The Unexpected Journey Part Two

Chapter 24

The day after the first day of Maddie's Chemotherapy, was worse than the first; much worse. The ache had settled into her bones and the nausea that had taken home in the pit of her stomach kept her from eating much of anything. She stayed in bed, in the dark, for the better part of Day Two.

On Day Three she felt...better. She ventured out of the bedroom, ate something small, something mild. She happily piled all four of her children into her bed with her and read them a book before Harry scooped them up and took them to bed.

By Day Four, she started to feel more like herself, started to feel more normal. She showered and dressed, she had more of a breakfast then she had had in days and she ate every meal at the table like a normal human being. A normal human being who swore she could still smell the chemo on her skin.

And finally, on Day Five, she insisted on doing some work. Though her husband protested, she insisted and, through a negotiation only Harry with those sweet eyes of his could manage, Maddie compromised and agreed to an update meeting with Isaac--in Harry's office at home.

It wasn't exactly what she had in mind but she would take it. After breakfast, after the children had been whisked away for the day, she made her way down to Harry's office. Though she rolled her eyes at the pillows and blankets Harry had stacked on the couch, she plucked up her favorite blanket and took a seat at the table. Settling into her seat, she took a sip from her mug of tea and smiled up at Harry and Isaac as they stepped into the office--surprised to find her already there.

"Hey," Harry's breath came up easier when he saw her sitting at the table, when he saw the color coming back into her cheeks. "How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?" He leaned to kiss her, waiting for her response before taking his chair.

"No, no," she shook her head, her fingers squeezing his arm before she released him. "I have tea and my blanket and...I'm feeling pretty good." Her eyes met her husband's offering him the reassurances he needed before he stepped away from her. "Isaac," she turned her smile to him.

"Ma'am," he bent to kiss her cheek, to greet her. "I'm happy you're feeling well."

"Me too," she nodded as she patted his shoulder.

"I have to tell you, you look wonderful," he took a step back from her, smoothing down his tie as he moved to his chair.

"You have to?" Harry arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twisting into a smirk, pleased with the laughter that came from Maddie.

"Yes Sir," Isaac stood tall, meeting Harry's grin with one of his own.

"Alright you two," Maddie rolled her eyes at the two of them, happy to be in the room, in the meeting; happy to be involved in something normal again. "Why don't we get to work?"

"Yes Ma'am," Isaac nodded, chuckling as he took his seat, catching the playful looks tossed back and forth between Harry and Maddie. "Where would you like to start?"

"I don't know," Maddie shook her head with a sigh. "I suppose you should fill me in on what I've missed?" She pulled her hands into her lap. "How did the announcement go on Monday?"

"Ah yes," Isaac's smile shifted on his face; soft and warm and heavy with feeling. He glanced up at Harry who had already been brought up to speed and the two of them shared a look Maddie instantly caught.

"What?" She looked between the two of them. "What is it?"

Clearing his throat, Isaac took a breath and leaned forward. His hands drew together and his eyes were kind as he turned his attention to Maddie, to the Duchess, to the woman who had no idea the outpouring of love and affection that had been flowing her way.