The Only Exception | W2S

THIRTY EIGHT.

Can I just quickly say thank you to everyone who has shown this book so much love. It's a month and a half old and has 25k reads! That is so insane to me, so thank you <3

Part 1 of Holly's birthday!!! (Birthday social media posts will be in the next chapter so look out for them xoxo!!)

"Mmm," he murmurs against my lips. "Happy birthday beautiful," Harry whispers, kissing my lips the moment it turned midnight.

Moments later, however, our private moment is disrupted by George and Arthur bursting into my room, closely followed by Hattie and Jess.

"Happy birthday Holly!" They all shout in unison, before they swiftly pull the trigger on four different confetti cannons.

"Fuck sake," I groan, because there is confetti strewn all over me, Harry, my bed, and pretty much my entire room.

"Happy birthday cutie," Jess sings, launching herself onto my bed, whilst being careful not to squash Harry and I, nestling in between us. "Promise I won't disrupt your time too much. But this is from me, Mum and Dad. Open it whenever," she smiles, handing me an envelope.

"See you in the morning, gorgeous," Hattie calls out, before all four of them retreat, leaving just Harry and I.

The envelope was in my hand. "Well, this has been slightly eventful for five minutes past midnight," I laugh, fanning myself with the envelope.

"You gonna open it now or save it for later?" Harry asks, pointing the envelope.

"Now, I guess. I don't know what it could be," I say, carefully undoing the envelope, revealing a letter.

"Oh my god," I say, a dry laugh escaping my lips. "It's a trip to New York, all paid for," I read out, still skimming to the bottom. "Oh! It's for two people - Harry, it's for us," I continue reading, and I look across at Harry, who is grinning over at me.

"Why — why don't you look surprised? Did you know?" I ask, my eyes widening.

"Jess told me a week or so ago. So I could clear my schedule."

"But I haven't — I haven't even told my parents about you!" I protest, realising how bad it sounded after it had already left my lips.

"J—"

"Jess told them?" I ask, hearing the start of her name coming from his mouth.

"Maybe this is a conversation you have with your sister?" He proposes, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and bringing me close, instantly calming me down.

"I'm not — mad, not really. I'm just a bit disappointed, I guess. I wanted to tell my parents myself, but I guess I've waited a little too long," I reason.

"Exactly. Just think, though, we're going to New York together."

"I know, I've always wanted to go, but — well, I've only been to the boring parts of the States."

"Did you read when we were going?" He asks, handing the envelope back to me.

I shake my head. "I kinda clocked out after I realised we were going to New York," I smile, reading the rest of the slip of paper. Then I see it. "Oh my fucking god! Christmas and new year?"

He nods. "Hotel in Times Square, too. Flying first class with priority boarding, which means we can get on and off the plane quickly. It'll be amazing, Holly."

"I might cry," I laugh, now properly snuggling into Harry's chest.

"Not today," he says softly, his voice soothing me to sleep. "It's your birthday, and I don't want to see a single tear."