Un-Tying the Knot {h.s.}

Chapter 24

Author's Note:

I just went through one of the most traumatic events of my life with two people who are literally crazy. Like I know some people say that as an exaggeration, but I'm not. I had to go file a police report today, and I called my parents to tell them I might come home for the first time -- like ever. I just need a break.

Anyway -- my only solution in times of stress is to write, and I just wanted to express my gratitude for the people I'm starting to get to know here. I'm still quite new to Wattpad, but you guys are awesome. I'm so appreciative of you -- and to all the amazing authors whose stories I spend all my time reading (I've read every single one of uniqueboys and shyla_stories' fics the past few days in duress, you should read them if you haven't -- they're all good) -- thank you guys for giving me a distraction through the hard times and being such talented people. If you've got a story to recommend I read, leave it in the comments!

For those of you who love this story, just know it's just about to get real good. So -- promise the slow pace is all worth it!

Xo

--

"Come on, Eleanor...one drink!"

"For the eighteenth time, Nicky...no," she responds coolly.

Nick couldn't help but let his eyes narrow at the dark blonde beauty sitting across from him in her silk pajamas. How could someone who looked so perfect be so terrible to get along with?

It was the evening now, the crickets chirping in the background of the countryside as the stars moved their way across the night sky, the moon adding a spec of highlights to all of our faces with an ethereal glow.

After a hefty dinner expertly crafted by Harry's grandmother, the "kids" as she affectionately called us, retired to the garden patio behind the house to talk and banter a bit more, not quite ready for the night to end while we nursed the bottles of beer in our hands. There was a chill in the air, but the perfectly aligned space heaters kept us warm enough.

I couldn't help but tap the bottom of my beer bottle against the wicker chair I was sitting in as I took in everything.

Gemma was sprawled out on the big wicker couch, her legs propped up on Nick's lap. All of the significant others, minus Eleanor of course, had taken off -- Candy having to prep for "work" tomorrow and Gemma's husband having offered to take their two year old for some Daddy-Daughter bonding time to give his wife a much needed reprieve.

Eleanor and Harry were sitting side by side on the wicker love-seat, her small frame pressing into him with her legs curled under her, his arm loosely hanging around her shoulders. At first glance, the naked observer would think these two were adorably in love -- but if you actually knew them, you could see that Eleanor was pushed against him so she would have more room than him, and his arm was around her shoulder because he didn't really have anywhere else to put it.

"Who wants dessert?" Anne calls, propping open the screen door with her hip while holding a couple of plates of berry cobbler. "Courtesy of Nana..."

Harry stands immediately, not even caring that Eleanor collapsed into the empty space his body quickly vacated. As he salivated over the delectable dessert, you could see his eyes get transported back to being an eight year old at his Grandma's house eating cobbler around a fireplace with his family, telling jokes and simply enjoying life. The look on his face was pricelessly adorable. He quickly handed the first plate to me, ignoring everyone else, before sitting back down. He barely waited a millisecond before going to dive in with his fork. Just as the metal was about to pierce the deliciously flaky crust, Eleanor interrupted.