The Weeks Between • HS

December 2022 • Harry *

***A/N: For this one chapter, December 2022, instead of the same time frame from both perspectives, I decided the split the time frame. Harry's POV will be the beginning of the month. Nola'a POV will cover the end.

I'm not sure when the idea actually came to me. It probably has something to do with that damn candle. I bring the greenhouse candle with me to each hotel room on tour, trying to make each space a little more familiar. Obviously it's not the original greenhouse candle, but I've had multiples made. As I light it and sit alone in my hotel room, halfway across the world away from Nola, I ask myself what we're waiting for. Really? Why are we waiting until July to get married?

That single thought, over a few different nights on tour, puts into motion a whole lot of work for a lot of people.

First, I talk to Alessandro. We have been going back-and-forth about what I want things to look like for my suit and I've been working to convince him to make Nola's dresses in the colors she chose and also an ivory color because I don't for a second believe that she doesn't want to be the pristine bride. I think she just doesn't feel like she deserves it, after everything leading up to this point. If anything, though, it makes me want her to wear the ivory dress even more for our day. Regardless of the color, we can't get married without these clothes, and I'm just hoping he's alright moving our timeline up a bit.

----- Call to Alessandro -----

"Harry, my friend. How is tour?"

"It's great. I'm actually calling you about wedding attire, though."

"Ahhh. Another change?" he asks.

"Not in the way you are thinking..." I say, then pause. "If I were to reduce your workload to just mine and Nola's outfits for the wedding, do you think you could have them ready by December 17th?"

"What exactly are you asking me, Harry?"

"I'm surprising Nola. With a wedding at my place in London on December 17th. Obviously, you would be a guest in addition to delivering the outfits."

"It would certainly be a quick turnaround, but my team can do it. What about the girls, and Conrad?"

"Gemma says she will get everything for them. It's not meant to be a huge fancy wedding. It's going to be small and intimate, but I still want Nola to feel beautiful and I don't want to wear something that I've worn for anything else on my wedding day."

"Consider it done." There is a long pause before he continues, "I am so happy that you've chosen her. I can see you having a long happy life together."

I smile at his comment."So, I'll see you December 17th?"

"No, you'll see me the 16th, so I can make sure everything fits."

"You can alter mine that day, but hers will have to be perfect the day of, because she isn't finding out until like an hour before."

"I better get to work, then," he says, excitedly

"Thank you."

"Anytime, my friend."

----- End of Call -----

It's night one of Mexico City, but that is the farthest thing from my mind at the moment. A few hours after hanging up with Alessandro, I tell Sarah and Mitch about my plans in my dressing room. "Are you sure she's going to be OK with this?" Sarah asks me as I have her talk through the details with me.

"I think so. We'll still throw a big reception-type party in Italy, but I don't see a point in waiting to actually get married."

"What about people hounding her in Paris? Have you considered that?"