Page 12 of Heart of a Hero

“I didn’t realize he had sisters.”

She nodded. “Yep. Two, but neither live here. They both moved to Georgia.”

I liked learning more about Dawson, and the man didn’t seem to be volunteering information. I glanced his way, and noticed his ears were slightly pink.Adorable! It seemed he didn’t talk about himself because it embarrassed him. I’d met a few people like that over the years. For me, it was more that I didn’t like the pitying looks I’d get. My life hadn’t been full of the fun types of adventure, but more about survival.

Taylor tugged on Akira’s hand, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Did you have a stuffed bear too, Akira?”

Akira laughed, the sound warm and infectious. “I used to, when I was your age. My mom gave it to me, and I loved it so much.”

As Akira shared stories of her childhood, I found myself drawn in, the weight of my own past momentarily lifted. In the cozy apartment, surrounded by the laughter of my daughter and the comfort of new friends, I felt a glimmer of something I thought I’d lost forever: happiness.

As the day wore on, Taylor’s eyelids began to droop, her tiny body curling into mine on the couch. I stroked her hair, marveling at the peace on her face -- a stark contrast to the fear that had haunted her eyes for so long.

Akira noticed and gave me a gentle smile. “She’s had a big day, hasn’t she?”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “She’s been through so much, but she’s so strong. Stronger than I ever was at her age.”

“She has a pretty amazing mom to look up to,” Akira said softly.

I lifted Taylor and carried her to the bedroom, where I tucked her into bed for a nap. I smoothed her hair back and kissed her forehead. “Love you to the moon and back, little one.”

Returning to the living room, I found Akira tidying up, her movements graceful and efficient. She looked up as I entered. “I wasn’t able to get shoes for either of you since Dawson didn’t know your sizes. He pulled your clothing sizes from the things you had on when he brought you here, but I guess you had to use donated shoes from the fire department, and he wasn’t sure they fit right.”

I nodded. “Mine were a little tight and Taylor’s were a bit big. You’ve already done too much though.”

Akira held up a hand. “Nope, I won’t sit here and let you decline my offer. Look, you lost your home and everything in it. Christmas is around the corner. Spend your money on your daughter and let people help you.”

My cheeks warmed. I’d always had trouble asking for assistance. But now I had people offering without me saying a word. And she was right, I needed to focus on providing Taylor with Christmas presents to take her mind off the things we’d lost.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Akira pulled me into a hug, her embrace strong and comforting. “You’re not alone anymore, Nora. You have us now, and we’ll always be here for you and Taylor.”

I gave her our shoe sizes, and she hugged me once last time before leaving. Now that I was alone with Dawson, I wasn’t sure what to say or do. Akira had been like a force of nature, taking over the moment she’d walked in the door.

“How are you holding up?” Dawson asked, his voice low and gentle.

I took a deep breath, trying to find the words to express the gratitude and hope that were swirling inside me. “Better than I have in a long time.”

Dawson took a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. The touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine. “I’m glad you’re here, Nora. I wanted you to know that you are safe, and like Akira said, you’re not alone.”

His words were a balm to my battered soul, and I felt tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “If it hadn’t been for you…”

Dawson shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I was just doing my job.”

“So you bring home women and children often?” I asked.

“Well, that part wasn’t my job. I just couldn’t stand the thought of leaving the two of you with nowhere to go.”

“And we both appreciate it. More than you could ever know.” I reached out to take his hand. “I’ve never met someone like you before, Dawson. You’re so selfless and kind. I wish Taylor had someone like you in her life before now.”

“Where’s her dad?” he asked.

I’d been dreading the question. “Let’s just say I have terrible taste in men. Her dad ran the moment he found out about her. After that, I dated a string of losers.”

“Then maybe it’s time to change that.” Before I knew what he was doing, he leaned in and brushed a kiss against my cheek. Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and my throat felt tight. I didn’t stop to question it, and just went with everything I was feeling.

If you don’t do it now, you never will. Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips to his. I could feel Dawson’s heart pounding where I’d placed my hand over his chest. As I started to draw back, he grabbed a handful of my hair and took control, kissing me as if his life depended on it.

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