"There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved."
- George Sand
______________________
EPILOGUE - 6 years later
"Fuck, Zoey," Lisa cursed, for what felt like the hundredth time today.
"My baby girl," my mom cried, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
The rest of the present girls, including my lovely sister, remained silent. Everyone gaped at me with open mouths and wide eyes.
I felt warmth rush through me. "Do I look okay?"
Lisa laughed lightly. "Don't make me sing Just The Way You Are now. You're absolutely stunning, the most beautiful bride I have ever seen."
I rushed to her side to hug her, holding her tight. "Thank you, Lisa."
She kissed both my cheeks and played with my bridal vide that was covering my wavy hair. Holding my hands for a moment, she looked like she was ready to burst out crying, too.
After kissing both my cheeks again, she walked over to her bag and got out a little box. She smiled brightly at me and came back to my side, holding the box out for me to take.
I hesitantly opened it to reveal a thin silver bracelet with the word 'faith' engraved. It was delicate and beautiful, but I couldn't figure out why she would give it to me.
Taking in my questioning gaze, she laughed lightly. "Something old and something borrowed."
I squealed with happiness and hugged her again, my good mood infectious.
My mouther walked over to me next, tears still streaming down her face. "My beautiful girl, I cannot believe that you're already getting married."
"Mom," I said jokingly, feeling my cheeks getting hot. I was flustered to get so much affection in front of my bridesmaids, even though there were only three of them - excluding Lisa, she was the maid of honor.
She got something out of her purse, too. It was a barrette with blue stones on top. "Something blue."
I turned around and let her put it in my hair, underneath the bridal vide. She kissed my forehead and stepped back, letting Phoebe take over.
"I can't tell you how glad I am that you're finally getting married." Her smile was lightning up the room. "You're 26 and Harry is 27. With other words: you're old."
"Hey," I said, playfully punching her in the arm, "you're 25. That doesn't make you that much younger."
My sister waved her hand, dismissing my words. "Anyway, I got something new for you."
She pulled out a box, similar to the one Lisa had given me, and revealed a gorgeous short necklace with a small heart dangling from it. She helped me put it on and I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
For once, I was completely satisfied with myself. I had found a dress that was elegant but not brash. It fell to the ground in long waves, sequined and silky. The top was cut classy low, showing some cleavage without revealing too much. A small bow was wrapped around my torso, giving the dress the ideal shape.
My hair and make-up were done to perfection and I knew that the chapel was decorated beautifully, as was the tent for the reception. We had put a lot of planning into this wedding, wanting to have the most perfect day in our lives.
After all the shit we have been through, I honestly thought we deserved it more than anyone else.
There had been a minor fight over the wedding cake. It wasn't the typical "the girl wants vanilla, the boy wants chocolate" - no, it was the other way round. We had agreed on a chocolate half for the bride and a vanilla half for the groom. And a small figure on top.
I hadn't seen Harry in nearly eighteen hours. In my opinion, the whole "you can't see the groom/bride in the night before the wedding" was a load of bullshit, but it was hard to fight against a group of people who thought it was useful.
We would spend the night at our house - yes, we had moved out of the apartment but that was a whole other story - and would leave for our honeymoon in the morning.
I was so incredible agitated and excited, but anxious at the same time.
What if something went wrong? What if I tripped while walking down the aisle? What if Harry didn't want to marry me after all?
Lots of what if questions were swirling around in my head, only adding to my anxiety.
And then Lisa, Phoebe, Theresa and Gemma told me they had to leave now as the ceremony was about to start any minute.
I began to panic. "No, you can't leave me alone!"
Phoebe laughed good-heartedly and kissed my cheek. "You'll be fine. Just take a deep breath and walk down that aisle like you own the world. Just think about Harry, waiting for you in front of the altar. Dad will be by your side, you're not alone."
Each of the girls hugged me, Gemma being the last. "I'm so, so happy. The two of you are good for each other, and you will have a bright future, I know it."
My mom was the only one who stayed by my side. "Look at you, all grown-up," she sniffed, tears sparkling in her eyes.
"Mom." I intended to groan it, but I was too blithely and too scared to feel anything but the warmth and panic in my heart.
"Here." She handed my bouquet of violet tulips on to me and smiled proudly at me. "I'll leave now."
I hugged her tight and accepted her kisses on my cheeks gratefully. "I love you, mom."
She sniffed once more and patted my cheeks softly. "I love you, too."
A knock sounded on the door and I called, "Come in," expecting my father.
And sure enough, he walked inside, wearing a black tuxedo and a violet bow tie to match my flowers. He had refused to wear it at first, but I was good at persuading. And threatening.
"Hi darling," he greeted my mom, briefly kissing her on the lips while I smiled like a little idiot.
My parents had their silver wedding three years ago and even though they could be strict at times, I knew that they loved each other, just like they loved their two daughters.
Dad turned around to stare at me with glossy eyes. "My beautiful baby girl is getting married." He blinked a few times.
If he started to cry now, I would surely lose my cool.
Mom kissed me on the cheek one last time and walked out of the backroom and into the chapel.
Why we had decided to get married in a chapel? Honestly, absolutely no idea. Harry swore up and down that he was Jewish - despite the fact that he was Catholic - and I didn't believe in some kind of higher power. A church wedding simply seemed to be perfect and after all, I hoped that the universe would bless our wedding and marriage.
I could hear the low hum of conversation which was stopped abruptly as the opening music started playing. I knew we were mere minutes away from the song that announced my entrance.
"Are you ready?" Dad asked as he led me to the door, listening in to the music.
"I'm peeing my pants," I replied and looked down my body, "or my dress. Whatever floats your boat."
I checked myself once more, making sure I was wearing the right heels, that my dress sat perfectly and that my make-up really was done. I also checked twice to see if I still had all the four 'somethings' and then I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
"I will walk out there and be fabulous. My world, my one and only, is waiting for me. I can do this," I whispered quietly to myself, giving myself some courage.
"What did you say?" My father asked, looking down at me.
I gave him a tight smile. "Just trying to remember my vow."
Now that I said it, I realized that I had to repeat that one as well. Harry and I would hold a short speech in front of the altar, and I had something prepared until I throw it aside in the last minute.
I definitely couldn't freak out now. When I saw Harry, I knew exactly what to say.
A different melody started playing and I felt like passing out. This was it.
Dad squeezed both my hands and kissed my forehead. "Let's get you married." He held out his left arm and I shakily linked mine with his.
He saw that I was a trembling mess and patted my hand.
I felt like crying and laughing and jumping up and down, but I ensured that I was only wearing a auspicious smile as I took a few steps.
We left the area in the back of the church and took steady - or for me, shaky - steps into the chapel. The music grew louder with every step I took and my heart dropped into my pants as I saw the first few back rows.
Upon sensing my entrance, everyone turned around and I felt so many eyes on me. I saw lots of people I recognized, high school friends and acquaintances, just as I saw a few unfamiliar faces that belonged to Harry's side.
I wanted to take in the way the chapel was decorated but my attention was cut short when I neared the central corridor, striking down the aisle in the best collected composure I could muster.
My father's arm was the only thing keeping me from taking off in a run.
My eyes landed on my beautiful bridesmaids and my gorgeous maid of honor. They were all wearing light violet short dresses that hugged their bodies amazingly as their attention was solely on me.
Even though I wanted to take in as much as possible, and even though I actually reminded myself to remember every little detail, I couldn't help but look out for Harry.
I immediately found him, standing to the right of the altar with his groomsmen Louis, Adrian and Niall, and his best man Mason. I smiled when I noticed that all my girls were in a committed relationship with all the men.
(On that note: yes, Lisa and Mason had finally ended up together. In fact, they were engaged and their wedding was settled for the end of this year.)
I saw Adrian shooting his wife a loving gaze before his eyes fell back on me. I couldn't help but smile when I saw all my beloved ones on one spot.
Now, my focus was completely on Harry. He was wearing a black tux and a white dress shirt with a small red bow tie and a single red rose placed in the pocket of his jacket.
His eyes were a blazing evergreen and slightly glossy, as he saw me striding down the aisle to him. A small smile was playing on his lips and he looked utterly taken back, surprised and loving, all at once.
His expression, close to tearing up, made me want to burst out crying. I was used to catch Harry staring at me with a look in his eyes that would never make me doubt his love for me, but the look in his eyes now simply outclassed it.
Right now, it felt like we were the only people in this chapel. We were the only ones that mattered, and our love was enough to get us through anything.
In this moment, I knew that he was the right one. He was my soulmate, the other half of my heart, my world, my everything.
And I was his truly, for now and forever. I doubted that even death could do us apart.
I didn't notice that I had passed all the benches already and was now standing directly in front of my soon-to-be-husband, as I stared into his eyes. My heart skipped a beat and I just wanted to cry and laugh all over again.
My father quietly cleared his throat and took my arm out of his with his right hand. He got ahold of my right hand and squeezed it tightly, before shifting it into his left one to take Harry's hand with his now free one.
I was still staring at Harry, taking in the action from the corner of my eye.
Dad placed my hand in Harry's and said silently, but clearly, "take good care of my girl."
Harry broke our eye contact to reply to him. "I will, sir. I promise."
My father smiled at him and patted him on the shoulder, satisfied with his response. "I know."
Tears were swelling in my eyes at the brief exchange and I quickly blinked them away.
A little twitch of his hand told me that Harry wanted to lean down and kiss me, but remembering our surroundings, he gave me a smile and winked, only for me to see, then led me to the two chairs placed in front of the altar.
I was now directly eye-to-eye with our priest, whom I hadn't even noticed until then. He was wearing some festive, priestly clothes and started the ceremony with a smile.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Harry Styles and Zoey Clark in marriage. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife."
My eyes drifted back to Harry who was already watching me with a proud smile. I tried my hardest to not burst out crying now, but it was hard, very hard. We were allowed to sit down.
My breath was caught in my throat as I stared at this beautiful man who was mine, just as I was his.
I listened to the priest again, who never had stopped talking. "True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding."
A smile broke out on my lips as I tried to take in his words. He kept talking, and even read a passage out of the bible. I fought my hardest to memorize every word, but Harry's thumb stroking small circles on the back of my hand demanded all my attention.
We were coming closer to our vows now. My feet were anxiously bouncing up and down. Sweat was forming on my forehead. I felt sick.
Before I could realize what was going on, the priest told us to rise to our feet.
Harry turned me around so I was facing him and took both my hands in his. ""I, Harry Styles, promise you, Zoey Clark, that I will be your husband from this day forward, to be faithful and honest in every way, to honor the faith and trust you place in me, to love and respect you in your successes and in your failures, to make you laugh and to be there when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you when you are hurting, and to be your companion and your friend, on this journey that we make together."
Tears were threatening to spill over.
"From the first time I have laid my eyes on you, I knew that you were special. You ignited this spark in me and made me see the world in a different light. Those past years have been the best in my life and I do not want to miss another day without by my side. You are everything to me. I'm in love with you and will always be, until the very last breath I take."
By now, tears were silently streaming down my face.
I let the words sink in for a moment. The strong urge to just kiss him threatened to become too much, so I quickly cleared my throat and declared my own vow.
"I pledge to you endless strength that you can count on when you are weak. I'll be your music when you can't hear, your sunshine when you can't see, or your perfume when you can't smell. You'll never need to look further than me. I'll be your days and nights when you need them filled, your spark of life in the darkness, your hope when you're down and out."
I bit my lip, urging my voice to stay strong.
"I remember the first time I saw you, in front of the cinema. It had taken one look for me to be intrigued by your persona. It hadn't taken long for me to open up to you, and before I realized what had happened, I was deeply and irrevocably in love with you. We have gone through more than the average couple, and I know that what we have is more than special. I will never leave your side, thus I give you my word."
Harry smiled widely at my words, his eyes glossy. He reached out to caress my cheeks, wiping the tears away. "I love you too much," he whispered, only for me to hear.
"I love you more," I whispered back, just as the priest continued with the ceremony.
My eyes were fixed on Harry and I couldn't tear them away. Not even when the priest addressed us, did I look away.
"Do you Harry Edward Styles, take Zoey Catherine Clark to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?" The priest's voice rang out through the very last row of the chapel.
Harry wore his charming smile and there was a pride in his eyes as he looked at me. "I do."
Those two simple words warmed my heart enormously. We were only seconds away from being lawfully wedded.
"Do you Zoey Catherine Clark, take Harry Edward Styles to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?" I felt the priest's eyes on me.
As I looked into Harry's loving eyes, I felt deep inside that this was the right thing. This decision would officially tell everyone that we belonged together, that nothing could tear us apart.
My voice was loud and clear as I answered. "I do."
Upon the priest's words, we exchanged rings. "You have for each other a golden ring. This most precious of metals symbolizes that love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. You place these rings upon each other's fingers as a visible sign of the vows which, this day, have made you husband and wife." My fingers were shaking uncontrollably, and I mentally took a sigh of relief when I didn't drop Harry's and managed to slip it on his finger.
Time was frozen and everything around us faded out.
"You may now kiss."
I caught the cheeky, yet felicitous grin on Harry's lips before he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. Our lips moved against each other's passionately and slowly, sealing our marriage.
"Family and Friends, I present to you: Harry and Zoey Styles."
Loud cheering erupted from all around us as we reluctantly broke apart. Tears were rushing down my face and I saw a tear escape Harry's eye before he quickly wiped it away.
"Mrs. Styles, may I?" He asked, holding out his arm for me.
I linked my arm through his and smiled so brightly, my cheeks started to hurt.
It felt like we were living in fast forward. Together, we walked down the aisle, waving and smiling at our relatives and friends. What felt like moments later, we were waiting in the tent for the guests to come over.
"We're married," Harry said, testing the words. "We're married."
I spun around until I was standing directly in front of him. "We're married!"
I threw my arms around his neck and laughed, carefree. My feet left the ground as Harry spun me around in small circles, our laughter building one beautiful melody that echoed through the tent.
Delight and love was in the air, stronger than ever.
The sound of voices and footsteps approaching interrupted our little blissful bubble and we broke apart to greet our guests and thank them for their congratulations.
The tables filled and champagne circulated. Conversations about god-knew-what started and no matter where I looked, I saw smiling faces.
The faces of our beloved ones would lit up whenever they caught our eye and it warmed my heart to watch their happiness for Harry and me. Their support and love over the past few years had been incredible and I felt truly blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing personalities.
"Mr. and Mrs. Styles, please get ready for your dance," Gemma announced a bit later.
All eyes were on us as we walked on the parquet floor. Harry securely placed my hand in his and the other one on my waist, while I held on to his shoulder.
He kissed me on the lips and smiled radiantly. "Are you ready?"
I shook my head. "Not at all."
We had taken dancing lessons for the past few weeks to bring our opening dance to perfection. I was aware of the little camera in the corner filming our every step, but as Harry looked at me with an expression of pure love in his eyes, I forgot everything around us and moved across the parquet floor as if we were all alone in this tent.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered in my ear.
I already had tears in my eyes, and now, looking at my husband, I felt complete. There was not a single thing missing anymore, and nothing could be more perfect.
The dance was over all too soon and my father swapped places with Harry, while his mother took ahold of my husband.
As the first few melodies of the new song started playing, my father led me across the parquet. "I'm so proud of you and I'm so very happy for the two of you."
"Thank you, dad," I smiled up at him, but felt like crying all over again as I saw his glossy eyes.
My father was a fairly good dancer - probably because he took a few dancing lessons with my mother once we announced our wedding.
Looking over to my mom at the thought of her, I saw her dancing with Harry's father, the two of them laughing about something that was unknown to me.
Time flew by, but I was enjoying every single second of it. More and more people wanted to dance with me, but approximately ten dances later, Harry beat Niall to it.
Once he was holding me in his arms again, he chuckled. "Just married and still everybody wants to steal my girl."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, I'm all yours."
He smiled widely at my words. We spun around and held on to each other for three more songs - ignoring everyone's pleas to have their own share of the groom and the bride.
"Mrs. Styles, we may have to stop after this song. I'm starving," Harry theatrically exclaimed.
"All right. I don't want you to die before our wedding night," I laughed and put my head on his chest.
His heart was beating like a jungle drum. "If that's all you're worried about..."
The song slowly faded away and we made a run for the buffet. Gemma grabbed the camera and hurried after us, stopping a few feet away as I grabbed a knife and waved for Harry to come closer.
I felt everybody's eyes on us again, and we didn't make another announcement or shared a few words. Harry simply put his arms around my waist and his hands on mine as I brought the knife closer to the cake, trying to cut it directly at the vanilla-chocolate crossing.
"Don't ruin it," Harry breathed into my ear, causing me to laugh.
"Shut up," I replied and set the knife down. Honestly, Harry was just giving the impression of helping me, but it was all my doing.
With one swift motion, the cake was cut. Cheers erupted from all around us and I leaned my head back against Harry's shoulder.
"Much ado about cutting a cake," he said and kissed my neck just below my ear before tilting his head to kiss me on the lips.
I had to physically pull away from him, reminding myself that I was still holding the knife which was still in the cake. If I made one wrong movement, I would tear it down - and probably the whole table as well.
We declared the buffet to be open and helped ourselves to a plate. The warm buffet was simply perfect and I made a mental note to send a massive thank you to the food company.
"This cake," Harry said a bit later, "was the best decision of our lives."
"I think that would be getting married, but the cake can be the second to best decision," I replied, putting the fork down after my piece of the cake was gone.
"I agree," he laughed and played with my hair.
I spent the rest of the day in this dress. A few hours later, after the sun had set, the first guests bid their goodbyes. It was only a matter of time until just our closest relatives and friends were around.
It was getting late and later, but I was having too much fun to notice.
"I love you," Harry whispered in my ear as everyone was listening to Louis telling a story.
"And I love you," I whispered back, catching his lips with mine.
"Hmm, let's continue this somewhere else." His breath fanned my ear and I felt my cheeks getting hot as I nodded.
We both stood up abruptly, interrupting Louis mid-sentence. All eyes were immediately on us as my chair scratched against the floor and I smiled apologetically.
Harry was already thanking everyone for coming and for their support etcetera, whereas I was mentally already somewhere else.
We said our goodbyes and left everyone back in the tent to let them decay the evening.
Harry's warm hand found mine as we walked to his car. He held the door open for me and helped me to successfully get my dress in the car without letting the material be swallowed by the door.
Jogging around the car, I admired my handsome husband in his tuxedo. Even after all these years, I still couldn't understand how he was mine, why he wanted me. I was still waiting for the day I would wake up from this dream.
As soon as he sat down, he kissed my temple and ran his thumb over my cheeks. "Gosh, you're so beautiful."
I felt like crying out. Harry had a way of making me feel like I was the only person in this whole wide world that really mattered. He made me feel loved and beautiful.
The car started, disturbing this quiet night. Harry hit the pedal and out of nowhere the shattering sound of empty tins clapping against each other ripped through the night.
Harry was about to hit the brakes until he realized where the sound was coming from. I turned around in my seat to find a writing on the rear window. It didn't take a genius to make out the words 'Just married'.
I smiled profoundly. "Who is to blame?"
Harry didn't take long to answer. "Our sisters and their husbands."
I nodded, thinking the same. "Definitely."
We made our way back to our house, the whole ride filled with excited chatter. The ceremony was my favorite part today and talking to Harry, he agreed.
"I will never forget the moment you walked down the aisle." He shot me a grin and I remembered how he was about to tear up.
"Me neither, I couldn't wait to get to you!" I exclaimed, laughing.
"But don't forget the opening dance," he smiled, holding my hand on my thigh.
"I don't think I will ever forget one single minute of today," I said truthfully.
His smile widened and his dimples deepened. "I will be there every day to remind you."
Harry parked the car in our driveway and told me to wait until he had opened my door. I stepped out, blinking at the house.
I had spent the night at my sister's place and was pleasantly surprised to see that the front of the house was beautifully decorated with white lilies and red roses. A huge heart underneath the window of our guestroom declared that we had just married.
I had little to no time to take it all in due to Harry sweeping me off the floor and carrying me over the threshold in his arms. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry, the gesture was so simple yet so sweet.
He kicked the door close with his foot and carried me through our house. I noticed the trail of roses he followed but, again, had no time to take real notice of it as Harry's lips landed on mine.
It started out as a soft and passionate kiss, transmitting love and warmth, but ended up fierce and heated when we reached our bedroom.
As he was about to put me down on the bed, he realized that we had to get rid of the dress first, so instead I was standing in front of him. "As much as I love this dress on you, I have to take it off."
"Do it," I dared him and grinned as he walked around me to open the zipper.
I didn't give him any instructions on how to successfully open the dress. Harry cursed behind me and tugged a bit more forcefully, but then loudly reminded himself to be gentle. It took him some time, but he somehow managed to take it off - along with the corset.
My dress fell all around me in white waves and I was left in my white lace underwear. Harry took my hand and I carefully stepped out of my heels and next to him, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks.
His fingertips trailed down my sides. "Beautiful," he whispered in my ear.
And that was just how he made me feel. We were so close to each other that I wasn't shy in undressing him.
Harry guided me to the bed, both of us completely naked, and I fell down on top of the soft sheets.
They were a creamy white color, representing the pureness of our marriage. There was not a single stain, and although I was aware it couldn't always stay like this, I knew that we would find a way to make this work, just like we had done all these years ago.
We were truly one, and as Harry held himself upright on top of me, we let our bodies become one as well.
His lips kissed every inch of my skin, and it seemed like he was discovering my body for the first time, as if everything was new to him. He took care of my sensitive breasts, and lingered over every little scar that time had scratched on my skin.
I shuddered as he kissed my stomach, feeling the sensation all over my body.
Our mouths found each other again and our tongues danced their personal lethal dance that they had started so many years ago, following a simple run-in at a cinema.
Lying in bed with Harry kissing me like I was the only woman in the world, made me wonder how we ended up just where we were today.
It all started so simple. A get-together at the cinema with friends. Other meetings after that. The first time we were on our own, having dinner after we ditched everyone else. Our very first kiss. Our first fight.
The painful breakup and the tormenting time afterwards.
And finally, a long period of happiness. I had thought the best day of my life was when Harry had proposed, but this day beat it by a mile. Our wedding day was the most perfect moment of my life, and I knew there was only one single thing that could ever come close to beating it.
"Zoey Styles, I am so happy and grateful to have you."
It was my turn to discover Harry's body, to kiss every birthmark and feel his muscles under my soft hands. I gave him powerful kisses that could tell him more than any word I knew.
We took our time in feeling each other. There were many, many more days and years to come, but right now this was all that mattered.
Harry moved back on top of me, his eyes burned into my soul. He was silently asking me if I was ready, still making sure to always take care of me after all these years, like I knew he always would, even years from now.
I nodded and he leaned down, putting his lips on mine as his hips rolled forward. I was overcome with the feeling of his lips moving against my own, and his gentle thrusts.
He was truly, fully making love to me. I felt it in every fiber of my body and knew it in the pit of my heart. He was truly mine and I was truly his.
The tears stung in my eyes and Harry looked concerned for a moment until he realized it was my happiness. I just felt happiness all over, and there was barely another word to describe this moment, this day, and just how Harry made me feel.
I declared my love for him and called out his name as he brought me closer to the ultimate state of ecstasy. Once I reached it, everything that I had bottled up for the past few years came crashing down all around me.
I was completely lost in the feeling and only came back to reality when Harry half-collapsed on top of me, our breathings competing with each other. His weight was half on me and half on the mattress.
I loved the proximity and intimacy. I loved this beautiful man that was now legally my husband. I loved everything, and I loved the fact that there was a whole future in front of us that nobody could take away.
I didn't know how long we stayed like this, simply caressing each other and whispering sweet nonsense. For all I knew, I wanted to stay like this forever.
But as I felt his fingers in my hair and his lips on my cheek, I knew that we couldn't stay so untouched and pure in our house forever.
There was a reality awaiting us.
"Harry?" I said softly, afraid I would ruin this moment.
He hummed in response, and I tilted my head to fully look at him.
"There is something I need to tell you."
The words never meant anything good, but Harry wasn't alarmed. A ghostly smiled played on his lips and he nodded, waiting for me to continue.
I shook my head. "I don't want to tell you."
He arched an eyebrow, looking confused. "Zoey-"
I put a finger on his lips, silencing him. Smiling brightly, I shifted until I was straddling his waist, my legs on either side of him as I was leaning down, my hands holding me upright. "I want to show you."
A few different emotions hushed across his face, and it was difficult to catch all of them. I saw love, and confusion, joined by happiness and a shimmer of fear. He ended up with a look of curiosity.
I pecked his lips, once, twice, and then shifted back on my legs. My thumbs caressed his cheeks and I tried to carve this moment into my brain forever, as I knew it could change everything.
Taking a deep breath, I reached for his hands, gripping them tightly.
Harry squeezed back, and gave me an encouraging smile, but didn't hurry me any other way. His eyes were ablaze, making me feel more alive than I ever had.
I turned his hands and kissed the palm of both of them, my right thumb trailing the cross tattoo on his left hand. My eyes lingered on it for a moment until I had gathered enough courage to show him what I had known for nearly two weeks now.
My palms were on the back of his hands as I guided them down to my stomach, softly putting them on my skin and holding them there, my eyes now on his face as I watched his reaction.
A smile spread across my face as his eyes widened and a look of pure fascination hushed over his face. He took matters into his own hands and felt my stomach, realization quickly settling in.
"Zoey, please tell me it is what I'm thinking before I'm losing my mind."
I took a breath and said it out loud. "I'm pregnant."
A cry of joy left his lips and he swiftly sat up and glided back against the headboard, taking me with him.
He kissed me, hard, and tugged me completely on top of him as his arms wrapped around my waist. He kissed my cheeks, my nose, my neck, my shoulders, my collarbone and both my hands that he now firmly held in his.
"Zoey, Zoey, Zoey," he chanted, his eyes slightly glossy.
He kissed me again and again, shifting ever so slightly until I laid on my back and he was on top of me again. He pulled away and looked me in the eyes, his fingers smooth on my cheeks.
I started crying, simply because I was so happy. His thumb caught my tears, and I blurrily saw a tear of his own running down his cheeks.
He moved backwards until his head was on level with my stomach. Although there was no bump visible yet, he knew that I was telling the truth.
Harry's soft, pink, heart-shaped lips, that I could never get tired of, kissed my stomach and showered our unborn baby with love. His hands held the sides of my stomach and he pressed his ear against my belly button.
"Hi baby, it's daddy. You're still just a little, little pip but I already love you so, so much." He pressed one last kiss to my stomach and then moved back up, reconnecting our lips.
Everything was perfect. Harry was radiating with happiness and love, just as I did. We were finally right where we belonged, and I knew that this baby was just another blessing in our lives, hopefully joined by a few more.
The look of felicity and bliss on Harry's face was burned into my mind forever.
______________________
THE END
A/N: please read the author's note on the next page.