Page 22 of Heart of a Hero

“I did it!” she exclaimed, her face beaming with pride. Nora and I stepped back, our arms instinctively wrapping around each other’s waists as we admired our handiwork.

The tree was a sight to behold, its branches adorned with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and sentimental treasures. In that moment, I felt a sense of accomplishment and happiness that I hadn’t experienced in years. It was as if the act of decorating this tree had somehow mended a piece of my fractured soul.

“It’s perfect,” Nora whispered, her head resting on my shoulder.

“Hey, why don’t we take a break and enjoy some of those delicious cookies you made?” I suggested, reluctantly tearing my gaze away from Nora’s.

Taylor’s eyes lit up at the mention of cookies, and she bounced on her toes with excitement. “Yes, please! Can I have a big one, Mommy?”

Nora laughed, the sound like music to my ears. “Of course, sweetie. You’ve been such a good helper today.”

We made our way to the kitchen table, and Nora stepped into the kitchen. She came back with a plate of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies for us, along with one full of iced sugar cookies. As we sat down, the conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and the sharing of cherished holiday memories.

“When I was a kid,” I began, a nostalgic smile tugging at my lips, “my mom would always make these incredible sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees. Or at least, I’d always thought she made them, until the day I caught her throwing away the package they’d come in from the grocery store bakery. My dad had laughed and said I finally knew my mother’s secret.”

Nora’s eyes softened as she listened, her hand reaching across the table to give mine a gentle squeeze. “That sounds wonderful, Dawson. Even if she couldn’t bake them herself, she still tried to give you a perfect Christmas.”

As we continued to talk, swapping stories and savoring the delectable treats, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of belonging. Here, in this cozy kitchen, with Nora and Taylor by my side, I knew I’d finally found the family I’d always longed for.

And as I watched Taylor giggle, her face smeared with chocolate, I silently promised to do everything in my power to protect this precious moment, to nurture and grow the love that had taken root in our hearts. Thankfully, she seemed preoccupied with the tree and wasn’t paying us much attention.

I cleared my throat, my heart beating a little faster as I gathered the courage to voice the dreams that had been swirling in my mind. “Nora, I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but being here with you and Taylor, it just feels right. I want to build a future with you, to create a home filled with love and laughter, where Taylor can grow up feeling safe and cherished.”

Nora’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice trembling slightly as she replied, “I want that too, Dawson. More than anything. It’s just… I’m scared. My past, the things I’ve been through… I don’t want to burden you with my baggage.”

I reached across the table, gently cupping her face in my hands. “Your past doesn’t define you, Nora. It’s a part of you, but it doesn’t dictate your future. We’ll face everything together, one day at a time. I promise to be there for you, Taylor, and the new baby, no matter what.”

A single tear slipped down her cheek as she leaned into my touch, a soft smile gracing her lips.

“Mommy, Mr. Dawson,” Taylor’s excited voice broke through our reverie. “Since the tree is done, can we watch movies now? Please?”

Nora and I pulled apart, sharing a smile that held the promise of something beautiful. “Of course, sweetheart,” I said, scooping Taylor up into my arms. “I promised, didn’t I? We’ll watch all your favorite Christmas movies, and maybe even have some more of those delicious cookies your mommy made.”

As we settled onto the couch, Taylor snuggled between us, I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible turn my life had taken. Just a few short weeks ago, I’d been a man adrift, searching for a missing piece, something I hadn’t been able to define. And now, with Nora and Taylor by my side, I knew I’d finally found it.

This was more than just a moment, more than just a holiday. This was the start of something new, something precious and rare. And as the opening credits ofFrosty the Snowmanbegan to roll, I silently vowed to cherish every moment, to build a life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities. Together, we would create a future that shone as brightly as the star atop our Christmas tree.

Chapter Seven

Nora

My tires were slashed. Two of them, the front right and back left, sat deflated as I stood in the apartment parking lot, keys clutched in my trembling hand. A chill ran down my spine despite the warmth of the late afternoon sun prickling my skin. I’d only had the car for two days. Dawson said he’d gotten it from the police impound, even though I had a feeling he’d bought it. Still, it would keep me from walking to work or relying on other people to drive me around.

I dragged my gaze across the lot, searching for any sign of him. Rex. My pulse hammered in my ears. Was he here, watching me from the shadows? Waiting to strike when I was most vulnerable? Ever since Dawson hit him at the café, I’d known he’d come back. He wasn’t the type of man to slink off and lick his wounds. No, Rex was a mean bastard who’d want revenge.

Swallowing hard, I hurried back inside, bolting the door behind me with shaky fingers. I pressed my back against it, breathing heavily. This wasn’t the first disturbing incident in recent days. Three days ago, a package Dawson ordered went missing from the doorstep. And I could have sworn someone was following me when I went to the grocery store yesterday.

Sinking to the floor, I hugged my knees to my chest, rocking slightly. Tears stung my eyes. Would I ever be free of Rex’s torment? Would he always hunt me, determined to control me through fear?

A small whimper escaped my throat as hopelessness crashed over me in waves. I was alone, trapped, with no one to turn to. Rex had isolated me so thoroughly, I had nowhere to run. No one who would believe me. No… that wasn’t true anymore. I had Dawson, even if he wasn’t here right now.

Wiping my damp cheeks, I pushed to my feet. I had to keep moving, stay vigilant. Glancing out the peephole, I scanned the walkway. Empty for now. But I couldn’t shake the prickling sensation on the back of my neck, the bone-deep certainty I was being watched. Stalked like helpless prey.

Forcing myself to breathe evenly, I crept through the apartment on silent feet, double-checking the locks on every window. My heart lurched each time a floorboard creaked under my weight. I froze, straining my ears for any answering sound. But only heavy silence greeted me.

Rubbing my arms against a chill only I could feel, I peered out through the blinds at the parking lot below. My vandalized car sat motionless. No sign of Rex.

For now.

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