I guess I really did need a good chunk of sleep. I wake up and I'm shocked to discover that it's almost 10:30 AM. I jump out of bed and rush to the shower. Once I'm clean and dressed, I race down the stairs. I want to tell Mrs. Styles that I'm sorry I slept so long, but she has left a note saying she went back to the hospital. The note tells me there is breakfast in the fridge, I just have to push the button on the coffee maker to get it started, and that I should call her when I'm ready to come back to the hospital and she will come to pick me up.

I slow down and take a deep breath. "It's okay. Harry's mom is with him. He's not alone. I'm not the only one who can take care of him.

And he was right, I really did need some rest.

I eat breakfast quickly and then fill a large mug with coffee. I'm eager to sit down in the morning sun streaming through the breakfast nook window. Not long after I get settled, I hear a knock at the front door. Should I answer it? It's not my house but I can at least see who it is. I'm not prepared for the surprise waiting at the front door. I hastily undo the lock and swing it wide open.

"MOM!" I squeal as I lunge at her with an enormous hug. Fiona steps out from the lower step behind my mother and I practically knock her down with my fierce embrace.

"What are you doing here?" I cry.

More kisses and hugs follow before Fiona demands with a laugh, "Can we come in? It's freezing out here." They trudge inside with their suitcases. I ask how long they can stay. "We worked it all out with Anne. We're staying for a whole week!" My mom sounds almost like I did when I first saw Dani a few days ago. She must have been missing me.

"So, you're ditching class?" I ask Fiona.

"Yes, can you believe it? Mom is letting me take the week off. Well, it's only 4 days since we have a long weekend coming up for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday."

"Speaking of class, weren't you supposed to start today?" My mom questions me.

Oh great, this is the real reason for her visit, to badger me about taking responsibility and going back to school.

"Yes, mom, but I already called the college to tell them I will have to withdraw from classes for this semester. I have a whole year to re-enroll in classes. I just can't leave Harry. He's doing great, but he still needs me, and-"

"Honey, it's fine," my mom cuts me off. "I knew you would be staying with Harry. You have a lot of time to finish school."

I'm slightly shocked at her change of heart. "Thanks, Mom."

I'm not quite sure where they are supposed to stay, but I decide on the in-law suite at the back of the house. I drag Mom's and Fiona's bags back to the tiny apartment. They start unpacking while I just sit and watch and marvel that they're really here.

Mrs. Styles comes in a short time later. She arrived home knowing my mom and sister would be here by now. She makes all of us a nice lunch. When we sit down to eat, she begins with, "Well, Kate, your mom and I wanted to talk to you about something."

Again, my heart falters a little. They're probably going to try to convince me that Harry and I should wait, that there is too much going on with him right now, or that he won't be ready to get married for a long time. I prepare myself for battle.

My mom starts in, "May isn't very far away. It's not a lot of time to plan a wedding." Yep, just what I thought. I try to listen respectfully as she continues.

"Anne and I thought you could use some help. Oh, and Fiona, too. We're here for the entire week to help you get a jump-start on wedding plans."

As her words sink in, I'm grinning like an idiot. "Yes!" I cry. "I would love help! I don't even know where to start...well, except for my dress. I found my dress already! I can't wait for you to see it! Oh, and did you talk to Pastor Koskinen yet? And I'm not really sure how to plan it from here, but I really want us to get married in Eagle Canyon. That's what you were thinking right? And-"

Mrs. Styles laughs and comments, "I guess she's okay with us helping her."

I laugh, too, but then I get a little choked up. "I just can't believe that you're okay with this now." I thought Harry and I would still have to fight for the way we want it to happen, especially with everything that has happened over the past two weeks.

"Well, Kate," my mom admits, "It was hard to accept at first. You got engaged so fast and it really didn't seem like a good idea at the time. But I could see it in your eyes when you almost lost him. I'm still a little worried about you, but I want you to be with Harry because I know...I know you really love him." I've never loved my mom more than at this very moment.

She concludes, "We all might have our thoughts about how your relationship should have proceeded, but when it comes right down to it, we all know you're both set on getting married soon, and we would rather support you than fight with you about it."

Mrs Styles takes over, "I told you yesterday why Dr. Styles didn't seem very supportive at first. Harry has been through so much. He didn't want him to rush into anything new." I nod in understanding. "But we know that Harry loves you more than anything. You've been there for him this whole time."

She turns toward my mom and continues, "Kate hardly ever left the hospital. Last night was only her second night to sleep here at the house. She worked with him every day, stretching his arms and legs while he was in a coma, talking to him non-stop, and encouraging him constantly." I giggle a little at her commentary on my chattiness.

"Thank you, both of you." Salty tears are stinging my eyes.

"Mrs. Styles," I say, turning toward my future mother-in-law, "I know I haven't really said it, but I wouldn't be able to do this without you and Dr. Styles. You should be consumed with caring for Harry, but you've still taken time to take care of me, too. I really appreciate the two of you."

I retrieve the wrinkled list that Harry and I started a few days ago. Scribbled on the paper are:

Black tux
Bridesmaids dresses - scarlet/red
Band or DJ?
Ask about reserving the Westchester Ballroom for reception - ASAP
Ask Mom to check out florists
Photographer?

Our list isn't very long, so we spend a good bit of time brainstorming to come up with more to add so the planning can begin right away.

Invitations!
Order a cake
Hair and makeup appointments
Decide on a venue for the wedding.

Harry and I actually know where we want the wedding to be. It was one of the first things we talked about the night we got engaged. But we have to talk to the right people to make it happen.

Mom and Mrs. Styles agree to get started while Fiona and I head back to the hospital.

I greet Harry with my lips and then say, "Hey, look who I brought back with me!" Fiona leans in to hug Harry and he plants a small kiss on her cheek.

"Hey sis," he smiles.

"You look great Harry. I think you've been faking it and just letting my sister take care of you!" She winces when I punch her in the arm.

I fill Harry in on my family's surprise visit. "They're going to help us with planning the wedding!" I can't contain the excitement in my voice.

"You mean, you didn't get that all finished since the last time we talked about it?" He jokes. When I give him a frown, he says, "I'm sorry. You were here the whole time taking care of me."

"Very happily, I might add."

Harry's physical therapist, Brian, comes in after lunch. He gets Harry into a wheelchair so they can head down to the rehab gym instead of just doing exercises in the room. Fiona seems fine to stay back at the room by herself while I accompany Harry. I carry his crutches.

When we arrive, Brian says he wants to start with some basics, wanting to see how much Harry can do on his own. He locks the wheelchair in place and moves the foot rests. Then he fastens a thick belt around Harry's waist so he has a way to hold on to Harry and to keep him balanced. He instructs Harry to try to stand with his crutches. Brian is standing close enough to block him in case Harry loses his balance, which he does at first. It's a little unnerving to see him so wobbly.

Harry tries two or three times to stand up gracefully, which I've seen him do many times. But he doesn't seem to remember how to do it. Either that, or he lacks the muscle coordination he had just a few weeks ago.

I've never seen Harry get angry, but I'm catching a glimpse now. He grits his teeth and tries again. He gets himself balanced, holding on to a walker – Brian decided that he shouldn't try the crutches just yet. He instructs Harry to take small steps, one foot at at time, after making sure the other one is steady. It surprises me that he has lost so much strength in his legs in just a short time. He reminds me of a baby learning to walk for the first time, taking extremely slow and cautious steps.

He works a bit longer on walking. Then Brian transfers him to some exercise equipment to help strengthen his legs. When the session is finished, I take Harry back to his room.

Once he's settled back in bed, he flops back and closes his eyes. Soon he is snoring quietly. He hasn't said a word to me since the session started. I pull a blanket over him and quietly ask Fiona what she's been doing to keep busy.

She shows me an assortment of dresses that she has bookmarked on her tablet. "Hunting for bridesmaid gowns." Her eyes light up as she tells me.

We browse the gowns and I stop her when I see one very similar to the one I saw at the bridal boutique.

"What do you think of this one in red? Or scarlet, actually?" I ask.

"Ooh, that will be gorgeous!" She agrees.

Mom and Mrs. Styles return late in the day with some fast food. More relief from the hospital cafeteria monotony. Harry is awakened by the aroma of greasy burgers. He moves his bed to a sitting position and graciously accepts my mom's kiss on his forehead.

"Hello, Harry," she greets him. "I'm so glad to see you're doing better."

"Thanks, Mrs. Galliver."

"June. Please call me June," she reminds him.

We practically inhale the fast food. I'm not a huge burger and fries fan, but this meal hits the spot. It's a lighthearted atmosphere while we catch up and discuss the day's wedding plans.

Fiona pulls out her tablet to show our moms the bridesmaid gowns.

I take the opportunity to quietly encourage Harry. "Kind of tough today, huh?"

He leans his head back against the pillow. "Yeah. I didn't realize it would be so hard. I assumed that I would just hop out of bed and get back to walking with my crutches."

"You can do it, Baby. You're so strong. These muscles haven't suffered much," I squeeze one of his biceps. "You'll be back on your feet before you know it."

"Thanks." He grips my hand.

"What was that Bible verse that Scarlett always used to say to you?"

He smiles at me and recites, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

"I love you, Harry, no matter what happens," I assure him.

He responds with a light kiss to my knuckles.

"I'm pretty tired," he tells everyone."I think I'm going to go to sleep for the night, if you don't mind."

The rest of us head out to continue discussing wedding plans in the comfort of the Styles' home.

The remaining days with my mom and Fiona fly by. Between working on wedding plans and visiting Harry, our days are packed.

I approach Harry just before Mom and Fiona leave. But instead of asking a question, I tell him, "Harry, when you leave the hospital, I'm not leaving. I'm not going back to Eagle Canyon."

"I didn't expect you to." He embraces me tightly and buries his face in my neck.

"So, what...I mean, should I get an apartment, or...?"

"No, Katie, of course not! You'll stay with us. My parents and I already talked about it. You can keep staying in my room, and I will stay in the in-law suite, since it's on the first floor and has it's own bathroom. I mean, we might want to move out together when we get married and start a family, but for now it should work out just fine."

I'm grateful that he and his parents are planning to welcome me into their home. I feel like I would die if I had to move back home now, even though I've only been here a few weeks. I need to be close to him.

In the afternoon, I head home to say good-bye to my mom and Fiona. The week has been so enjoyable, I don't want to have it end on a sour note. But I have to make sure my family knows what my plans are.

"Mom, I'm staying in Madison, even after Harry gets out of the hospital. The Styles will let me stay with them until the wedding. I know it's sudden, but I can't do this any other way."

My mom purses her lips and sighs. She finally speaks, "I know, honey. I know." There are tears in her eyes, and mine are feeling damp as well. Fiona is already reaching for the tissues. None of us had expected that I would move away from home so suddenly.

"I'll come home in a few weeks to get some of my things," I tell my mom.

I hug Fiona. "Next time I see you, we'll shop for bridesmaid dresses. Maybe I'll have to meet more of Harry's friends to see if I can hook you up with anyone," I giggle at her, while my mom gives me a disapproving look.

"Love you both!" I stand on the porch and wave them off.

Instead of heading back to the hospital right away, I don my running gear. It has been far too long since I ran. I didn't dare leave Harry when he was unconscious; the most I got was a quick power walk around the hospital. But it's a sunny winter day, my favorite kind of day for running.

I make a mental note of the location of the house, the neighbors' houses, the landscaping. I keep track of various houses and street signs along the way. I have my phone, but getting lost would be a little humiliating.

As I pick up speed, I breathe more heavily, but it feels wonderful. Thank you, God, for this beautiful day. Thank you for Harry and our relationship. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my health. My gratitude goes on and on.

Once I get into a rhythm, my mind begins to wander back to Harry's cross-country days. I feel a twinge of sadness that he and I won't be able to run together. He has made it clear that he's capable of doing many other outdoor activities, though.

Even though physical therapy has been difficult, I know that Harry won't be confined to a wheelchair. I'm relieved. But what if he deteriorates over time?

I imagine the two of us as grandparents, me with a cane and him in a wheelchair. It's a quaint picture that makes me smile inside my mind. I don't really want to think about him in a wheelchair ever so I push the thought out of my head and enjoy my run.

* * * * *

double update - woot woot!