Harry poured a large scotch from the decanter in his office. It had been the day from Hell but her Majesty had the birthday she wanted. No one had died. They had stopped the threat and the media hadn't made a big deal of it. The Queen had cut the cake, lit the beacon and gone back into the palace unscathed. He smiled; glad that the op had gone absolutely according to plan.

"Everyone has gone home." Ruth stood in the doorway as Harry set his untouched glass on his desk. "Final reports are all either in your in box or will be tomorrow."

"We did good."

"Yes." Ruth smiled slightly as Harry stepped towards her. He held her gaze for a moment longer.

"This has overshadowed your birthday." Ruth shrugged. She hadn't given it a second thought.

"Not really. The kids made a fuss of me. Although I really should teach Nick that there are settings on our toaster and charcoal isn't the best option for bread."

"I can't believe you ate it. At five am." He smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Kids get up early and make such an effort I'm eating it. Scarlett did help me out though." Harry laughed before kissing her. Ruth gripped his biceps as he rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm sorry all this took precedence over your birthday." She raised her eyebrows as he stepped back, taking her hand in his. He brought her knuckles to his lips.

"I don't care." She smiled at him as he kissed her hand. "I really don't. Birthdays are not important to me."

"Which is why you make such a fuss of everyone else's." He raised an eyebrow.

"That's different."

"Everyone has gone home?"

"Yes, I spoke to Ros. She's sent the team home. Everything has been handed back to the RPS." He nodded, tugging on her hand he lead her towards the concealed entrance to his office. She frowned slightly as he led her to the roof.

"Harry."

"Just follow me."

"Don't I always?" She sighed as he raised an eyebrow. Ruth stopped as she noticed the fairy lights twinkling around the rooftop as music played softly in the background.

"How?"

"I have my ways." He stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist kissing her neck. Ruth closed her eyes. "Happy birthday, Ruth."

She smiled as he kissed her neck once more, a shiver running down her spine. The table in the corner of the roof caught her attention.

"Muffins." She gasped; remembering a conversation that seemed a lifetime ago. Harry stepped back, suddenly remembering that muffins had a different connotation. Jo had died the day Harry had said that. It had been Ruth's first day back with them. He inwardly cursed himself as the music changed. "And Littlemix?"

"Well, Terri had it playing when I dropped Gracie there. Secret Love Affair seemed quite apt when I heard the lyrics. It's how we started." She nodded, turning to him.

"Happy birthday."

"I love you." Ruth smiled as she turned to him, kissing him gently on the lips. He wrapped his arms around her as she whispered the words against his lips. Her forehead rested against his collarbone. The music filled the silence as he held her; swaying slightly to the music.

"Never say your birthday doesn't matter. You matter." He kissed her as she smiled slightly. "Dinner?"

"Here?"

"Well, muffin and white burgundy." He shrugged.

"Perfect." She smiled at him before leading him across to the small table. It seemed it wasn't just her Majesty that was being spoiled on her birthday. Glancing at her husband she knew no one else would see this side to him. Harry raised an eyebrow as she blushed lightly. The operation was over, everything had gone smoothly and they were together. Ruth lifted her glass to her lips.

"Perfect."

He smiled.

"Harry? Take me home." He smiled before picking up the bottle of wine and leading her back indoors. He had no idea how long they'd have until the next crisis but it didn't matter. They were together.

Xxx