Page 10 of Heart of a Hero

Dawson returned, two steaming mugs in hand. The rich aroma of hot cocoa filled the air as he set them on the coasters on the coffee table and settled beside me, close but not too close -- respectful of my boundaries even in his apartment.

“Thank you,” I murmured, reaching for the mug. The heat seeped into my palms as I cradled it close. “For the cocoa. For bringing us here last night when I needed help the most. For… everything.”

“You never have to thank me for keeping you safe, Nora.” Dawson’s voice was soft but fierce. His gaze locked with mine and I saw the unwavering conviction there. “I’m here for you and Taylor no matter what. We will figure this all out together. Okay?”

Tears prickled my eyes at his steadfast support. I managed a wobbly nod. “Okay.”

I took a sip of the cocoa, letting the sweet warmth soothe my throat that was as dry as a desert. I knew I needed to tell Dawson about the baby. Was now a good time?

“Something on your mind?” Dawson asked.

I nodded again. “Yeah. There’s something I haven’t told you.”

He waited expectantly, being patient. Not knowing exactly what to say, I reached for his hand and placed it over my belly. His eyes widened slightly. “Are you pregnant?”

“I am. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you. There just didn’t seem to be a good time to say anything.”

He drew his hand back and ran it through his hair. “Jesus. I should have asked them to check you more thoroughly last night, or insisted you go to the hospital. What if all the smoke inhalation, or the dangerous escape from your building hurt the baby?”

I smiled a little. “The baby is fine. We both are, and we have you to thank for that.”

A knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts, sending a spike of fear through my veins. Dawson rose calmly, setting his mug aside. Had Rex found us? I’d escaped my ex, but there had been times I felt like he was watching us, lurking in the shadows just waiting for a chance to strike.

“That’s probably Akira with some things for you and Taylor,” he said, moving to answer the door.

Akira? He hadn’t mentioned anyone coming by today. Had he been expecting her? He said she would have things for me and Taylor. Did he call her after I went to bed last night?

The door swung open to reveal a striking woman, her dark hair framing her face and a delicate cherry blossom tattoo gracing her left arm. She carried a large duffel bag, a warm smile on her lips as she greeted Dawson. Relief washed over me, followed by a twinge of something else -- jealousy, perhaps, at the easy familiarity between them.

Akira stepped inside, her gaze landing on me. “You must be Nora. Dawson told me about you last night,” she said, her voice kind.

I found myself shrinking back, suddenly self-conscious of my disheveled appearance and the intrusion into Dawson’s life. Did he have a girlfriend? Oh God. I hadn’t even thought to ask!

“I’m sorry,” I blurted out, stumbling to my feet. “I didn’t realize Dawson had a girlfriend.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks as the words tumbled out, my eyes darting between Akira and Dawson. What would she make of this? Of me and Taylor being in her boyfriend’s apartment? If our roles were reversed, I wouldn’t like it one little bit.

Akira’s laughter filled the room, light and melodic. “Oh, no, Dawson and I are just friends. We grew up together. I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

I nodded, feeling foolish for my assumption. Of course, Dawson would have friends, people who care about him. It was a testament to his character, the way he drew others in with his kindness and strength. But still… the woman was truly beautiful. Had they never dated? Not even once?

Akira set the duffel bag on the floor, unzipping it to reveal a collection of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. “I brought some things for you and your daughter. Clothes, bath products, a hairbrush, hair ties -- just some basics to get you started. Everything is new, and so is the bag. I thought you might need one at some point.”

Tears welled in my eyes at her thoughtfulness, at the way she’d embraced us without question. “Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to us.”

Akira’s hand rested on my shoulder, a gentle, reassuring touch. “You’re not alone, Nora. We’re here for you, whatever you need. I’m sure you’ve already figured out Dawson is an amazing guy. He’s not going to let either of you do without.”

Taylor peeked out from behind my leg, her wide blue eyes fixed on Akira. Slowly, she stepped forward, her little hand reaching out to touch the cherry blossom tattoo on Akira’s arm. “Pretty,” she whispered, her fingers tracing the delicate lines.

Akira’s face lit up with a warm smile. “Thank you, sweetheart. I got it because cherry blossoms were special to me. They reminded me to be strong and beautiful, no matter what happened.”

Taylor nodded solemnly, as if understanding the profound meaning behind the tattoo. “I like your hair too. You’re like a princess.”

Akira laughed. “Well, aren’t you just the sweetest little thing? I thought you were the real princess here, with those gorgeous curls and bright eyes.”

My heart swelled as I watched the interaction, amazed at how quickly Taylor had taken to Akira. It was a rare sight, seeing my usually shy daughter so comfortable with someone new. But there was something about Akira, a warmth and kindness that radiated from her, putting us both at ease.

As Taylor chattered away, telling Akira about her favorite toys and the adventures she’d had with her stuffed bunny, I allowed myself a moment to breathe, to absorb the reality of our situation. We were safe, surrounded by people who cared, people who wanted to help us start anew. Even though we’d lost everything, we were alive and unharmed.

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