Christmas Eve, December 2007
Stepping into the dimly lit hall, Harry locked the door before crossing to the alarm and arming it. It was late; far later than he'd planned on getting home; and he just wanted to shed his jacket and curl up with his family. When he'd gotten married the year before, he'd promised himself that this time around, he'd be a better husband.
So far he'd done a so so job. He'd remember birthdays and anniversaries, limited the amount of hours spent on the Grid weekly, and had not looked at another woman since she'd agreed to their first dinner date. But there were more nights than he cared to think about that he came home after ten, bone weary and wanting nothing more than to curl up and sleep.
Today was no different. All through the morning and early afternoon, he'd attended meetings ironing out all the details concerning the Queen's Christmas Day outing to Church Services. Positive that nothing would happen to dampen the countries Holiday's, he'd moved onto a full walk through of Parliament, wanting to finish it on Christmas Eve so he could spend his own Christmas Day with his family.
He'd managed it all but at what price?
Hanging his coat on the rack, Harry kicked off his shoes and padded in his socks to the front sitting room. There, a smile filled his face as the tension from the day ran from his body at the sight before him. Walking quietly, he stopped by the couch and stared down at his sleeping wife, their three month old son Jordon lying securely in her arms on her chest.
Next to them Scarlett laid on the floor, her face raised as she watched him closely for a moment before deciding he was safe and went to go back to sleep.
Leaning down, he pressed a light kiss against the soft skin of their son's cheek, the warm smell of baby filling his senses. Lying his hand gently on the cotton covered back of their son, he moved his lips to Ruth's and slowly kissed her awake.