The Nanny
Envelope
I kept my eyes glued to the tiny black box in the center of the conference table as the kind and youthful voice or Grace MacDamera, the family law attorney Harry’s lawyers swore up and down had the best track record in this kind of case in the whole of Florida, my home state.
Although she was still in the states she insisted on a conference call with us that Harry’s lawyers graciously offered their offices for.
As it turned out, Grace MacDemera was my best hope at keeping my son.
Grace had called us yesterday to introduce herself and let us know that she was already working on this even though Mark hadn’t officially asked for custody. She told us that she was very familiar with the law and that she also happened to be very familiar with the Winston family.
Her tone made me think she had seen the same side of them that I had.
Now I was sitting here beside Harry who had my hand firmly in his since we walked through the door, listening to her explain to us the way everything is going to work once things get set in motion. Her clear view on things made me feel a bit better.
Harry’s firm resolve on this also helped more than he would ever know.
Ever since Jamie had called him dada for the first time, something that he had been saying quite a bit of lately, Harry had taken on this whole new level of protector. He had also taken to referring to Jamie as ours.
It was something I wasn’t sure he was completely aware of doing but that made my heart swell and for the first time in weeks I felt the weight on my shoulders lift slightly.
I loved Harry and if we could get through this unscathed, we were already heading in the right direction to becoming the little family both of us want and that both of our children need.
Not for the first time I wondered why I hadn’t met him sooner.
Why didn’t I find this man first?
Maybe if I had he would have been Jamie’s real daddy and not Mark. Maybe my life would have been the fairy tale every little girl dreams about.
“So that’s what I’m working on over here, but until they make a move there isn’t much for us to do but wait.” Grace’s disembodied voice sounded from the speaker in the center of the table calling my attention back to her. “Did anyone have any questions?”
I glanced at Harry who was already looking at me. “I think we’re good. Thank you Grace. It means a lot to me that you would take my case.” I finally said when I realized everyone was waiting on me to speak.
“No problem, Aria. I will do everything in my power to help you keep your son.”
I thanked her, listened to the quick goodbyes and watched as Harry go over what to do when Mark finally did make a move with the lawyers in the room.
As soon as all was settled we were back in his car on our way home, my hand tightly clasped in Harry’s.
Every so often Harry’s eyes would wander towards his phone resting in the center console and when it finally lite up I was thankful we were at a stop as he grabbed it and pulled it up to his ear.
I am ashamed to admit I tried my very best to eavesdrop, however Harry kept the conversation to a ‘yes’ ‘no’ and ‘ok’ before ending it and grinning over at me.
I watched him with questioning eyes as the car began to move with traffic again.
“I have a surprise for you.” He answered my unasked question with his eyes now glued on the road. “I thought it might get your mind off of things.”
Now my curiosity was peaked. “What is it?”
His grin, if possible, grew even more. “If I tell you it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it?”
And I was suddenly reminded of the couple we were before all this started, the happy fun couple, as I feel into Harry’s game.
It accrued to me that he was doing this on purpose, trying to distract me from the many negative forces circling around us like sharks ready for the kill, and as my own smile slid across my lips I realized how much this tiny act made me love him even more.
For that moment I allowed all the worry and fear slip away, for this day I would let Harry remind me what it was like to be ok. And to be honest, I was more than eager to do so.
“Tell me…” I wined bouncing a little in my seat as I shifted around to face him as he drove through the busy streets with a mischievous grin plastered on his famous pink lips.
“No.” He chuckled out.
“Rude.” I pouted.
And so went the game until we pulled up to the gates of his home. Thankfully the photographers where currently preoccupied with a good girl gone wild who was apparently tearing up the town these days. That meant that the once crowed was now narrowed down to one or two stragglers hoping for something exciting.
If only they knew.
It wasn’t hard to let his lively, happy mood infect me as well so when he sent me one last heart stopping wink before turning and exiting his car it was no surprise I was just as quick to meet him in front of the car.
“What the heck is going on Harry?”
He reached for my hand and tugged me towards the front door, swinging our hands back and forth playfully.
“I know how much you’ve been worried about everything going on, and I also know how much going out together on a date with everything else kind of scares you, but I do want to have a proper date with you… so…”
I scrunched my eyebrows at his odd explanation not noticing at first what was behind the door as he opened it.
And when I did look inside the house I had to resist simultaneously laughing and crying at the image.
There stood Louis with Jamie on his hip clapping happily as we entered, both in matching formal wear.
I had never seen anything so adorable in my life, I had no idea tuxes came in that small of a size.
“What the-“
And then Harry’s breathe near my ear, “Just go with it.”
Shifting my eyes back to this wonderful man next to me I could barely contain myself.
Harry’s just smiled shyly at me; apparently his bravado was gone now that his secret was reviled. It was obvious by his quickly tinting cheeks that he was looking for my approval.
Silly boy.
All I could do was reach over and pull him into a kiss that lasted all of half a second before an annoying throat clearing pulled us apart.
Louis raised eyebrow and pursed lips greeted me when I turned back towards him. “There are children in the room.”
I took the few steps forward to reach for Jamie. “I’m sorry Lou, we’ll wait until you leave the room next time.” I said before turning my eyes on my son to coo. “Look at you little man? Don’t you look dashing.”
After kissing my giggling son repeatedly I glanced from Louis to Harry, pointedly eyeing Louis’ clothing choice. “So I’m still a little confused? What’s going on?”
He pushed off of the door he had been leaning on while watching to stand next to me. “We have a date tonight and like I said before, I thought it would help take your mind off of everything.” His smile fell slightly but returned full force as he continued. “And since I can’t take you out to a restaurant, I brought the restaurant to you. I asked the boys to help me out.” He nodded towards Louis who beamed at me in return.
“When in the world did you even have time to come up with this?” As far as I was aware, whenever Harry wasn’t at home he was in the studio with the boys, hardly the ideal time to plan all of this.
“We planned the whole thing during recording this morning. You were so stressed about the meeting when I left. And since it was such short notice the only help I could get was…” He nodded towards Louis who preened under our attention.
Louis took a half step forward to grab and smiled smugly at me. “It was my idea.”
I raised my eyebrow at him before turning to Harry who was glaring at his friend. “I’m sorry in advance for not being able to get anyone else.”
A scoffed from Louis had me smirking at the both of them. It was sweet, not only of Harry to do this but of the boys, who I was curious to find out what they were up to, to play along.
“Monsieur, mademoiselle.” Louis said smoothly while making a grand gesture for us to follow his lead.
I glanced at Harry out of the corner of my eye and he just shrugged before placing his hand on the small of my back.
We followed Louis all through the house and right out into Harry’s back yard.
Tiny little lights, everywhere. In the trees that lined Harry’s massive backyard, in the bushes, everywhere and with the sun setting in the background it made everything look surreal.
And in the center of all the lights sat a table set for two and a beaming little girl with the prettiest little dress bouncing beside her Uncle Liam in his own formal attire and a tray held up in his hand like any good waiter.
“You’re table.” Louis swept his arm out dramatically and queued Darcy to skip up to us and right into her father’s waiting arms.
“Aria!”
I’m not sure what it was exactly, whether it was the thought Harry put into this, the fact that the boys readily agreed even thought I was sure they had a million other things they could be doing, or the fact that he knew it would make this a million times better to have both our babies here, but without warning tears welled up in my eyes.
The sad thing was that I had been crying so much these last couple of days that I didn’t even notice until Harry reached over and wiped the moister away with his thumb.
“None of that tonight. Come on lets sit.” He instructed.
“Daddy, Aria… I made cookies!” Darcy giddily informed as soon as we were both seated.
Liam lowered the tray to the table with a flourish and although the sugar cookies were misshapen and slightly under cooked, they were the most perfect cookies I have ever received.
And I made sure to tell her just that. The proud smile I got as a reward was even better than the cookies.
We sat like that for a bit listening to Darcy as she bouncing about in front of us and Jamie watching her happily. Louis had since disappeared into the house and Liam stood off to the side where Niall had just appeared with a guitar in hand that he softly began to strum until music filled the air.
They really had thought of everything, I thought looking over at Harry who had already been looking at me.
“-and Uncle Zayn just has to put out the fire and then-“ Liam rushed towards the little girl and gently placed his hand over Darcy’s mouth cutting her off and grinned nervously.
“Darcy love, why don’t we go get them some water, yeah?” Darcy quickly agreed by nodding her head furiously and Liam leaned over to pick up Jamie. “I’ll just take this little guy so you tow can have a moment.”
I was too concerned with Darcy’s words to stop him as he did so and rushed inside behind the younger girl.
My wide eyes turned back towards Harry who looked much too relaxed for what we just heard.
“Harry! There is a fire!” I looked back towards the door half expecting smoke to billow out.
Harry sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Yea, when they’re in the kitchen it tends to happen.”
“Should they be cooking then?” I asked worriedly.
“Probably not, that’s why they only had to heat up what I already prepared.”
All I could do was gape at him, and also wonder how they managed a fire by reheating.
“You’re not worried?” I asked one more time just to check.
“Nope. Niall’s out here, he’s the real danger.” Behind him Niall narrowed his eyes but continued to play the soft music on his guitar.
And so I let it go.
“Harry this is just…” I glanced around the yard and shook my head. “I can’t believe you did this. I can’t believe they are going along with this.”
Harry laughed, his foot reaching out to nudge against mine under the table which I instinctually hooked around his. “I wanted to see you smile. And so did they.”
So smile I did, so much that I thought my face would split in half.
How on earth did I get so lucky?
Not at all for the first time I was in awe of Harry. He was just so wonderful and just… too much.
And I was going to tell him just that when the sound of the buzzer for the front gate over powered even Niall’s lovely melody, calling my attention away from the beautiful man in front of me.
“I’ve got it.” Louis’ voice could be heard making it’s way farther into the house.
When I looked at Harry, his furrowed brow and concerned look let me know this wasn’t part of his plan for the night and a split second later Louis’ voice let me know his thoughtful date night was over.
“Harry, Aria.”
And just like that, both of us were standing beside Louis looking at the man on the other side of the door.
“Aria Reid?”
I glanced at Louis and Harry before looking back at the guy just standing there. “Yes.”
“Sign here please.” He said in a board tone holding out one of those electronic signature clipboards.
I couldn’t help hesitating a split second to just stare at it before complying.
“This is for you.” And a heavy manila envelope was thrust in my hands.
Without another word or even a spared glance he was gone and I was left standing there in between Louis and Harry feeling the other’s eyes burning into my back as I stared dumbly at the envelope.
I knew.
I knew what was in it without even having to look so when I did pull out the legal papers I expected I wasn’t expecting my heart to sink the way it did.
I knew it was coming, I just wasn’t ready for it to be reality just yet.
“What is it?” Zayn’s voice sounded from behind me and I was vaguely aware of Louis turning to shush him.
Harry reacted to my slight tremble though reaching over to pull me close but before he did I managed to answer Zayn.
“Mark is suing me for custody of Jamie.”
Although she was still in the states she insisted on a conference call with us that Harry’s lawyers graciously offered their offices for.
As it turned out, Grace MacDemera was my best hope at keeping my son.
Grace had called us yesterday to introduce herself and let us know that she was already working on this even though Mark hadn’t officially asked for custody. She told us that she was very familiar with the law and that she also happened to be very familiar with the Winston family.
Her tone made me think she had seen the same side of them that I had.
Now I was sitting here beside Harry who had my hand firmly in his since we walked through the door, listening to her explain to us the way everything is going to work once things get set in motion. Her clear view on things made me feel a bit better.
Harry’s firm resolve on this also helped more than he would ever know.
Ever since Jamie had called him dada for the first time, something that he had been saying quite a bit of lately, Harry had taken on this whole new level of protector. He had also taken to referring to Jamie as ours.
It was something I wasn’t sure he was completely aware of doing but that made my heart swell and for the first time in weeks I felt the weight on my shoulders lift slightly.
I loved Harry and if we could get through this unscathed, we were already heading in the right direction to becoming the little family both of us want and that both of our children need.
Not for the first time I wondered why I hadn’t met him sooner.
Why didn’t I find this man first?
Maybe if I had he would have been Jamie’s real daddy and not Mark. Maybe my life would have been the fairy tale every little girl dreams about.
“So that’s what I’m working on over here, but until they make a move there isn’t much for us to do but wait.” Grace’s disembodied voice sounded from the speaker in the center of the table calling my attention back to her. “Did anyone have any questions?”
I glanced at Harry who was already looking at me. “I think we’re good. Thank you Grace. It means a lot to me that you would take my case.” I finally said when I realized everyone was waiting on me to speak.
“No problem, Aria. I will do everything in my power to help you keep your son.”
I thanked her, listened to the quick goodbyes and watched as Harry go over what to do when Mark finally did make a move with the lawyers in the room.
As soon as all was settled we were back in his car on our way home, my hand tightly clasped in Harry’s.
Every so often Harry’s eyes would wander towards his phone resting in the center console and when it finally lite up I was thankful we were at a stop as he grabbed it and pulled it up to his ear.
I am ashamed to admit I tried my very best to eavesdrop, however Harry kept the conversation to a ‘yes’ ‘no’ and ‘ok’ before ending it and grinning over at me.
I watched him with questioning eyes as the car began to move with traffic again.
“I have a surprise for you.” He answered my unasked question with his eyes now glued on the road. “I thought it might get your mind off of things.”
Now my curiosity was peaked. “What is it?”
His grin, if possible, grew even more. “If I tell you it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it?”
And I was suddenly reminded of the couple we were before all this started, the happy fun couple, as I feel into Harry’s game.
It accrued to me that he was doing this on purpose, trying to distract me from the many negative forces circling around us like sharks ready for the kill, and as my own smile slid across my lips I realized how much this tiny act made me love him even more.
For that moment I allowed all the worry and fear slip away, for this day I would let Harry remind me what it was like to be ok. And to be honest, I was more than eager to do so.
“Tell me…” I wined bouncing a little in my seat as I shifted around to face him as he drove through the busy streets with a mischievous grin plastered on his famous pink lips.
“No.” He chuckled out.
“Rude.” I pouted.
And so went the game until we pulled up to the gates of his home. Thankfully the photographers where currently preoccupied with a good girl gone wild who was apparently tearing up the town these days. That meant that the once crowed was now narrowed down to one or two stragglers hoping for something exciting.
If only they knew.
It wasn’t hard to let his lively, happy mood infect me as well so when he sent me one last heart stopping wink before turning and exiting his car it was no surprise I was just as quick to meet him in front of the car.
“What the heck is going on Harry?”
He reached for my hand and tugged me towards the front door, swinging our hands back and forth playfully.
“I know how much you’ve been worried about everything going on, and I also know how much going out together on a date with everything else kind of scares you, but I do want to have a proper date with you… so…”
I scrunched my eyebrows at his odd explanation not noticing at first what was behind the door as he opened it.
And when I did look inside the house I had to resist simultaneously laughing and crying at the image.
There stood Louis with Jamie on his hip clapping happily as we entered, both in matching formal wear.
I had never seen anything so adorable in my life, I had no idea tuxes came in that small of a size.
“What the-“
And then Harry’s breathe near my ear, “Just go with it.”
Shifting my eyes back to this wonderful man next to me I could barely contain myself.
Harry’s just smiled shyly at me; apparently his bravado was gone now that his secret was reviled. It was obvious by his quickly tinting cheeks that he was looking for my approval.
Silly boy.
All I could do was reach over and pull him into a kiss that lasted all of half a second before an annoying throat clearing pulled us apart.
Louis raised eyebrow and pursed lips greeted me when I turned back towards him. “There are children in the room.”
I took the few steps forward to reach for Jamie. “I’m sorry Lou, we’ll wait until you leave the room next time.” I said before turning my eyes on my son to coo. “Look at you little man? Don’t you look dashing.”
After kissing my giggling son repeatedly I glanced from Louis to Harry, pointedly eyeing Louis’ clothing choice. “So I’m still a little confused? What’s going on?”
He pushed off of the door he had been leaning on while watching to stand next to me. “We have a date tonight and like I said before, I thought it would help take your mind off of everything.” His smile fell slightly but returned full force as he continued. “And since I can’t take you out to a restaurant, I brought the restaurant to you. I asked the boys to help me out.” He nodded towards Louis who beamed at me in return.
“When in the world did you even have time to come up with this?” As far as I was aware, whenever Harry wasn’t at home he was in the studio with the boys, hardly the ideal time to plan all of this.
“We planned the whole thing during recording this morning. You were so stressed about the meeting when I left. And since it was such short notice the only help I could get was…” He nodded towards Louis who preened under our attention.
Louis took a half step forward to grab and smiled smugly at me. “It was my idea.”
I raised my eyebrow at him before turning to Harry who was glaring at his friend. “I’m sorry in advance for not being able to get anyone else.”
A scoffed from Louis had me smirking at the both of them. It was sweet, not only of Harry to do this but of the boys, who I was curious to find out what they were up to, to play along.
“Monsieur, mademoiselle.” Louis said smoothly while making a grand gesture for us to follow his lead.
I glanced at Harry out of the corner of my eye and he just shrugged before placing his hand on the small of my back.
We followed Louis all through the house and right out into Harry’s back yard.
Tiny little lights, everywhere. In the trees that lined Harry’s massive backyard, in the bushes, everywhere and with the sun setting in the background it made everything look surreal.
And in the center of all the lights sat a table set for two and a beaming little girl with the prettiest little dress bouncing beside her Uncle Liam in his own formal attire and a tray held up in his hand like any good waiter.
“You’re table.” Louis swept his arm out dramatically and queued Darcy to skip up to us and right into her father’s waiting arms.
“Aria!”
I’m not sure what it was exactly, whether it was the thought Harry put into this, the fact that the boys readily agreed even thought I was sure they had a million other things they could be doing, or the fact that he knew it would make this a million times better to have both our babies here, but without warning tears welled up in my eyes.
The sad thing was that I had been crying so much these last couple of days that I didn’t even notice until Harry reached over and wiped the moister away with his thumb.
“None of that tonight. Come on lets sit.” He instructed.
“Daddy, Aria… I made cookies!” Darcy giddily informed as soon as we were both seated.
Liam lowered the tray to the table with a flourish and although the sugar cookies were misshapen and slightly under cooked, they were the most perfect cookies I have ever received.
And I made sure to tell her just that. The proud smile I got as a reward was even better than the cookies.
We sat like that for a bit listening to Darcy as she bouncing about in front of us and Jamie watching her happily. Louis had since disappeared into the house and Liam stood off to the side where Niall had just appeared with a guitar in hand that he softly began to strum until music filled the air.
They really had thought of everything, I thought looking over at Harry who had already been looking at me.
“-and Uncle Zayn just has to put out the fire and then-“ Liam rushed towards the little girl and gently placed his hand over Darcy’s mouth cutting her off and grinned nervously.
“Darcy love, why don’t we go get them some water, yeah?” Darcy quickly agreed by nodding her head furiously and Liam leaned over to pick up Jamie. “I’ll just take this little guy so you tow can have a moment.”
I was too concerned with Darcy’s words to stop him as he did so and rushed inside behind the younger girl.
My wide eyes turned back towards Harry who looked much too relaxed for what we just heard.
“Harry! There is a fire!” I looked back towards the door half expecting smoke to billow out.
Harry sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Yea, when they’re in the kitchen it tends to happen.”
“Should they be cooking then?” I asked worriedly.
“Probably not, that’s why they only had to heat up what I already prepared.”
All I could do was gape at him, and also wonder how they managed a fire by reheating.
“You’re not worried?” I asked one more time just to check.
“Nope. Niall’s out here, he’s the real danger.” Behind him Niall narrowed his eyes but continued to play the soft music on his guitar.
And so I let it go.
“Harry this is just…” I glanced around the yard and shook my head. “I can’t believe you did this. I can’t believe they are going along with this.”
Harry laughed, his foot reaching out to nudge against mine under the table which I instinctually hooked around his. “I wanted to see you smile. And so did they.”
So smile I did, so much that I thought my face would split in half.
How on earth did I get so lucky?
Not at all for the first time I was in awe of Harry. He was just so wonderful and just… too much.
And I was going to tell him just that when the sound of the buzzer for the front gate over powered even Niall’s lovely melody, calling my attention away from the beautiful man in front of me.
“I’ve got it.” Louis’ voice could be heard making it’s way farther into the house.
When I looked at Harry, his furrowed brow and concerned look let me know this wasn’t part of his plan for the night and a split second later Louis’ voice let me know his thoughtful date night was over.
“Harry, Aria.”
And just like that, both of us were standing beside Louis looking at the man on the other side of the door.
“Aria Reid?”
I glanced at Louis and Harry before looking back at the guy just standing there. “Yes.”
“Sign here please.” He said in a board tone holding out one of those electronic signature clipboards.
I couldn’t help hesitating a split second to just stare at it before complying.
“This is for you.” And a heavy manila envelope was thrust in my hands.
Without another word or even a spared glance he was gone and I was left standing there in between Louis and Harry feeling the other’s eyes burning into my back as I stared dumbly at the envelope.
I knew.
I knew what was in it without even having to look so when I did pull out the legal papers I expected I wasn’t expecting my heart to sink the way it did.
I knew it was coming, I just wasn’t ready for it to be reality just yet.
“What is it?” Zayn’s voice sounded from behind me and I was vaguely aware of Louis turning to shush him.
Harry reacted to my slight tremble though reaching over to pull me close but before he did I managed to answer Zayn.
“Mark is suing me for custody of Jamie.”
Notes
Hello!!Please don’t kill me. I am such a slacker and I know it and you guys probably all hate me. I have just had such bad writers block. Also I had two different people plagiarize two different stories of mine so that kinda doesn’t exactly motivate me either.
I have literally tried to write this chapter about a million and one times, I even had most of this chapter written before I posted last chapter… I just couldn’t finish it.
Till now. I still don’t really love it and it is super cliché to me but I hope you guys like it, even a little. I am so over this chapter that I hardly even edited it, so forgive my mistakes.
I will also be replying to your reviews. It may take me a minute but I like to review EVERYONE’s reviews so I’ll get on that.
REALLY JUST SORRY.
Um follow me on tumblr (which I have also been slacking on) slushibubblesfics.tumblr.com
And also my new obsession on tumblr (which might not always be healthy) is the real1dffconfessions.tumblr.com aside from some of the drama on there I do like some of the confessions. Check it out if you want.
Anyway enjoy, please review and I AM SO SORRY!!!
Love you kiddies.
PS…. STORY OF MY LIFE YOU GUYS!!!!
YOOO!!! IF YOU DONT UPDATE I SWEAR...
9/3/16