Harry's POV

Beth is just looking up at me, not saying a thing.

And all I can do is just stare at her and wait for her to say something.

Anything.

God what if I've gone and stuffed this up by opening my mouth.

Like, royally fucked this up.

Am I just caught up in the excitement of New Year's and all that promise of resolutions and new beginnings?

Or have I had too much wine?

"Harry...I..." she finally starts to speak but her face tells a different story.

I've fucked up.

I look away and down to the ground in embarrassment.

"Harry...love," I feel her hand on my cheek, lifting my head back up, "I love you too, but to be honest with you, in a different way."

Oh.

She...wait, what?

"What I mean to say, is that I love you and care very much for you," she says, "I care very deeply for you and you make me so happy it's beyond words, but I'm not in love with you..."

And instantly her lip is in between her teeth and I reach up and gently pull it out with my thumb.

She sighs before continuing.

"For me, that's a much deeper love Harry, and I'm not saying it's not possible, but I'm not there yet," she says as she now drops her gaze to the ground, "I hope you understand and if you're angry with me..."

What?

"Angry?  With you?" I interrupt, "how can I be angry with you for telling me honestly how you feel?"

Seriously?

This in itself makes me question why she would think I'd be upset with her for being honest.

I mean, it's not the best response I was hoping for.

But it's also not like she's saying 'you've got two chances Harold, slim and none, and slim left town.'

"I'd understand if you were," she quietly replies.

"No baby girl," I whisper.

Right now she looks so tiny and fragile so I don't hesitate to pull her in to me to cuddle.

"I know how much of a huge step this is for you," I kiss her forehead lovingly, "and the fact that there's some type of love there is good enough for me."

And it's true.

"Really?" she looks up at me in surprise.

"Yeah, really," I nod my head and I truly mean it, "besides..." I pull away and rest my arm across her shoulder as we look out to where everyone else is, "I look at it this way.  I'm thinking you're about fifty percent in love with me right?" I ask.

Beth just smiles shyly and looks up at me.

"Well it just means I'm going to have to work extra hard to make it one hundred percent," I say before I cheekily wink at her.

It works and I have her laughing.

"You're hilarious Styles," she says as she turns and stands on her toes so she can reach up and cuddle me around the neck, "and I love you for it," she says before she kisses me.

Hearing her say it though makes my heart skip a beat.

"Can you say it again?" I whisper.

"I love you Harry," she replies, and I just smile.

"Again?" I ask, as I lean in closer, my lips just touching hers.

"I love you Harry," she whispers.

I could listen to her say that to me all damn day.

But instead I choose to kiss her for more than a few minutes until I have to pull away for air.

I turn Beth around so I can pull her against my chest, wrapping my arms around her as I look around at all the party guests.

My gaze lands on Cate who is pretty much giving Beth a hateful look.

God what did I ever see in her?

Then something catches my eye and I see Gemma smirking at me.

She turns around and cuddles her arms around herself, her hands going up and down her sides before she turns back around and makes kissing faces at me.

"Shut up Gemma!" I call out in a huff.

I feel a tiny nudge in my ribs.

"Be thankful you have a sister," she tells me.

Well of course I am.

Doesn't mean she doesn't irritate me at times.

"She has her moments," I reply, "I might keep her."

"How noble of you," Beth replies sarcastically.

The kids are starting to look a little weary, not running around as much and a yawn or two escaping from them.

Maybe we should think about going.

Then I can snuggle up to my baby girl in bed.

Yep, sounds like a good idea to me.

"Would you like to get going?" I whisper into Beth's ear, my chin resting on her shoulder.

"You read my mind Harry," she replies.

Hmmm...wonder if she can read mine?

I let go of Beth and grab her by the hand, walking us out of the gazebo and starting to head over to where mum, Robin and Gemma are gathered.

"I'll just go and let the kids know okay?" Beth says as she lets go of my hand, "sometimes they need a heads up to get themselves together."

"We're going to head off mum, I think Beth could still do with a bit of rest after yesterday," I tell her.

"Of course love, I'm delighted that you were able to bring her and I'm sure it won't be the last we'll see of her," she replies.

"That's if Harry can pry himself off her long enough to let her leave," Gemma muses.

"Ohhhhh you're so funny Gemma," I pull a face at her.

"Not as funny as you look with no clothes on," she replies.

I'm about to say something when I feel someone at my side, the familiar mango smell hits me and straightaway I take her hand in mine.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight Beth," mum says as she steps forward and hugs Beth.

Ooh she's gonna hate that.

"It was a pleasure to meet you," Beth replies, "and thank you so much for having me and my children here."

"The pleasure was all ours," mum says, and I can tell she genuinely means it, "I'm just thrilled that I've finally met the woman who has my son's head in a giddy spin."

Oh my god mum.

Gemma starts making kissing sounds behind me again as she puckers her lips together.

"God Gemma, why don't you go and kiss the dogs arse?" I roll my eyes at her.

"Harry!" both mum and Beth say at the same time which causes Gemma to laugh as I look at both mum and Beth.

What is this?

Gang up on Harry day?

"Well I wouldn't want to have your sloppy seconds now would I H?" Gemma replies.

"Gemma!" mum raises her eyebrows in surprise.

Cop that one Gemma.

"Right, well I might go and hurry these kids along I think," Beth excuses herself and I swear she's trying not to laugh.

I watch Beth walk off into the house until I can't see her anymore.

"Ooh...Harry's in love..." Gemma sings as she throws her arm around my waist.

Mum gives Gemma a gentle tap on the arm.

"Leave your brother alone, I think it's lovely and it's about time," she smiles at me.

"Yes Harry," Robin chirps up, "I think you have yourself a lovely young woman there," he raises his glass of wine to me.

"I do, don't I?" I reply smiling, just as Beth pops back.

"All set?" I ask.

"Yep, the boys are ready and Chloe's just talking to..." she says but trails off when she sees something behind me.

"Talking to who?" I ask.

"I don't know...I thought it was one of your cousins..." she turns and quickly disappears back into the house leaving me confused as to what the hell's going on.

I look at mum and Gemma and they look just as baffled.

The three of us quickly follow Beth to see where she's gone to.

Chloe's POV

I'm still gathering up my things and placing them in my bag when I notice the boys have already got their stuff and have gone back downstairs.

I gather up the nail polishes that Harry's sister gave me.

I think she's very nice.

The glitter one is my favourite.

And she has pink hair too.

Mum won't let me dye my hair pink and I really wish she would.

Then again, she lets me do pretty much whatever I want.

I think it's because I'm the only girl, which I know annoys the boys sometimes.

I hear someone walk in behind me and it's probably one of my brothers, or mum.

I put the iPad that Santa gave me for Christmas into my bag and turn around and I see a girl that was outside at the party, but I don't know her.

"Hello," she says and gives me a funny smile.

I don't think I like her.

"Hi," I reply, cause my mum taught me to always say hello if someone says it to you.

"You're Beth's daughter aren't you?" she says.

She's clever this one.

"Yes," I say.

"I'm Cate," she says, "maybe you've heard on me."

I stop and look at her properly this time.

"No," I shake my head.

"Are you sure Harry hasn't mentioned me?  I was his girlfriend before he met your mum," she says.

Girlfriend?

I don't think Harry would go out with someone like her.

"No he hasn't talked about you," I tell her.

I finish putting everything in my bag and stand up.

I go to walk out the door but Cate stands in my way, blocking me.

"Excuse me," I say.

"Look," Cate says, "you look like a pretty smart little girl."

"I'm not little," I reply sharply, my hand on my hip.

I really don't like her now.

"Well, I'm sure you can see that Harry should be with me, instead of someone like your mum," she explains.

"Why do you say that?" I ask.

"Well, I'm young and pretty and your mum...she's really not..." she smiles and shrugs her shoulders at me, "don't you think Harry would be better off with me?  People are just going to laugh at your mum because she's so old and a little bit tubby."

I know my mum is not exactly thin, but as she always says, you should never talk about how people look, that's being mean.

And this girl is being really mean about my mum.

"Maybe you should tell your mum to stop seeing Harry?  That would be a good idea don't you think?" she says.

No, a chocolate cupcake would be good idea right now.

And I would never tell my mum to leave Harry, he makes her happy and she hasn't been happy in a long time.

Not since Daddy died.

I decide I've had enough of Cate and push past her to go downstairs.

I want my mum.

I start walking down the stairs and see mum there with Harry and Gemma and Harry's mum.

Harry's POV

Beth is at the stairs and I see her look up, her eyes widening and it's when I follow her gaze I see Chloe walking down with Cate behind her.

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

If she's done anything to her I will lose my shit.

I feel Beth shift next to me and I place my hand on her shoulder to try and calm her.

I mean, if she punched James, Cate would probably be nothing in her eyes.

Gemma makes a gasping noise when she sees what I see and mum just takes a really large sip of her wine.

Would you like some popcorn with that mum?

But to my surprise, before any of us adults can say anything, Chloe turns around to Cate when she reaches the bottom of the stairs.

"Actually, your mum mustn't be very good at being a mum," she says to her.

Where has this come from?

"Why do you say that?" Cate frowns at Chloe.

"Because she didn't teach you any manners did she?" Chloe continues swinging her bag over her shoulder, "it's not nice to say bad things about how people look you know."

Cate's mouth drops open in shock and instantly I want to know what the fuck she said to Chloe up there.

"Shit my glass is empty," I hear mum whisper behind me.

Then I hear sniggering and I know it's Gemma.

God they're hopeless the pair of them.

I'm waiting for Beth to say something but I think Chloe seems to have handled the situation beautifully.

My little PA definitely needs a bonus for this.

I wonder if Niall's still home and hasn't flown out on holiday yet?

"Okay, let's go," Beth says and opens the door.

"Happy new year Harry," Cate says to me with a smile.

Ewww.

I look over at my darling girl.

"It certainly is," I put my hand on her shoulder, my thumb caressing the soft skin of her neck as we walk out the door.

"Hey Beth!" Gemma calls out as we walk out, causing Beth to turn around, "text me this week and we can go out for lunch if you'd like?  Harry is an excellent babysitter and I'm sure he won't mind looking after the kids for you, would you Harry?"

Is that even a question?

"Course not," I reply "I already suggested Beth go into town by herself anyway."

Gold star for me.

"That would be lovely, thank you Gemma," she smiles at her.

My girlfriend and my sister already making plans for lunch.

You're smiling like an idiot Harold.

She gives us a little wave and disappears, an angry Cate glaring at us before walking slowly after her.

Gee I hope Ryan isn't in for a hard night.

"Have you had much to drink?" Beth suddenly turns and asks me, "do you want me to drive?"

"Oh yeah, I probably am over the limit," I say and I hand her my keys, "uh...it's a bit of big car, will you be okay to drive it?"

She looks at me like I'm an idiot.

"Well it's not like the tractor I drive on the farm but by gosh I'll give it a red hot go!" she smiles brightly.

Smart ass.

But then the thought of Beth driving a tractor.

Wearing jeans and a flannel shirt.

With a singlet underneath.

That I'd get to unbutton it after a long day out working on the farm.

And she'd be all dirty.

The beep of the car unlocking snaps me out of my thoughts of a dirty Beth.

The kids scramble into the car as Beth thanks mum again for having them over, earning yet another hug.

"Harry can I have a word?" mum suddenly says.

Right.

But then mum puts her hand on Beth's arm and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"It's not what you think Beth," she smiles kindly at her, "just some motherly advice."

"Go on, get the car started so it can heat up," I say as it's quite cold before I give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Goodbye Beth!" mum says as I let go of Beth.

"Bye Anne, and thank you again," she replies and walks over to the car, hopping into the driver's seat and starting the engine.

"I really like her Harry," mum says, "I think you two are quite good together."

"I'm glad you like her mum, I knew you would," I reply.

"Just...be careful," she says.

"What do you mean?" I ask confused, "do you think she's not genuine?"

"Oh no, no that's not what I mean Harry," mum is quick to say.

"I mean just be careful not to cause any hurt," she says as she puts her arm around me.

"Mum, I'm a big boy," I chuckle, "I can take care of myself."

"Harry, as much as I love you, I wasn't talking about you," she smiles, "I was talking about Beth."

"Beth?" I ask.

"Yes," she says, "be careful with her Harry, she won't be able to take much more hurt in her life," she says.

Oh.

"Just treasure her and be good and honest to her," mum continues, "I want nothing more than for you to be happy darling."

"She makes me happy mum," I sigh.

"That's good to hear, now," she squeezes my side, "run along and get those kids home, it's late."

"Thanks mum," I give her a hug and a kiss.

"You're welcome love," she says as she heads back into the house.

I jog over to the car and hop in.

"Let's go love," I say as I buckle my seatbelt.

I'm sure with Beth's anxiety, that would have killed her waiting for me then.

"She really likes you," I tell her as she starts driving.

"Oh?" she says, like it doesn't mean anything, but the way her voice cracks I can tell it does.

"Like, I knew she'd like you, but she really likes you," I say.

"Well I am pretty awesome," she says deadpan before we both start laughing.

Cheeky girl.

I put my hand on her thigh and give it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm sorry about Cate turning up," I say, hoping she's not mad with me, "I had no idea she was coming with Ryan..."

"You know what?" she suddenly says and cuts me off, "all you seem to do is apologise because of the stupid things she's doing, you need to stop."

Okay.

"From now on, she doesn't exist, so stop apologising for her pathetic actions okay?" she says adamantly, "I don't want to know about her anymore."

Well neither do I but she kind of keeps popping up unexpectedly.

"Okay," I agree, "if all else fails I'll just let Chloe loose on her."

And again we burst out laughing.

The rest of the drive is spent in a comfortable silence and soon we're back at Bridge Farm.

It's really lovely here and it's then I realise that Beth hasn't been to my house yet.

I want to have her and the kids come and stay.

"You know," I say as she turns off the engine, "you haven't even seen my place yet.  I mean, Nick has briefly, but you haven't."

"That's okay Harry, don't stress about it," she replies as she gets out of the car.

"No," I shake my head, "I think you should come over for a visit...woah!"

I seriously almost go ass over tit then as I step out of the car.

"Maybe I have had a few," I smile sheepishly at Beth.

She smiles at me as she guides the kids over to the door and opens it up for them.

"Night mum, night Harry," they mumble as they walk upstairs and head straight to bed.

I slowly follow them and walk through the door before stopping next to Beth.

I have an idea.

"Wait!" I say in a panicked whisper.

"What?" she whispers back.

I close the door and lock it before wrapping my arms around her.

"Mistletoe," I smirk.

My best idea of the year.

"Har..." she starts but I can't wait any longer and kiss her.

I don't even realise what I'm doing as I turn her around and push her up against the door and to my surprise, she doesn't object.

In fact, she pulls me closer and I'm sure she can feel how hard I am already for her.

I finally pull away and rest my forehead against hers.

God I want her so much.

"I'm so happy Beth," I sigh as I stare at her, "it may be the wine talking, like just a little bit, but I just smile when I'm with you.

Ugh.

Clean up in aisle five due to the verbal crap I just vomited out.

"That was some sappy shit then wasn't it?" I groan and shake my head at myself.

But instead she giggles at me and looks up at me shyly.

"I know what you mean Harry, you make me smile as well," she agrees.

"Really?" I raise my eyebrow at her, "do you think I can make you do more than smile?"

I may as well have a crack.

"Oh my god Harry!" she laughs before turning the light off and walking over to the stairs.

On one hand I don't like watching her walk away, but on the other hand...

"So that's a yes?" I ask as I jog after her, giving her a smack on the bottom.

She turns around and pretends to look shocked.

"What's gotten into you?" she says.

"I'd like to say I'd like to get into you," I give her a full dimple smile.

She smacks me playfully on the arm before putting her hand over my mouth to quieten me as we stumble to the bedroom.

I close the door a little bit too loudly and she shushes me for it.

"Harry!" she says.

I decide to so what she did and put my hand over her mouth this time to keep her quiet.

But she licks my hand with her tongue.

"Ewww!  Did you just lick my hand?" I screw my face up.

"Yes I did!" she laughs and walks over to the bathroom and shuts the door, as I wipe my hand on my jeans.

I can't believe she did that.

I chuckle to myself as I strip down to my boxers and climb into bed to wait for Beth.

Everything went so well tonight, well apart from Cate, but mum loved Beth and I'm so freaking happy about that.

But how could she not?

I let out a yawn and close my eyes for a second before opening them up.

I mean, she's funny, she's smart, she's kind...selfless, beautiful...really beautiful...and she smells...good...

~~~~~~

I open my eyes and reach for Beth, but she's not there.

I can see the brightness behind the curtains and realise it's morning.

Fuck, what happened?

We didn't did we?

And I don't remember?

No.

Surely not.

I didn't drink that much.

I quickly get out of bed and go to the toilet before dressing and rushing downstairs.

I'm greeted with the smell of eggs and bacon as Beth is plating the cooked food up in the kitchen.

I could get used to seeing that every day.

Beth, I mean, not the food.

"Hey," she looks up and smiles at me as I walk over to her, "how you feeling?"

"Okay," I say as I cuddle up to her behind, "though a wee bit sad you weren't there to wake up next to."

It's the truth.

No morning snuggles for Harold.

"Oh I'm sorry," she turns around and offers me a piece of crispy bacon before offering me some tea.

"Please," I say as I start to carry the food over to the table for her.

The kids walk in from the lounge and take their seats.

"The fire's gone out mum," Jamie says.

Oh I can do that.

Both Beth and I rise out of our seats at the same time.

"I can do it," Beth puts her hand on my arm to stop me.

"So can I Beth," I say as I look at her.

"It's fine Harry, I've got it," she tells me as she walks off into the lounge to start the fire again.

"Don't worry about it Harry," Nick says, "mum can do everything."

"But she shouldn't have to though," I tell him, "I can help her."

He takes a bite of his eggs and chews thoughtfully.

"Harry, mum hasn't had anyone help her in a long time, and that was before dad died," he says, "she's used to doing it all."

"Maybe I can change that?" I ask him.

"Good luck with that," he says.

I don't say anything else as Beth walks back in and sits back at the table.

"I was thinking," I say as I take a bite of my eggs, "when did you want to take the kids to Legoland?"

"Yes!" they all yell out.

Beth shushes them and I'm surprised the closest kid doesn't get her hand over their mouth.

"Well I guess it depends on you really doesn't it?  We're not tied to anything..." she shrugs her shoulders.

"I have to fly over to L.A. for a couple of days but there's nothing else that's immediate," I say.

"When do you have to go for that?" Beth asks.

"In a couple of weeks, so maybe we could go when I come back?" I suggest.

"Sounds good," she replies.

I wonder...

"You know, you could come with me..." I trail off.

"To L.A.?" she asks.

"Yep," I nod.

I can see her thinking about it.

"As exciting as that sounds, I'm not really thrilled about doing another long haul flight with the kids just for a couple of days Harry," she tells me.

Oh.

I guess.

"Oh...of course," I say.

"Are you disappointed?" she asks.

"No...well..." I hesitate, "I'll miss you."

Oh way to be clingy Harold.

"You'll be fine Harry, it's only for a weekend," she tells me.

I look at her for a moment then continue eating in silence.

Does that mean she won't miss me?

Breakfast continues to be eaten in silence, save for the chatter from the kids.

~~~~~~

Soon the dishes are washed and I finish drying the last few.

Beth dries her hands and heads over to the door, grabbing her vest and beanie and putting them on.

"What are you up to?" I ask her, wondering where she's going.

"Oh I'm just going to bring some wood up to the back door," she tells me as she opens the door up.

Bloody hell.

I can do this for her.

I walk over and put my hand on the door, stopping her from opening it completely.

"You know I can help you with that, right love?" I ask her.

"Yeah, but I can do it myself," she replies.

Fucking stubborn.

Or is it pride here?

Why the hell won't she just let me help?

I let out a sigh.

"I've got some things to take care of at home so I might get going then," I say.

I'm feeling frustrated, I'm not gonna lie.

I need to talk to her about this when I'm feeling a bit calmer.

Not that I'm angry.

I just want to be in a clear mind.

"Okay," she replies.

She looks like she's going to say something else but she doesn't.

"Maybe you and the kids can come and stay the night...if you want to?" I ask.

It might be good for them to have a change of scenery.

"If you'd like us to, we'd love to come and stay and see your house," she says.

"Alright, I'll pick you up later this afternoon," I smile, giving her a quick kiss on the lips as I walk past her and out the door.

"I'll see you later then," she calls out to me.

I want to turn around and go back to her, but the stupid, frustrated side of me doesn't.

Instead, I turn and wave, blowing her a kiss before I hop into my car and drive off.

I see her in my rear view mirror as she stands and watches me drive away until I can't see her any more.

Damn it Harold, you've probably upset her now.

I continue driving until I stop at the first set of traffic lights.

I decide to send her a quick text as I don't want her to feel awful, and I know she will.

Can't wait to see you later, pack enough clothes for a few days if you like. 

I'll see you this afternoon.

H xo

The light changes to green and I drive off.

My phone beeps with a message.

She must have already got it.

I glance down at it and see it's actually from mum, telling me I left my wallet at her house.

I make the decision to do a quick detour to mum's and pick it up on the way.