CHAPTER 11 HERE WE GO

After saying their goodbyes to royal family, Alex and Henry headed to the hangar for their flight to America. The journey was filled with excitement and anticipation as they looked forward to their time together in the States. Before settling into their place in Los Angeles, they planned to spend a few days at Alex's family house in Texas. It was a perfect opportunity for a vacation with Nora, Percy, and Alex's parents.

One night, under the vast Texan sky, Alex and Henry lit a campfire. The flames danced and crackled, casting a warm glow on their faces. They sat close together, enjoying the peaceful night.

Alex poking the fire with a stick. "Henry, how are you feeling right now?"

Henry pauses, looking into the fire. "Honestly, I feel... content. It's been a whirlwind, but sitting here with you, it feels like everything is just right."

Alex smiling, leaning back against a log. "I'm glad to hear that. Sometimes I worry about how all this affects you."

Henry reaches out to hold Alex's hand. "I won't lie, it's been challenging. But moments like this make it all worth it. Being with you, it's exactly what I need."

Alex squeezes Henry's hand "I feel the same way. It's like we can finally breathe and just be ourselves."

Henry nods, looking up at the stars. "Exactly. No expectations, no pressures. Just us and our baby, soon."

Alex leans in closer. "I believe that too. We've already overcome so much."

Henry rests his head on Alex's shoulder* "And we'll keep doing it. Together."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the stars twinkle above them. The fire crackled softly, and the night felt perfect. It was a moment of peace and contentment, a reminder of how far they had come and how much they had to look forward to.

And now Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz stepped off the plane, the warm California sun greeting them as they descended the steps. Henry felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This move marked a significant shift in their lives, away from the royal duties and constant scrutiny of the British press.

Alex squeezed Henry's hand reassuringly. "Welcome to Los Angeles," he said with a smile, his Texan drawl a comforting sound amidst the whirlwind of change.

Their new house, a modern house nestled in the Hollywood Hills, stood ready to welcome them. It was a far cry from the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, but it was perfect for the fresh start they needed. The front yard was adorned with lush greenery, and the infinity pool sparkled under the sun.

As they entered, the cool, airy interior of the house enveloped them. The living room was spacious, with floor to ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. Boxes were scattered around, waiting to be unpacked, but for now, they were content to simply take in their new surroundings.

Their first evening was spent unpacking essentials and making the house feel like home. Alex set up the kitchen, while Henry arranged their bedroom, ensuring everything was just right. They worked together seamlessly, their bond evident in the way they moved around each other, anticipating needs and offering support.

Later, they sat on the terrace, watching the Moonlight paint the sky. alex rested his head on Henry's shoulder, feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Do you think we'll be happy here?" Henry asked softly.

Alex kissed the top of his head. "I think we will. This is our chance to build the life we've always wanted."

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they both felt a renewed sense of hope. This was just the beginning of their journey, and they were ready to face whatever came next, hand in hand.

The next morning, Henry woke up to the gentle sound of birds chirping outside their window. The sunlight streamed in through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. He stretched and turned to see Alex still asleep beside him, his face peaceful and relaxed.

Alex wrapping his arms around Henry. "Good morning," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Henry's neck.

"Good morning," Henry replied, leaning into the embrace. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby," Alex said with a chuckle.

Alex and Henry woke up in their new house for the first time, smiles of pure happiness lighting up their faces. They lay in bed, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the moment. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the serene silence. Alex groaned softly but quickly reached for his phone to check the CCTV. "It's Doctors Zach and Sean," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Henry chuckled, "Well, I suppose we should go greet our guests."

Alex nodded, reluctantly pulling away from Henry's embrace. They both got out of bed, made their way downstairs. Alex opened the door with Henry right behind him.

"Good morning, Your highness!" Dr. Zach greeted them cheerfully, holding a tray of delicious-looking pastries. Mr. Voight stood beside him with a casserole dish.

"Good morning!" Alex replied, smiling warmly. "Please, come in."

Henry stepped aside to let their guests enter. "You didn't have to bring anything," he said, though his eyes sparkled with appreciation.

Dr. Zach laughed. "Nonsense! It's a housewarming tradition. We wanted to welcome you properly."

Mr. Voight nodded in agreement. "We hope you like these dishes. It's just a little something to make your first morning here special."

Alex and Henry led their guests to the kitchen, where they set the dishes on the counter. "Thank you so much," Alex said sincerely. "This means a lot to us."

Henry added, "Yes, thank you. It's wonderful to have such thoughtful neighbors."

As they all sat down to enjoy the food, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about the new house, their plans for the future, and shared a few laughs. It was the perfect start to their new life together.

- To Be Continued -