How It's Going To Be [h.s.]

Chapter 47

                 

The car pulled to a stop and Eli turned off the ignition. The larger parts of Stockholm looked far off in the distance now. Harry opened my door for me and helped me from the SUV. The air was comfortably warm and the sun was unobstructed in the sky. The SUV chirped twice as Eli locked the car and began walking toward the head of a pathway.

"Monteliusvägen is a scenic walkway in Stockholm known for it's impressive views of Riddarfjärden, City Hall, and the older parts of the city," Eli smirked as he impersonated a tour guide. "But really, this is one of the best ways to see the city."

"It's beautiful," I said as we gazed off at the skyline of Stockholm.

"You can walk as far as you'd like down the walkway. I'll follow from behind to give you privacy, but this is a somewhat popular attraction and there is a risk you'll be recognized," Eli cautioned.

"Thank you, Eli," I smiled over my shoulder at him.

Harry and I walked silently for a long time. He held my hand as we wandered and would tighten his grip possessively if anyone passed us. My eyes danced over the breathtaking views surrounding us. The area was serene; the air was crisp coming off the water separating us from the city, birds in nearby trees sang, and despite Eli's warning, hardly anyone was on the walkway.

I listened to the creaking wood of the walkway underfoot until I could no longer hold words back. "Harry, are we going to talk about-"

"Let's stop here." Harry interrupted me by pulling me to a wide spot in the walkway. I was vaguely aware of Eli seeing us stop and stopping himself out of earshot.

"What?"

Harry put his finger to my lips and I frowned. With his free hand, he pulled the note from his back pocket and held it up for us both to see. "I left this for you in a place I knew you would go when you were feeling emotionally weak. I wanted you to see this at a time you would really need it. That's why I put it with your journal because that's where you turn when you're feeling strong emotions."

I felt myself blush and had to fight the urge to look away. A lot of my friends thought it was childish that I kept a journal and cared about what I wrote in it. I watched as Harry put the note back in his pocket. He stepped back and took a deep breath. His hands found mine at our sides.

"I love you."

The words tumbled from his lips naturally and landed at my feet in an act of emotional submission. They were nearly tangible as warmth filled me in a way I had never before experienced. I felt as though I were weightless and suspended in midair. I felt invincible with the verbal validation of Harry Styles' love for me.

It was when his words floated around the air between us that I finally knew. Every time he had looked as though he had more to say, every time he hesitated with a response, every time he bit his lip to hold back words, he was going to say it. He was going to say that he loves me.

"I love you, Harry."

His eyes reached a new shade of green and the corners of his mouth twitched upward in a relieved smile. Harry's hands released mine and he grabbed my waist. In one strong tug, I was up against Harry's chest with my arms wrapped around his neck. He dipped his head down and caught my lips perfectly. Harry kept his lips on mine and began his slow, tantalizing routine of giving and taking that took my breath away.

"I love you," he whispered with is mouth hovered in front of mine. "I love you."

"I love you, too," I breathed before he could take my lips captive in a kiss again.