After a brief stop at home, Maddie was quick to discover the Security Team had already moved in; checking the place out, setting up a few things in the spare room she had offered for the night officer. Maddie changed into a simple skirt—choosing to go for a casual look she figured she would be avoiding for quite some time. With a glance in the mirror, Maddie offered her reflection a shrug and a sympathetic smile. With a security officer in the living room and a car waiting outside for her, life was already changing. There really was nothing much for her to do but smile and go along with it. And, at the end of the day, Harry was going to be waiting for her.

It was time to let the world in on their secret; one person at a time. She packed a small overnight bag and slipped out the door. It was a short ride to Ella's place, a camera free ride. And, as Maddie hurried into the building, up the steps to her place, she couldn't help the excitement that flowed through her veins. Knocking on the door, her foot tapped slightly as she waited.

"Maddie!" Ella's face lit up when she saw her best friend; swinging the door open. "I'm so glad you're here!"

"I'm sorry I didn't call. I just...are you alone?" Maddie asked, her eyes looking over Ella's shoulder into the apartment.

"Yes, Bishop is working. You want to come in? Have some wine? Tell me about your trip?" Ella stood aside.

"Yes," Maddie breathed a sigh of relief; ever thankful for a friend such as this. "Do you mind if my friend takes a look around first?"

"Your friend?" Ella laughed as Sampson stepped forward. "Sure..." She stepped aside, slightly confused. "You have Harry out there with you?" Maddie's eyes meet Ella's and she couldn't control her smile any longer, it burst across her cheeks as she shook her head.

"No. Just me."

"But then why..." Ella pointed to Sampson who had finished his scan of the place and had rejoined them in the entry way.

"Everything's fine ma'am," he smiled at Maddie and stood aside.

"Thank you Sampson," Maddie nodded as Ella's eyes grew wide; understanding hitting her like a freight train.

"Oh my fucking God. That's your Security officer! Get in here!" She tugged on her friend's arm, pulling her inside.

"Shhhh..." Maddie held her finger to her lips while Ella shut and locked the door behind her. Sampson couldn't help the smile that crossed his face as he moved to his post; ready if needed.

"Tell me that that guy means what I think he means!"

"I'm going to need you to be very, very quiet." Maddie warned, a smug grin tugging at her mouth. "Silent, in fact."

"Go." Ella nodded once.

"He means what you think he means." Maddie laughed as Ella clamped two hands over her mouth, one on top of the other, in effort to avoid screaming. Her eyes welled up with tears and then her hands slid from her face.

"He asked you to marry him?"

"He did." Maddie felt tears in her own eyes.

"And you said..."

"You think they send you out with security if you say no?"

"Oh my God..." Ella hugged her arms around Maddie again; pulling back only to look at her face. "When? Where?"

"On his birthday." The blissfulness overtook Maddie's face; her eyes shining. "In Botswana."

"On his birthday..." She cooed, her hand resting over her heart. "Come with me," Ella pulled on Maddie's arm, dragging her down the hallway to her room. She crossed the room in a few long strides, tugged the curtains closed and hopped onto the bed; sitting on her knees. "Get in here. Get in here and tell me every single last detail." Maddie giggled as she moved onto the bed with Ella; this was exactly what she needed.

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything," Ella sighed dramatically. "Starting with...where's the ring?" Her eyes zeroed in on Maddie's left hand.

"Back at the Palace. It's locked up in a safe until tomorrow at 3pm."

"3pm?"

"When we make the announcement."

"You nervous?"

"No," Maddie shook her head. "Though I know I should be, I'm not."

"Are you going to do the whole show? The cameras and the interview and all of it?"

"All of it," Maddie nodded, her mind spiraling out for just a second. "It's crazy, Ella. It's the craziest thing I've been a part of, and I've been a part of some pretty crazy things."

"It's only going to get crazier," Ella was deliriously happy as she broke the news to her friend.

"I know," Maddie nodded. "I have you though...to keep me grounded. Right?" Her eyebrows lifted and Ella could see just the slightest hint of nerves. She was quick to nod, quick to assure her.

"Absolutely." She pulled at Maddie's hand, bringing her along as she laid back into the heap of pillows. "Now. No more talk of the palace. Tell me how he did it. Did he get on one knee? Did he hide the ring in your dessert? Did he cry?" Maddie laughed as she settled in next to her best friend and began the story she would continue to tell over and over again, to their friends and family; every time with the same, giddy smile on her face.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The two friends were still lying in Ella's bed when they heard Bishop unlock the door and call out into the apartment for Ella. With giggles, she informed him to her location and in two seconds he was standing in her doorway, watching the two of them with an amused grin.

"Hi Bishop," Maddie waved to him with a wide smile.

"Madeline," he nodded, looking around the room before his eyes focused on Ella. "Okay. Where is he?"

"Who?" Ella's forehead scrunched up.

"Harry."

"Harry?" She laughed.

"Look, I know that this..." He waved a finger to Maddie and back to Ella. "Is a particular fantasy of yours..."

"Hey!" Ella threw a pillow at him as Maddie giggled.

"But it is not happening. Not as long as I'm around." He winked playfully at Maddie and crossed his arms over his chest. "Now. Where is he?"

"He's not here," Ella shook her head.

"No?" Bishop raised his eyebrows.

"It's just me," Maddie raised her hand. Bishop's focus narrowed on her, allowing for a quick glance back towards the door.

"But there's a shadow outside. I just assumed..." His speech faded as realization dawned on him. His grin stretched out across his entire face, his eyes sparkling at being brought in on a secret. "That shadow's with you." He pointed to Maddie; smug and sure of himself.

"He is."

"And Harry is..."

"At Kensington...clearing out a few drawers, I suppose," Maddie couldn't help but laugh at her own joke.

"He sent me a text telling me to come straight there..." Bishop shook his head slowly, his mind catching up and then he settled his focus on Maddie. "Get out of bed love."

"Excuse me?"

"I want to hug you and kiss you and wish you the best..." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "But I cannot get into a bed with my best friend's bride...with a future Duchess. Now get out here and let me kiss you."

"Well, when you put it like that..." Maddie teased, lifting herself off the bed. The second her feet hit the floor, Bishop had her in his arms. "Oh..." She let out a puff of air as he squeezed her tight. She could see Ella over his shoulder, watching with soft eyes.

"Congratulations," his voice was low, slightly rough, as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

"Hey..." Maddie was gentle with him as they parted, her eyes searching his. "You okay?"

"I am," he nodded, taking a deep, cleansing breath.

"You sure?"

"I just..." He chuckled lightly. "Before he met you, Maddie..." He looked down at his hands, debating his next move; what he was going to say, how much he was going to reveal. "That year before he met you, he was just...not in the best mind. You know? I don't know that he thought he was ever going to...." Bishop swallowed and shook his head. "It's harder for a prince. Everyone thinks it's easier. But it's not. And you've made him incredibly happy. I'll love you forever because of it."

"Wow..." Maddie felt tears gathered in her throat. "Who knew that Bishop would end up the most emotional in the group?" She ruffled his hair with her fingers before leaning in to kiss him. "I'll love you forever too."

"Good," he smiled sweetly for a beat and then he broke; his cocky, smarmy, self returning. "Okay ladies. Enough with this. Put on your shoes. We're going to the Palace."

"Oh we are?" Ella raised her eyebrows as Bishop leaned to kiss her; to greet her properly.

"Absolutely." He nodded. "There is no reason we should be celebrating here while Harry is all alone at Kensington. It just doesn't seem right." He kept talking as he led them down the hallway. "I'll grab some champagne. You put on your shoes."

"Okay," Maddie couldn't help but giggle at Bishop's determination, at his love for her soon to be husband. So she did as he instructed; slipping her shoes back on her feet. "Hey Ella...when Bishop said this was a particular fantasy of yours..."

"Oh God," Ella groaned; rolling her eyes.

"Did he mean you and I? Or just you and Harry? Or the three of us?" Bishop chuckled at the conversation. "Because, while there is no way I let you at Harry...you and I..." Maddie wagged her eyebrows at her friend who burst into laughter.

"Not funny," Bishop narrowed his eyes at the two of them. "It is not funny to kid around like that." But the laughter refused to fade. "Come on. Let's get Maddie's shadow and go find our boy." Linking her arm through Ella's Maddie continued to grin at Bishop as they followed him out the door.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Having made it back to Kensington, Maddie was still in shock at the entirely new ease of access she had to the property; the way the gates just opened, the way she was waved through with a nod and a smile. Trying not to think too much of it, they went to Harry—who was thrilled to see them. He let Ella hug and kiss him. He let Bishop hold him for a few extra beats; thankful for the love and friendship he had with him. And then they opened the champagne.

"Oh my God..." Ella's mouth twisted up as she read through the list of questions that had been sitting on the low table in the living room.

"What is it?" Maddie glanced in her direction as Harry and Bishop returned from the kitchen with full glasses.

"These questions," she waved the paper in the air. "Are they really going to ask you if you plan on having children?"

"I think so," Maddie sighed; accepting a glass of champagne and a kiss from Harry. "Are they going to ask us that?"

"Most definitely," he patted her ass and sank down onto the couch; pulling her hand so that she went with him.

"Where did they come up with some of these?" She smiled up at Bishop as he joined her, passing off a drink.

"The Press Officer gathered them up," Harry shrugged. "Some are from the questions they asked Will and Kate, some she added based on press inquiries. I doubt they'll ask all of them but, it should be a good estimation."

"Hmmm..." Ella took a sip from her drink and scanned the list again. "Want to practice?" She looked up at Maddie with raised eyebrows.

"Practice?" Maddie smiled.

"Yeah," Ella nodded, taking another drink. "I'll ask you two the questions and you can practice how you're going to answer."

"You know what, that's not a bad idea," Maddie looked to Harry. "What do you think?"

"Whatever you want love," he drained his glass and sat it on the table in front of him.

"Okay," Maddie situated herself in her seat and nodded to Ella. "Go ahead."

"Okay..." Ella cleared her throat and sat up tall. "First...Congratulations." Ella's voice was deep, rich and made the three of them laugh out loud. Maintaining her professional demeanor, she continued. "How about you start by telling us all about the proposal..." She crossed her hands in her lap and looked to Maddie and Harry expectantly.

"Well..." Maddie turned to Harry then. "I don't know what to...what do you want to tell them?"

"What do you want to tell them?" He countered; reaching for his drink.

"Okay, now I'm nervous." She laughed lightly and took a deep breath. Harry patted her knee and turned a charming smile to Ella—who still sat in character.

"I asked her on my birthday on a trip to Botswana. It was private and intimate and perfect for us."

"And did you say yes right away?" Ella smiled at her best friend.

"I did," she nodded with a smile; that was easy enough.

"That's a very beautiful ring," Ella looked at Maddie's ring-free left hand before breaking character for a moment, "though I wouldn't really know that since I have yet to see it. Ahem." She narrowed her eyes at Harry.

"You want me to go get it right now?" Harry chuckled at Ella.

"Yes."

"Fine." Harry moved to stand.

"No!" Maddie put her hands out, one on Harry's knee, one on Ella's arm. "Stay put. This is important. This is important." She hurried before Ella could speak again. "I know you started this for fun but this is more important than the ring right now. Tomorrow I am going to go on TV and...THIS is what the world is going to know." She turned to Harry then with wide eyes. "What do we want that to be? Is it easier to be totally honest? Do I want to open myself up to review from the public? Do they need to know that you were on your knees? Does it help that you had tears in your eyes or that you flew to the states to ask my mom..."

"You flew to the states to ask her mom?" Ella's eyes went soft.

"You knew that," Harry shook his head at Ella.

"I know, but hearing her say it..." She clutched the list of questions to her heart. "You should definitely tell them he did that. People are going to go nuts when they hear that."

"What else is on the list?" Maddie's hands released the two of them and her eyes focused on the sheet in Ella's hand. "Please continue."

"Okay," Ella nodded, shifting back into her seat. "Harry...it is well known that your brother proposed with your mother's engagement ring..."

"Yes," he nodded, his fingers reaching out to twine with Maddie's.

"Is this ring a family ring as well?"

"No," Harry shook his head. "Well, I suppose that it is now."

"Good answer," Ella smiled at Harry. "Now, did you ask for her mother's permission?"

"I spoke with Mrs. Forrester on numerous occasions and had her blessing before we went to Botswana."

"Now Doctor Forrester," Ella turned her attention to Maddie who had relaxed considerably into her seat. "Can you take us back to the beginning? How did the two of you meet? What did you think of each other? What was your first impression of Harry?"

"Hmmm..." Maddie smiled as she looked down at her hands in her lap; her whole body warmed as she remembered meeting him. Her eyes rose to look at Ella, "We met in Bendal, in Southern Africa. I was there working with Doctors Without Borders and Harry was there opening up a Community Center. I asked him..."

"Asked?" Ella arched an eyebrow playfully.

"I asked him to help me unload a truck full of food and he very graciously did." Maddie narrowed her eyes at Ella; skipping over her jokes. "I thought he was...kind."

"Kind?" Harry laughed. "You thought I was kind?"

"You were kind."

"Wow. Kind." Clearly Harry was unimpressed.

"Sorry man," Bishop frowned playfully.

"What's wrong with kind?!" Maddie looked from face to face to face. "What do you want me to say? That my first thought was...damn, I hope that kid has on sunblock because this sun is going to fry his ginger ass?"

"Ha!" Bishop busted out laughing.

"I think I prefer kind," Harry laughed along.

"Would you rather me tell the world how I thought your smile was ridiculously charming? How, after I realized you were actually a Prince, I was incredibly embarrassed at my not knowing? How about how I found it difficult to form complete sentences around you?" Harry's laughter faded as Maddie moved closer to him on the couch; her leg stretching out across his lap, her head tipping to the side. "Did you want me to say that I found you witty and funny and full of this...attitude that made me want to..." She trailed off, biting at her lower lip. "I thought about you daily after you left that first time....and then you brought me my candy." Her fingers reached out to the buttons on his shirt. "You want me to tell them how romantic you are? How you dropped everything to fly to Bendal to kiss me? How still, to this day, you stash my candy everywhere...so I'm never without it? You want me to tell them all that?" Harry's eyes were scattered as he watched her; his heart pounding as he wished desperately that their friends could just disappear.

"I..." He stammered.

"I do," Ella breathed; unable to help herself. Bishop allowed a small laugh to slip from his lips as he nudged her lightly. "Sorry," she blushed slightly. "I just...I really do. I think you should tell them that."

"Okay now," Maddie laughed, pulling her hand and her leg away from Harry—straightening up in her chair. "My first impression of Harry was that he was gracious. He was caring and humble. He mixed with the townspeople with ease. He was particularly wonderful with the children. I remember being drawn to him...from the very beginning." Ella was beaming as she watched the two of them on the couch, feeling every bit the role of a fan, of a viewer who might be watching to see what this couple was all about. And she knew, if the palace was hoping to paint Harry as moving away from his playboy ways, as becoming more of a family man...they weren't going to have to work very hard at it.

"That's wonderful," Ella cleared her throat, forcing herself back into her role. "And you Sir, what was your first impression of Madeline?" Harry blinked, his lips twitching into a smile as his mind went back. Moving forward in his chair just a bit, his hands came together in front of him and his smile widened.

"My first impression was that she was..." He let a breath of a laugh out. "She was beautiful."

"Aw," Ella's head tilted.

"What?" Maddie laughed; nudging him with her toe. "Beautiful? That's what you've got for me? That's worse than kind."

"How is beautiful worse than kind?" He turned to her with wide eyes.

"Because at least kind speaks to your character. Beautiful is on the outside. It's superficial..." She sighed. "Beautiful."

"Hold on," he moved to face her completely. "Let's just... I was in Africa, one of my favorite places in the world. You were working for an organization that helps the sick and underserved, more specifically children. You were this incredibly sexy woman who was dressed down and unloading a truck of food...and when I asked you for directions, you looked right past the title and ordered me to carry boxes..." He shrugged, unwilling to budge. "Fuck me if I find that beautiful." There was a small beat of a moment before Maddie's lips twitched; cracking into a smile and the room eased.

"That's perfect," Ella nodded to Harry.

"Oh yeah?" He laughed; his hand moving to rest on Maddie's knee.

"Well, I'd leave out the fuck me part, but..." Bishop smirked. "But other than that, it was pretty good."

"In all seriousness," Harry sighed. "Meeting Maddie changed my life. She was a fast friend in a world where friendships are hard for me to establish; difficult for me to trust. She was a confidant and very quickly I realized that my feelings for her were more than just that. I'm thankful for a lot of things that happened that day. I'm thankful that she was there, that my friend Khenda asked me to be there for the opening, that I was a little lost