come with us to Sandringham,” Harry whispered in his ear as Bing Crosby was saying something on screen. She nodded but kept her eyes on the television. “I feel bad for Rhys. How is he going to feel?”

She paused the movie before sitting up on the opposite of Harry – and then he knew he was in trouble.

“Harry,” she stated seriously. “Rhys will be fine. He understands Santa will find him no matter where we are. The first year Walter moved out, I had my boss at the time write a note to Rhys from Santa saying he couldn’t find his gifts but as soon as he had time to go back to the North Pole and bring them back, he’d get them.” Harry gasped at the revelation. “I needed to save a few more dollars and I just ran out of time. But at least we celebrated St. Nicholas day and Rhys got a colouring book and an orange. I felt like the worst mother but I knew I had to do it. Rhys will understand.”

He reached out to touch her but she uncurled her legs from under her and left the room. When he heard faint sobs coming from the kitchen he knew he had to get up to get her.

“Don’t,” she said pushing him away. “I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve you. Someone needs to pinch me to wake me up from this dream.”

“Brianne,” he began as he slowly walked toward her. “You deserve all of this. You deserve the world. Rhys deserves the world.” He figured he made headway and finally reached for her, with success. Harry realized she poured her deepest secrets to him and he had to find a way to make sure it never happened again.

Never in a million years did she imagine at twenty-seven she would be a single mom with a son, who had a Wilms tumor, but was doing wonderfully. Never at twenty-seven would she expect that she would be seeing a prince. 

Never. Ever.

After her scare with the break-in, Lou was able to get her out of the contract with the landlady, and she had been playing house with Harry. He was going to engagements as needed, she would cook, clean and be the dutiful mother to Rhys. 

The Queen had expressed her concern over Brianne and Rhys staying with Harry, at Kensington Palace, but he had told her it was necessary, especially because he was concerned about her safety. 

She had suggested Brianne moving closer to Kensington, but Harry had none of it. When Charles stepped in on Harry’s behalf, the Queen looked the other way.

Catherine made a cherry and almond cake for Brianne. After the Cambridge’s went home, Brianne, Harry and Rhys sat on his living room couch catching up on some “Doctor Who.” Rhys took bigger bites than he probably should have, which made Brianne chuckle. 

Her day couldn’t have been any better. 

As they sat on the couch, Brianne wrapped in the Prince’s arms, they realized how quiet it was and they looked over to see Rhys sound asleep on the floor. He was out cold and Harry wanted nothing more than to give Brianne some alone time

Harry picked up Rhys and took him to bed, while Brianne cleaned up, on her insistance. When she was done, they both tucked Rhys into bed. Brianne carefully checked to make sure that his nightlight was on and kissed him goodnight. 

Once out of his room and into the hall, Harry tugged on Brianne’s hand and pulled her to him. 

She had internally battled with this decision for several days. Her birthday was supposed to be special and lovely as she felt with Harry. 

As soon as the door was closed, Harry softly made lip contact. She whimpered as her backed her against the door.

“Harry,” she whispered.

He could feel her tense slightly in his arms. “Hmm?” He pulled back to look at her. Brianne’s eyes were wide and he saw panic.

“Brianne?” I asked softly, hoping my voice would help to relax her.

She wrapped her arms around my waist and nuzzled her face into my chest. He enveloped her in a hug and cradled her head in his hand. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”

A soft chuckle erupted from her chest as she clung to Harry. “I think I’m letting my nerves get the best of me” 

“It’s just me, Brianne. There’s no pressure here, but I can’t help the fact that I want to kiss you silly right now because it’s your birthday.” He admitted before kissing her temple.

“Yeah?” She asked, looking up at him from under her thick lashes.

“Yeah,” he grinned.

She scoffed as he felt the tension in her body leave her. “Even with my little freak out?”

“Even with your mini panic attack. However, I’m going to have one of my own if you don’t let me kiss you.” Brianne reached up on her toes and kissed him. He was the first to break the kiss, needing to make sure that she was okay. “Want to go sit in the hot tub for a bit?”

“Sure.” She smiled. He watched as she pulled her swimsuit from the top of one of her several suitcases (she didn’t feel right using a chest of drawers in his house yet, though Rhys was all moved in) and disappeared into the bathroom. He quickly pulled on shorts and knocked on the door gently.

“Bri? I’ll be outside.” He heard some consenting noise and he went outside to turn on the jets . The evening air was balmy, but the warm water felt good.

“You look content,” Brianne said quietly as she dipped her toes into the water.

She was wearing a cobalt blue bikini. Her hair was swept up on her head and there was no trace of what little makeup she’d been wearing earlier. No matter, because to Harry she looked exquisite as she stepped carefully into the hot tub. 

“And you look beautiful, Beautiful Brianne.” He couldn’t help but tell her. She’d never shown so much skin before, and I felt like a kid in a candy store. He took her right hand and pulled it up to place a kiss on her knuckles. She turned and looked at me as I continued to hold her hand. She wore a dainty Claddagh ring on her thumb and Harry tried to rack his brain as to if he ever saw it before.

“Is this new?” He asked curiously?

“No,” she said. “I’ve had it for a long time. I don’t wear it often because I’m afraid I’ll lose it or damage it.”

“Does it have significant meaning?” Harry kicked himself for asking after the question had been out.

Brianne nodded. “My dad gave it to me. My mother loved Claddaghs, coming from her Irish heritage, so for her engagement ring, he bought her it. He figured it would give me a little piece of my mom to carry with me always.” Tears sparkled in her blue eyes as she explained the huge significance of such a small piece of jewelry.

“Oh, B, I love the meaning behind it.” Harry admitted.

“ I miss her.” Brianne said contemplating her words. “I wish that she was here, she would love Rhys and you.”

Taking the silence as cue, Harry pulled her closer and situated her on his lap. He wanted to soothe her. She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled against his neck, something she had taken to doing after her flat’s burglary. Iit was comforting to her and Harry enjoyed the close, intimate nature of it.

After a deep sigh, her fingers began to play with the hair at the nape of Harry’s neck, and she felt her lips press against my damp skin.

Brianne raised her head and looked up at him  before brushing her lips against his. Her fingers tightened in his hair, and he instinctively pulled her closer as their tongues slid languidly against each other. She shivered as he placed kisses down her neck and across her collar bone.

“Cold?” he asked giggling.

“No, but I am getting a little pruney,” he replied. Watching Brianne step gracefully from the water as drops cascaded down her slender legs was a sight to behold – her porcelain skin aglow from the flame of the lanterns that surrounded their outdoor oasis.

Back in the bedroom, she was wearing soft cotton shorts and a tank top. Her hair tumbled down around her shoulders. Brianne seemed completely relaxed as she smiled lazily at Harry who was coming from the shower.

“I’m going to check in on Rhys. Did you need anything?” He asked a towel around his shoulders and shorts on.

“No,” she giggled. “I just peeked in on him and got us some water while I was at it.” She was touched Harry worried that maybe she’d think it was strange since he’s not technically his responsibility. “Harry, it’s okay if you want to check on him.”

“Yeah?” he asked nervously, running hands through his damp hair.

He smiled as he stepped into the room next door to check on Rhys. He was sound asleep in the center of his bed; his little body curled around the stuffed Paddington bear, Harry had gotten him. He slept so peacefully; an angelic expression on his face. 

How in the world Walter could deny this amazing little boy was beyond Harry. He’d only been in Harry’s life for a few short months and already he’d made a profound impact. Not only was he falling in love with Brianne, Harry admitted to himself was falling in love with Rhys too. It was a feeling that grew every day by leaps and bounds. Harry pressed a kiss to Rhys’s forehead – completely unable to stop myself.

“I love you, kiddo,” Harry whispered softly placing a lick of his hair behind his ear.

From the doorway, Brianne gasped at the sight, quiet tears trailing down her face.

“I’m sorry, H. I didn’t mean to intrude. When you didn’t come right back, I worried something was wrong.” Brianne sniffled.

“You don’t every have to apologize. Let’s talk in the other room so we don’t wake him okay?” 

As soon as we were back in the privacy of my room, Brianne rounded on him.“Did you mean what you said?”

She froze. “I live here. There.” She said pointing to where the door was opened and lights were coming out of windows from police flashlights. “Can you tell me what is going on?”

“I need some form of identification, ma’am,” he replied coolly. When she took out her permit, she texted Lynn. “Ma’am, I regret to inform you someone broke into your house. You and him can’t stay here tonight.”

Brianne must have gone into shock because I couldn’t move from her spot. Not wanting to want to wake her father, or her son, she texted Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, hoping he would have an answer. He always had answers.

It wasn’t until she felt something shaking her that I realized that Lynn had rushed over and was trying to get my attention.

“Brianne, Harry wants to talk to you,” Lynn said softly handing her the phone.

“Brianne? Baby, are you okay?” Harry asked worriedly on the other side of the line.

Brianne felt tears prick at her eyes. “They broke into my flat.” She wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement because she was still in shock. The condo had an alarm system and she assumed Denmark Hill was a safe neighborhood. Things like break-ins just didn’t happen – or so she thought.

“I know they did, Brianne. I’m so sorry. I’ve asked Lou to go back to London immediately and make sure you and Rhys are okay until I get back.” He said assertively. Brianne looked at the time on her dashboard – 11:30 p.m. How could Harry be so assertive at that time of the night. It wasn’t until she realized it was earlier where he was at.

“Harry,” she whispered, “what if they had broken in while I was home?”

“You weren’t, Brianne,” he said, “you’re safe and Rhys’s safe. Anything that they may have taken can be replaced.” His words that were meant to be soothing were biting. Who knew what they had taken, she had been home and in the park for an hour already and not let into her condo?

She knew she didn’t have any expensive jewelry or money stowed away. Most everything she owned of value was more sentimental than monetary. It was then that she realized that Harry couldn’t possibly be aware of that fact.

“Brianne?” Harry asked after she was quiet for far too long. “Do you need me to come home? Because if you do, I’ll be on the next flight out.”

“No, Harry. I can’t ask you to do that,” Brianne chided. “You don’t need to worry about me. Lynn and the baby will help me tonight and then, Rhys and I can go back and stay with my dad.”

“You don’t need to do that, Bri. You, Rhys, Lynn and baby Mark can stay at Kensington for as long as you want. There’s plenty of room there for you lot,” he told her.

Brianne watched as Lynn animatedly spoke with the police officers who had responded to his call. Lynn repeatedly pointed toward her in the car before finally motioning for her to join them.

“Okay,” she whispered. “Harry, I need to go, the police want to speak with me. I will call you back later after we get to your house.”

“Okay. I love you, Brianne.” He said before hanging up the call.

After she was sure he was off the line, she quietly replied, “I love you too, Harry.”

A couple hours later, they finally walked through the front door of Kensington. She had to do a walkthrough of her flat with one of the officers who’d responded and confirm if anything was missing. Several  photo albums were opened and photos were missing but nothing was missing.

“Honestly, Mrs. Evans, I think it may have been a low-life pap who wanted some information. You said that the paps knew where you lived?” The officer asked. “Whoever did it was aware that you had an alarm and they were able to override it somehow because the box inside says it’s ready to arm. Is it possible that you forgot to set it when you left?”

“No,” Brianne said defensibly.

“Everything will be okay, Brianne.” William said as he came into Harry’s house. Word didn’t travel to slow. “Harry said to put you guys in his bedroom, is that okay?” William took Rhys from Brianne’s arms and started up the stairs.

“Yeah, that’s fine for tonight, William. Thank you.” Brianne said continuing to talk to the officer.

Once the officer left, Brianne headed upstairs to kiss her son goodnight, again.

“Brianne?” William called before he left the room.

“Yeah?” She responded.

“I’m going to get your stuff out of the car – please call Harry and let him know you’re here. He’ll be worried, I expect.” She pulled her phone out  and dialed Harry’s number.

He answered on the second ring. “Brianne? Are you at the house?”

“Yeah, William just brought Rhys upstairs, and we got him tucked into bed.”

“Good.” He sighed. “How are you doing?”

“I’m scared to death, Harry. How do you think I’m doing?” she snapped. “They broke into my home – a place where I’m supposed to feel safe and they took pictures of me and my son.”

“What do you mean they took pictures?” Harry asked confused.

She started to cry before explaining what happened in detail to Harry. “They pulled out my photo albums and took pictures out of them and left the albums sitting on the coffee table. The also rifled through some drawers.”

“Really?” He shouted. “Did the cops say they thought it might be paps?”

“Yeah,” she sniffled.

“Brianne, I’m so sorry. I hate that I’m so far away. I don’t want you to worry – you’re safe at my house and there is extra security going over to your house so they don’t try to get in again.” Truthfully, Brianne hated that he was so far away too. She was dreading calling my dad to tell him – as Brianne knew that he’d want to come over and singlehandedly pack up the flat and move them back to his house. Even more, she was dreading telling Rhys why they weren’t at home sleeping in their own beds.

“This isn’t your fault – I just … I miss you and I feel a little alone in this.” Brianne muttered before waving a hand in thanks at William who had just dropped off a few suitcases. She felt so defeated. She felt like I’d accomplished something being able to provide for Rhys on her own.

If it was in fact a pap who had broken in – which everyone had no doubt it was, everyone felt much more insecure.

“I don’t want to be a burden to anyone, Harry.” Brianne said softly remembering her son was sleeping. “I just,  I wanted to do this on my own – to make my way and provide for myself and Rhys. I was proud of myself but now  I’m scared. Even with the alarm, I’d feel unsafe. Anyway, tomorrow I’ll call my land lady and see what she says. I’m not sure she’ll let me out of my lease because I’m scared of intruders.”

Harry was able to chuckle a bit in light of the situation. “Why don’t you forward her information to Lou tonight and I’ll have him take care of it?”

“Yeah, okay,” Brianne said before a yawn. After they had said their good nights, she had fell dead weight onto the bed.

Feeling a rack of sobs come on, Brianne sat up and went over to a chair in Harry’s room. It hurt even more that Harry’s room smelled like him.

Sophie joined us in clearing away breakfast during Friday’s breakfast and the conversation continued between the four of them. Zara assured me that she trusted the feelings Brianne had for her cousin, as did Sophie. They were eager to get to know the woman and her son who had stolen away Harry’s heart.

Brianne found myself missing Harry more than ever since their weekend together travelling for Invictus. She wasn’t sure if it was because they had solidified our relationship by going incredibly close.

The next morning, Zara announced that the girls were going to spend the day at a spa and Camilla, who had entered as if on cue, would watch her nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

When Brianne argued, Camilla stopped her and said that she wanted nothing more than to spend the day with the little boy she would love to one day consider her grandson. Rhys beamed and jumped into Camilla’s waiting arms.

Catherine had to remind her Camilla was a natural mother and grandmother already.

“Well, I guess that would be okay,” Brianne finally succumbed.

Having the spa to themselves, the girls felt like such lushes - relaxing at the spa; sipping on delicious wines while getting a facial, massage, pedicure and manicure. Some parts of the conversation, like which tiara Catherine was going to wear at the next State Dinner, that Brianne felt uncomfortable inserting herself into.

Coming home, Camilla had dinner already ready for the women. Rhys, George and Charlotte were sleeping in a room, Autumn’s children, Savannah and Isla, as well as Mia Tindall, were in another room and Soprhie’s children, Louise and James, were upstairs watching television in a third bedroom.

On Sunday, Zara, Catherine and Brianne went to St. James City Farm, near Gatcome, for fresh local produce, artisan cheeses and fresh cut meat. Zara persuaded Brianne to make a great spread for dinner and she spent a great deal of the afternoon preparing dinner, making everything fresh from scratch. It may not have been in her Denmark Hill kitchen or even Harry’s for that matter but it seemed that Zara had everything I needed.

“Oh man, is Henry missing out,” Catherine grinned as she came into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of tea. “I know you miss him, Brianne. He misses the hell out of you, too. William said he has texted him every day to check in on you.”

After a dinner of roasted lamb, roast potato, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy, everyone helped Brianne packed up her car.

Rhys must have chatted non-stop for several hours about everything he experienced over the weekend.

When the duo rounded the corner of Brianne’s apartment, they found police lights on their street and a police car situated in front of her condo.

“Well, you should.” Zara said before turning and making her way into the kitchen. “Hello Brianne.” Brianne smiled a cautious smile. “I’m Zara Philips-Tindal. Just a handshake would suffice.” Brianne took her outstretched hand.

“Hello,” it was the first time the two were officially meeting, but Zara had heard about Brianne through the royal grapevine of Catherine and William. “Care to stay for dinner? Spaghetti and meat sauce.”

They shared a laugh when Harry yelled from the other room about her leaving. “No, thank you. I was passing through the neighborhood saying hello to Lottie and Georgie-porgie, I figured I’d stop by to annoy my favorite cousin.”

“You did it,” he responded. Brianne smiled as Zara walked herself out.

“She’s so annoying, and after 30 some years, I can say that with definition,” Harry said placing his empty plate in the sink. He wrapped his arms around Brianne’s waste as she plated dinner for her. “Zara wants to whisk you and Rhys away to Aston Farm. Autumn, The Countess of Wessex and Catherine and all the royal tots will be there too. The weekend I go away to the Caribbean.”

“Are you okay with that?” she asked turning in his arms.

“Brianne, I’d love for you to go and visit with my family,” Harry smiled letting her go so she can eat dinner. The truth was, Bri was a little intimidated by his cousins – especially Zara. She walked around like she owned her royal status, even though she really wasn’t a working royal. It was silly really – Brianne thought but she had her reasons.