So here it is, the last chapter. I've really loved writing this though it's far exceeded the length I anticipated and digressed a little. I did struggle with this chapter because I'm a firm believer that we're all worthy enough no matter our family situation, but the words kept drawing me back to this conclusion. I hope you love it. I'm going to miss writing this so much!
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The large lounge at Winfield Hall is hushed. It's a rare thing to hear silence from the assorted guests.
Harry looks lovingly at her husband who is telling a Christmas story, nestled in a large armchair beside the decorated tree. It's a yarn with extra bells on. She's not certain that any of it is based in lore, or written in the book which is rested on his lap beside his nephew who is enthralled. The book he's supposed to be reading from.
It's the end of a long day and they are all weary. All the presents are wrapped, including his, even if he told her that she's enough for him every year. "You naked with a bow is all I need." She can appreciate the sentiment but this year, she's somewhat excelled herself and she wants to get him alone for a while.
She's so very proud of Dempsey, as he sits in crumpled jeans and jumper, his hair somewhat tamed into place, with his nephew on his lap. Emily sits beside Harry, both children are growing up so fast. Dempsey's mother, Rosa, sighs from where she sits beside Thelma and the two women share a warm smile with Harry. She's grateful to his loving family for keeping her this side of sane since they arrived a few days ago.
Her regret is that her mother didn't get to see all this. She would have loved to see her daughter break rank and fall in love someone probably more wayward than she was herself. Christmas has never been easy, she's always missed her mother. She walked to her grave yesterday in the dusk and wept in Dempsey's arms. Others have grown from this too, as Freddy has started to share his memories of his late wife. Together they've laughed at old photos and listened to his tales. She seeks out her father who seems as beguiled by Dempsey's tale as everyone else, unaware that his son-in-law is merely delaying the opening of jigsaws which Harry still can't abide.
Whatever the future holds, the Hall is now in safe hands thanks to an extraordinary effort to turn it into a profitable estate. Freddy sat them down in his study last night and she saw the rare sight of Dempsey speechless when he realised the older man had set them, and her cousin Douglas, up for life when the time will come to hand over the estate to the next generation. Her tough Brooklyn man. They could leave the force and settle here if they wanted to, but she's not sure how he'd cope without being a cop or if she could give up her work too. There's enough time to think about that later, she told him.
Dempsey flops onto the sofa beside her. Since the news, he seems to have relaxed a little more about the place. He drops a kiss to her lips and then directs their attention to the windows with a gleeful yell, "It's snowing!"
The family, led by the children, attack Dempsey with snowballs. Harry's husband has the edge, his aim is lethal as they'd expect which is why he finds himself in a team of one. Harry shouts encouragement from where she stands beside her father in the shelter of the porch. She's desperate to get her husband to herself for a while but she loves seeing him so relaxed and he's wonderful with the children. Her heart pitches in her chest at the sight.
"You're meant to be on my side Mrs Dempsey!" He shouts at her as he falls into the snow with the children piling on top of him. He emerges like a yeti and Harry screams in happy protest when he sweeps her up. "My snow angel.'
"Careful." She squeaks and he looks suspiciously at her for a moment. Sometimes she thinks he's mind-reader. He still cops a feel anyway.
"I'm wet and I'm cold," Dempsey tells Harry when they get to their bedroom door.
"You look it." Harry agrees, taking the opportunity to run her eyes over him, her lips twitch. She knows his intentions and feels a buzz of excitement that manifests itself in a blush.
"I need warming up."He urges, looking sadly at her, but the twinkle in his eyes gives him away. His jeans are two-tone from the snow and his hair is dripping.
"Yes, you do." She demurs and closes the door behind them.
He follows her through to the bedroom and strips off his wet clothes. "How do you feel about Freddy's news? We didn't get to talk about it much last night. I'm sorry I fell asleep."
"Don't apologise for being tired." Dempsey admonishes her gently as he dries himself. "I'm honoured, I know you'll do him proud, I hope I can too."
She seeks out the comfort that only they can bring each other and buries her head into his chest.
"You are enough for me," He mumbles into her hair, his arms wrapped around her. "Are you sure you're okay? You've slept like a bear all week."
"Mmm, I'm good." She stays a little longer and then reluctantly releases him. "You said to Simone you'd never leave the force, being a cop is what you do."
"I'd be fine with leaving now, life is different. I'd have no regrets. Meeting you changed me for the better." Dempsey looks out of the window over the fields that extend beyond his eye line. "Still so dammed crazy to think a boy from Brooklyn ends up here."
Harry crawls onto the bed, and beckons him down to it. "We've got a while before dinner."
He finishes messing about with his hair in the mirror and she feels his eyes on her. He's looking cautious as he lays down beside her."There's something, princess, I don't know …"
Harry takes a breath before she opens her bedside cabinet drawer to extract an envelope. She should know that they read each other too well to keep big secrets. He drops down on the bed beside her, looking at her, still nervous. She hopes her trembling hands don't give her away. "You might want to open this Christmas present now."
"What you said, out there, in the snow…" He begins and she puts a finger on his lips, as he unwraps the contents, reading quickly. "Oh, Harry…."
There are tears in his beautiful eyes, causing her to cry too. The memory of their early loss earlier this year ago is still raw. He gathers her to him, his relief is palpable.
"I had to be sure. I couldn't bear to tell you and raise your hopes before I knew. I've booked another scan for next week. The blood tests show we're doing really well. We've got two strong heartbeats." Tears spill down her cheeks.
"Two?" He looks shocked and peers at the photo again as she points out what he's seeing.
"Two. You've been rather outstanding in your performance." She confirms with a blush.
"I thought you felt different, you taste different…I was so scared to ask you. I hope they get their mother's brave genes." When he's stopped kissing her and telling her he loves her, he looks serious "Are you sure you're feeling okay? You're not doing anything tomorrow."
"I'm fine, we're fine." Harry indulges him, his protectiveness is always measured and she loves him for it.
"We'll always be fine, but you shouldn't worry on your own." Dempsey replies. "We do this together."
It's a gentle admonishment and one she accepts, as she knew it was coming. He is right, they are enough for each other. He's never once made her feel any less for the loss they've shared together.
Goodness knows numerous friends have longed for the love and happiness she has with Dempsey, a spark of the chemistry that comprises the push and pull that' them. She can't bottle it and they'll never question it or take it for granted. The past few months of sorrow have taught them a lot and made them stronger. Yet she longs to know what their children might look like. If they will have his hair, her eyes, or his. There's a way to go yet, but she's every faith they can get through this.
"I promise." She meets his gentle gaze and he registers her truth with soft smile.
"I understand why you did." Dempsey cuddles her close. He unbuttons her blouse, and rests his hand on her bared stomach. There's a small swell. "Just wanna stay here a while and let it sink in."
Harry nestles into his side, in full agreement, as she watches the snow gather on the sills of the window and feels Dempsey's strong and solid warmth keeping them safe. She brushes away his tears as he begins to tell the story of how they met.
The End
Happy, safe and peaceful holidays everyone