In the following two weeks, Harry was extremely helpful. I mean, sure, at first he was freaked out of his mind. But after that was over and done with, he started doing all the things a good father might do.

He came to my last doctors appointment with me, he helped buy some last minute things. We weren't sure how our relationship was going to work yet, especially since Harry currently was dating some girl named Charice, but we decided we'd just cross that bridge when we came to it. He helped put together the crib at my flat, and we bought stuff for his apartment as well.

We were all ready and set for when the baby was to come the next week. We had everything planned out.

And it would have been perfect.

If the baby had decided to come on time.

A week early, at THREE IN THE MORNING, my water broke. I live alone, and of course, was freaking out. When I tried to call Harry, he wouldn't pick up, so I had to have Liam come over and drive me to the hospital. I was in labor for four hours before Harry finally showed up, and I was pissed. Maybe he got to sleep in, but honey, I had been up since 2:30 and I was not happy.

"So sorry! My phone was dead and--"

"Yeah, yeah. Likely story." I snapped, groaning in pain. The nurse pat my arm.

"Just one more dilation and we can fill you with drugs."

"Please do it now!" I cried, leaning my head back. Harry came over and offered his hand, which I immediately squeezed.

"It'll be okay, G." Harry promised, rubbing his thumb over the top of my hand.

"Thanks H, but I don't think OW OW OW OWOWOW!" I cried.

"Oh sweetie, that was the biggest contraction yet! Luckily it's time to get you numbed up! The baby should be here any minute!" I took a deep breath, and nodded.

****

After the nurses had left, Harry came back in. Upon his arrival, tears cascaded down my cheeks.

"Shhhh, shhh, no, Gracie, it's okay." Harry soothed, sitting on the side of the bed.

"I'm scared." I sobbed. My parents weren't anyone who cared enough to come, and my sister was stuck in America, so I was all alone. It was scary to think I would be bringing a baby into that kind of family, and Harry knew that's what I meant.

"No, don't be." Harry said, pulling me close to hug him. "This baby has you, me, the rest of the guys." Being the intellegent human he is, Harry didn't mention his girlfriend. I forced a smile at him and he kissed my forehead. "Now," He started, turning towards the door where nurses and doctors were filling in. "Are you ready to have this baby?"


***

Just twenty minutes of pushing later, we were graced with our healthy son's first cries. We named him Sam. Samuel Carson Styles. And he was beautiful. I'd never loved anything as much as I instantly loved my son. And Harry-- Harry fell head over heels. He was so good with him. Cradling him in his arms, stopping his cries. Harry was like the perfect father. I smiled every time I saw them together. They were literally the perfect pair.

After Harry had fallen asleep on the couch, I held Sam close.

"Sammy," I whispered to my dozing baby. "Sammy, you're gonna have the best life. Just you wait. Your dad is always gonna be there for you, and I will be too. Because we love you."