Protect You, Protect Me
I'll Be There
Whoever said those three weeks would fly needed to be punched. It did the exactly opposite for Gray, the days dragged on so slowly she almost thought about flying out early. The only thing that stopped her was the insane price of tickets. Liam paid for hers already, much to her dismay but there was nothing she could do about it. It was quite possible that protective Liam was back. They talked on the phone almost every night about nothing. It almost felt like they were a brand new couple again. Getting all mixed up and nervous when one of them called and their hearts fluttered when it was time to hang up. The boys were in the process of recording their next album and Gray was thankful she would be in a real home there and not in another hotel. She left in thirteen hours and it couldn’t go by any faster.
“Gray? Gray where are you,” her mom yelled up the stairs.
“In my room!” She was attempting to pack her bags for the fifth time. It was mostly due to nerves and the uncertainty of her trip. Her mom came walking in.
“My god talk about a mess,” she laughed. There were clothes, shoes and everything else you could possibly imagine scattered around her room. Gray didn’t realize how bad it was until now.
“I’ll clean this up when I’m done,” she blushed. Gloria laughed and sat on the very small amount of empty space on her bed. Gray went back to rolling her clothes and shoving them into her suitcase.
“Listen, the girls aren’t very happy you are leaving without them again. Do you mind finding a ride to the airport tomorrow? I think we are going to head out for a little girl’s trip tonight,” Gloria told her. It made Gray feel sad right away. She had been neglecting her sisters more then she liked lately. They used to be so close, but with everything that has happened with Liam over these months, her time was limited with them.
“I’m okay with that, I hope they feel better about it. Man now you made me sad. Where are they?” Gray was going to go apologize them now; she didn’t want to be known as the mean sister.
“No no, it’s not necessary, besides it will probably just make them madder. I’ll send your love. You be safe tomorrow, ok? Let me know when you get there safely and don’t make me call Karen asking.” Gray rolled her eyes. She had come to terms with their two families talking more than ever now. It was kind of cute.
“You guys have fun then,” Gray told her. Gloria stood up giving her a quick hug.
“You too love, be smart.” Gloria pinched her nose before walking out. Gray heard the family van roar out of the parking lot, leaving her all alone. What was she supposed to do with herself until tomorrow? Gray dug her phone out of the clothes pile in her bed and texted Liam
Me: Home alone until I leave tomorrow. Keep me busy :D
Fifteen minutes went by without him bugging her back, that wasn’t like him at all. She was tempted to call him, but the last thing she wanted was to bug him if they were in the studio. Gray went back to packing her suitcase and trying to keep her mind off the long plane ride she would have to endure.
----
Four in the morning came way too early. Gray spent the rest of the day yesterday trying to find anything to do. She cleaned the kitchen, both bathrooms and dusted the entire living room before falling asleep in the den. Liam texted her around midnight to apologize for not getting back to her sooner. Apparently they were in the studio the whole time and weren’t able to talk.
Now, Gray wished he would of given her a later flight. Morning was never her time of day. Equipped with a to-go cup of coffee, she waited outside her dark house for the cab.
“You Gray,” the man asked, pulling into her driveway.
“That’s me.” Gray climbed into the back of the cab while he put her bags into the trunk. She rested her head against the window wishing for sleep. It was typically a thirty minute drive to the airport, but she hoped with it being so early, the time would go faster.
“Going on vacation,” the driver asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Something like that, visiting family,” she smiled just thinking of them all.
“Wait, I know you. Gray, that girl who dated that one guy.” Gray laughed, it was a vague way to put it.
“I assume you have daughters,” she asked him.
“Two, eleven and fifteen. I remember them talking about you, something about tomatoes?” Gray blushed, this was too early to have the talk about her produce disaster.
“You are correct, couple of tomatoes were thrown at me.” It was too early to talk about that right now.
“Are you visiting him, what’s his name,” the guys asked. Gray secretly wished he would stop talking right now.
“Liam, and yes. I am visiting them all.” He thankfully didn’t ask anything else letting Gray go back to her thoughts.
“We are here.” The driver pulled her up into the drop off zone and gathered her bags out of the car.
“Come here,” she told them. Gray quickly snapped a photo of them and posted it to her Instagram and Twitter.
@Gramayonnaise: Best driver in the state of Illinois.
“Tell your daughters to look for that, and to call you the best dad ever,” she joked. Gray grabbed her bags and paid him before heading into the check in. She checked in, making the way through the long line at TSA before sitting down at her gate. She pulled out her phone to text Liam, it was already close to noon in the UK so he best be awake.
Me: I’m ready to go. Remind to hurt you the next time you schedule such an early flight.
Liam: Sorry love, had to see you as soon as I could.
Gray rolled her eyes at the phone, he was so cute yet annoying. She plugged in her earbuds and waited.
----
Finally, she was in London! It only took her missing her first connecting flight to get there. She practically had a mental breakdown at JFK when she realized she missed it by fifteen minutes. Luckily the desk girl there took pity on her, getting her on another plane eight hours later. She wondered if it was God’s mean way of making her wait longer. Sitting in an airport for eight hours really was a sick joke. She walked the halls, drank some liquor and coffee but eventually found a place to sleep in a corner until her flight was called.
Now, she was in London! The excitement hit her, every part of her body felt like even though she probably looked like shit right now. Liam told her last night that his mom was picking her up. It made her feel somewhat nervous, but Karen seemed to like her most days. Now if she could just get through the car ride with her, an hour alone was a bit daunting.
“Gray,” she heard her name. Gray spun around to see Karen by baggage claim. Gray hurried over to her giving her a hug.
“You look so different,” Karen gushed. Gray chopped her hair off again, going even shorter than before. She didn’t tell Liam yet, he needed a bit of a surprise.
“Thank you! I have missed you a lot! Sorry you had to get up so early to get me though,” Gray said, blushing.
“Nonsense. Five in the morning is plenty of time to enjoy the day. You ready?” Gray nodded following her to the spindle for her bags.
“I am happy to have you here. You can get my son off my back now, you never told me how annoying he could be.” Gray snorted at Karen’s comments. She knew there was a reason she liked her so much. The bags started spitting out and luckily Gray’s was right in the beginning.
“Okay all set,” she announced. Karen looked at her funny.
“Only one bag?” Gray shrugged, she was a good packer.
“Alright dear, let’s get a move on. My phone has already gone off twice,” Karen told her, rolling her eyes. They headed down the long hallways and throughout the airport until arriving in the parking lot. Gray threw her bag in the bag and climbed into the passenger seat. She threw her hands up, trying to block a yawn.
“Tired,” Karen asked, pulling out of the spot.
“Gosh yes, sleeping on the airport floor sucked,” She shuddered at the thought. Way too many germs down there. Karen laughed.
“Well if you are lucky you can catch a nap. We can send Liam out for a while,” she explained. Gray secretly hoped he would join her. It had been too many weeks without feeling his arms around her. They jumped on the highway and headed to Karen’s home.
“Liam spoke to me about everything that happened at Mila’s wedding,” Karen started. Gray knew this conversation was coming.
“Oh.”
“He is my baby, of course. I am just glad you two figured things out finally. It had been a long seven months,” Karen sighed.
“I agree.” Gray was unsure on what else to say.
“Do you think you will stay together now? And not break up plenty more times?” Gray could hear the animosity build in Karen’s voice. It made her nervous, her hands starting to rub together.
“That is what I would like. I think things will go better now without any tours to deal with. Other then the long distance travel, that could be our only issue,” Gray honestly told her.
“Nonsense. He will come see you often, you know him,” Karen smiled, trying to make her feel better.
“I’m sorry if I ever doubted you or made you upset,” Gray told her, still staring out the window. She felt Karen grab her hand.
“Dear, you never made me mad. Annoyed would be a good choice of words, but never mad. I know you and Liam had your issues, that was a given, but I was always on your side. I knew he would pick you back up again. I’ve always imagined you as my daughter in law,” Karen kindly said. The words made Gray blush. Daughter in law. Whoa.
“I do love you as much as I love all my children. Always dear.”
----
They pulled up to the Payne house and hour later making Gray feel anxious. Liam didn’t text her once since she landed making her wonder what was up his sleeve. They both got of the car, Gray grabbed her bags and followed Karen inside.
“Hellooo,” Karen announced walking in. The whole house was quiet. Very weird. Karen walked through, heading to the kitchen.
“Gray dear, he left a note.” Gray sat her bags down and walked in. His handwriting was clear as day on the piece of paper.
Had an errand to run, be back soon. Liam
“That boy has the fanciest phone I have ever seen and yet he can’t text us.” Karen looked annoyed causing Gray to laugh.
“Well, if you would like to catch a nap you are more than welcomed to. Either the guest room or Liam’s room are up for grabs. His is the last one the left.” She didn’t even feel the need to tell Gray where the spare was, it was given on where she was going.
“Thank you,” Gray told her heading up the stairs. She found his room effortlessly and walked in. It smelled like Liam immediately and it looked like he cleaned for her. She left her purse and bag by the door and shut it, stripping off her sweater and pants. Hopefully Karen didn’t walk in, but she just couldn’t sleep in those clothes anymore. Gray went digging in his drawers finding a simple white shirt and a pair of his boxers to put on. She pulled back the covers and jumped in. Her whole body sighed in relief. Thank God for a bed. Gray quickly held her phone up and snapped a picture. She looked like a complete goof in it, but Liam would enjoy it. She got the photo ready to send and typed out a note
Me: Comfy bed jailbait.
Gray shipped out the text and put her phone back on silent. She knew he would be here soon anyway.
----
Gray woke up to something tickling her nose, it smelled like flowers, definitely flowers. She opened her eyes to see Liam laying on his side staring back at her. A beautiful bouquet of light pink carnations where in the middle of them.
"Hi love," she whispered, not fully awake yet. Liam reached over and locked her fingers with her.
"Hi baby." He smiled that sweet smile at her, making her heart skip a beat. Waiting three weeks was it for worth that. Gray pulled her hand away to check out her flowers, they were beautiful.
"Thank you love." She rolled over to the other side and sat them up straight on his night stand. When she rolled back over to face him, Liam had moved make there no space between them. He kissed her without giving her a chance to say anything else. Gray melted into his arms letting him take her away with his lips. Her arms rested on his shoulders trying to not let him go.
"Welcome to England," Liam joked, pulling away from her. Gray snuggled in closer to him inhaling his smell. He was every bit of amazing to Gray.
"Can we just stay here all day," she moaned not wanting to leave his arms. Liam tightened around her more.
"For a while. You need some sleep," he told her. Gray yawned, he was right and she didn't feel the need to go against him there.
"Wait, are you wearing my clothes," he asked, just noticing it. Gray blushed.
"I am. Had to dig through your drawers and make sure you were being a good boy," she giggled. Liam bit his lip and stared at her.
"Go to sleep, I'll get you back for this later." Gray cuddled up into the crook of his neck some more and closed her eyes. Liam rubbed her back and quietly hummed to her. Gray smiled, knowing it was their song, "Us against the World." That song had so many more memories now.
"Catchy tone Mr. Payne," she murmured into his head. He didn't respond, just continued to sing the lyrics softly into her ear. She was sleeping before he even got to the chorus.
----
She woke up hours later alone. The sun still seemed to be out thankfully, she only had a week here and didn't want to sleep the days away. Gray got of bed stripping off his clothes and digging in her bag for something to wear. She pulled out a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater throwing them on and headed out. Voices from downstairs filled the hallways.
"Hello dear," Karen greeted her warmly as she reached the living room. She and Liam were sitting there. Gray smiled, not quite awake yet and sat next to Liam on the small loveseat. Liam grabbed her hand without thinking twice and locked their fingers together.
"Sleep well," he asked her.
"I did thank you." All three sat alone in silence, enjoying the quiet.
"I don't think I am used to this. Usually I have a sister yelling at me or one of the guys driving me nuts,” Gray laughed. The silence actually made her feel uneasy, she wasn’t used to it.
“Oh no worries dear, they will be here soon,” Karen told her. Gray heard Liam mutter something under his breath but she couldn’t make out the words.
“Not happy for that there Liam,” Gray giggled to him. He looked at her face.
“They are taking you shopping.” His eyes rolled.
“Why do I need to go shopping,” she asked, very confused. Taking four guys out shopping was sounding like a lot of work.
“Good question that I am still trying to find the answer too. They need your help finding a gift for my birthday, and I just think they want to harass you some more about us.” Liam looked grumpy. She knew he didn’t want to share her so to speak, but it would be good for him. Besides, she missed those boys too.
“You are leaving me alone with them,” she laughed.
“Nope. Perrie will be there.” Liam knew that would make her happy. Gray gave him a huge smile, excited to see her sister from another mister. Gray gave his hand a squeeze, fighting the urge to jump on him right now in front of Karen. He took way too good care of her.
“Actually, I think they are here right now,” Karen said, peeking out of the window. A large van, just like the one they had last time, pulled up to the house. The boys and Perrie jumped off, heading for the house. Gray saw them too. She quickly jumped up from the couch and ran outside. Perrie and her met in the middle hugging and jumping and screaming.
“I have missed you so much, “Gray gushed to her. They still were hugging each other, but could at least see each other’s faces.
“Indeed! Much too long. Let’s go in and catch up,” Perrie gleamed. They walked inside forgetting about the rest of them. Gray was so excited, it had been far too long since they had time together. Perrie pulled her up the stairs and into the guest bedroom.
“Okay, start spilling,” Perrie said as she flopped on the bed. Gray joined her, sitting on the side.
“What do you want to know?” She knew Perrie would make her rehash everything.
“Lord Gray, Everything! I try to ask Zayn but just give her three sentences about it and calls it even.” Gray smiled, typical guy.
“We spent time together after Mila’s wedding. He actually yelled at me because I wouldn’t confess to us being together.” It was true, he pushed her over the edge and finally got her to fess up to it all.
“So let me keep track of this, you just all of a sudden decided to hang out, after all this time,” Perrie asked.
“Not exactly. We shared a dance at the reception. I stormed out crying like a complete idiot. Now I wish I would of thought about that more. Louis found me outside crying and we talked, he kind of helped me out. I didn’t plan on talking to him that night, honest. I was ready to just walk away. I felt okay with it all. Something triggered in my brain though. I was putting Grace to bed and I imagined me doing that to our kids, mine and Liam’s. It was kind of a mind overload. So I just left and flew up to his room not even thinking. He opened the door looking incredibly hot and I knew it was pretty much all over then.” Gray blushed remembering that night.
“You two drive me nuts. I can barely keep up with you all. Where does this leave you now,” Perrie asked. She had a point, the crap Liam and Gray went through was enough for four relationships.
“Together. Here.”
“When do you leave?” Gray stayed quiet, she didn’t want to think about that yet.
“Week from today, but I don’t want to deal with that yet,” Gray said quietly. Perrie reached over, giving her a quick hug.
“We won’t. We should go shopping, we can talk more about this later.” Perrie jumped up ready to head out the door. She didn’t want to see Gray sad, that is usually when something bad happens.
“You going to help me pick out something for his birthday,” Gray asked quietly as they walked down the stairs. Perrie winked at her, not wanting the boys to hear.
“Alright time to go,” Perrie dictated,” Liam you stay like a good little puppy. Meditate, cook something, relive yourself. We shall be back in a while.” Liam groaned making Gray laugh. He was acting like a child because he didn’t get to go.
“Don’t cry jailbait, I’ll come back,” she whispered, bent down to kiss him. Liam’s hands wrapped behind her head, making her stay there longer. She lightly pushed on his chest, making him let go. Gray winked at him, walking over to join the rest of the group before they headed out.
“Bye puppy,” Harry laughed, running behind the pillow Liam threw connected with his head.
----
“What do you think Gray Goose,” Perrie said, holding up on a light green cocktail dress. She decided Gray needed something new to wear to Liam’s birthday party. She brought a couple of dresses with her, but apparently Perrie the fashionista thought she needed something new. Gray shook her head no at that one.
“Not liking it.”
“Oh my, what about this one!” Perrie held up a lavender short dress that had a lace overlay over the chest creating a peephole and an open lace back. It was pretty, Gray knew that but it wasn’t ‘it’.
“Cute back, but no on that neck. It looks like a dog collar,” she joked. She went back to looking at the rack hoping something would change her eye. A black lacy number was sitting there, making her take a look. When she pulled it off, her breath stopped. Before she even had it on, she knew it was the one.
“Found it,” Gray yelled to Perry as she headed to the dressing room. She pulled off her clothes quickly and slipped on the black number. Everything about it felt right. It was a black satin underneath, resembling a tube top dress stopped about three inches down her thighs. The thick black lace overlay covered down her arms to her elbows and to her collarbones. It traveled down the dress, stopping about two inches lower than the satin. Sophisticated yet extremely sexy.
“Love, where are you, I need to see,” she heard Perrie yell down the dressing room hall. Gray opened the door and stepped out of her to see.
“Shit woman.” Perrie couldn’t stop staring.
“This work?”
“Absolutely. You just need a colored belt to go with it and maybe some drop earrings, but yes, this is a winner,” Perrie said, walking around Gray checking out every part of it.
“Damn Gray, you will do have a tush.” Gray laughed, who knew a dress could show off your butt so much.
They spent the next hour picking out a skinny belt to go along with it, and a pair of very big faux diamond earrings. The only problem left was shoes. God did Gray hate shoes lately.
“Perrie, I’m begging you. Four inch heel is a waste of money, I’ll just take them off thirty minutes later.” Gray couldn’t justify paying $120 American dollars for a pair of shoes she will just hate. It was completely pointless.
“I don’t care Gray, you don’t have a choice,” Perrie told her firmly.
“What’s the big deal on the shoes?” She was tried, hot, and ready to go back to Karen’s house.
“You need to look nice, I would actually like a picture of you all that didn’t include a sweatshirt,” Perrie huffed. They argued for another twenty minutes before Gray finally caved.
“Fine! Fine! You win! I will get the bloody shoes and wear them.” She huffed over to the checkout and paid, only to find Perrie smiling back at her.
“Shut it Pea. Can we be done now?” Gray yawned dramatically hoping she would get her point.
“Soon. What are you buying him?” Gray had been thinking about it their whole shopping trip but nothing was coming to mind. He was the hardest person ever to buy for.
“No freaking clue. You are the shopper, think of something.”
“Love, you know him better than any of us,” Perrie explained to her. It was going to drive her crazy, his party was tomorrow and she had nothing to go by.
“You know you don’t have to buy him anything, find something that would mean a lot to him,” Perrie offered.
“I’ll think about this later, let’s find the boys and get back.” Gray was relieved, she wanted to be back with Liam to be honest. It felt like something was big was happening, like a rumble of thunder before a storm.
----
The group dropped Gray off before heading back to their own areas. It was nice to have them around again, there wasn’t a single moment Gray wasn’t laughing in the car. She loved them so.
“Hello,” Gray asked, walking into the house. Karen walked out of the kitchen giving her a warm smile.
“Hello Gray, Liam had to quick run out again so it’s just you and me.” Gray pouted inside. She only had a week people! A week she wanted to spend with Liam. Right now it felt like she barely saw him.
“Oh, well I’m just going to go drop these off,” she said, motioning to the bags.
“I see Perrie got you shopping,” Karen laughed. Gray rolled her eyes and dropped the bags off before heading back down stairs.
“Karen I was hoping you would help me. I need to find your son something for his birthday.” She still couldn’t think of anything yet.
“I wouldn’t get anything.” Gray looked at her like she had two heads.
“Honest dear, I think just having you here is making him happier then anything you could ever buy him. You have time, if you don’t think of anything for the party you can do it before you go home,” Karen explained to her.
“I cannot do that. That’s just mean. Make him buy the ticket for my butt to get here, let me in his house, celebrate his birthday and not get him anything,” Gray said, her voice raising a little. Karen was making her sound like a gold digger.
“Just go with it Gray, I know what I am talking about. Mom’s always know best. Liam is happy with. He doesn’t need any sort of gadget or object from you to realize that,” Karen tried to assure her. Gray wasn’t convinced. That was not who she is, ever. Even if Karen was right, it wasn’t her choice to make. Gray never wanted to be known as a girl who just lives off other people’s money. This conversation wasn’t sitting right with her, at all.
----
Gray and Liam laid in bed that night. They had a quiet evening in, Karen made dinner and his sisters came over. They were beyond sweet, which didn’t surprise Gray since the Payne family were amazing. Gray still didn’t feel right about not getting him a gift though, it just wasn’t normal.
“Liam?”
“Yes love.” Both of them were laying next to each other on their backs with their hands locked between them.
“Do you think I’m becoming a gold digger?” She felt beyond stupid asking that. It was stupid. She knew who she was, and it was not a gold digger.
“Where is this coming from,” Liam asked her, rolling over to see her face.
“No where. I had a conversation with your mom. I’ve had a hard time finding something for you for your birthday and she told me to not worry and not get you anything, since being here with you was enough. That just feels so wrong Liam,” Gray explained.
“Has this what you have been worrying about all night,” he questioned her sincerely. Liam could tell something was up. She wasn’t her normal self at dinner. Thankfully he knew his family couldn’t see it.
“Yes.” Liam sighed, she had to stop worrying about things so much.
“Love, you don’t have to get me anything for my birthday. You being here is exactly what I wanted.”
“You should exactly like your mother,” Gray groaned.
“Well I am her son, it works out well. I promise you, you don’t have to give me anything,” he honestly told her. Liam pulled her body into his and sighed. She was the love of his life there was nothing that could happen that would change that.
“You shouldn’t shave, I like you scruffy,” she said running her fingers over his jaw.
“I’m your rugged man,” he joked, nipping one of her fingers.
“You know this conversation about your birthday is not over,” Gray warned resting her hand on his chest. He could put her to sleep so easily, like a built in teddy bear.
“I know, I’ll check up with you on that in the morning,” Liam yawned, closing his eyes.
----
“Gray, love wake up,” Liam whispered to her. She opened her eyes very slowly to see him sitting on the edge of the bed next to her, dressed for the day.
“What time is it,” she yawned. It still looked dark outside.
“5:20. Come on, we have some place to be.” Gray groaned. They never talked about waking up on the butt crack of dawn last night. She sat up, her eyes still closed and threw her feet on the floor.
“Jailbait, it’s too early for this crap.” Liam pulled her up and threw a sweatshirt over her body.
“I know, but I found a birthday present you can give me. Come on now, be quite quiet I don’t need my parents waking up.” Gray followed him out into the darkened hallway and quietly went down the stairs. He grabbed her hand leading her through the sliding glass door in the back of the house.
“Liam, what are we doing,” she asked curiously. He didn’t answer, just continued to drag her through the backyard and up a small hill. Liam spreaded out a blanket and sat down.
“Come sit,” he said, patting the ground in front of him. Gray looked at him with wide eyes, but followed orders. He wrapped his arms around her body, making her head rest by the crook of his neck.
“Is this where you kill me and not tell anyone,” she joked. It was weird, sitting out in the barely bright sky in the middle of the morning.
“Yes love, be prepared to die,” he deadpanned. Gray locked her fingers on top of his, enjoying their calm moment.
“Sometimes when I need to think I come up here. When we weren’t together I was up here a lot. It became my sanctuary. I could think about all the amazing moments with you without having someone ask me what was wrong or why I was so upset. Like a backwards happy place.” Gray stayed quiet, listening to him talking so freely.
“Is that why we are here?” She asked him. Liam looked at his watch.
“We are here to start my birthday together. You are the first person I think about when I wake, and the last when I go to sleep whether you are around me or not. My favorite person, on my favorite place.” Slowly, in front of them the sun began to rise lightening up their faces. Gray never actually sat through and watched then sun come up before. It was magical. The orange rays shot through the sky like something out of a fairy tale. She slowly took in a breath, trying to remember it all. They sat together quietly throughout the whole rise, not feeling the need to speak. There was no point.
“I want to start every day with you,” he whispered in her ear. Gray closed her eyes and sunk into his body more. It made her want to cry.
“This is your present to me. Being here, watching the best sunrise a man could ever ask for,” Liam told her. Gray turned her head to try and see his face.
“Happy Birthday my love,” she whispered to him. Liam kissed her, letting them enjoy the moment. Gray let go, turning back to stare at the sky before them. She knew right then, this was it. There was no other place she ever wanted to go back to.
----
They left an hour later to go back up to bed and sleep some more. Liam’s party was tonight and Gray knew it quite possibly be an all nighter. Sleep was essential at this point. They got up around noon to start the day again and for Gray, the point of getting ready.
“Anyone mind if I use the shower,” she asked, putting her breakfast plate into the sink. She needed to get a move on. Beauty is a long process.
“Nope, enjoy,” Liam smirked at her while he drank his orange juice.
“Where are we going tonight?” NO one had filled her in yet on what was going on.
“Dinner. Mum rented out a nice little restaurant for all of us.” Gray knew that look on his face, he wasn’t telling her something.
“Spit it out jailbait,” she muttered.
“Honest. This way we won’t be bothered, and I heard they have some lovely pasta,” he told her. That part was true.
“Whatever you say.” She quickly kissed him before heading up the stairs and into the bathroom. The warm water hit her body, making her smile. It reminded her of the morning they had together watching the sunrise. It was such a simple act but so powerful to her. It was their moment to be completely exposed to each other, knowing that the other person loved them entirely. She did, she loved him completely. More than the last time they were together, this time she didn’t have to worry about what would happen to them. Team Gram would be forever.
Gray got out of the shower throwing some sweats back on before she had to worry about putting her dress on. Her short hair didn’t give her a lot of possibilities but she made a small French braid along her hair line and let the rest stick straight. She put on a bit of makeup and called it good. She found Liam sitting on his bed, tapping away on his phone when she walked in.
“Question for you,” Gray said, sitting the door. Liam quickly threw his phone on the dresser and turned his attention to her.
“Can I have my bracelet back,” she asked quietly. A small look of fear came over his face. It left as quickly as it came.
“Love, I think we should talk about that later,” Liam told her, matching her tone. Gray felt like she was just hit with a purse filled with bricks. They finally were there, that that point in their relationship, and he stopped her.
“What,” Gray barely breathed out. This couldn’t be happening right now.
“Let’s get through tonight and I’ll give it to you when we get home.” Liam abruptly stood up, giving her a kiss before opening the door back up.
“I’m going to shower.” He ran off before she even had a chance to think. What the hell just happened? This wasn’t how it played out in her head. She figured he would gratefully hand it back to her, positioning it on her wrist and having a nice speech going with it. They would both cry, make out and possibly have some more fun things after. Not him running like she was on fire when he asked her. Gray walked over to her phone, needing support from anyone.
“Pea?” She sobbed out when Perrie answered.
“Love? You ok?”
“No. That jackass completely turned me down like I was a piece of dust,” she yelled. Now Gray was just pissed, he needed to explain this one to her.
“Wait, Gray what are you talking about?” Perrie was beyond confused. Gray called her crying and now a split second she was fuming with anger.
“I asked Liam, very nicely for my bracelet back after went spent and amazing morning together and he said no. That ‘we will talk about it when we get home’.” Gray raged on, during a very bad impersonation of English accent.
“Oh Gray, I’m sure he has reasoning,” Perrie tried to calm her down.
“Please. Other than making me look like a gigantic ass?” Gray paced the room trying to calm herself down. She was trying so hard and to go just with Liam, not to think but those plans just died. He brought his on himself.
“I’m sorry love, I have to go. We can talk about this tonight, ok? I’m sure he has a reason,” Perrie quickly told her before hanging up on her. Gray was shocked. She looked at her phone making sure it was right. Perrie just hung up on her. What is with this country? She quickly called Gloria, just for anyone to listen to her, but that went to voicemail too.
“Fuck this,” she yelled, throwing her phone on the bed. Gray quickly threw on the black lace dress, now wishing she wouldn’t have bought it. That little dick didn’t deserve her looking and fresh and new. She flew downstairs, heading to the quiet den to get away from everyone. Right now, mindless TV until she had to go did the trick.
----
Liam came into the room looking clean and very hot, but Gray refused to even acknowledge that. She continued to watch her TV show; even though they talked so fast she couldn’t even understand them. Liam sat down next to her, but not too close, giving her some room.
“You ready,” he asked quietly. Gray shook her head, she couldn’t find anything nice to say at this point. They walked back to the front of the house only to find it empty.
“Where is your mum,” she asked, not even hearing anyone leave.
“She needed to go pick up some new shoes, hers broke,” Liam quickly said. Gray shrugged, grabbing her purse and heading out the door. He quickly grabbed her elbow, pulling her back into him. Gray felt her knees go weak. He smelled amazing, more than usual.
“Don’t be mad at me,” he whispered, staring into her eyes. Gray didn’t want to look away.
“Don’t be such a jerk,” she muttered back. Liam reached down, gently placing his lips on hers. God she wanted to fight him so bad, to prove a point but there was no hope. He always kissed in a way that it wiped any bad feelings she had away.
“I promise you will get it back,” he told her. Gray wondered if she should even believe that. He didn’t have a good streak going. Liam grabbed her hand, pulling her outside and to the car.
“You are driving,” she questioned not remembering the last time that happened.
“Sure am. I hope you are insured.” Liam winked at her, climbing into the driver seat. They had about a thirty minute drive to go, and Gray stayed quiet for the most of the time just looking at the scenery out the window.
“Who is all coming,” she asked.
“You me, everyone else,” Liam joked. Gray gave him a look, he sure was a spitball today.
“Not helpful jailbait,” she moaned.
“Just the usual. You me, the boys, Perrie, my mum.” Gray sighed; she really didn’t feel the need to impress right now.
----
They pulled up the restaurant thirty minutes later to find the seats deserted. Something was amiss. Liam couldn’t go anywhere without some sort of camera or paparazzi following him. Liam parked the car on the side of the building and jumped out to open her door.
“Where are all the cameras,” she asked looking around for to pop out of the bushes.
“I worked some magic. One harmless tweet send saying I was enjoying my birthday in London,” Liam informed her.
“Does that really work,” she laughed having a hard time believing it.
“Here and there, let’s go.” Liam opened the door for her, letting her walk in first. She opened the next set of doors that go into the restaurant, only to stop in her tracks. The entire main room of the restaurant was empty, but covered in candles. Every inch had small candles lit, letting tiny flames dance around the room. The back was dark and the loft area too, making Gray they were the only ones there. She turned around to see Liam staring at her smiling.
“Look familiar,” he asked. Gray spun back around again, making sure she saw it right. It was just like their first dinner together, but just a bigger space. Tears spun in her eyes. Here she was being a bitch to him, and he set this all up for her.
“Come over here.” Liam took her hand and led her to a small round table in the middle of the room.
“I haven’t told you yet, but you look amazing in that dress,” he whispered to her. She blushed, thankful at this point that no one else had arrived yet. Gray sat down, continuing to stare at him.
“Thanks for not shaving,” she laughed.
“I do what I need to please my girl.” Liam poured them both a glass of wine before handing it to her.
“Happy Birthday Liam,” she gleamed, giving his glass a cheer. Liam took a drink, before pulling a large bag out from beneath the tablecloth.
“I know it’s my birthday, but I have something to give you,” he whispered. His voice was shaky from nerves. Gray wondered what he was up to.
“Liam, it’s not my birthday,” she groaned. Gold digger, party of one.
“I know, and I technically didn’t buy it, so it’s not really a present.” Liam slid the bag over on the floor for her to open. She took a breath, still looking at him while she reached it. It was very big and very heavy. Gray pulled it out, revealing a large scrapbooking look of a book.
“What is this,” she wondered. Liam stayed silent, just watching her. Gray sat it on the table and opened up to the first page.
“Oh my god,” she barely got out before the tears started. Right there, on the first page was a picture of them sleeping together. It looked like the couch on the tour bus to her. Gray was cuddled into Liam’s chest and neck while his arms were around her. They looked so small.
“This was the first picture we ever took together,” he said, moving his chair a bit closer to her.
“When was this,” her voice was still shaky from it all.
“The very first time you came to see me. We drove overnight to Minneapolis that day. I was fully asleep, but Zayn walked in and snapped the picture of us. He laughed when I woke, told me I was in trouble and very smitten. Who would have known,” he smiled to her. Gray turned the page, only to see more pictures of them. How did he do this?
“Do you remember this one?” He pointed to the one on top. It was them in the hallway the time Liam scared the crap out of her that first trip. In the picture, Gray was clinging to his back, biting his earlobe while Liam laughed his head off. Gray didn’t even realize someone was up there without them.
“Who took this,” she asked.
“Our photographer, he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I scared the living daylights out of you then,” he laughed again remembering it. Gray playfully hit in the leg.
“Yeah you did, you butt,” she playfully told him. Gray looked at every picture, turning the pages. There had to be at least 400 of them in that book.
“Who took all these?” It was the best gift should could of ever have gotten.
“Me. Harry, I actually recruited him later. The guys. You are very photogenic love.” Gray rolled her eyes, of course he would think that. Gray kept looking, until running into a picture she forgot about. It killed her inside just looking on it. In the photo, she was passed out on the tour bus just days after the first attack. It was hard to see how bad of shape she was really in. It was different when you couldn’t really see yourself.
“Why did you include this one?” She knew he hated seeing her in that much pain, so there had to be a reason.
“I do believe that was the final straw of the boys realizing they loved you. You were a part of our family. After you fell asleep on the bus, we all took turns checking up on you, which I told you about. Zayn was the last one to go and he called us all out there quietly. Somehow you must of woken up and decided to steal our things.” Liam moved closer, showing her the items in the photo.
“That was Niall’s pillow, Zayn’s blanket and Louis’ beanie. Only thing you didn’t have was Harry’s but he looked under the blanket to see you stole his pillow to cuddle up to. All of us laughed, wondering how in the world it happened. We should of heard you.” Gray was astonished. She remembered that day, waking up to find all those things but figured Liam did it all, not herself.
“Must have been on a pain pill walk,” she said, blushing. Liam’s fingers brushed her cheek, pulling her in for a quick kiss.
“Don’t blush love, it was a very sweet moment for us all.” She continued to flip through the pages, looking at all of them. Some of her and the boys, or just with Louis, he even had pictures of her and the girls when they came to visit.
“How did I not realize you all were photo fools?”
“You know, I wondered that quite often, how you didn’t catch us. You are really good at being in your own little world,” he murmured. She was starting to realize that too.
“Oh my.” Gray got to the page from when they were dancing at Mila’s wedding. It took her breath away. You never see how beautiful something is until its on film in front of you. Gray’s brushed her fingers of the photo, not able to look away. The shot was farther away, but you could still see the emotion in both their eyes. Their bodies were locked together, not caring about anything else in the world. Gray couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, they starting running down her face.
“I’m so sorry for that night,” she whispered, but didn’t look away. For all she knew, Liam could have left so was so into it.
“Don’t ever be sorry love. We needed that moment to get where we are today. Was a step in the right direction,” he whispered, kissing her temple. She flipped the page again, only to show a photo that looked recent.
“Wait a minute, wasn’t that yesterday,” she asked. It was the exact same clothes that she had on.
“Yes, mum got that one for me. I didn’t even ask her too.” Really, it looked like a professional picture. Both were sleeping in Liam’s all right bed and were facing each other. Liam had his hand on her face, and Gray had her hand on his. It could have been posed, but she knew it wasn’t. They were connected to each other even when they were sleeping.
“She rocks,” Gray said, not able to look away. They both looked so happy and peaceful. Gray had a smile on her face, just like Liam said he did. She turned the page on more time, only to freeze. It was a group picture. She leaned in closer to see her entire family staring there. Her mom, sisters, all the boys, Karen and Liam’s sisters, Eleanor and Perrie. The all were holding a sign and smiling.
“What the..” Her voice trailed off when she saw it.
All were holding sign that said ‘Marry him’.
Gray felt like she stopped breathing. She slowly turned her head to see Liam kneeling beside her.
“Oh my god.” Her hands went to cover her mouth. Gray couldn’t believe this was happening. Liam reached into his blazer pocket pulling out her bracelet, the one she had just asked for hours ago. A ring was tied into it.
“So I know you have been wanting this back,” Liam started. Gray didn’t know whether to cry, scream hug him or just say yes right then and there.
“I apologize I couldn’t give it to your earlier, but I thought you needed another piece of jewelry to accompany it. By giving you this bracelet, and the ring connected to it, it means you want to spend the right of your life with me. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I knew that from the first moment I saw you. You were unaverage Gray making my mind go crazy. I’ve never met a girl that was so sure of herself, but got so embarrassed as easily as you do. I love it about you. Actually, I love everything about you Gray. Even the days when you look like you want to kill me, I love you then. The days when you are so tired I hate waking you up, I love you then. When you cry I love you. When you are happy or upset or just excited, I love you. I even love you when your drunken butt cannot stand and falls off bars, I definitely loved you then.” Liam grabbed her left hand from her face and held on to it where he was kneeling.
“Basically, what I am asking is..” He looked up into her tear filled eyes.
“Gray Lydia Cameron, will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she whispered out. She could barely contain the excitement in her body. Liam quickly slid the bracelet back on her wrist where it belonged and slipped the beautiful diamond ring on her finger. Gray slid out of her chair, joining him on the floor and hugging him. Her body sobbed into him as they both held on tight to each other.
“I love you so much Liam,” she cried into his shoulder. Liam stood up with effort, taking her body with him. There was no way he was letting go of her right now. Gray couldn’t control herself, other then holding onto him. She never once expected this in a million years.
“I love you baby,” Liam whispered, pulling her somewhat away from him. He reached up and pulled her hand down, showing off the ring.
“There is meaning to this. It’s a circle, meaning I can never get snagged and stop loving you.” Gray looked down at the ring, not even realizing it was there. On a platinum band sat a nice three carat round cut diamond, when smaller green stones going around it. It was so unique and beautiful.
“These,” he pointed to the green stones,” are my birthstone. I will always be around you, loving you, cheering you on, and protecting you no matter what. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” Gray reached up, kissing him passionately again. He was one in a million, the perfect man for her.
“Thank you so much Liam,” she whispered, connecting their foreheads.
“Thank you baby.” Gray stayed in his arms, but continued to admire her ring. It was literally made for her. He knew her taste, inside and out.
“I need to call my mom,” she smiled up at him.
“No you don’t.” Gray heard some sort of commotion behind her. She turned to see her entire family flying down the loft steps and running toward her. The boys, Eleanor, Perrie, Liam’s mom and family, and Gloria with the girls. Gray felt like she was going to ball again. Liam brought her whole family here.
“What did you do,” she asked, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. He really did anything to make her happy.
“Brought your family here,” he smiled. They all charged the two of them, having their own tears in their eyes. Gray buried her face into Liam’s chest and sobbed. She was so touched by everything they were doing.
“Congratulations,” they all yelled to her. Gray looked up and wiped her tears away. Suddenly she caught on to something.
“Wait a minute.” She walked back over to the book, looking at the picture of them all. It was the same clothes they had on now.
“This was today,” she shouted to the group. Liam walked back over, wrapping his arms around her.
“Didn’t you wonder why we came alone,” he smirked to her. Gray couldn’t seem to get the tears to stop forming. He planned it, he planned the whole thing.
“I.. I don’t know wha-what to say,” she choked out. Gray looked at her family, all of them seeing them stare back at her. They were so happy for them.
“We watched it all Gray from up there,” Gillian shouted, pointing to the loft. How did she miss this all? Gray walked up to them, hugging every person and thanking them.
“Told you I could see you as my daughter in law,” Karen whispered as they hug. Gray couldn’t come up with any words, just a lot of smiles.
“You see why you needed a new dress,” Perrie purred. Gray spotted her mom and ran over to her. Gloria wrapped her up into a hug, squeezing her tight.
“I couldn’t miss this for the world hun,” her mom whispered to her.
“So you knew, you knew all along,” Gray asked.
“I did. Which is why you couldn’t say sorry to the girls, I was worried they would tell you,” Gloria explained. Gray was still having a hard time believing all of this. Three hours ago she wanted to beat Liam, now he was her fiancé. Gray walked back over to him, ignoring everyone else and kissed him with everything she had. His arms went around her waist pulling her in.
“You are my everything Liam,” she whispered, staring into his eyes.
“You are my everything too Gray.” The group started to ignore them, making their way to the tables set up in the back room for dinner. It was definitely time to celebrate. They left Liam and Gray in the front to have some alone time. Liam swayed her around the floor, singing their song again. Gray was on cloud 9. Her whole life changed for the better in less than an hour. She was connected to him. Body mind and spirit.
“You ready to spend forever with me,” he murmured into her temple.
“Forever is a long time,” she sighed. Thank god it was.
“It is. Forever with you is worth every moment.” They stared there, swaying along the makeshift dance floor not caring about anything else. Gray and Liam had been through everything a couple possible could together. Breakups, make ups, false stories at the paparazzi, two attacks by unruly fans and two breakups. It didn’t matter anymore. They were together forever, stronger together then they would be alone.
Team Gram forever.
“Gray? Gray where are you,” her mom yelled up the stairs.
“In my room!” She was attempting to pack her bags for the fifth time. It was mostly due to nerves and the uncertainty of her trip. Her mom came walking in.
“My god talk about a mess,” she laughed. There were clothes, shoes and everything else you could possibly imagine scattered around her room. Gray didn’t realize how bad it was until now.
“I’ll clean this up when I’m done,” she blushed. Gloria laughed and sat on the very small amount of empty space on her bed. Gray went back to rolling her clothes and shoving them into her suitcase.
“Listen, the girls aren’t very happy you are leaving without them again. Do you mind finding a ride to the airport tomorrow? I think we are going to head out for a little girl’s trip tonight,” Gloria told her. It made Gray feel sad right away. She had been neglecting her sisters more then she liked lately. They used to be so close, but with everything that has happened with Liam over these months, her time was limited with them.
“I’m okay with that, I hope they feel better about it. Man now you made me sad. Where are they?” Gray was going to go apologize them now; she didn’t want to be known as the mean sister.
“No no, it’s not necessary, besides it will probably just make them madder. I’ll send your love. You be safe tomorrow, ok? Let me know when you get there safely and don’t make me call Karen asking.” Gray rolled her eyes. She had come to terms with their two families talking more than ever now. It was kind of cute.
“You guys have fun then,” Gray told her. Gloria stood up giving her a quick hug.
“You too love, be smart.” Gloria pinched her nose before walking out. Gray heard the family van roar out of the parking lot, leaving her all alone. What was she supposed to do with herself until tomorrow? Gray dug her phone out of the clothes pile in her bed and texted Liam
Me: Home alone until I leave tomorrow. Keep me busy :D
Fifteen minutes went by without him bugging her back, that wasn’t like him at all. She was tempted to call him, but the last thing she wanted was to bug him if they were in the studio. Gray went back to packing her suitcase and trying to keep her mind off the long plane ride she would have to endure.
----
Four in the morning came way too early. Gray spent the rest of the day yesterday trying to find anything to do. She cleaned the kitchen, both bathrooms and dusted the entire living room before falling asleep in the den. Liam texted her around midnight to apologize for not getting back to her sooner. Apparently they were in the studio the whole time and weren’t able to talk.
Now, Gray wished he would of given her a later flight. Morning was never her time of day. Equipped with a to-go cup of coffee, she waited outside her dark house for the cab.
“You Gray,” the man asked, pulling into her driveway.
“That’s me.” Gray climbed into the back of the cab while he put her bags into the trunk. She rested her head against the window wishing for sleep. It was typically a thirty minute drive to the airport, but she hoped with it being so early, the time would go faster.
“Going on vacation,” the driver asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Something like that, visiting family,” she smiled just thinking of them all.
“Wait, I know you. Gray, that girl who dated that one guy.” Gray laughed, it was a vague way to put it.
“I assume you have daughters,” she asked him.
“Two, eleven and fifteen. I remember them talking about you, something about tomatoes?” Gray blushed, this was too early to have the talk about her produce disaster.
“You are correct, couple of tomatoes were thrown at me.” It was too early to talk about that right now.
“Are you visiting him, what’s his name,” the guys asked. Gray secretly wished he would stop talking right now.
“Liam, and yes. I am visiting them all.” He thankfully didn’t ask anything else letting Gray go back to her thoughts.
“We are here.” The driver pulled her up into the drop off zone and gathered her bags out of the car.
“Come here,” she told them. Gray quickly snapped a photo of them and posted it to her Instagram and Twitter.
@Gramayonnaise: Best driver in the state of Illinois.
“Tell your daughters to look for that, and to call you the best dad ever,” she joked. Gray grabbed her bags and paid him before heading into the check in. She checked in, making the way through the long line at TSA before sitting down at her gate. She pulled out her phone to text Liam, it was already close to noon in the UK so he best be awake.
Me: I’m ready to go. Remind to hurt you the next time you schedule such an early flight.
Liam: Sorry love, had to see you as soon as I could.
Gray rolled her eyes at the phone, he was so cute yet annoying. She plugged in her earbuds and waited.
----
Finally, she was in London! It only took her missing her first connecting flight to get there. She practically had a mental breakdown at JFK when she realized she missed it by fifteen minutes. Luckily the desk girl there took pity on her, getting her on another plane eight hours later. She wondered if it was God’s mean way of making her wait longer. Sitting in an airport for eight hours really was a sick joke. She walked the halls, drank some liquor and coffee but eventually found a place to sleep in a corner until her flight was called.
Now, she was in London! The excitement hit her, every part of her body felt like even though she probably looked like shit right now. Liam told her last night that his mom was picking her up. It made her feel somewhat nervous, but Karen seemed to like her most days. Now if she could just get through the car ride with her, an hour alone was a bit daunting.
“Gray,” she heard her name. Gray spun around to see Karen by baggage claim. Gray hurried over to her giving her a hug.
“You look so different,” Karen gushed. Gray chopped her hair off again, going even shorter than before. She didn’t tell Liam yet, he needed a bit of a surprise.
“Thank you! I have missed you a lot! Sorry you had to get up so early to get me though,” Gray said, blushing.
“Nonsense. Five in the morning is plenty of time to enjoy the day. You ready?” Gray nodded following her to the spindle for her bags.
“I am happy to have you here. You can get my son off my back now, you never told me how annoying he could be.” Gray snorted at Karen’s comments. She knew there was a reason she liked her so much. The bags started spitting out and luckily Gray’s was right in the beginning.
“Okay all set,” she announced. Karen looked at her funny.
“Only one bag?” Gray shrugged, she was a good packer.
“Alright dear, let’s get a move on. My phone has already gone off twice,” Karen told her, rolling her eyes. They headed down the long hallways and throughout the airport until arriving in the parking lot. Gray threw her bag in the bag and climbed into the passenger seat. She threw her hands up, trying to block a yawn.
“Tired,” Karen asked, pulling out of the spot.
“Gosh yes, sleeping on the airport floor sucked,” She shuddered at the thought. Way too many germs down there. Karen laughed.
“Well if you are lucky you can catch a nap. We can send Liam out for a while,” she explained. Gray secretly hoped he would join her. It had been too many weeks without feeling his arms around her. They jumped on the highway and headed to Karen’s home.
“Liam spoke to me about everything that happened at Mila’s wedding,” Karen started. Gray knew this conversation was coming.
“Oh.”
“He is my baby, of course. I am just glad you two figured things out finally. It had been a long seven months,” Karen sighed.
“I agree.” Gray was unsure on what else to say.
“Do you think you will stay together now? And not break up plenty more times?” Gray could hear the animosity build in Karen’s voice. It made her nervous, her hands starting to rub together.
“That is what I would like. I think things will go better now without any tours to deal with. Other then the long distance travel, that could be our only issue,” Gray honestly told her.
“Nonsense. He will come see you often, you know him,” Karen smiled, trying to make her feel better.
“I’m sorry if I ever doubted you or made you upset,” Gray told her, still staring out the window. She felt Karen grab her hand.
“Dear, you never made me mad. Annoyed would be a good choice of words, but never mad. I know you and Liam had your issues, that was a given, but I was always on your side. I knew he would pick you back up again. I’ve always imagined you as my daughter in law,” Karen kindly said. The words made Gray blush. Daughter in law. Whoa.
“I do love you as much as I love all my children. Always dear.”
----
They pulled up to the Payne house and hour later making Gray feel anxious. Liam didn’t text her once since she landed making her wonder what was up his sleeve. They both got of the car, Gray grabbed her bags and followed Karen inside.
“Hellooo,” Karen announced walking in. The whole house was quiet. Very weird. Karen walked through, heading to the kitchen.
“Gray dear, he left a note.” Gray sat her bags down and walked in. His handwriting was clear as day on the piece of paper.
Had an errand to run, be back soon. Liam
“That boy has the fanciest phone I have ever seen and yet he can’t text us.” Karen looked annoyed causing Gray to laugh.
“Well, if you would like to catch a nap you are more than welcomed to. Either the guest room or Liam’s room are up for grabs. His is the last one the left.” She didn’t even feel the need to tell Gray where the spare was, it was given on where she was going.
“Thank you,” Gray told her heading up the stairs. She found his room effortlessly and walked in. It smelled like Liam immediately and it looked like he cleaned for her. She left her purse and bag by the door and shut it, stripping off her sweater and pants. Hopefully Karen didn’t walk in, but she just couldn’t sleep in those clothes anymore. Gray went digging in his drawers finding a simple white shirt and a pair of his boxers to put on. She pulled back the covers and jumped in. Her whole body sighed in relief. Thank God for a bed. Gray quickly held her phone up and snapped a picture. She looked like a complete goof in it, but Liam would enjoy it. She got the photo ready to send and typed out a note
Me: Comfy bed jailbait.
Gray shipped out the text and put her phone back on silent. She knew he would be here soon anyway.
----
Gray woke up to something tickling her nose, it smelled like flowers, definitely flowers. She opened her eyes to see Liam laying on his side staring back at her. A beautiful bouquet of light pink carnations where in the middle of them.
"Hi love," she whispered, not fully awake yet. Liam reached over and locked her fingers with her.
"Hi baby." He smiled that sweet smile at her, making her heart skip a beat. Waiting three weeks was it for worth that. Gray pulled her hand away to check out her flowers, they were beautiful.
"Thank you love." She rolled over to the other side and sat them up straight on his night stand. When she rolled back over to face him, Liam had moved make there no space between them. He kissed her without giving her a chance to say anything else. Gray melted into his arms letting him take her away with his lips. Her arms rested on his shoulders trying to not let him go.
"Welcome to England," Liam joked, pulling away from her. Gray snuggled in closer to him inhaling his smell. He was every bit of amazing to Gray.
"Can we just stay here all day," she moaned not wanting to leave his arms. Liam tightened around her more.
"For a while. You need some sleep," he told her. Gray yawned, he was right and she didn't feel the need to go against him there.
"Wait, are you wearing my clothes," he asked, just noticing it. Gray blushed.
"I am. Had to dig through your drawers and make sure you were being a good boy," she giggled. Liam bit his lip and stared at her.
"Go to sleep, I'll get you back for this later." Gray cuddled up into the crook of his neck some more and closed her eyes. Liam rubbed her back and quietly hummed to her. Gray smiled, knowing it was their song, "Us against the World." That song had so many more memories now.
"Catchy tone Mr. Payne," she murmured into his head. He didn't respond, just continued to sing the lyrics softly into her ear. She was sleeping before he even got to the chorus.
----
She woke up hours later alone. The sun still seemed to be out thankfully, she only had a week here and didn't want to sleep the days away. Gray got of bed stripping off his clothes and digging in her bag for something to wear. She pulled out a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater throwing them on and headed out. Voices from downstairs filled the hallways.
"Hello dear," Karen greeted her warmly as she reached the living room. She and Liam were sitting there. Gray smiled, not quite awake yet and sat next to Liam on the small loveseat. Liam grabbed her hand without thinking twice and locked their fingers together.
"Sleep well," he asked her.
"I did thank you." All three sat alone in silence, enjoying the quiet.
"I don't think I am used to this. Usually I have a sister yelling at me or one of the guys driving me nuts,” Gray laughed. The silence actually made her feel uneasy, she wasn’t used to it.
“Oh no worries dear, they will be here soon,” Karen told her. Gray heard Liam mutter something under his breath but she couldn’t make out the words.
“Not happy for that there Liam,” Gray giggled to him. He looked at her face.
“They are taking you shopping.” His eyes rolled.
“Why do I need to go shopping,” she asked, very confused. Taking four guys out shopping was sounding like a lot of work.
“Good question that I am still trying to find the answer too. They need your help finding a gift for my birthday, and I just think they want to harass you some more about us.” Liam looked grumpy. She knew he didn’t want to share her so to speak, but it would be good for him. Besides, she missed those boys too.
“You are leaving me alone with them,” she laughed.
“Nope. Perrie will be there.” Liam knew that would make her happy. Gray gave him a huge smile, excited to see her sister from another mister. Gray gave his hand a squeeze, fighting the urge to jump on him right now in front of Karen. He took way too good care of her.
“Actually, I think they are here right now,” Karen said, peeking out of the window. A large van, just like the one they had last time, pulled up to the house. The boys and Perrie jumped off, heading for the house. Gray saw them too. She quickly jumped up from the couch and ran outside. Perrie and her met in the middle hugging and jumping and screaming.
“I have missed you so much, “Gray gushed to her. They still were hugging each other, but could at least see each other’s faces.
“Indeed! Much too long. Let’s go in and catch up,” Perrie gleamed. They walked inside forgetting about the rest of them. Gray was so excited, it had been far too long since they had time together. Perrie pulled her up the stairs and into the guest bedroom.
“Okay, start spilling,” Perrie said as she flopped on the bed. Gray joined her, sitting on the side.
“What do you want to know?” She knew Perrie would make her rehash everything.
“Lord Gray, Everything! I try to ask Zayn but just give her three sentences about it and calls it even.” Gray smiled, typical guy.
“We spent time together after Mila’s wedding. He actually yelled at me because I wouldn’t confess to us being together.” It was true, he pushed her over the edge and finally got her to fess up to it all.
“So let me keep track of this, you just all of a sudden decided to hang out, after all this time,” Perrie asked.
“Not exactly. We shared a dance at the reception. I stormed out crying like a complete idiot. Now I wish I would of thought about that more. Louis found me outside crying and we talked, he kind of helped me out. I didn’t plan on talking to him that night, honest. I was ready to just walk away. I felt okay with it all. Something triggered in my brain though. I was putting Grace to bed and I imagined me doing that to our kids, mine and Liam’s. It was kind of a mind overload. So I just left and flew up to his room not even thinking. He opened the door looking incredibly hot and I knew it was pretty much all over then.” Gray blushed remembering that night.
“You two drive me nuts. I can barely keep up with you all. Where does this leave you now,” Perrie asked. She had a point, the crap Liam and Gray went through was enough for four relationships.
“Together. Here.”
“When do you leave?” Gray stayed quiet, she didn’t want to think about that yet.
“Week from today, but I don’t want to deal with that yet,” Gray said quietly. Perrie reached over, giving her a quick hug.
“We won’t. We should go shopping, we can talk more about this later.” Perrie jumped up ready to head out the door. She didn’t want to see Gray sad, that is usually when something bad happens.
“You going to help me pick out something for his birthday,” Gray asked quietly as they walked down the stairs. Perrie winked at her, not wanting the boys to hear.
“Alright time to go,” Perrie dictated,” Liam you stay like a good little puppy. Meditate, cook something, relive yourself. We shall be back in a while.” Liam groaned making Gray laugh. He was acting like a child because he didn’t get to go.
“Don’t cry jailbait, I’ll come back,” she whispered, bent down to kiss him. Liam’s hands wrapped behind her head, making her stay there longer. She lightly pushed on his chest, making him let go. Gray winked at him, walking over to join the rest of the group before they headed out.
“Bye puppy,” Harry laughed, running behind the pillow Liam threw connected with his head.
----
“What do you think Gray Goose,” Perrie said, holding up on a light green cocktail dress. She decided Gray needed something new to wear to Liam’s birthday party. She brought a couple of dresses with her, but apparently Perrie the fashionista thought she needed something new. Gray shook her head no at that one.
“Not liking it.”
“Oh my, what about this one!” Perrie held up a lavender short dress that had a lace overlay over the chest creating a peephole and an open lace back. It was pretty, Gray knew that but it wasn’t ‘it’.
“Cute back, but no on that neck. It looks like a dog collar,” she joked. She went back to looking at the rack hoping something would change her eye. A black lacy number was sitting there, making her take a look. When she pulled it off, her breath stopped. Before she even had it on, she knew it was the one.
“Found it,” Gray yelled to Perry as she headed to the dressing room. She pulled off her clothes quickly and slipped on the black number. Everything about it felt right. It was a black satin underneath, resembling a tube top dress stopped about three inches down her thighs. The thick black lace overlay covered down her arms to her elbows and to her collarbones. It traveled down the dress, stopping about two inches lower than the satin. Sophisticated yet extremely sexy.
“Love, where are you, I need to see,” she heard Perrie yell down the dressing room hall. Gray opened the door and stepped out of her to see.
“Shit woman.” Perrie couldn’t stop staring.
“This work?”
“Absolutely. You just need a colored belt to go with it and maybe some drop earrings, but yes, this is a winner,” Perrie said, walking around Gray checking out every part of it.
“Damn Gray, you will do have a tush.” Gray laughed, who knew a dress could show off your butt so much.
They spent the next hour picking out a skinny belt to go along with it, and a pair of very big faux diamond earrings. The only problem left was shoes. God did Gray hate shoes lately.
“Perrie, I’m begging you. Four inch heel is a waste of money, I’ll just take them off thirty minutes later.” Gray couldn’t justify paying $120 American dollars for a pair of shoes she will just hate. It was completely pointless.
“I don’t care Gray, you don’t have a choice,” Perrie told her firmly.
“What’s the big deal on the shoes?” She was tried, hot, and ready to go back to Karen’s house.
“You need to look nice, I would actually like a picture of you all that didn’t include a sweatshirt,” Perrie huffed. They argued for another twenty minutes before Gray finally caved.
“Fine! Fine! You win! I will get the bloody shoes and wear them.” She huffed over to the checkout and paid, only to find Perrie smiling back at her.
“Shut it Pea. Can we be done now?” Gray yawned dramatically hoping she would get her point.
“Soon. What are you buying him?” Gray had been thinking about it their whole shopping trip but nothing was coming to mind. He was the hardest person ever to buy for.
“No freaking clue. You are the shopper, think of something.”
“Love, you know him better than any of us,” Perrie explained to her. It was going to drive her crazy, his party was tomorrow and she had nothing to go by.
“You know you don’t have to buy him anything, find something that would mean a lot to him,” Perrie offered.
“I’ll think about this later, let’s find the boys and get back.” Gray was relieved, she wanted to be back with Liam to be honest. It felt like something was big was happening, like a rumble of thunder before a storm.
----
The group dropped Gray off before heading back to their own areas. It was nice to have them around again, there wasn’t a single moment Gray wasn’t laughing in the car. She loved them so.
“Hello,” Gray asked, walking into the house. Karen walked out of the kitchen giving her a warm smile.
“Hello Gray, Liam had to quick run out again so it’s just you and me.” Gray pouted inside. She only had a week people! A week she wanted to spend with Liam. Right now it felt like she barely saw him.
“Oh, well I’m just going to go drop these off,” she said, motioning to the bags.
“I see Perrie got you shopping,” Karen laughed. Gray rolled her eyes and dropped the bags off before heading back down stairs.
“Karen I was hoping you would help me. I need to find your son something for his birthday.” She still couldn’t think of anything yet.
“I wouldn’t get anything.” Gray looked at her like she had two heads.
“Honest dear, I think just having you here is making him happier then anything you could ever buy him. You have time, if you don’t think of anything for the party you can do it before you go home,” Karen explained to her.
“I cannot do that. That’s just mean. Make him buy the ticket for my butt to get here, let me in his house, celebrate his birthday and not get him anything,” Gray said, her voice raising a little. Karen was making her sound like a gold digger.
“Just go with it Gray, I know what I am talking about. Mom’s always know best. Liam is happy with. He doesn’t need any sort of gadget or object from you to realize that,” Karen tried to assure her. Gray wasn’t convinced. That was not who she is, ever. Even if Karen was right, it wasn’t her choice to make. Gray never wanted to be known as a girl who just lives off other people’s money. This conversation wasn’t sitting right with her, at all.
----
Gray and Liam laid in bed that night. They had a quiet evening in, Karen made dinner and his sisters came over. They were beyond sweet, which didn’t surprise Gray since the Payne family were amazing. Gray still didn’t feel right about not getting him a gift though, it just wasn’t normal.
“Liam?”
“Yes love.” Both of them were laying next to each other on their backs with their hands locked between them.
“Do you think I’m becoming a gold digger?” She felt beyond stupid asking that. It was stupid. She knew who she was, and it was not a gold digger.
“Where is this coming from,” Liam asked her, rolling over to see her face.
“No where. I had a conversation with your mom. I’ve had a hard time finding something for you for your birthday and she told me to not worry and not get you anything, since being here with you was enough. That just feels so wrong Liam,” Gray explained.
“Has this what you have been worrying about all night,” he questioned her sincerely. Liam could tell something was up. She wasn’t her normal self at dinner. Thankfully he knew his family couldn’t see it.
“Yes.” Liam sighed, she had to stop worrying about things so much.
“Love, you don’t have to get me anything for my birthday. You being here is exactly what I wanted.”
“You should exactly like your mother,” Gray groaned.
“Well I am her son, it works out well. I promise you, you don’t have to give me anything,” he honestly told her. Liam pulled her body into his and sighed. She was the love of his life there was nothing that could happen that would change that.
“You shouldn’t shave, I like you scruffy,” she said running her fingers over his jaw.
“I’m your rugged man,” he joked, nipping one of her fingers.
“You know this conversation about your birthday is not over,” Gray warned resting her hand on his chest. He could put her to sleep so easily, like a built in teddy bear.
“I know, I’ll check up with you on that in the morning,” Liam yawned, closing his eyes.
----
“Gray, love wake up,” Liam whispered to her. She opened her eyes very slowly to see him sitting on the edge of the bed next to her, dressed for the day.
“What time is it,” she yawned. It still looked dark outside.
“5:20. Come on, we have some place to be.” Gray groaned. They never talked about waking up on the butt crack of dawn last night. She sat up, her eyes still closed and threw her feet on the floor.
“Jailbait, it’s too early for this crap.” Liam pulled her up and threw a sweatshirt over her body.
“I know, but I found a birthday present you can give me. Come on now, be quite quiet I don’t need my parents waking up.” Gray followed him out into the darkened hallway and quietly went down the stairs. He grabbed her hand leading her through the sliding glass door in the back of the house.
“Liam, what are we doing,” she asked curiously. He didn’t answer, just continued to drag her through the backyard and up a small hill. Liam spreaded out a blanket and sat down.
“Come sit,” he said, patting the ground in front of him. Gray looked at him with wide eyes, but followed orders. He wrapped his arms around her body, making her head rest by the crook of his neck.
“Is this where you kill me and not tell anyone,” she joked. It was weird, sitting out in the barely bright sky in the middle of the morning.
“Yes love, be prepared to die,” he deadpanned. Gray locked her fingers on top of his, enjoying their calm moment.
“Sometimes when I need to think I come up here. When we weren’t together I was up here a lot. It became my sanctuary. I could think about all the amazing moments with you without having someone ask me what was wrong or why I was so upset. Like a backwards happy place.” Gray stayed quiet, listening to him talking so freely.
“Is that why we are here?” She asked him. Liam looked at his watch.
“We are here to start my birthday together. You are the first person I think about when I wake, and the last when I go to sleep whether you are around me or not. My favorite person, on my favorite place.” Slowly, in front of them the sun began to rise lightening up their faces. Gray never actually sat through and watched then sun come up before. It was magical. The orange rays shot through the sky like something out of a fairy tale. She slowly took in a breath, trying to remember it all. They sat together quietly throughout the whole rise, not feeling the need to speak. There was no point.
“I want to start every day with you,” he whispered in her ear. Gray closed her eyes and sunk into his body more. It made her want to cry.
“This is your present to me. Being here, watching the best sunrise a man could ever ask for,” Liam told her. Gray turned her head to try and see his face.
“Happy Birthday my love,” she whispered to him. Liam kissed her, letting them enjoy the moment. Gray let go, turning back to stare at the sky before them. She knew right then, this was it. There was no other place she ever wanted to go back to.
----
They left an hour later to go back up to bed and sleep some more. Liam’s party was tonight and Gray knew it quite possibly be an all nighter. Sleep was essential at this point. They got up around noon to start the day again and for Gray, the point of getting ready.
“Anyone mind if I use the shower,” she asked, putting her breakfast plate into the sink. She needed to get a move on. Beauty is a long process.
“Nope, enjoy,” Liam smirked at her while he drank his orange juice.
“Where are we going tonight?” NO one had filled her in yet on what was going on.
“Dinner. Mum rented out a nice little restaurant for all of us.” Gray knew that look on his face, he wasn’t telling her something.
“Spit it out jailbait,” she muttered.
“Honest. This way we won’t be bothered, and I heard they have some lovely pasta,” he told her. That part was true.
“Whatever you say.” She quickly kissed him before heading up the stairs and into the bathroom. The warm water hit her body, making her smile. It reminded her of the morning they had together watching the sunrise. It was such a simple act but so powerful to her. It was their moment to be completely exposed to each other, knowing that the other person loved them entirely. She did, she loved him completely. More than the last time they were together, this time she didn’t have to worry about what would happen to them. Team Gram would be forever.
Gray got out of the shower throwing some sweats back on before she had to worry about putting her dress on. Her short hair didn’t give her a lot of possibilities but she made a small French braid along her hair line and let the rest stick straight. She put on a bit of makeup and called it good. She found Liam sitting on his bed, tapping away on his phone when she walked in.
“Question for you,” Gray said, sitting the door. Liam quickly threw his phone on the dresser and turned his attention to her.
“Can I have my bracelet back,” she asked quietly. A small look of fear came over his face. It left as quickly as it came.
“Love, I think we should talk about that later,” Liam told her, matching her tone. Gray felt like she was just hit with a purse filled with bricks. They finally were there, that that point in their relationship, and he stopped her.
“What,” Gray barely breathed out. This couldn’t be happening right now.
“Let’s get through tonight and I’ll give it to you when we get home.” Liam abruptly stood up, giving her a kiss before opening the door back up.
“I’m going to shower.” He ran off before she even had a chance to think. What the hell just happened? This wasn’t how it played out in her head. She figured he would gratefully hand it back to her, positioning it on her wrist and having a nice speech going with it. They would both cry, make out and possibly have some more fun things after. Not him running like she was on fire when he asked her. Gray walked over to her phone, needing support from anyone.
“Pea?” She sobbed out when Perrie answered.
“Love? You ok?”
“No. That jackass completely turned me down like I was a piece of dust,” she yelled. Now Gray was just pissed, he needed to explain this one to her.
“Wait, Gray what are you talking about?” Perrie was beyond confused. Gray called her crying and now a split second she was fuming with anger.
“I asked Liam, very nicely for my bracelet back after went spent and amazing morning together and he said no. That ‘we will talk about it when we get home’.” Gray raged on, during a very bad impersonation of English accent.
“Oh Gray, I’m sure he has reasoning,” Perrie tried to calm her down.
“Please. Other than making me look like a gigantic ass?” Gray paced the room trying to calm herself down. She was trying so hard and to go just with Liam, not to think but those plans just died. He brought his on himself.
“I’m sorry love, I have to go. We can talk about this tonight, ok? I’m sure he has a reason,” Perrie quickly told her before hanging up on her. Gray was shocked. She looked at her phone making sure it was right. Perrie just hung up on her. What is with this country? She quickly called Gloria, just for anyone to listen to her, but that went to voicemail too.
“Fuck this,” she yelled, throwing her phone on the bed. Gray quickly threw on the black lace dress, now wishing she wouldn’t have bought it. That little dick didn’t deserve her looking and fresh and new. She flew downstairs, heading to the quiet den to get away from everyone. Right now, mindless TV until she had to go did the trick.
----
Liam came into the room looking clean and very hot, but Gray refused to even acknowledge that. She continued to watch her TV show; even though they talked so fast she couldn’t even understand them. Liam sat down next to her, but not too close, giving her some room.
“You ready,” he asked quietly. Gray shook her head, she couldn’t find anything nice to say at this point. They walked back to the front of the house only to find it empty.
“Where is your mum,” she asked, not even hearing anyone leave.
“She needed to go pick up some new shoes, hers broke,” Liam quickly said. Gray shrugged, grabbing her purse and heading out the door. He quickly grabbed her elbow, pulling her back into him. Gray felt her knees go weak. He smelled amazing, more than usual.
“Don’t be mad at me,” he whispered, staring into her eyes. Gray didn’t want to look away.
“Don’t be such a jerk,” she muttered back. Liam reached down, gently placing his lips on hers. God she wanted to fight him so bad, to prove a point but there was no hope. He always kissed in a way that it wiped any bad feelings she had away.
“I promise you will get it back,” he told her. Gray wondered if she should even believe that. He didn’t have a good streak going. Liam grabbed her hand, pulling her outside and to the car.
“You are driving,” she questioned not remembering the last time that happened.
“Sure am. I hope you are insured.” Liam winked at her, climbing into the driver seat. They had about a thirty minute drive to go, and Gray stayed quiet for the most of the time just looking at the scenery out the window.
“Who is all coming,” she asked.
“You me, everyone else,” Liam joked. Gray gave him a look, he sure was a spitball today.
“Not helpful jailbait,” she moaned.
“Just the usual. You me, the boys, Perrie, my mum.” Gray sighed; she really didn’t feel the need to impress right now.
----
They pulled up the restaurant thirty minutes later to find the seats deserted. Something was amiss. Liam couldn’t go anywhere without some sort of camera or paparazzi following him. Liam parked the car on the side of the building and jumped out to open her door.
“Where are all the cameras,” she asked looking around for to pop out of the bushes.
“I worked some magic. One harmless tweet send saying I was enjoying my birthday in London,” Liam informed her.
“Does that really work,” she laughed having a hard time believing it.
“Here and there, let’s go.” Liam opened the door for her, letting her walk in first. She opened the next set of doors that go into the restaurant, only to stop in her tracks. The entire main room of the restaurant was empty, but covered in candles. Every inch had small candles lit, letting tiny flames dance around the room. The back was dark and the loft area too, making Gray they were the only ones there. She turned around to see Liam staring at her smiling.
“Look familiar,” he asked. Gray spun back around again, making sure she saw it right. It was just like their first dinner together, but just a bigger space. Tears spun in her eyes. Here she was being a bitch to him, and he set this all up for her.
“Come over here.” Liam took her hand and led her to a small round table in the middle of the room.
“I haven’t told you yet, but you look amazing in that dress,” he whispered to her. She blushed, thankful at this point that no one else had arrived yet. Gray sat down, continuing to stare at him.
“Thanks for not shaving,” she laughed.
“I do what I need to please my girl.” Liam poured them both a glass of wine before handing it to her.
“Happy Birthday Liam,” she gleamed, giving his glass a cheer. Liam took a drink, before pulling a large bag out from beneath the tablecloth.
“I know it’s my birthday, but I have something to give you,” he whispered. His voice was shaky from nerves. Gray wondered what he was up to.
“Liam, it’s not my birthday,” she groaned. Gold digger, party of one.
“I know, and I technically didn’t buy it, so it’s not really a present.” Liam slid the bag over on the floor for her to open. She took a breath, still looking at him while she reached it. It was very big and very heavy. Gray pulled it out, revealing a large scrapbooking look of a book.
“What is this,” she wondered. Liam stayed silent, just watching her. Gray sat it on the table and opened up to the first page.
“Oh my god,” she barely got out before the tears started. Right there, on the first page was a picture of them sleeping together. It looked like the couch on the tour bus to her. Gray was cuddled into Liam’s chest and neck while his arms were around her. They looked so small.
“This was the first picture we ever took together,” he said, moving his chair a bit closer to her.
“When was this,” her voice was still shaky from it all.
“The very first time you came to see me. We drove overnight to Minneapolis that day. I was fully asleep, but Zayn walked in and snapped the picture of us. He laughed when I woke, told me I was in trouble and very smitten. Who would have known,” he smiled to her. Gray turned the page, only to see more pictures of them. How did he do this?
“Do you remember this one?” He pointed to the one on top. It was them in the hallway the time Liam scared the crap out of her that first trip. In the picture, Gray was clinging to his back, biting his earlobe while Liam laughed his head off. Gray didn’t even realize someone was up there without them.
“Who took this,” she asked.
“Our photographer, he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I scared the living daylights out of you then,” he laughed again remembering it. Gray playfully hit in the leg.
“Yeah you did, you butt,” she playfully told him. Gray looked at every picture, turning the pages. There had to be at least 400 of them in that book.
“Who took all these?” It was the best gift should could of ever have gotten.
“Me. Harry, I actually recruited him later. The guys. You are very photogenic love.” Gray rolled her eyes, of course he would think that. Gray kept looking, until running into a picture she forgot about. It killed her inside just looking on it. In the photo, she was passed out on the tour bus just days after the first attack. It was hard to see how bad of shape she was really in. It was different when you couldn’t really see yourself.
“Why did you include this one?” She knew he hated seeing her in that much pain, so there had to be a reason.
“I do believe that was the final straw of the boys realizing they loved you. You were a part of our family. After you fell asleep on the bus, we all took turns checking up on you, which I told you about. Zayn was the last one to go and he called us all out there quietly. Somehow you must of woken up and decided to steal our things.” Liam moved closer, showing her the items in the photo.
“That was Niall’s pillow, Zayn’s blanket and Louis’ beanie. Only thing you didn’t have was Harry’s but he looked under the blanket to see you stole his pillow to cuddle up to. All of us laughed, wondering how in the world it happened. We should of heard you.” Gray was astonished. She remembered that day, waking up to find all those things but figured Liam did it all, not herself.
“Must have been on a pain pill walk,” she said, blushing. Liam’s fingers brushed her cheek, pulling her in for a quick kiss.
“Don’t blush love, it was a very sweet moment for us all.” She continued to flip through the pages, looking at all of them. Some of her and the boys, or just with Louis, he even had pictures of her and the girls when they came to visit.
“How did I not realize you all were photo fools?”
“You know, I wondered that quite often, how you didn’t catch us. You are really good at being in your own little world,” he murmured. She was starting to realize that too.
“Oh my.” Gray got to the page from when they were dancing at Mila’s wedding. It took her breath away. You never see how beautiful something is until its on film in front of you. Gray’s brushed her fingers of the photo, not able to look away. The shot was farther away, but you could still see the emotion in both their eyes. Their bodies were locked together, not caring about anything else in the world. Gray couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, they starting running down her face.
“I’m so sorry for that night,” she whispered, but didn’t look away. For all she knew, Liam could have left so was so into it.
“Don’t ever be sorry love. We needed that moment to get where we are today. Was a step in the right direction,” he whispered, kissing her temple. She flipped the page again, only to show a photo that looked recent.
“Wait a minute, wasn’t that yesterday,” she asked. It was the exact same clothes that she had on.
“Yes, mum got that one for me. I didn’t even ask her too.” Really, it looked like a professional picture. Both were sleeping in Liam’s all right bed and were facing each other. Liam had his hand on her face, and Gray had her hand on his. It could have been posed, but she knew it wasn’t. They were connected to each other even when they were sleeping.
“She rocks,” Gray said, not able to look away. They both looked so happy and peaceful. Gray had a smile on her face, just like Liam said he did. She turned the page on more time, only to freeze. It was a group picture. She leaned in closer to see her entire family staring there. Her mom, sisters, all the boys, Karen and Liam’s sisters, Eleanor and Perrie. The all were holding a sign and smiling.
“What the..” Her voice trailed off when she saw it.
All were holding sign that said ‘Marry him’.
Gray felt like she stopped breathing. She slowly turned her head to see Liam kneeling beside her.
“Oh my god.” Her hands went to cover her mouth. Gray couldn’t believe this was happening. Liam reached into his blazer pocket pulling out her bracelet, the one she had just asked for hours ago. A ring was tied into it.
“So I know you have been wanting this back,” Liam started. Gray didn’t know whether to cry, scream hug him or just say yes right then and there.
“I apologize I couldn’t give it to your earlier, but I thought you needed another piece of jewelry to accompany it. By giving you this bracelet, and the ring connected to it, it means you want to spend the right of your life with me. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I knew that from the first moment I saw you. You were unaverage Gray making my mind go crazy. I’ve never met a girl that was so sure of herself, but got so embarrassed as easily as you do. I love it about you. Actually, I love everything about you Gray. Even the days when you look like you want to kill me, I love you then. The days when you are so tired I hate waking you up, I love you then. When you cry I love you. When you are happy or upset or just excited, I love you. I even love you when your drunken butt cannot stand and falls off bars, I definitely loved you then.” Liam grabbed her left hand from her face and held on to it where he was kneeling.
“Basically, what I am asking is..” He looked up into her tear filled eyes.
“Gray Lydia Cameron, will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she whispered out. She could barely contain the excitement in her body. Liam quickly slid the bracelet back on her wrist where it belonged and slipped the beautiful diamond ring on her finger. Gray slid out of her chair, joining him on the floor and hugging him. Her body sobbed into him as they both held on tight to each other.
“I love you so much Liam,” she cried into his shoulder. Liam stood up with effort, taking her body with him. There was no way he was letting go of her right now. Gray couldn’t control herself, other then holding onto him. She never once expected this in a million years.
“I love you baby,” Liam whispered, pulling her somewhat away from him. He reached up and pulled her hand down, showing off the ring.
“There is meaning to this. It’s a circle, meaning I can never get snagged and stop loving you.” Gray looked down at the ring, not even realizing it was there. On a platinum band sat a nice three carat round cut diamond, when smaller green stones going around it. It was so unique and beautiful.
“These,” he pointed to the green stones,” are my birthstone. I will always be around you, loving you, cheering you on, and protecting you no matter what. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” Gray reached up, kissing him passionately again. He was one in a million, the perfect man for her.
“Thank you so much Liam,” she whispered, connecting their foreheads.
“Thank you baby.” Gray stayed in his arms, but continued to admire her ring. It was literally made for her. He knew her taste, inside and out.
“I need to call my mom,” she smiled up at him.
“No you don’t.” Gray heard some sort of commotion behind her. She turned to see her entire family flying down the loft steps and running toward her. The boys, Eleanor, Perrie, Liam’s mom and family, and Gloria with the girls. Gray felt like she was going to ball again. Liam brought her whole family here.
“What did you do,” she asked, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. He really did anything to make her happy.
“Brought your family here,” he smiled. They all charged the two of them, having their own tears in their eyes. Gray buried her face into Liam’s chest and sobbed. She was so touched by everything they were doing.
“Congratulations,” they all yelled to her. Gray looked up and wiped her tears away. Suddenly she caught on to something.
“Wait a minute.” She walked back over to the book, looking at the picture of them all. It was the same clothes they had on now.
“This was today,” she shouted to the group. Liam walked back over, wrapping his arms around her.
“Didn’t you wonder why we came alone,” he smirked to her. Gray couldn’t seem to get the tears to stop forming. He planned it, he planned the whole thing.
“I.. I don’t know wha-what to say,” she choked out. Gray looked at her family, all of them seeing them stare back at her. They were so happy for them.
“We watched it all Gray from up there,” Gillian shouted, pointing to the loft. How did she miss this all? Gray walked up to them, hugging every person and thanking them.
“Told you I could see you as my daughter in law,” Karen whispered as they hug. Gray couldn’t come up with any words, just a lot of smiles.
“You see why you needed a new dress,” Perrie purred. Gray spotted her mom and ran over to her. Gloria wrapped her up into a hug, squeezing her tight.
“I couldn’t miss this for the world hun,” her mom whispered to her.
“So you knew, you knew all along,” Gray asked.
“I did. Which is why you couldn’t say sorry to the girls, I was worried they would tell you,” Gloria explained. Gray was still having a hard time believing all of this. Three hours ago she wanted to beat Liam, now he was her fiancé. Gray walked back over to him, ignoring everyone else and kissed him with everything she had. His arms went around her waist pulling her in.
“You are my everything Liam,” she whispered, staring into his eyes.
“You are my everything too Gray.” The group started to ignore them, making their way to the tables set up in the back room for dinner. It was definitely time to celebrate. They left Liam and Gray in the front to have some alone time. Liam swayed her around the floor, singing their song again. Gray was on cloud 9. Her whole life changed for the better in less than an hour. She was connected to him. Body mind and spirit.
“You ready to spend forever with me,” he murmured into her temple.
“Forever is a long time,” she sighed. Thank god it was.
“It is. Forever with you is worth every moment.” They stared there, swaying along the makeshift dance floor not caring about anything else. Gray and Liam had been through everything a couple possible could together. Breakups, make ups, false stories at the paparazzi, two attacks by unruly fans and two breakups. It didn’t matter anymore. They were together forever, stronger together then they would be alone.
Team Gram forever.
Notes
This is it my friends. 262 typed pages and 118,000 words later, this story is over.Have no fear, the sequel has been started. I hope to have the first chapter up tomorrow, but not sure. Next couple of days are super busy for me, but going to try. It shall be interesting.
I actually wrote this story with a fictional band, but after running into this site I decided to attempt a fan fiction. I'm not the biggest 1D fan (don't kill me) so thank GOD for Youtube and Google. I've learned a lot about them. I just want to thank all of you too for your sweet comments. I read every one of them, smiling like a fool. It means more then you know!!
Comment, vote, love it up. : )
I LOVE THISSSSSSSS
5/18/14