HARRY’S POV

I find it a bit strange when Piper requests to have lunch with my mum and sister alone, but she needs support, so who am I to question it?

What’s weird is that I’m left alone with Karen and Andy. I promised Andrea earlier that I would take her out, but it feels wrong to take her and leave Karen at my place alone. So, I’m not left with much of a choice when she asks if she can tag along to the park.

“I don’t want to impose-“ she adds immediately after, but I simply shake my head.

“Of course not. We should talk anyway. Be responsible parents and all that,” I smirk and she nods, zipping Andy’s jacket up to her chin.

“Thanks, Harry. I’ll just grab my coat and her scarf and gloves,” Karen calls out as she makes her way up the stairs.

Andy jumps closer to me when her mum disappears and wraps her arms around my leg, "Daddy! Hold me, pwease!"

I smirk and lean over, tickling her sides even though they're hard to reach with her thick coat.

"Why would a big girl like you want to be held? You're my baby, aren't you?" I tease her, lifting her into the air with ease.

"I am a big giwl!" She squints her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Hmm," I sigh, "I don't know. Big girls don't suck their thumbs."

"I'm a baby sometimes, but mostly I'm a big giwl," she corrects her previous statement and I chuckle, kissing her forehead.

"Alright, sweetheart," I grin, "That's okay by me."

I glance up just as Karen is hopping down the steps, "Let's go, you two."

I carry Andy toward the door and we stand in front of it while Karen wraps the scarf loosely around her neck. Her eyes catch mine for a moment too long, and something about the way she's acting is making me uncomfortable.

"Alright, Karen?"

She swallows thickly and nods, "Yeah, m'fine."

I don't belive her, but we're not on a level at which I can ask for more of an explanation. Not yet, anyway. We've only been on speaking terms again for a couple months.

"Then let's go to the park!" I hoot, and Andy wraps her arms tightly around my neck, squealing excitedly.


###

We make it to the park quickly and I easily find a parking spot near the playground. Karen retrieves our daughter from her carseat as I start to walk toward the swings. I find my phone in my pocket and frown when I don't have any notifications from Piper. She offically likes my family more than me.

"Wait up, Harry!" Karen struggles to catch up, Andy in one arm, the diaper bag balancing on her other shoulder. I hurry over and take Andy.

"Sorry about that," I chuckle, swinging Andy around playfully.

"Again daddy! Spin me!" Andy screams and I find myself instincitvely searching around to see if anyone heard her. My heart sinks the second I do. It kills me that my first reaction is to check that no one heard my daughter call me daddy. I hate myself for it.

It's disgusting for me to do that. It's so upsetting to think that I may care more about my job and my public image than my toddler. I turn around and notice the look of sadness on Karen's face. It's like a form of disappointment, but she doesn't look surprised. I take a deep breath and pull Andrea close to my chest.

"Come on, love," I smile solemnly, "I'll spin you to the swings."

She giggles loudly and I can hear Karen chuckling from behind us.

I place Andrea in the child swing and she kicks her legs excitedly as I push her.

"I love you, sweetheart," I tickle her side when she swings toward me.

"I love you, daddy! No tickles!" she laughs.

I think it's about time I don't have to hide her anymore. She's my daughter and I have another child on the way. I'm sick of keeping my life hidden away inside homes and tinted cars.

I never want her to think I'm not proud of her.

"I need things to change, Karen," I finally say when she stands next to me, leaning agaisnt the swingset.

She chuckles softly, "You're a good dad. It's just been rough for the past few years. It won't last forever."

She shrugs and I wonder how long she's been telling herself that, "You don't have to lie to me. I know I've been sh- the worst. I just... It's time I step up and do the right thing."

"Is it that simple though?" She questions, kicking the mulch on the ground.

"No," I admit, "It never is. But, it's now or never. Piper's pregnant and it's going to be impossible to hide. I don't know; I have a lot to think about."

"Yeah," she breathes out, "I think we all do."


-----

PIPER'S POV

"So," Anne smiles at me kindly, reaching for the bread in the middle of our table, "Do you have any ideas?"

I shrug, fiddling with the napkin in my lap. This restaurant is perfect. We're seated in a beautiful garden and the food choices are vast. Gemma is sipping a glass of wine, waiting for me to answer.

"We could reserve a room somewhere and cater it or we could just have his close friends over at his- our place and cook instead. I don't know, what do you think he'd prefer? He's always raving about this place in SoHo, but I also think he'd like something appropriate for Andy to enjoy."

Anne and Gemma both nod, but Anne tosses a hand up casually, "Well, then I think it's decided. Home it is. I think Andrea trumps everything."

I giggle because she's right. That little girl hold such a special place in his heart and ithat's part of why I'm so okay with having this baby, even though we haven't been together all too long.

"Well, then the next thing is the guest list. Harry's always difficult to decide for when it comes to a small gathering," Gemma rolls her eyes, "He has too many friends he considers 'close', but I think we can narrow it down to less than fifty."

"Fifty?" I gulp, "That's- that's a lot of people. Maybe we should cater it still. So the boys, Sophia, Perrie, and Eleanor-"

"Actually, Louis and Eleanor broke up a while ago," Gemma cuts in.

My eyes widen in shock, "Oh god, I had no idea. Harry didn't tell me."

She shrugs and takes a sip of wine, "He probably didn't want to bother you with trivial stuff right now."

I know what she means. I'll have to ask him about it later, "Well, either way it's a lot of people so we should definitely cater."

Anne agrees, "Yeah, I'll call some places later today. I'll make an order for a cake. How should we have it decorated?"

I've seemed to forget how much goes into planning parties, but it's probably a good distraction.

"I'll figure out the cake. We'll need some champagne, but we should get beer and have the bar stocked for some options. Do you think we can get someone he likes to perform as entertainment? Oh!" I exclaim as a thought pops into my head, "Let's see if some of his friends who are performers would like to do a couple songs each."

Gemma grins brightly, "That would be perfect! He'd love it because it's so personal, and then if they each did a couple songs, they could still socialize and such."

"Wonderful idea, Piper. Would you like to get ahold of everyone for that, then?" Anne suggests, thanking the server as she sets down our food.

The thought of contacting celebrities I've never spoken to before is a bit intimidating, but I really do need the distraction. I plan to take on as much responsibility for this party as Anne and Gemma will allow me.

"Yes, I'll probably need some numbers though," I breathe deeply, savoring the aroma of my soup.

"Well, I'm sure you have some of the boys' numbers," Gemma notes, "I've got Ashton's and Michael's. They're on a break right now, too. I don't think I've got Ed's, though. You can probably message him on twitter. I bet the 1975 would be willing, also. Harry loves them. I'll get ahold of Matty."

"Alright, and then there's the whole invitation thing," I think aloud, "Should we just make it casual and tell people?"

They both nod and Anne steps in, "Yeah, probably easiest that way. Should we make it on the evening of his actual birthday?"

We all glance around and nod at the same time.

"Well," Gemma claps, "We should get on all of it today. There isn't much time!"

I smile and take my phone out of my purse. I have a few messages from Harry and Riley. I set my phone aside and turn my attention back to Anne and Gemma.

"Piper dear," Anne grows serious quickly, "Do you think your parents will come?"

If I'm honest, I hadn't even considered it. However, I know they'll want to come out as soon as they can, and Harry's birthday is the perfect opportunity for them to get away.

"Yeah," I grin softly, "I think they will. And Riley's already here, so if we can pry her away from Liam, I think she'll have a good time helping plan."

Gemma takes a large bite of salad, chewing it a bit before talking, "Sounds good. Now, we just have to keep it all from Harry."

We all sigh at the same time, which really just turns into laughter.

-----

HARRY'S POV

After we leave the park, Andy falls asleep in the car. I decide to stop at Tesco's and grab something so I can cook dinner for everyone. Karen and I don't talk much in the car. I'd like to think that it's just so we don't wake Andy up, but I sense tension.

"Karen-" I begin, but I don't know where I'm taking it.

"We should talk," she says and I'm glad we're on the same page.

"Yeah," I continue awkwardly, "What are we going to do about custody? With Piper here, I have a bit more help. I'd like to see her as often as I can. I also know that you don't live in London, so I need to know what you want as well."

Karen sighs, "I know. I'd hate to uproot my life in Cheshire to move here, but I'd hate it even more to uproot hers by living so far away. I just-"

"Before you continue," I clear my throat, "I've been wanting to look at houses. Not in London. I don't know if it's practical for me to move back to Cheshire, but if we could come to a compromise, I'd help you, you know- financially."

She nods slowly as I pull into the Tesco's car park, "I like that idea actually. Um- I don't want you to think I'm using you or anything-"

"God, no," I protest, "I've put you through hell for three and a half years, Karen. I know it's sucked for you, alright? I'm sorry- If I haven't really apologized yet, I really am sorry. The least I can do is make this whole thing easier for you in any way possible. I'll help you buy a house if that's what you want. You being happy is still important to me."

We sit in silence for a moment and I feel like she might start crying. She sniffles and smiles, "Thanks, now go get groceries."

I listen, because I don't know what I would say if she did cry. I also want to get home before Andy wakes up.

I grab the few items I need for spaghetti, and make it to the checkout line quickly.

"Hello, did you find everything you were looking for?" The cashier smiles that familiar smile that people get when they don't know where they've seen me.

"Just fine, thanks," I grin back, reaching for my wallet.

Just as I swipe my card and finish my payment, the man standing behind me suddenly taps me on the shoulder.

I turn abruptly, coming face to face with a burly man, smirking cruelly.

"Can I help you?" I ask, my heart racing a bit.

He chuckles and reaches over me, taking my bags and handing them to me awkwardly, "Say hello to Karen and Andy for me."

My heart races even quicker, my eyes going wide, "Who-"

"She'll know who I am, Harry," and with that he's gone.

"I knew it," the cashier gasps and clears her throat when I don't acknoledge her, "Here's your receipt, sir."

I ignore her while I watch the mystery man walk out the door and lights a cigarette. I'm left in slight panic and utter confusion.

Who the hell was that?

"Mr. Styles," I turn around, smiling nervously and finding my receipt held out to me.

"Thanks, I'm sorry about that," I apologize.

"It's not a problem," she grins, "That guy was weird. It looked like he was following you."

I hum, still confused.

"Can I- uh, get something signed for my cousin?" the girl shyly asks.

I chuckle lightly and nod, "Of course. What's your cousin's name?"

Notes

eeeek i'm so excited about where this story is headed! ahhhh please comment and let me know what you think xx. some chapters might be sorta fillers but you'll seeee xx

LOOK AT HOW CUTE HE LOOKS