Four Years Later

(A/N: Addie is now 22 and Harry is 23).

“Addie, are you okay?” Harry answers the phone with a panic.

“Yes, Harry.” I laugh and roll my eyes to myself.

“Are you sure? If you’re not I’ll get on the next flight out of here.”

“Harry! I just wanted to say goodnight! I’m turning in early tonight, I’m exhausted.” I explain before he has a heart attack.

“Oh. . .” He chuckles. “So you picked out the furniture with Grace I take it?”

“Yeah, it looks great. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

“I can’t wait to see it either, baby. I’ll be home in a couple of days. . . God, I miss you Addie.” Harry sighed over the phone. His solemn tone made me miss him even more.

“I miss you too. Only a couple more days though, we can make it.” I try to convince him even though I’m not even certain of that statement myself. “How’s everything there?”

“No one knows what they’re doing and it’s just a complete shit show.”

“I’m sorry, it’ll get better once you open up the shop though.”

“I hope,” He sighed again. “I can’t stand being in this hotel room without you Ads. I’m sorry I’m away so much, I promise after this I’m going to take some time off to be there with you.”

“I know, Harry. It’s okay.”

“Well, I’ll let you get some sleep. I love you so much Addie, I’ll be home soon. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay, I love you too.”

I ended the call to Harry and set the phone on the end table. I struggled to get comfortable in the large, empty bed, and eventually gave up. It’s been hard to sleep lately, and the fact that Harry is out of town on business again doesn’t help either.

After we got married, we both attended university in London and got our diplomas. Harry majored in business and marketing while I got a degree in education. Not that we really needed to work since harry’s grandfather died the year after we got married and left all of his money to his only grandson, but Harry began opening up multiple tattoo shops to bring in a steady income. He argued that he was the man of the house so he should support the family himself. I was proud of him though; his company gained massive success since it started, and he had a passion for what he did.

Since Harry was making so much with his business and his grandfather left us his large fortune, Harry insisted I didn’t work. At first I was reluctant, but that boy was very persistent. In the last year I seemed to accept it though; it’s been nice to only have to worry about the house and my husband.

I ended up in the kitchen and pulled a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the freezer before plopping down on the couch in the living room and turning on worthless reality TV.
My eyes drifted to the photo of Harry and I on the mantle of the fireplace below the television forcing my scattered, tired mind to wander back to the day it was taken - our wedding day.



Flashback

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest announces and I beam at my husband.

“Finally, you’re mine,” Harry whispers and pulls me into his arms and kisses me on the lips.

“You look beautiful, Addie,” he murmurs and smiles, his eyes glowing with love. “I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with you, baby.”

“Right back at ya.” I smile and kiss him once more, soaking in this perfect moment. "I love you, Harry."

I glance at everyone gathered in the Church on this hot summer day. . . My mom, dad, Anne,Des, all of our friends and the rest of our family that could make it are all applauding—and Grace, my maid of honor, who looks amazing as she stands beside Harry's best man, Niall.

“Ready to party, Mrs. Styles?” Harry murmurs, giving me his famous smirk that makes my insides turn to mush. He looks nothing less than perfect in his simple black tux.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I grin.

*

Later on, the party that our mother’s have put together and Harry’s father has funded is in full swing. The decorations hung in the ballroom of an expensive hotel is something you see in those wedding magazines, not at the wedding of an eighteen and nineteen year old couple who just graduated high school. I’m not complaining though, I’m elated that I am still able to have the wedding of my dreams despite my young age.

I glance around the large room as dinner is served and my eye catches Anne and Des before my mom and dad all laughing together as they all sit at the same table. I feel bittersweet watching them together. I hope Harry and I make it even though they didn't. I don’t know what I’d do if he left me. He's my life now, and I can't even begin to imagine how I could go on without him.

Grace is sitting beside me, looking stunning per usual in her bridesmaid dress. She glances at me and frowns. “Hey, this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life,” she scolds.

“It is,” I promise her.

"Ads, what’s wrong? Are you looking at your parents?” I nod reluctantly.

“They’re happy.” She assures me.

“Happier apart.” I correct her.

“You’re having doubts?” My cousin asks with a worried expression.

“No, not at all. It’s just… I love him so much.” I pause, unable or unwilling to state my fears.

“Addie, it’s obvious he adores you. I know you’ve had a lot of ups and downs in your relationship, but I can see how happy you’ve both been over the past year too.” She grasps my hands, squeezing them. “Besides, it’s too late now,” she adds with a smirk.

I giggle and she pulls me into a tight embrace. “Addie, you’ll be fine. And if he hurts one hair on your head, he’ll have me to answer to.” Releasing me, she grins at whoever is behind me.

“Hi, baby.” Harry leans down to kiss me deeply, not caring about who is watching. I suppose it is our day.

“Hey,” I smile and my previous fears seem to evaporate. Grace is right, I shouldn’t be worried. We love each other too much to let us turn out like our parents did.

End Flashback


My eyes mist with the wonderful, vivid memories of that day. I remember so clearly being worried about what the effects of getting married so young would have on Harry and I, but so far, everything's been greater then I had hoped. Harry and I have had a near perfect marriage these last four years. Minimal arguing, excessive love-making, wonderful memories, lots of laughs and great team work. All of my worrying from the day I met Harry to the day I said yes to his proposal was all for nothing; Harry and I are still happy, and always will be.

---

“Wake up, sleepy head.”

“Five more minutes. . . Harry?” My eyes sprung open with surprise when my favorite voice in the entire world woke me from my terrible night’s sleep. I must still be sleeping. . . Harry’s not supposed to be back for another few days!

“Good morning baby,” He smiled and leaned down to kiss me, confirming that I wasn’t dreaming. But hell, I might as well be.

“What are you doing here!” I squealed and sat up to hug him tight.

“Woah, take it easy,” he chuckled and rested his hands on my stomach while leaning down to kiss the swollen belly. “Don’t want to wake up my little man.”

“Harry, it could be a girl.” I reminded him with a smile.

“I can just tell though, Ads, it’s gonna be a boy.” He grinned and looked up at me.

“Whatever, get up here and kiss your boy’s momma.”

Harry obliged and hovered over me to kiss me sweetly. “God, I missed you Adelaide. I hate being away from my girl.”

“I missed you too, but why are you home?” I giggled.

“I left Niall in charge, told him I needed to get back home to my beautiful wife.”

“He has a wife too! And she happens to be my cousin who tells me how much she misses him on the daily.” I protest, even though I couldn’t be happier that Harry is back.

“Yeah, but his wife isn’t nine months pregnant and about to go into labor any day.”

“True, very true, Mr. Styles.”

“So, Mrs. Styles, how are we going to spend our day?”

"Well Dominic is coming over to finish the baby-proofing, but that's really all that's going on today." I tell him and his jaw clenches. "That's why you came home, isn't it? You knew he was coming today?"

"Okay well that may have been one of the reasons. . ." He admitted and kissed my cheek.

"Harry, I got married to you and am carrying your son or daughter, why don't you believe that I will never leave you? Especially not for a thirty year old baby-proofer!"

"It's not you I'm worried about, babe. It's that dick who stares at your tits while he installs all of that shit on the cabinets and closets. I don't trust him." He explains solemnly.

"Harry," I sigh and wrap my arms around him, "I'm yours, and always will be. No baby proofer or anyone else for that matter will ever take me away from you."

"Okay. . . Are you mad at me?"

"No, I just wish you would realize that no matter what, no one will ever get me but you. I'm yours, Harry." I assure him even though I know I'll never get through that thick skull of his.

"I can't promise that I ever will," he chuckled, "when my wife is hot as shit with a matching, flawless personality, it's hard not to get worried about every guy who meets you flashing you his bedroom eyes."

"Oh Harry, I can't even imagine what you'll be like of we have a daughter." I laugh.

"God, I really hope we have a boy." He chuckled. "Well Dominic's not coming for a couple of hours, what do you want to do until then?"

“Well first we can eat because I’m starving and craving bacon. . . and then you can help me put together the crib me and Grace got yesterday?”

“Sounds like a plan, babe. You go back to bed and I’ll go make you your bacon.”

“That’s okay, I’ll help.” I smiled and began to get up, struggling with my huge stomach.

“Addie, I’ll do it. Stay in here.” Harry warned, and I couldn’t help but giggle as I agreed.

His demanding, controlling side never seemed to fade out, but I’ve grown to admire it. Harry has been so great through our marriage and especially through my first pregnancy with making sure I have what I need and that I am happy. Harry has definitely matured over the years, and it seems so much longer than four years ago when we had just started dating. It’s crazy to think of Harry as the guy that humiliated me in front of our whole grade when he gave me my bra at lunch. Ha. . . Good times.


“Mmm, looks good babe.” I practically moaned as I waddled through the kitchen over to Harry.

“I told you to stay in bed!”

“I know but it smelled so good I couldn’t take it anymore.” I pouted.

“Oh Addie, you’re too adorable.” He laughed and kissed my nose. “Go sit down, I’ll bring you your plate.”

I obliged and made my way to the table and Harry brought me a plate full of the bacon I had requested, an omelet, toast, fresh strawberries and a full glass of orange juice.

“This is why I married you.” I stared at the pregnant-woman’s fantasy in front of me. My whole pregnancy I've been craving every type of junk, fatty, greasy food you could imagine. The amazing thing though is that I haven't gained weight anywhere other than my stomach. All the other expectant mothers in my birthing classes told me they hated me. I guess I got lucky.

“As long as you married me,” Harry teased and grabbed his own plate from the counter and sat across from me.

“Holy, this is amazing babe.” I said as I took my first bite.

We ate our delicious breakfast as Harry informed me of his business trip and we talked about what else we need to do before the baby comes.

“Thank you so much, Harry.” I kissed him and loaded our dishes into the washer.

“Sure thing, babe. I’m gonna go get started on that crib, do you need anything else?”

“Do you want me to help you? I know you’re sick of putting stuff together.” I offered even though I knew he’d be difficult and decline my offer because I’m ‘pregnant and shouldn’t be working.’

“I do, but it’s my job to put everything together before the little guy comes.” He chuckled. “I gotta get responsible sooner or later,” Harry teased and kissed my cheek.

“Okay, well I’m going to go change.” I informed him and slowly made my way to our room. He’s been so great over these past months, that I wanted to thank him in a way that I know he’ll appreciate.

I went to the bathroom and changed out of my boring maternity clothes and into a the only sundress that still fits me. It shows off a little too much cleavage for my liking, but I'm sure Harry will like it. Underneath that I put on Harry’s favorite matching, lacy bra and underwear of mine. Even though I feel disgusting and pregnant, I know Harry will appreciate a little sexy time, especially since he was gone for a week.

When I flipped the light switch as I left the bathroom so I could go surprise my man, I felt something pop and my legs began to feel warm and wet. You have got to be kidding me. . . I’ve gone this whole pregnancy without peeing myself and then the one time I dress up, I pee on myself?

I pulled off the dress and underwear to throw them into the hamper when it finally registered in my brain.

“HARRY!” I yelled and grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt to put on from the drawer and pulled them up. “Harry, come here!”

“What is it baby? Are you okay?” He panicked with shortened breath after running in here.

I laughed and nodded, “My water just broke.”

“Are you serious?” His face paled for a second and then his mouth turned into a deep smile. He closed the distance between us and kissed me until my knees went week. “So he’s coming?”

“Guess so, you ready?”

Harry suddenly cursed under his breath, “Wait, we have to go! That means we have to go!” He turned around and went searching through the bedroom to grab the hospital bag I had packed a last week.

I felt oddly calm as Harry rushed around the room packing his own bag and shoving random things he thought we might need while we were at the hospital. I’ve been waiting for this moment for nine months, well for five years really. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about the day I had a kid with Harry since the day we started dating. I just can’t wait to meet our little son or daughter.

“Sweetheart, we have to go. Can you think of anything else you need?”

“Camera and phone chargers,” I decided and walked over to him.

“What else?”

“I need you to kiss me, then calm down and drive us to the hospital.” I smiled against his eager lips as he gently pulled me to my feet and led me out of the house.

---

“Hi guys,” Grace whispered as she sauntered into the hospital room. Thankfully she lived in England with Niall now so that she could be here for this.

“Hey,” I smiled contentedly, holding the little bundle of joy in my arms with Harry sitting next to me on the bed.

“You okay Harry?” My cousin smiled at my husband.

“Yeah. . . That was just amazing, Grace. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.” His eyes watered and I felt my throat tighten with emotion. “You should’ve seen Addie, she was amazing, so brave.”

I tried to stop myself from crying tears of pure happiness for the millionth time today as I looked at my baby’s godmother.

“You can hold her, Grace. She’s absolutely beautiful. . . perfect, just like her mum.” Harry offered.

“She? I thought it was supposed to be a boy, Haz?” She teased but looked shocked herself.
Harry nodded as a tear rolled down his cheek. “Addie was right. . . Well, she usually is so I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Grace walked over to me as she laughed and kissed my forehead. I was exhausted and still in pain, but the precious little human bundled in a pink blanket and striped hat kept me wide awake and happier than ever. “I did it,” I laughed and allowed myself to cry once again.

“I knew you would do great.” She smiled. I adjusted my daughter so Grace could see her perfect little face; pudgy pink cheeks and deep green eyes like her daddy.

“Harper, meet your aunty Grace,” I smiled as I lifted her to give to my cousin.

“You named her after Grandma? Oh my God Addie, it’s perfect. She would be so proud of you. I wish she could be here.”

I nodded as I watched Grace hold my little girl and willed myself not to cry again. Dad’s mom, Grace and I’s grandma, was like my best friend growing up. Lame, yes, but she was always there for me. We were so close that when she passed away my freshman year of high school, I didn’t think I’d be able to make it through. I always thought Harper was a beautiful name, so when Harry mentioned it one morning when we were trying to pick a name, I knew it was perfect. Harry loves the name too, so it was fate.

“Hello, Harper, it’s nice to finally meet you.” Grace smiled and kissed her plump cheek.


The day went on as the rest of our family and friends came to meet the newest addition to our family. Once visiting hours were over, it was just the three of us alone in the hospital room. The doctor wanted to keep Harper and I one more night for the normal tests, so we had to wait one more night before we could bring our beautiful daughter home.

I was reading my book for new parents in the hospital bed when I peaked over to see Harry holding Harper. He stared down at her like he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He couldn’t stop smiling either. Every once in a while, Harper would do something cute and Harry would laugh, and my reading quickly turned into watching Harry.

Adjusting her pink hat to stroke the little hair she had, Harry looked up at me, “I think she’s going to have my hair.” He looked back down at her and smiled. “But I hope she has your eyes.” They were a dark green right now, but the nurse had told us it was common for them to change after a few months.

I smiled at him and continued to watch my husband and daughter interact. It was the most beautiful, heart clenching thing I’ve experienced. I wiped a tear off of my face as I watched them. Harry lightly swayed with her as he made silly faces, trying to get her to smile. When he leaned down to rub his nose with hers, and she tried to suck on it, I had to look away before I started full on sobbing.

“I love you Harry.” I told him across the room when I finally got my emotions under control.

He looked up at me with the happiest expression on his face and stood up with our daughter to come sit by me on the bed. “I love you too, Addie, so much. . . Look at her babe, she’s perfect.”

“She is,” I agreed honestly. “We did a good job.” I laughed.

Harper let out a soft cry as Harry leaned forward to kiss me. Harry put one of his fingers near her shaking hand, and as soon as Harper touched it, she grasped it and fell silent.

“Daddy make everything better, princess?” Harry kissed her head before looking up to me with pride, love, and so much joy. “I’m a dad.”

His voice was thick as he tried to speak through the lump in his throat. He pressed his lips to mine and pulled away slightly. “Thank you so much Adelaide. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me since the day I met you."

I held my hand to his cheek and smiled. “I think I have an idea, because you’ve made me that happy too. You are my world, Harry. I wouldn’t ever want to do this with anyone else. I love you.”

We stayed up as long as we could enjoying our perfect little girl and the calm that we knew wouldn’t last for much longer. Everything had turned out better than either of us could ever imagine, and I was so thankful to still have the love of my life next to me holding our little girl. Our journey together has been full of ups and downs, and I’m sure we’ll have to face more challenges in the future, but right now I am content with the understanding that we’re here. . . and here is great.

Notes

okay so I obviously decided to just do an epilogue rather than a sequel. I think this is better because I don't want to drag this story on with a sequel!

and thanks once again for reading this story. I'm actually kind of sad it's over because I loved writing it so much! I'm really glad you guys seemed to enjoy it, and I hope my new story can be even better!

I hope you guys like the epilogue. . . Because that's a wrap on Too Much :'(