Page 65 of Delayed Penalty

“Nah, the last time I watchedHarry Potterwas the October of my senior year.”

With her. It was the last time I could stomach watching the movie because every time I saw a clip of it, or a book, I thought of her.Harry Potterhas always reminded me of Avery, I mean it was the first movie we ever watched together.

Was it my favorite series when we were together? Absolutely. We watched every movie at least five times, spent more time than I care to admit figuring out what house we were, not to mention the fact that I read all the books when I was growing up, so I’m an OG fan.

Specifically, a Gryffindor.

“That’s absolutely bonkers, Harris. How dare you go years without watching this movie.”

“How dare you go years without talking to me,” I joke, and she hits me upside the head.

“Jerk. We both know we fucked that up by not just talking so don’t throw just me under the bus.”

“I guess I’m under that bus too, now aren’t I.”

“Yup. Now, focus,” she says as she presses play.

I’m immediately transported back to when we used to watch this, the cozy blanket on, candles lit and fire going in the fireplace that makes this so comfortable. Plus snacks, because you can’t watch a movie without snacks.

“So, remember how I told you that we were going to go meet my family for dinner and we could tell them our news together?” I ask, her head snapping in my direction

“Yes?”

“Well, yeah… about that, they’re kind of on their way.”

“What?!” Avery shouts, throwing her blanket off and quickly standing up. “They’re coming… now?”

“Yeah… my mom just texted me and said they decided to come early…”

Her eyes are wild, frantic, as she looks around like she is not sure what to do first.

“They can’t, though. The apartment is a mess, I’m a mess. And I haven’t had the next twenty-four hours to stress over meeting them and overanalyze every conversation possible until I feel even remotely prepared only to fuck it up in the end.”

“Deep breath, Ave,” I say, standing up and grabbing her hands, pulling her into me to wrap her in a hug. “My family will love you, they did in the past and they will now. They know how wonderful you were when we were together before. Plus, I never told them why we broke up, so they have no reason to not like you. “

“You never told them?” she asks, her big doe eyes staring up at me, the silver blue color reflecting the lights in the room—a sparkle I could get lost in for hours.

“Nope. They had no reason to dislike you just because we didn’t work out. I think I always knew I didn’t want that to be the end for us. My mom and my sisters are known for holding a bit of a grudge, so I didn’t want to have to overcome that if I did get another shot.”

Her jaw drops slightly, eyes widening at my words, whether surprised I held onto hope or annoyed, I’m not sure, regardless it was the best decision I ever made.

“Now that we’re sitting here, married and you carrying our baby, I’m glad I made that choice.”

“I—I… thank you,” she says, before turning around to look at the living room. “That doesn’t change the fact that I’m a mess and this apartment is a mess.”

Looking around, I’m not sure what she’s so worried about. There’s a couple of pillows and blankets on the couch from us watching movies, a cup for each of us and some snacks on the coffee table. My apartment looks lived in, not messy.

As for Avery?

She looks fucking stunning, a big t shirt on, a baggy pair of sweats she stole from my closet and her hair thrown up in a bun.But she’s glowing. She has no need for even a drop of makeup, her cheeks are rosy and glowing and she’s the most beautiful woman in the world.

“Would it make you feel better if you went and jumped in the shower? You look absolutely perfect right now, but if it would make you feel better, I’ll take care of the apartment while you go do that.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind helping,” she says, still pinned against my body, my arms wrapped around her, holding her close.

Looking down, I stare at our bodies together, her swollen belly pressed against me, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to see this woman smile.

“Absolutely,” I say, turning her body around to face the bathroom, bringing my mouth down to her ear, goosebumps webbing down the column of her throat. “But you better hurry before I decide to come join you. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the last time we were in a shower together.”

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