Lana's POV

I strolled out of my room the morning after the party. We didn't get home too late and I got a good night of sleep, one that I was in desperate need of after my week of death. I put my phone in the pocket of my sweater and went down the stairs so I could start making a breakfast for my Dad. I missed most of his birthday, so I planned on making up for it today. I started off with the bacon, then began cutting some vegetables for omelettes. My Dad came down as I was finishing with the bacon.

"I can't remember the last time you slept in this long," I tease as he pours himself a cup of coffee. He kisses my head and takes a seat at the island. "Did you have fun last night?"

"It was good. It was nice that Grandma came. You got to talk to her, right?"

"Yeah. She met Harry, too. It was so funny."

He laughs knowingly. "Oh boy. She kissed him didn't she?"

"Right on the mouth. You should have seen his face, it was priceless."

We both laugh while I pour some of the egg and vegetable mixture into a pan to start his omelette. My grandmother has always been a tad over-friendly. She always kisses people when she meets them, but we warned about kissing people on the lips. She stopped after that, but sometimes she would forget and her instincts would get the best of her. I don't know where she learned that from.

"Speaking of Harry, is he joining us for breakfast?"

I shrug and flip his eggs. "I have no idea. I would imagine he's spending some time with his mum today."

"What, you don't want to see me?" I jump and spin around as Harry makes his way over to me, nodding to my dad as he does so. He gives me a quick kiss then peers over my shoulder at the eggs. "Any extra for me?"

"How did you get in here?"

"The door was open. Is that bacon?" He reaches over to the plate, uncovering it and taking a strip of meat.

"I didn't hear the door," I say, looking at my dad. He shrugs and continues reading the paper and drinking his coffee.

Harry points to himself. "Ninja. Remember?"

I roll my eyes. "Right." I spin around and take a plate out, sliding the now finished omelette onto it. Harry joins my dad sitting by the island while I put some bacon on the plate and give it to my father. He thanks me and starts eating while I start with the next one, which is apparently for Harry.

"So, what are you two doing today?" Harry asks. I turn and lean against the counter to wait for the eggs to cook.

"I don't know. Dad, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know. I don't get a lot of days off. What do you think we should do?"

"It's your birthday. Your choice." I turn and tend to the eggs while he and Harry chat. I don't pay attention to the conversation, but I'm just happy my dad seems to be giving Harry a break. I know they must have had some sort of conversation in my absence last night, but neither of them told me about it. I don't really need to know I guess. As long as my father doesn't kill my boyfriend. Or...whatever he is.

---

"This is so hard!" I exclaim in frustration. My dad wanted to go golfing. Not miniature golfing, actual golfing. With me. I've never done this before and it definitely shows. We spent over an hour at the driving range while my Dad taught me how to swing. Then we made our way to the actual course, the easiest one that's close to us. My dad does this all the time, so he's pretty good at it. Apparently that's not a talent he passed on to me.

"Only three more holes," he encourages, watching while I try for the zillionth time to get the ball in the hole.

The day started off nice and sunny, but clouds quickly rolled in. Thankfully it isn't raining, at least not yet. When I finally manage to sink the ball, we get in the golf buggy and drive to the next hole. Despite my lack of golfing skills, I've had a really good time today. I didn't realize how much I missed my dad. We get out and I let him swing first for this one. As he's getting ready my phone starts to ring.

"Hello?"

"Hello. Having fun?"

I smile at Harry's deep voice coming through the speaker. "Loads. We're golfing."

He laughs. "You golf?"

"Not at all."

"I'll have to take you myself sometime."

"Oh no, you'll never see me do this. It's a whole new level of embarrassment."

"We'll see. Are you doing anything with him tonight?"

I roll my eyes watching my Dad take his shot, sending the ball flying. Seriously! "We haven't really talked about it. Why?"

"I was hoping to take you out on a date tonight."

I smile and try to contain my excitement. "Is that so?"

"Mhmm. Let me talk to your Dad for a minute."

"Okay." I walk over to my father and hand him my phone. He takes it and starts chatting with Harry, not saying too much. He smiles at me and agrees to one last thing before handing the device back. "What was that about?"

"Just making arrangements. Be ready at 7:30."

"What are we doing?"

"It's a secret. Wear something fancy. Maybe a little slutty."

"Harry!"

He chuckles. "What? Just saying, it would be nice. But seriously, wear a dress."

"Like a nice dress?"

"I don't know what that means. Do you have dresses that aren't nice?"

I roll my eyes at his lack of knowledge into female dress code. "I mean, is this going to be a formal occasion?"

"Come to think of it, yes. Quite formal. You'll have an idea of what to wear when you get home later. Mum says hi, by the way. I'll see you tonight."

He hangs up before I can respond, making me shake my head as I walk up to take my swing. My Dad looks like he's trying hard not to smile.

"What?" I ask him as I line up my shot. He just shakes his head. Something fishy is going on here. I don't like being out of the loop.

---

On the drive home I mentally go through my closet, trying to think if I have anything remotely fancy in my closet. Most of my clothes moved with me to London, and I wasn't expecting to be going on a formal date. What am I going to wear?!

When my Dad and I pull up to the house he's holding back a smile. I give him a weird look and lead the way to the front door, stopping in my tracks when I see a large and relatively flat white box laying on the front porch. I reach down for it in confusion as my Dad unlocks the door. I set it down on the island inside and pick up the note on the top, immediately recognizing Harry's handwriting.

This is what I imagined you would have worn.
-H

Would have worn? When? What is that boy up to? My dad walks up behind me, looking at the box as well.

"What's in it?" he asks, smiling. It kind of looks like he might already know.

"Not sure. Do you have any ideas?"

"One or two. You should go get ready."

I spin around, ready to drill him with questions about the evening. He obviously knows something. But before I can he bolts up the stairs, probably to his own room. What are these people planning? I take the box in my hands, trying to decipher the note. What I would have worn...to what??? When?? I don't get it. Once I'm in my room, I set giant box down on my bed. I gently lift the top off, gasping when I see what's inside.

I can see the top part of a dress that's been folded up to fit in the box. The top is a corset, embroidered shade of grey. The skirt is a dark grey-blue, and as I carefully life the gown out of the box I can see that it's floor length. It's gorgeous; so simple, but with the little bit of sparkle it's absolutely perfect. I couldn't have picked a better one.

I carefully lay on the dress down on the bed so it doesn't get wrinkled, eyes catching the note Harry left for me. What I would have worn...when on earth would I have worn a gown like this? Nevermind how much it must have cost, it's so extravagant. I can't think of a time I would have needed a dress like this. Regardless, I guess I should get ready.

After my shower I take my time drying my hair, body wrapped up in a short silk robe. I decide to put it in loose curls to keep my look simple so it doesn't draw attention away from the dress. My makeup is simple as well, keeping a pretty neutral palette but my eyelashes as dark and thick as I can get them. Once I'm satisfied with my hair and makeup I walk out and into my closet to get some panties and a strapless bra. Something catches my eye by the window though, making me back out of the closet to see what it is. As I near the window I see a single perfect rose laying on the bench in front of it. There's a note attached to this one as well.

Almost as beautiful as you. Almost
-H

I blush to myself and look out the window to his house. I wonder what that crazy boy is up to.

I spend a lot of time choosing what to pair with the dress. I don't want anything to take attention from it. It's far too pretty. I choose plain black closed toe heels and no necklace, but opt to keep my charm bracelet on as usual.. I also take out a black sparkly clutch to match the shoes I'm wearing. I take all my selections out to my bed and set everything out to make sure it'll go. When I'm satisfied I start getting dressed. When I slide the dress on I'm please to discover that the material is softer than anything I've felt before. It glides easily over my skin. The zipper is at the side, so I have little trouble doing it up on my own. As I walk to my mirror, I realize there is a slit up my left leg that goes up to my hip. The material overlaps though, so about three quarters of the way up my thigh, no more skin is revealed. Leave it to Harry to choose something "a little slutty." I have to admit, I kind of look sexy in it. I think Harry knows my body better than I do.

I check the time to see it's almost 7:30, which is when Harry told me to be ready for. I slide my shoes on and take one last look at my hair and makeup, which has held up perfectly. With one spritz of perfume, I'm ready to go. My dad is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. I slide my phone into my clutch and he smiles up at me. I know Harry told him what he's been planning, but I'm being patient and letting them all have their fun. When I get to the bottom of the stairs my Dad extends his arm. I hook mine through his slowly and I can feel the confusion spread across my face. He just smiles at me.

"You look gorgeous."

"Thanks Dad. Are you going to tell me what's happening?"

He shakes his head and starts leading me to the door. "You're about to find out." He opes the door and leads me down the driveway and across the street. "I know I gave Harry a hard time at first, but I really do think he's great for you."

"Thanks, Dad."

He leads me up Harry's driveway and to the front porch. "Alright, this is where I leave you. Have fun tonight." I lean forward and kiss him on the cheek. He smiles and walks back across to our house. I turn and step up onto the porch, wondering why Harry hasn't come to greet me. I walk up to the door and there's another rose taped to it, along with a third note. I take both down and unfold the small paper.

Come inside. Follow the pathway. I'll be waiting.
-H

I'm really confused at this point and eager to see Harry. I take the rose with me and open the door slowly, eyes struggling to adjust to the complete darkness. When I shut the door I look around, seeing two rows of candles outlining a pathway that goes towards the back of the house. Every single light in the house is off, so I have no choice but to follow the small glowing flames. With candles on either side of me, I walk through complete silence, other than my heels clicking on the hardwood. The candles go through the living room, into the back den and stop at the back door. It's been propped open, and when I'm in front of it I can see straight through. Finally.

Harry is standing on the back deck in a black suit with a white dress shirt that has the first few buttons undone. He looks very sexy and sophisticated. When he sees me coming closer to the door, a smile spreads across his face. He clasps his hands behind his back, waiting for me to approach. I step out the door and Harry steps forward to greet me, extending one of his hands to my own. He lifts it to his lips and kisses the back of my hand lightly, eyes alight with excitement. I can't help but smile at him. This is a picture perfect moment.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he says softly, stepping closer to me. He hasn't even looked at the dress; his eyes have never left my face. I beam up at him as he tucks a curl behind my ear.

"You don't look so bad yourself." He smiles and I look down at his chest, blushing. I see a small pin on the left lapel of his jacket which reminds me of the rose I now hold in my hand. I snap off most of the stem and pin the flower to his jacket. I've never done this before and I can feel his smirk as his eyes watch my face.

"Thank you." I look back up and he finally glances down at my dress, taking both of my hands and taking a step back to examine me further. "The dress is perfect. It's like it was made for you."

I look down as well. "It's gorgeous. I don't know how you found it."

"I'm a man of many talents." He takes a step closer and places my hands on his shoulders for me, then rests his own on my waist. "A little bird told me a secret."

"What kind of secret?"

"One about how you never went to prom."

I drop my eyes to his chest again. In our last year of high school I had refused to go to prom. I didn't want to go without Harry. It was too hard. It seems silly now, and I have to admit it's a decision that I've mostly regretted.

He puts his finger under my chin, leaning forward and tilting my face up to his. "Everyone should get to go to prom."

He reaches behind me and flicks a switch, lighting a scene behind him that literally takes my breath away. The whole backyard is lit up with white christmas lights, some hanging down like icicles and others just small bulbs along strings. They're all along the back of the house and the fence that runs all the way around the small area. There's bouquets of roses like the ones that have been left throughout the night for me spread out across the deck that I'm standing on, as well as on the patio and in the gazebo. I step around Harry to get a better view of the scene. The lights allow me to see that there's something set up in the gazebo, but I can't tell what. The patio is surrounded by flowers and lights as well, with candles randomly placed. There's two men to the one side, one standing with a violin and the other sitting on a stool with a cello in front of him. I can see Harry nod his head in my peripheral vision and they start playing a slow, romantic melody. I look back at him and he just smiles at me. I reach back and take his hand in mine so he'll follow me while I explore the amazing wonderland he's created. I walk down the steps of the deck and towards the gazebo, lifting my dress so I can climb the two steps that lead up to it, which are lined with roses as well. Instead of being all lights, theres one string around the outside railing and along the top rim. The inside is lined with candles, some raised on stands off all different heights while others rest on the ground. There's a small table set for two with one tall candle in the middle and a bottle of wine slightly in front of it. It's very intimate, and clearly the simplest part of the set up. It's absolutely perfect.

I stand in awe looking at what this amazing boy has done for me. His arms snake around my waist from behind, cheek resting against mine. I can feel on my skin that he's smiling.

"Do you like it?" he whispers.

"Harry..." I my voice is so quiet. I'm afraid I'll ruin it if I speak too loud. "It's...it's perfect. Better than perfect. Everything is so beautiful." I turn in his arms and rest my hands on his chest. "You did all of this for me?"

He nods, holding my gaze with eyes so filled with affection my heart could just burst. My eyes start welling up. I blink a few times to stop the tears from falling, but the effort is unsuccessful. Harry reaches up and wipes them away for me, suddenly looking worried.

"Shh, love, don't cry. What's wrong? Is it okay?"

"These are happy tears, don't worry," I assure him, laughing a little out of my inability to control my emotions. I feel so happy right now; there are no words. No one has ever done anything like this for me before. I feel so incredible loved and cherished. He smiles and kisses the last tear from my cheek, lips trailing down my face to the corner of my mouth. He gently presses his lips against mine in the sweetest kiss I've ever experienced.

He pulls back and smiles adoringly at me. "Are you hungry?" I nod, not trusting my voice. He takes my hand and leads me to one of the chairs, pulling it out for me and tucking me back under the table. He walks to the entrance of the gazebo, waving to someone, then comes back to the table and takes his seat across from me. I reach across the table and take his hand, running my thumb across the back of it. I look around once more, out to the patio and the deck.

"This is incredible," I say softly. "I can't believe you did all of this."

He leans forward and puts his other hand over mine. "I would do anything for you." He lifts my hand, once again kissing the back of it. I know he means every word of that. I know that I can trust Harry with my heart again, and I know he'll guard it with his life.

I'm a little startled when a boy appears, bringing a tray with him. He stops of the edge of the table and I give Harry a questioning look. He just smiles and leans back a little, keeping our hands locked on the surface. The boy sets a bowl of greek salad in front of each of us.

"Thanks, Carter." He nods and walks away again. Harry takes the bottle of wine and pops the cork off the top so he can pour some into each of our glasses.

"Harry, who is that?" I ask once the boy is gone.

"He lives down the street. He's a few years younger than us. My mum is friends with his."

"And he's....our waiter?"

He smiles and sets the bottle down on the table again. "He is. Sixteen year old boys will do anything for some extra cash. He's also our photographer."

"Our what?" I ask, laughing a little. He smiles and takes his hand out of mine.

"Well, we need someone to capture the night for us," he says, like it's the most obvious thing in the world. "This way we'll have pictures without having to worry about anything."

I look over at the patio to our little live band. "You really thought of everything."

"Prom is supposed to be perfect. I hope this makes up a little bit for missing it."

He takes a bite of his salad and I do the same, laughing when he struggles to get more of the leafy greens on his fork. He stabs the plate repeatedly, harder each time. He looks up at me, trying not to laugh as well.

"Don't laugh at me!"

I shake my head and cover my mouth, attempting to stop. He finally gets another bite on his fork. Our conversation is light throughout the dinner, reminiscing about the fun times we had in high school. He asks me more about my family in California, claiming to be upset that I've never talked about them before. There's not much to tell; it's just my grandmother and my dad's sister, who never married. My mother was an only child and she hasn't spoken to her parents since she left home at 18. I've never met them.

Cart brings out our main course, which is probably the best steak I've ever had along with some fantastic roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.

"Did you cook all of this?" I ask, trying to stuff my stomach with the last few bites of meat despite it's protests.

"My mum helped me with it." He's already finished, sitting back in his chair while sipping his wine and watching me eat the last of my own meal. "I could have done it, but I didn't have a lot of time for cooking."

"I can imagine. Where did you get all of these roses?"

He shrugs and I raise my eyebrows, knowing he probably went to extreme lengths to accomplish this. "I went to every flower shop in town and one in the next one over," he admits, looking around at the immeasurable number of red roses that surround us.

I put my fork in defeat, leaving a small amount of potatoes and vegetables. I can't possibly eat any more. Harry smirks at me, eyeing the leftovers. I laugh and push the plate towards him. He picks up his fork and finishes off my food. I'm serious, he's never full. As if on cue, Carter comes back out to clear our empty plates. I sit back, rubbing my stomach which I'm sure is slightly protruding at this point. I ate so much.

"I think I have a food baby."

Harry chokes on his wine a little, laughing. "A what?"

"You know, when you eat so much it looks like you're pregnant."

He laughs again and sets his glass down. "You're a little strange, did you know that?"

I nod and take a few sips of my wine. "Where's your mom and Robin?"

"They went to a hotel for the night."

I'm about to ask why when Carter reappears, carrying two smaller plates. Oh goodness. Dessert. He sets a lava cake in front of each of us, complete with a drizzle of caramel and small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

"You're trying to make me fat, aren't you?" I ask Harry, picking up my spoon in spite of myself. I'll probably be five pounds heavier tomorrow.

"You couldn't gain weight if you tried," Harry points out, watching while I take the first bite of my desert. After a few seconds he starts on his own. Conversation flows freely and easily between us, like people that have been friends for years and years. We both finish our chocolatey desserts, continually sipping on wine. Harry's refilled my glass a few times now. It's beginning to take effect. Carter clears the plats away, along with the rest of our utensils. Thank heavens, that means there's no more food. I'm about be burst as it is. The slow music from the string instruments on the patio hasn't stopped yet, providing romantic and relaxing accompaniment for our evening. Carter has, as promised, been taking pictures throughout the night. Some are spontaneous, flashes going off while Harry and I laugh and converse. Others are deliberate, us holding hands across the table and smiling into the lens. After a while Harry pushes his chair back, walking over to me and extending a hand.

"Dance with me."

I take it gladly, allowing him to pull me out of my chair and onto the dance floor. He twirls me under his arm before pulling me tight against his chest, one hand holding mine while the other presses against my lower back. I lean in close, inhaling his scent. His cheek rests against my head, bodies gently swaying to the slow melody. I don't know if I can remember a time where I've felt happier than I do right now, when I've felt this loved. It's the most incredible thing I've ever experienced. My eyes are closed, but I can tell that Carter is back at his job, dutifully snapping pictures while we sway in the middle of the make-shift dance floor. After a while Harry brings my hand up and clasps both behind his neck so he can interlock his fingers behind me, resting on the top of my bum. I pull back a little so I can look into his green eyes. I reach up with one hand and run my fingers through is unusually tidy curls, messing them up a bit. That's how I like them. He smiles and shakes his head slightly, catching on to my actions. Conversation picks up again and takes a turn for the serious.

"Lana, can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

He pauses and looks into my eyes for a few seconds. "Do you think about it often? What happened?"

At first I think he's talking about when he left. I'm about to hit him in the back of the head and remind him that we've moved on from that, when I realize what he's actually talking about.

The baby. Our baby.

My heart starts beating a little harder, chest tightening at the memories. That experience and Harry leaving me hold the two top spots for the hardest things I've ever experienced. They take turns in the number one spot. Both causes me such heartache. The difference is, I got one of those people back. The other is gone forever.

I nod slowly in response, not trusting my voice not to break. After a few minutes I feel more in control, enough to be able to speak.

"Do you?"

He sighs deeply, eyes closing for a long moment. When he opens them again they're glossy, moist from threatening tears. "Every day."

I reach my arms up higher, wrapping them completely around his neck, one hand reaching up to tangle into his curls. His grip around my waist tightens. We stand there barely moving for a few moments, holding each other. I feel something wet on my shoulder suddenly, causing me to pull back from his embrace and put my hands on either side of his face. His eyes are closed, the stream of a single tears still clear on his cheek. I wipe the dampness away with my thumb, staring at him intently while I wait for him to open his eyes. After a minute his eyes open, revealing the green that never fails to comfort me.

"It's okay," I whisper, smiling slightly up at him. He sighs and reaches up one of his hands, placing it over mine on the side of his face and leaning into it.

"Okay, no more sad talk," he says after another minute. He removes my hands from his face and walks over to the musicians. After a short exchange they nod to both of us and walk into the house, leaving us alone.

"Is prom over already?" I whine, swaying a little so the skirt of my dress moves around.

Harry grins at me. "It's only beginning." He reaches behind the stool and picks up a cord, then plugs his phone into it. Suddenly an upbeat song starts booming through speakers strategically hidden int he candles and flowers. I giggle as Harry comes back over to me, taking both my hands and leading me in a faster dance. He spins me around and I almost fall over. Harry is quick to wrap his arms around my waist, catching me halfway to the ground.

"I think I should take off my heels."

He chuckles and slowly helps me back to a vertical position. "That would probably be smart."

We go back to the gazebo. I sit on a chair and pour myself some more wine, downing half the glass before reaching down and removing both shoes. Harry watches with an amused expression while I finish off the rest of the dark liquid in my glass. I bounce up from my chair and take his hand, bouncing down the steps and walking backwards back onto the patio. The stone is cold, but I could not care less.

After we've danced to all of my favourite songs, I'm beginning to feel extremely tired. I really don't want this night to end, but I'm beat. Harry takes note and tells me he just wants one more song. He dismissed Carter long ago so we could have some real alone time to just be goofy and have fun with each other. He puts on the last song and walks over to me. It's slower, so he takes one of my hands and pulls be against his front while the other glides along my back to hold me there.

After a few bars I recognize the song. Harry used to make fun of me for loving this band so much when most people had no idea they existed. Beside You starts coming through the speakers, one of Mariana's Trench gentler songs. It's so perfect. I've always loved this song.

We sway back and forth in silence I close my eyes and rest my head against Harrys chest while his hand runs up and down my back. I feel so safe and secure in his arms. Nothing and no one can hurt me here. I feel so...peaceful with him. There's nothing like it. As the song comes to an end I pull my head back so I can look up at him. He smiles sweetly at me, waiting.

"Thank you for tonight. Best prom ever."

He smiles and kisses my forehead. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

I continue to stare at him, holding my position even after the song is over. I think he can tell that I want to say something else, because he just waits, watching my face carefully. After a while I finally gather enough courage to get the words out.

"I love you."

The words come out in a whisper, but I know he heard me. A deep smile spreads across his face, lighting his emerald green eyes. He puts his hands on either side of my face, firmly but sweetly pushing his lips against mine. When he pulls back he rests his forehead against mine.

"I love you, too."

I throw my arms around his neck, lifting my feet off the ground as he hugs me back, spinning me around. I can't help but giggle, revelling in the giddy feeling that's risen up inside me. The fabric of my dress swings out, fanning around me even when Harry sets me down again to kiss me. When he pulls back We're both breathless and smiling.

"Harry?"

"Yes, love."

"Can I stay with you tonight?"

He kisses the tip of my nose and takes my hand firmly in his own, leading me back towards the house.

"I would love that."

Notes

omggggg i dont know about you guys, but im in love with this chapter. it was super random and it came to me as i was writing the beginning of it. i looooooved writing this. i really hope you all enjoy it as much as i did :)

i picture harry's tux in this one like the one he wore when they performed story of my life at the amas

everyone please listen to the song!! marianas trench, beside you. its an amaaazing song and it seemed really perfect for these two.

please please pleaseee tell me what you think of this one. it would really mean a lot to me :)