He rests his forehead against mine. "Of course I came back to you, Lily I- ."  But he hesitates for a split second before continuing.  "You mean everything to me.  I never want to miss you again."

As I relish in the safety and soothing of his embrace, each part of my broken world mends itself in an instant.

-*-

Wrapped around one another, we pause silently.  The passionate intensity of his words and our reconciliation has amplified both of our breathing and the palpitations rushing through my chest are mirrored in his.  The puff of his inhale gathers me close to him, the relax of his exhale eases me away.  This gentle push and pull creates a rocking motion that lulls me into his rhythm as our breaths amble back to a steadier flow.

I sink down and slightly away from his hold and rest my hand flat upon his chest to steady myself.  The contours of his body hiding beneath his shirt feel strong under my palm.  My movement brushes my flushed cheek down the stubble along his jaw, bringing my mouth to rest at the corner of his.  We suspend in that perfect alignment that neither of us are in any hurry to break.  His uneven breaths ricochet warmly across my cheekbone, skimming my earlobe and scattering through my hair. Every morsel of this man I have missed so much is once again connected to a part of me, not only physically but also emotionally.

He unclasps his hands from their resting place in the dip of my lower back and slides each further around me.  My body applauds the soft skim of his peppering fingers across the material of my shirt.  Akin to a pebble dropping into a pond and fanning out ripples across its surface, his touch pierces my longing for him sending waves of concentric euphoria radiating through my entire body.  Pure unadulterated happiness is seeping out of my every pore.

Gradually he angles his head closer and his smooth lips sweep lightly against the edge of mine.  My eyes flick open to indulge in his greens peering down at me.  The black outline around his irises strain to contain within their boundaries his lush green speckles.  I do not hide myself in his shoulder like the first time we were frozen in a similar moment but instead I bunch the soft material of his shirt in my fist and tug him to me.  Turning my head to fully meet him, I tangle our lips together into a kiss that is fervidly unbreakable.

Harry's hands are unable to remain still upon my body.  He strokes his fingers up each of my arms, sprinkles his fingertips across my shoulders before tickling up my neck until his large hands delicately hold my face hostage within his palms.

He unleashes an onslaught of amorous kisses upon my lips.  Over and over his lips caress and suck mine into his.  His tongue slides across my surface forcing entry and eliciting my moans into his mouth.  My hot-blooded Handsome is on fire and uncontrollable once more as his fingers streak through my hair, bunching my brunette tresses in his hands.  His tongue slips in and out of my mouth lapping lustfully before he bites my lower lip and pulls away.  I whimper lightly in pleasure and pain before he releases his grip.  His lips soothe across mine with tiny pecks to ease my swollen sting. 

"Fuck, I've missed you so much," he mumbles breathlessly.  His honesty upon my lips sparks electricity through me; his magnetism jolting awake my deep-seated desire for him.  I crave to stand here indefinitely breathing our souls into each other.  The exhilarating sensation between us is one of a new beginning. 

Our all-consuming moment is interrupted because my eyes are drawn to movement over his shoulder.  I spot Mum bobbing around in the distance, attempting to get my attention. I lazily sling one arm around his neck and smile against his mouth before raising my other hand over his shoulder to acknowledge her.  As she disappears from view, my forehead rests onto his chest and I snicker to myself.

"I've missed that incredible smile, you look so gorgeous when you smile, Beautiful.  What's funny?" He asks bemused, resting his forearms on my shoulders and clasping his hands behind my head.

"Mum doing her meerkat impression! I think everyone is here for my welcome home get together."  I peer up at him with a fond pout.  "Trouble is, now you are here I'm not ready to let you go or share you with everyone else. I want us to spend just you and me time together."

He tilts his head down and rests his lips on my head, puckering kisses into my hair and through his words.  "And we will, soon, I promise.  We also need to talk but for tonight please can we just be together surrounded by the people who love you?"

I nod in agreement and with our arms around each other we turn towards the bustling activity to be greeted by a line of people coming our way.  Heading up the boys, Dad is striding confidently towards us and carrying a tray of assorted raw meat.  Thomas scurries behind holding plates and napkins, whilst Billy juggles with an overflowing tray of condiments and cutlery, all sliding over the shiny surface and looking as though half of it is going to topple over the side at any moment. 

The girls stroll more leisurely.  Nathalie has three bowls of assorted salads carefully balanced in her hands.  Mum gingerly clasps another tray of glasses that clink together against a huge jug of Pimms.  With each step she takes, the ice cubes bang into one another and clank against the side of the jug.  The cucumber, mint, orange and strawberry pieces swirl and bob around in the dark-reddish drink.  Olive brings up the rear with another jug filled with orange juice and a wooden bowl containing chips with an assortment of dips that balance precariously on top.

Harry and I stare towards the happy commotion filtering towards us.  I lay my head on his shoulder and my arm folds around his back to rest my hand on his opposite hip.  His grip around my waist tightens and his long fingers ease under my top teasing featherlike strokes across my skin.  The group all put their offerings down on the table and then ensues masses of loving hugs and 'welcome homes' for me.

With our salutations out the way, I step forward to introduce Harry to everyone then stop in my tracks.  Thomas gives Harry a fist pump, Billy shakes his hand as Nathalie nods her head in a greeting and Olive looks like she is going to curtsey then hugs Harry, catching him by surprise.  It suddenly dawns on me that this is our first encounter of meeting my family together as a couple but of course it is not Harry's first.  I frown slightly at the thought that he has met them already and I wasn't with him.  I almost feel a sense of disappointment at missing this one of our firsts.  As I stiffen against him he soothes my side with the caress of his fingertips causing me to look up at him.

"Hey, you ok?"  His brows knit together in concern at my sudden apprehension.

I smile to reassure him, my reply a little resigned.  "Yeah, yeah I'm fine."

His eyes wander to survey the moment around us before he replies. "I'm sorry."

Now it's my turn to frown.  "What for?"

"This should be 'our' first time meeting your family but it isn't is it?"

I flop my head on his shoulder.  "Mind reader."

"So there is something troubling you.  Don't hide it, please tell me.  I need to know these things."

"Ok.  I know it couldn't be helped but it feels a little weird.  I cannot change what's been and gone though."  I sigh.

"True, but we can make up for it now can't we?"  He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it.

I nod in agreement.  "I am in awe of you though.  Having to meet this lot alone on your first time couldn't have been an easy task!"

He deeply chuckles at my attempt to be witty whilst pulling a chair out for me to sit down.  Once I am seated he leans down and replies lowly so only I can hear.  "It wasn't easy but I had it covered, just did it for you."

I look straight ahead as I acknowledge him gratefully.  "I know you did, thank you."  He squeezes my shoulder then heads over to the table where mum is pouring drinks.  She glances at him and smiles before resting her hand on his arm.

"It's lovely to see you again Harry."

"You too Angela.  Sorry about rushing past you earlier but I-."  He looks towards me as he hesitates to find the right words.

Mum's fond gaze follows his to find me.  "No explanation is necessary, I totally understand."

I notice my sister watching Harry closely as he brings our drinks back.  He sets mine down on the table in front of me and I catch her eye before she quickly looks away.  Harry is about to sit down when Dad is suddenly beside him.  Extending his hand, both men exchange a firm handshake.

"It's good to see you Harry."  Dad's tone is friendly and relaxed.  

"Hello, likewise Robert."

"How was LA, good trip I trust?"

"Yes thank you, it was useful work wise but it was time to return for obvious reasons."  His hand comes to rest on my shoulder again.

"It was a little fraught before you left.  Let me thank you again for everything.  Ironic in the end that the press thought you were at the hospital to see Emily."  Dad chuckles.

"Yes, frustratingly ironic."  Harry's slender fingers dig a little tighter into me.  He is probably recalling our telephone call when he over-cussed about the irony that he needn't have left.  He moves the conversation swiftly on to appease himself.  "Talking of Emily, how is she?"

"Oh thank you for asking.  She's had a bit of an infection so hasn't been feeling so good but is getting over it now.  You know she talks about your visit every time I see her."

"Well now I am back perhaps she and I could message again?"

"Thank you, I know she'd love that.  I'll suggest it to her when I am next at St Mary's."

"Naturally I would like to see her but you know-."  He glances down at me. "I need to ensure I am a bit more careful from now on."

"Of course, I agree."  Dad claps his hands together.  "Right, I suppose I'd better get this barbeque underway or we won't be eating anytime soon."

Harry takes a seat next to me and I mumble under my breath for his ears only.  "Wow, I thought you said you and my Dad didn't really get on, not what it looks like to me."

He rests his elbow on the wooden arm of the garden chair and leans across, hovering his mouth close to my ear.  "We didn't at first but he was upset about you and I was a stranger but now I think we are building a mutual appreciation.  It's important that he knows as your Dad that I respect him."

Nathalie, who has been eyeballing us the entire time, interjects and focuses her sinister gaze on Harry.  "We weren't expecting you back until Wednesday Harry, how's your ear infection?"

Her only comparison is that of a lion stalking her prey.  However, although she is older and academically more intelligent, what she fails to comprehend is the life experiences Harry has had over the last six years put him way ahead of not only reading her every move but an ability to think on his feet and answer tactfully.

"It is much better thanks for asking Nathalie."  He responds politely and succinctly.

"A very speedy recovery I must say but that is good to hear."  Sarcasm is oozing out of her.

I look daggers at her and Olive, who is sitting out of her eye shot but directly in mine, rolls her eyes exaggeratedly to the sky.  Harry on the other hand takes it all in his stride by simply giving her his nondescript reaction.

"Yes, I got an early green light to fly so I returned immediately," he says placing his hand on top of mine that is hanging off the end of the arm of my chair.  "I couldn't wait to get back."

She looks perturbed that her efforts to catch him out have backfired because everyone else is busy doing their own thing and not paying much attention to our conversation.  If she's seen the headlines at least she has had the decency not to mention them. 

I stare at Harry and he smiles into my eyes.  I return his beam and pause for a brief moment to drink him in.  The crinkles at their sides flare happily and his dimples dip in fondly.  He mouths two words to me, "you ok?" and I nod and splay my fingers so his fall into the gaps then I pull his fingers around mine in a hand hug.  Nathalie is still watching us and I catch her sigh then look over toward Billy who is mucking about with Thomas on the trampoline.

Everyone gathers around the table to enjoy their drinks and tuck into dips with fresh vegetables.  As much as I would love a Pimms my meds rule out any alcohol so it's orange juice only for me.  Raw meat sizzles delectably as it cooks on the griddle.  The fat oozing out hits the coals beneath and smoke and flames fly high dispersing into the air, titillating our nostrils and rumbling my stomach.  The contentment that surrounds me swirls perfection all around my head. 

Harry's hand doesn't leave mine, he pulls our entwine onto his knee that is repeatedly bouncing up and down.  I can tell he is a little nervous and lay my hand flat to halt his jiggling.

"Why so nervous?"  I finally ask. 

"I'm ok, just a little on edge.  Long flight, bit tired, very relieved."

"Relieved?"  I question.

His sigh is pacified.  "Beautiful, there was always the possibility that you would push me away."

His response strums hard upon the strings of my emotions.  "That was never going to happen."  I lean into him and kiss his cheek.  "Never, do you hear me?  I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Beautiful."

"As you said, we will talk tomorrow."

We sit around the table together finishing off the dips and chips.  We chatter animatedly, we joke at each other's stories, we laugh out-loud and we all smile.  Family.  The shift in everyone is evident, more at ease with themselves and with each other and it feels good. 

I need the bathroom and when I stand Harry is immediately on his feet, his hand leaves mine and securely rests in the curve of my back. He picks up my crutches and hands them to me.

"Do you need any help?  I can carry you if it's easier."

I sense everyone stop to stare at us.  My sister's eyes squint and she's scowling.  I rest my hand on Harry's arm in appreciation. 

"No, I am ok but thank you.  I need to stretch my legs.  Just going to the bathroom and to take my meds."

When I reach the house I turn to look back at the group.  Harry is correct.  This may not be 'his' first introduction to my family but it is 'our' first.  The ease with which he just fits in is incredible and my admiration for him increases.  He has his back to me but turns to look over his shoulder like he senses I am there.  He sees me standing by the house, smiles and raises his hand.  I return his sentiment then hobble inside.

When I reappear Harry and Olive are nowhere to be seen.  I scan around the garden and see they are standing away from the others in what looks like deep conversation.  As I get closer they appear to be having some sort of heated contretemps.

"I'm not stupid Harry, I saw the headlines."

"I never said you were but that is between me and Lily."

"Not if you hurt her it's not.  I swear to God, if you thought Robert was difficult he's a pussy cat compared to me when I'm angry."

I cannot make out all the words but their tone and the body language of them both are a giveaway.  Olive's hands rest on her hips in an aggressive stance and she looks up at Harry with her chin jutting out, almost threateningly.  Harry is standing with his feet apart and has his bottom lip pulled in between his thumb and index finger and is frowning down at her.  As I approach they both jump and pull back.  Harry looks surprised whilst Olive plasters on a fake smile confirming my suspicions.

"Everything ok you two?"  I enquire. 

"Yes why wouldn't it be?"  Olive answers a little too eagerly.

"You both looked a little rattled."  I look back and forth between the two of them.

Harry has been silent but suddenly speaks.  "Olivia was just saying that you are the best thing to ever happen in her life and if I hurt you she will cut off my balls with a pair of blunt scissors."

My nostrils flare in surprise and I look across at Olive who shoots a disapproving glare towards Harry.  Giving me one of her 'I can go one better' faces, she responds.  "And Harry's response was that you are the most important thing in his life and if he ever hurts you he will find the blunt scissors himself and hand them to me to do the honours."

I look back wide-eyed at Harry and he shrugs his shoulders and chuckles.  "Just being honest."

"Both of you, your protection is endearing but I really need you to get on with each other, please."  I sigh but secretly flutter inside at their protectiveness.

"Oh we do get on, just setting a few ground rules weren't we Harry."  Olive replies nonchalantly.

"Yeah."  Harry smirks.  "Congratulations by the way on your-." He wiggles his index finger at Olive's tummy. "You know, pregnancy."

She looks aghast and I immediately jump in. "I am so sorry Olive I haven't told anyone else."

Harry's hand covers his mouth. "Oh shit, was I not supposed to know?  Apologies."  Harry looks sheepishly towards me.

Olive smiles and waves her hand away on the wind.  "Hey, it's fine but no telling anyone else."  Her eyes do a side slide towards my family.  "I can well do without your sister's judgement.  Thanks Harry by the way for your good wishes.  It was a shock at first but now, well I am excited."

I don't have the heart right now to tell her my sister has probably guessed.  After all, I incorrectly suggested it was her that was pregnant before realising it was in fact Olive.  Perhaps I am underestimating my sister because she hasn't mentioned it to me again.  That or perhaps like most things about me she just doesn't really care. 

"It's my pleasure and good for you.  Have you had any cravings yet?"  Harry asks.

Olive perks up.  "Yes I have as a matter of fact a REALLY strong one."

"Oh, what's that?"  Harry asks intrigued.

"The urge to cut a certainly celebrity's hair."

And with that they start again.  It is like watching a game of tennis but without the rackets and ball.

"First point, don't call me a celebrity and secondly, no."

"One, you are a celebrity and two, come on just an inch."

"Celebrity is such a nothingness title and absolutely not."

"Public figure then and half an inch."

"I am not a public figure either.  I don't do official public stuff and no."

"Famous person then and quarter of an inch."

"Famous is on a par or worse than celebrity.  Such a hollow and worthless description word and nope."

"Ok then Mr Pedantic, well-known singer in a great band and your split ends.  Put your hand there and shake on it."

"What!  No! I don't have split ends."

"Ha, I might have known.  You are a man in hair denial.  You have got split ends."  She grabs a section of his hair between her fingers and raises it up in front of his eyes.  "See."

He sighs in defeat.  "Ok, the split ends but only ever refer to me as Harry."

"Umm, what about Mick?"

He raises his eyebrows at her before responding.  "You're pushing your luck, that's my final offer."

"Done.  Nice doing business with you Mr Styles."  They shake on it as Harry's eyes flare wide.

"Sorry, nice doing business with you Harry."

Olive looks like the cat that got the cream as Harry bumps her shoulder and she laughs.  I shake my head and grin at them both then turn to hobble back towards the others.  I am soon flanked either side by my two concerned protectors.  

The rest of the evening is relaxed.  My appetite has returned and the deliciousness of the tasty food hits the right spot.  Afterwards, Mum, Olive and Nathalie clear the leftovers away whilst Harry, Dad and Billy stand around the barbeque in typical man style chatting over their bottled beers. 

Thomas challenges anyone who wants to join in to a kick-about.  Harry agrees but looks sluggish as Thomas runs rings around him.  He said he hardly slept on the flight back and only managed a little shut-eye on the long car journey from Heathrow.

As the evening draws in, the sun has disappeared behind the house taking the majority of its glow and warmth with it.  Mum switches on the outside lights and the pagoda illuminates from the little bulbs of the string lights that are wound around its beams.  They sparkle as they poke out from between the fragrant perfume of the jasmine.  Dad ignites the firepit and in no time at all the logs are crackling and heating the air around us.   

Mum appears with a blanket in one hand that she hands to me and Scrabble in her other hand.  I decline to take part as I am starting to tire but Mum, Nathalie, Olive and Harry agree to play.  I move to the more comfortable chair swing but from my position I can see Harry's tiles over his shoulder.  He really is a master Scrabbler but all too often I see his intended word but he puts down something simpler and of less value.  With the board covered and no tiles left, Nathalie adds up the scores declaring Mum to be the winner with her second followed close third by Harry and finally Olive.  Banter ensues about a few words that were declared as not words and caused friendly disagreements but Harry comes and joins me on the swing.  I open the blanket out for him and he sits down before I place it over his legs.

"Enjoy that?"

"Yes very much, always love Scrabble."  He continues to earwig the conversation still carrying on about the game and grinning at Olive searching her phone for evidence that one of her rejected words is in fact real.

I look at him intently shaking my head and he catches me.  "What?"

"Third place eh, not up to your usual competitive standards."  I jest. 

"I'm tired, long day."  He concedes. 

"Pfftt. You threw the game."

He pulls his lips into his mouth and eyeballs me trying to hide his smugness. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

"I could see your tiles Mr Styles."

He openly grins.  "You are a poet and you didn't even know it!"

"Don't change the subject!"  I poke his tummy and he flinches playfully.  "Tell me why."

"I can't fool you can I."  He muses. 

"Nope."

"Well, I wouldn't have beaten your mum because she is exceptionally good but I was keeping the score in my head to ensure I didn't finish ahead of your sister."

"Why, you normally aim to win."

"Not on this occasion.  I purposely threw the game in an attempt to ease the tension.  I've seen her watching us almost disdainfully tonight.  I saw no reason to fuel her fire anymore.  Anyway, there's always next time, I'll thrash her then!"

My shoulders rise and fall with my laugh as I link my arm through his and snuggle into him.  "Sorry about her but thank you for being so thoughtful Handsome."

"Remember, everything matters.  How are you feeling? I thought you looked better every day we spoke but actually being here with you, you do look so well."

"Hmmm."  I am not sure that I look 'well' but decide this is not a conversation I wish to have with Harry now or anytime soon plus I am beginning to drift off to sleep because he has been swinging the seat back and forth.  His boots taps the floor stopping the seat, as he pushes back his leg extends straight then he lets goes and it falls forward into its sway before swinging back and him repeating the same again.  Tap, push, release, swing, tap, push, release, swing, tap, push, release, swing.  The repetitive action is dropping my heavy lids to almost close. 

A new game that we both declined to play is getting underway.  Pictionary.  Whoever put Olive and Nathalie on the same team needs shooting!  They criticise each other's drawings and poor Thomas looks totally fed-up sat between them.

Entranced by the glimmer of the firepit, I finally succumb to sleep.  I am not sure how long I nod off for but when I jerk awake Harry's head is resting back on the cushion and his eyes are closed.  He looks so happily content; his crinkle lines ironed out by sleep. 

The game is in full swing now as Dad looks over.  "It's been a long day Lily, don't overdo it will you."  He offers kindly.

A glance at my watch confirms the time is coming up to 9pm. "Yes, I might go to bed if no one minds?"  Is met with a chorus of "of course not" ringing out that stirs Harry. 

"Oh sorry I nodded off."  He yawns.   

"It's ok, I did too, seems we are both tired.  I need to go to bed."

The other team is on a sole drawing round so Dad comes over.  "You ok getting up the stairs Lily or do you need any help?"

I look at Dad and then at Harry.  "I better go too, I've actually got a conference call with LA."

"What?  You are so tired can't it wait?"  I exclaim. 

"No, it was scheduled for 3pm today but obviously I am here so it is still going ahead.  I can help you upstairs, I mean if that's ok with you Robert?"  He looks towards my Dad for approval.

"That's no problem Harry."  Dad replies. 

Harry stands and extends his hand to help me up.  Mum and Dad hug me tightly then we bid our goodnights to the others before heading towards the house.  I only make it halfway before giving up on my crutches; I am completely shattered.  Before I have time to comprehend anything I am held within the safety of Harry's arms and he carries me in through the kitchen and up the stairs.  He halts when he gets to the top step; he doesn't know which room is mine.  Pointing sleepily at the correct one, he carries me through the door and kicks it shut with his foot. 

Gently placing me down, I sit on the side of the bed now desperately fighting against sleep.  My head feels saturated in fatigued pain.  I can barely lift my arms to take off my shirt off but Harry simply takes over and I am undressed with ease and under the covers within minutes.

He kneels beside the bed and kisses me.  "I'll see you tomorrow, Beautiful.  Sleep well." 

I speak lazily upon his lips.  "Yeah, tomorrow, Handsome.  Thank you for coming back to me.  Missed you so much.  So so much."

"Me too.  I've got to go now."  He whispers.   

"Wait."  I grab his arm then sit back up.  He perches on the side of the bed as I reach around my neck, unclip the clasp and place it back around his neck.  I run the back of my fingers down his cheek and he sinks into my touch and flutters his eyes closed.  I shift my eyes to his cross now hanging in the centre of his chest.  "Thank you for this most precious part of you but it is now rightly back where it belongs."

He smiles as his lips meet mine.  I sink back into my pillows and he reaches to switch off the light. 

"No, leave it on please, I need to have the light on." 

"Ok, speak in the morning, Beautiful." 

As I snuggle deep within the comfort of my own bedding, the expression 'what a difference a day makes' springs into my mind.  In fact, thinking about it, what a difference two weeks makes.  I close my eyes hoping for contented sleep to take over.  Despite being conscious that Harry and I still need to talk, I end today in a better place than it started.  I am in a good and recovering place in my life; a contented place in my mind; and a happy place in my fluttering heart.  

Harry remains seated on my bed and holds my hand until I fall into slumber. I don't hear him get up or notice him stop at my door to blow me a kiss or even hear the three words he whispers under his breath before he leaves.