Chapter 47: Forever In My Life

Spending a week in a cabin in Big Bear with our combined families didn't seem like a good idea to me initially but by the end of Christmas week I was eating my words. I didn't think the holidays could be so fun. It was a bit of a hassle flying everyone in, but a few days before Christmas we managed to do it.

I would've never guessed our families would have so much in common but everyone got along swimmingly. Harry caught me a few times sitting back in the cut just watching in awe. I genuinely thought it would be a disaster. I'm not sure if it was the holiday spirit keeping everyone cheerful and light or if it was a Christmas miracle but either way I don't see how it could've gone better.

We had snowball fights and tried to build snowmen, Harry and I taught my parents how to ski, my nieces and nephew got to see real snow for the first time, and my brothers behaved themselves the whole week. The men went and picked out a fresh Christmas tree for us – the first my family has ever had - and I caught James and Harry speaking civilly and working together.

When it came time to open gifts it was a madhouse. With so many people in the large living room and anywhere up to ten gifts per person, you couldn't see the wood floors for all of the shredded wrapping paper covering it.

I felt like a proud parent sitting back watching the excitement on everyone's faces as they unwrapped their gifts. My book, Born and Bred, is a best seller and along with that comes best seller money and perks. The gifts had cost me a fortune but seeing the looks on the faces of the people I love and care for made it all worthwhile. Besides it was nothing I wouldn't get back thanks to closing the deal to sell B&B's movie rights.

Harry's mom and sister, Anne and Gemma, loved the Céline bags I got them. Their mouths dropped open when they unwrapped them but they squealed with joy when they realized I'd gotten them the matching wallets. As my siblings scrambled to find their gifts from me, my nieces and nephew were busy playing with the video game set ups I'd gotten them. They ran around with their boxes heavy with XBOX and PlayStation consoles searching for TVs they could play on. James found his gift from me first, ripping the paper roughly, he smiled as he unwrapped a brand new iPhone. Lina's gift was next, she screamed as she unwrapped a new iPad to match the one I'd gotten her husband, Ashton. Mitch Jr. and his fiancé Whitney were last, I'd gotten them both Apple Watches since they had everything else Apple had to offer.

Harry and I got his stepfather, Robin, a gift together since I don't know him super well. He seemed to really love the set of golf clubs we'd special made for him especially when Harry suggested they get together and play a round sometime soon. The ruckus in the house slowly started to die down as everyone got swept away playing with their new gadgets.

My parents, who often wouldn't get gifts for Christmas because they'd given my siblings everything, held content smiles on their faces watching everyone enjoy their new things. Although I'd gotten my mother two purse and wallet combos and my dad a new surround sound system I still didn't feel like it was enough. They've given to me their whole lives, often times doing without, so if I had to do the same and spend every penny I had to spare to make this Christmas the best – I would.

While things wound down, I pulled out two small gifts from beside my seat and handed them to my parents. With confused expressions on their faces, they unwrapped a set of car keys each. With a dip from my savings and my latest advance for my next book I'd splurged and got my dad the pearl white Cadillac CTS he's always wanted and my mom a grey Infiniti QX80 – the car she's been pining over for years. Their eyes widened as they took in the emblems on the keys but when I showed them the pictures of their cars waiting for them back home they really went crazy. My dad's eyes welled up and my mom full on cried. They were both so grateful I knew I'd do it again a thousand times over.

As far as Harry and I went, we made a pact not to give any gifts to each other. Our goal was to make this year completely about our families and I think that mission was accomplished. The memories we made last week will surely last us a lifetime. Everyone left feeling like they were glad they'd come and we made plans to come back as a family. Hearing that word describe our relatives as a whole was gift enough for me.

~*~

The sun heats my face through a window I can only assume Harry left open. I rub my eyes still trying to wake from the deep sleep I was in. We were up late last night looking at houses online and although I was excited about a couple of prospects I welcomed sleep when it came. We'd already had a long day of planning for the party we're throwing for New Years tonight.

Coincidentally, and the main reason we're throwing the party, today – New Years Eve – is our one-year anniversary. Harry and I were talking last night about how it feels like we've been together much longer than a year but chalked it up to so much happening. We've been through a lot together; we've fought for and with each other, we've made love in the physical and emotional sense, we've broken and mended our hearts, but most of all we've grown together. It's been a bumpy ride for us but we've made it to smooth sailing and I can't see that changing any time soon.

Sliding my feet into my slippers, I drag myself into the bathroom to wash my face. Looking in the mirror through clear eyes I smile. I've come a long way from the girl I was when I first moved to California. So much has changed in a year. So much growth, mentally, emotionally, even physically. I've had some scares and close calls this year but I made it through to the other side stronger than ever. I thank God every day I got the idea to move here when I did. I couldn't imagine my life being anything but this.

"Harry," I call out, singing his name like a melody.

I get no response after calling him a few times around the house. Frowning, I go back to the kitchen and see a pale pink envelope on the counter leaning against a small neatly wrapped box. My fingers tear through the envelope quickly, revealing a brief handwritten message inside.

Good morning sweetheart. Happy Anniversary. I'm sure that you've been looking for me. Please don't fret, never fear, the answers that you seek are near. Open the box and you will find your very first clue is trapped inside.

My eyes widen and my heartrate quickens. How he had time to plan a party and a scavenger hunt is beyond me but I couldn't be more excited, I've always thought these were so cute and now I get to have one of my own. This man never ceases to amaze me.

Grabbing the silver wrapped gift, I remove the pretty navy blue ribbon around it and tear into the paper. As soon as I see it I squeal. The newest iPhone rests in the wrapping paper remains looking like the holy grail. I've been doing without a phone since our third day at Big Bear after I unknowingly dropped it in the snow. By the time I found it outside it was ruined with water damage. I was lucky to have backed up my pictures on my Google Drive before the trip to make room for vacation videos, something I see Harry took full advantage of as I scroll through my new iPhone and see all of the pictures I'd previously saved. He must've woken up early as hell to set all of this up or been very sneaky this week because we've been together planning our party nearly every day.

I notice an unopened picture message - of Harry and I on the slopes last week - and the second I open it I receive another message.

My sleeping beauty is finally awake. Being apart makes my heart ache. Soon enough we'll be out of this pain. But first you must take a walk down memory lane.

I giggle at the rhymes, they're so silly but I guess that's a part of the scavenger hunt. I text back quickly, asking him what I should do. His reply is yet another rhyme.

First, dress comfy, don't hesitate. Wearing heels would be a mistake. Today you'll be a busy bee until the moment you see me. I hope you've enjoyed your first gift, if not, your second may give your mood a lift. Text me back once you're outside to get your next clue and have your guide.

Quickly, I grab a pair of ripped skinnies, black Fenty slides, and a dark grey tied up sweatshirt – he said dress comfortably. I apply a quick makeup look and lotion before putting on jewelry as I search for my keys. Deciding they must be in the purse I carried yesterday, I push my hair up into a bun, grab my shades and purse and trot off to the front door. I lock the bottom lock before stepping outside to close the door. Reaching into my purse I'm assuming I'll find my keys but instead I'm met with nothing other than my wallet, a few pieces of gum and a lip gloss.

I groan, annoyed I have to use the spare underneath the heavy aŝs fountain.

Turning on my heels I start down the pathway but something in the driveway catches my attention and makes my heart speed. On instinct I reach for my phone to call Harry and remember he told me to text him when I was outside. My fingers fly across the screen like a mist. In all caps I ask, "DID YOU GET ME A G-WAGON?!"

His response is near instant. I see the three little grey dots and find myself clenching my free hand in anticipation. When I see his response I nearly leap out of my skin.

Yes, sweetheart the car is yours, much like my heart – you've earned it. How one could ever be so sweet, somewhere you must've learned it. The keys are in the gloved box; the doors are open wide. Send me a picture of you once you've sat yourself inside.

I waste no time getting to the driver's seat. The vibrant red exterior is subdued and yet enriched by the all black interior. I fell in love with a red G63 a couple of months ago and couldn't stop talking about it and now I have one of my own, with leather seats and a sunroof no less. I'm absolutely floored, he got every detail right. Before I get too swept up, I send him a picture of my extremely happy face and a message saying thank you. He responds with lots of grinning emojis and another riddle.

Your smile is thanks enough; it lights a fire in my heart. To kick off this walk down memory lane you have to go back to the start.

I don't even have to think about it, I know exactly where I need to go. Grabbing my keys from the glove compartment, I start Cherry, what I've decided to call my new whip, and point her in the direction of Beverly Hills.

It feels like it's been a decade since I was last here. However, as I pull into a spot at the Starbucks where we first met, the memory replays so vividly in my mind it's like it just happened yesterday. I'll never forget the way I felt hearing his voice for the first time. The disbelief, the excitement, and deep down, the feeling of relief. It was like my heart finally relaxed knowing it didn't have to wait for him to fill it a moment longer. If I'm honest, he started filling me that very day. From the second he took my hand a connection stronger than anything I have yet to experience took place. That connection has lasted us arguments, disagreements, and fights – it's weathered every storm and come out stronger than before each time. The love that began that day has left an imprint on the energy here, one that can never be erased.

Smiling, I walk into the Starbucks and before I can say anything the barista behind the counter's mouth splits into a grin.

"He came in this morning and wanted me to give you this," she says coming around the bar with a small box wrapped just like the iPhone was.

I take the box from her and thank her for helping us out. Not knowing what's in the box I head back out to the car and open it there. Inside, away from prying eyes, I open the box. An American Apparel gift card rests inside along with another clue.

The shorts you bought here were a gift from God. I realize now that my rhyming is odd. But if we're on schedule then you should know there's only a few more hours to go. Your next stop on the memory lane train is clear, go to the place we went to from here.

I'm headed to Jett's before the note hits the passenger seat. Although his rhymes may be silly, I appreciate Harry's effort. I've never met a man who would do something this time consuming and sweet for their significant other. He's really making me feel more special than usual, which I imagine was hard to do.

~*~

After Jet's, I ended up on our hill we'd always hang out on, at the studio where I met the rest of 1D for my birthday, on Hollywood Boulevard, at the tattoo shop of Garrett – Harry's tattoo artist who pierced my nipples, at the Promenade where the street performer from the time we were there had my clue, and at my townhouse where Ms. Johnson, my old neighbor, held my riddle. After talking with her for a while and catching up, I hopped back in my car and headed to the airport where I found my last clue.

Finally settling in my car, I open the wrapping paper on the box. Inside is a charm shaped like the Eiffel Tower, it takes me back to that magical kiss Harry and I shared at midnight a year ago. Unfolding the paper, I read the rhyme aloud, the noise breaking the silence in the car violently.

Congratulations sweetheart you've made it to the end, amazing how a year ago we started off as friends. Thankfully, things have changed as we can proudly say, drive to the house and get ready to join me for our special day.

Driving back to the house, the reality that my little adventure is over starts to sink in. Although I'm pretty sure a part of his plan was to keep me occupied so I couldn't knit-pick about the party, I had so much fun. Remembering things I'd put to the back of my mind, experiencing all of the memories we've made again – I can only hope he had as great of an experience leaving the clues as I did following them.

Walking into our bedroom, I see a few dress options lying on the bed. What I assume are their corresponding shoe boxes are sitting beside them along with my choice of bags. Lying on the front of a beautiful pastel purple dress is yet another note. It reads:

Choose one – Choose wisely.

Love, Houdini

The note sounds way more ominous than I'm sure he intended. I smile at him signing the letter as Houdini. I remember a time when he wouldn't dare call himself by that name.

Grabbing each of the dresses, I hold them up in front of my body in a full length mirror. The first, the purple dress the note was lying on. It has a sweetheart neckline and a long floor-length skirt with flower appliqué along the hem of the gown. I try to imagine myself dancing and having a good time in it until midnight and although it's a beautiful gown, I can't see it happening. Moving on to the next dress, a blush colored sleeveless gown with beautiful ivory lace detail all over it. The only thing I can see holding it against myself are the countless spills all over the light colored material that are bound to happen as the night progresses. Shaking my head in total denial of the dress, I grab the last one from the bed – a black slip dress with a cowl neck and strappy back. It's a little short and a little revealing but it's New Years and our anniversary, I should give Harry a good look at what he's going to get more of in the coming year.

After a quick shower, I'm bathing myself in cocoa butter. The last thing I need is to be ashy in a dress this revealing. When I open the shoe box sitting beside the dress my eyes water. The black ankle strap heels inside are gorgeous. The silky black material of the shoe matches that of my dress while the ankle strap is detailed in vibrant silver beading and tassels. Now I see why the dress is so simple in design compared to the other two, these shoes take the cake. I'll have to thank Hannah for picking out such wonderful outfits because there's no way Harry did.

My eyes are covered in a heavy smoky eye with a little pop of color to break up the all black aesthetic. The pop of color continues onto my lips, and as I apply my last swipe of lipstick I throw my hair up into a tight top bun. I feel so glam and over the top tonight but that's what ringing in the new year is all about isn't it?

Grabbing my Chanel bag from the end of the bed, I insure my keys and phone are there and grab a black faux fur cape before heading to my car. Almost as soon as I sit down I get a text from Harry with an address. It looks familiar but I'm not exactly sure why.

Figuring it's one last riddle, I plug it into the GPS and start in that direction. The time catches my eye and I bite my lip knowing I'll be cutting it close and will probably be late to the party. With any luck traffic won't be too crazy on the way back and I can make it downtown for the party with plenty of time to spare.

~*~

After sitting in near constant bumper to bumper traffic I finally pull into a spot outside of the art gallery I took Harry to. My lips form a smile at the memory of the excitement on his face when we pulled up. Stepping out of the car I frown at how empty the parking lot is. Why Harry would send me to an empty art gallery I don't know. The closer I get to the door the more I think it's a mistake, the glass doors – which you can typically see through – are covered in the black fabric they let down when they're closed. My suspicions, however, are shattered when I pull on the door handle and it opens with ease, shooting a gust of cool wind my way.

I step inside cautiously, my steps light so I don't make much noise. The first thing that catches my eye is the dimness of the room. It isn't until the front door fully closes behind me that a spotlight springs on in front of me, shining it's light on a picture of...me. I recognize it as one of the off-guard pictures Harry took of me on the first day we met while we sat on our hill watching the sunset. Blown up like this I see every detail of my eyes just the way he described them, "like glowing pots of honey with mahogany pupils." They really do emulate the sun.

As I walk through the scattered canvases they brighten, spotlights gleaming down on so many pictures of me I never knew Harry even took. Pictures of me sleeping - my hair scattered around me like a crown, photos of me while I'm watching TV or writing, even some in the kitchen where I must've been cooking. There are photos of Harry and I together, selfies we've taken in the past year, pictures he took randomly where he's looking at me like I make the world spin and photos of me doing the same to him - locking our happiness there forever. The whole gallery is filled with us and our wonderful, wild, world wind year together. My eyes are threatening tears as I take it all in. The thought, the planning, that went into this – I love Harry so much it hurts.

Arriving to the last white wall in the gallery I realize it's blank. Noise from a projector rattles behind me and suddenly I'm met with footage of Harry that looks like it's from earlier this month judging by the length of his hair.

"Hi sweetheart," he greets, waving at the camera, "You're probably confused as to what's going on and that's understandable. If all went well today you've been driving around California like a crazy person while I set all of this up right under your nose. I know, I'm the best but the night isn't over. I've got a few more surprises up my sleeve for you love."

The tears in my eyes break free but I quickly wipe them, not wanting to miss anything from the video. I watch as the car Harry's in stops. He gives a smile to the camera and then opens the door revealing he's outside of my parents' house. I immediately start looking around for them, thinking they're here but when they answer the door on the video my attention goes back to the screen.

"Harry," my dad greets with a smile and a handshake, "How are you?"

Harry grins, "I'm great Mitch. I'll be even better once we talk."

I watch him greet my mother as they all sit in the living room. My mom asks about the camera and he tells her she'll understand in a moment.

Rubbing his hands on his knees, I watch as Harry takes a deep breath before speaking, "As you both can hopefully tell, I love your daughter very much. I love everything about her including you guys – your family." He pauses, giving my parents a nervous smile before continuing. "What I'm trying to say is, I would love to become an official part of this family. I'd like to ask for your permission to marry Bailey."

A gasp flies from my mouth, my eyes wide. I did not just hear what I think I did, there's no way.

My parents look just as stunned.

"She's our baby girl Harry," my mom starts, looking over at my dad, "We have your word that you'll do right by her?"

Harry nods, his expression sincere. "Every day of her life."

My parents look at one another then back at Harry before wide smiles take over their features.

"Well, welcome to the family...son," my dad replies, standing to his feet.

Harry practically jumps up to hug my parents thanking them, telling them how they won't regret this and how I'll never have to want for anything.

I feel like my breath is being stolen. This is totally unreal.

Harry appears on the screen once more, by himself, in a black suit with a cream patterned shirt beneath it. His hair is a bit longer than before, letting me know this clip is recent.

"So I guess the cat's out of the bag," he says, throwing his hands up, a grin splitting his lips, "I want to marry you. I think you've always known that but this whole display today was to show you the reasons why. From the first day we met I knew you were different, as time progressed you became important, and as we made it through every test and trial you became essential. We're strong apart but at our strongest together and I've never felt more supported than I do by you Bailey. I love you more than anything else in this world and that's because you are the most important person in my world."

He smiles once more and then walks off to the side of the screen. I hear the sounds his shoes make before I see him. He's dressed the same as the video but somehow he looks even better.

"I know it's only been a year," he says taking my hand softly, "But when you know, you know. I could marry you right now in this moment and be content. No matter what I know there's no other person I'd want to spend the rest of my life with than you. I love how bossy you can be and how passionate you are about us. I love that you hate indecisiveness and yet you're one of the most indecisive people I know. I love that you can be so happy by yourself. You don't need me yet somehow you make me feel like the most wanted man on earth. Loving you has been an adventure – something I didn't think was possible for me anymore with everything I've done."

By this point I can hear tears in his voice while mine are falling freely with no regard for my makeup. My heart is racing, beating wildly against the skin of my chest like a snare drum.

"I can't have another year come in without knowing you're completely and solely mine like I am yours," he gets down on one knee, "So how about it Bailey? Will you go on a lifelong adventure with me? Will you marry me?"

"You had me get all dolled up just to make me ugly cry," I say, playfully, my voice shaking with the weight of my tears, "Yes Harry, I'd be honored to marry you."

He shoots up like a rocket and engulfs me in a kiss. My arms wrap around the back of his neck and his caress my exposed back, his hands damp with sweat. I don't even mind, knowing how nerve wracking the whole ordeal probably was. My brain can't even comprehend what just happened, it's so still and only focused on pouring all of my love into our kisses. I'd be lost without his kiss, his touch – and although it would've scared me before, I can't think of anything more comforting now.

Harry breaks our kiss with a peck and reaches into his pocket.

I can hear the claps and cheers now, my ears seemingly opening up for the first time since hearing his proposal. My family is here, even my cousin, Terra is here cheering us on. Amita, Berkley, Damien, and his husband Taylor are front and center, clapping loudly. The lads and their girlfriends' faces are in the crowd beside Harry's family. All of the people I care about in one room, watching me be proposed to by the person who lights my world with each breath.

"I knew I forgot something," Harry says with a smile, grabbing my attention.

He opens the mahogany wood box in his hands and reveals my dream engagement ring. I'd forgotten all about the ring but seeing it now put me well in remembrance. The large pear shaped diamond gleams brightly against the lighting and platinum setting covered in smaller diamonds. I have no idea how many karats it is and in reality it doesn't matter. I would've been happy regardless.

"Now you can wear the ring I originally wanted you to have," Harry says, holding my hand in his. He slips my promise ring off and places it on my right hand, replacing it with my engagement ring.

He kisses the ring then my lips making our friends and family cheer again. We're pulled apart almost as soon as we come together as it often goes during times like this but our eyes hardly leave one another.

Knowing he's now my fiancé and I'm his is unreal. It feels like I'll wake up at any minute and realize this was all one big dream but honestly that's how every day with him has felt. I was so used to things going wrong that when they started to go right I was looking for the other shoe to drop. I'm not saying Harry and I will never face rough patches again, that's unrealistic, but the methods we've adapted and learned at this stage can only benefit us in the times to come.

As the party kicks up and we bring in the new year together with a kiss, I'm hit with flashes of the years like this to come and for the first time I can say I'm excited for the future.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What's up my good people!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! I really hope yall enjoyed the chapter! I teared up a little bit writing the proposal. Just as the memories flooded to Bailey they flooded to me, not only of how much they've been through but what I was doing/where I was when I was writing those moments. This has been a very crazy ride but I wouldn't change a minute of it!

As always, the chapter is unedited so please forgive any mistakes!!

This chapter's Question...

What's your New Year's resolution?

Mine is to make more time for myself to just generally take care of me and to write more. Hope you all have a safe and fun New Year *KISSES*

This chapter...

Is really the wrap up of the book, I hope yall enjoyed the riddles and everything leading up to the proposal I came up with them all as I wrote so if they sound unplanned, they were lol The next chapter will be the last official chapter *tear* it's coming tonight as well so get ready :)

This chapter's song...

Forever In My Life by JoJo. First off JoJo is the shit and if you don't know now you know lol Also, this song is the epitome of how Bailey feels about Harry. She fell so fast for him because in her heart she knew it was right and now that Harry's put a ring on it he'll be forever in her life lol

As for new follower S/O's...

I'll start over in later chapters of Lost Secrets with this.. PLEASE know I love you all!!!!!

Thanks so much for following and I hope I don't disappoint!

Invite your friends to read and follow and leave me some feedback in the comments!! I love hearing from yall!!!!

Until Next Time,

WBN