Page 21 of Heart of a Hero

For the first time in my life, I saw forever when I looked into a woman’s eyes. I wanted to build a life with Nora and Taylor. To wake up every morning and fall asleep every night knowing I had a family to call my own.

I just prayed I was brave enough to fight for it.

Laughter echoed through the room as Taylor and I draped the string of lights around the tree. Her little hands grasped the cord tightly, her face scrunched up in concentration as she tried to mimic my movements.

“Like this, Mr. Dawson?” she asked, her voice filled with eager anticipation.

“You got it, kiddo.” I grinned, ruffling her blonde curls. “You’re a natural at this.”

As we worked, I shared stories of Christmases past. Despite the type of club I’d lived in as the son of a Dixie Reaper, we’d still had a tree, presents, and spent time together as a family. Especially when I’d been younger. I even remembered a time Torch dressed up as Santa.

Although, I left out all the illegal parts of living with the Dixie Reapers. I talked about the epic snowball fights, the huge feasts, the laughter. Taylor listened with rapt attention, her eyes wide with wonder. I had to admit, growing up with so many kids close to my age had been amazing. Akira and Isy were two of my best friends, but I was also close with Hwan, Clayton, and the triplets -- Harlow, Westlyn, and Kasen.

“Do you think Santa will find me here?” Taylor whispered, a flicker of worry crossing her face.

My heart clenched at the uncertainty in her voice. I knelt down, taking her small hands in mine. “I promise you, sweetheart, Santa knows exactly where to find good little girls like you. And you know what? I bet he’s got something extra special picked out, just for you.”

Taylor’s face lit up, her smile brighter than all the lights on the tree. She threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. “I’m so glad we met you, Mr. Dawson.”

Emotion lodged in my throat. I held her close, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “Me too, kiddo. Me too.”

The scent of freshly baked cookies grew stronger, and I looked up to see Nora standing in the doorway, a tray of steaming treats in her hands. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she watched us, a soft smile playing at her lips. The damn thing looked like it was still hot. I hoped it wouldn’t burn her hands through the oven mitts.

“Look at you two,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I can’t believe how lucky we are to have you in our lives, Dawson.”

I stood, Taylor still clinging to my hand. Nora set the tray down on the kitchen counter and I crossed the room to pull Nora into a one-armed hug. “I’m the lucky one,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You and Taylor… you’ve given me something I never realized I needed.”

Nora leaned into me, her head resting on my shoulder as she surveyed our handiwork. The tree glowed with a warm, inviting light, the ornaments sparkling like tiny stars. It was a scene straight out of a Christmas card.

“Thank you,” Nora breathed, her fingers lacing with mine. “For everything. For making us feel safe, and loved, and like we belong somewhere.”

I squeezed her hand, my heart so full it felt like it might burst. “You do belong, Nora. Right here, with me.”

It was the closest I’d gotten to confessing how I felt. I wasn’t sure if she realized exactly what I meant or not.

As Taylor tugged on our hands, eager to show off her decorating skills, I knew that no matter what the future held, I would fight with every breath in my body to keep this little family safe. To give them the love and security they deserved.

Because this right here? This was what I’d been searching for my whole life. And now that I’d found it, I sure as hell wasn’t letting go.

The soft strains of “White Christmas” drifted through the apartment as we added the finishing touches to the tree. Taylor danced around the living room, her blonde curls bouncing with every twirl, her face alight with pure joy. I couldn’t help but smile.

Nora stood beside me, carefully placing a delicate glass angel on one of the higher branches. As she stretched up on her tiptoes, her hand brushed against mine, sending a shiver of electricity through my body. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of us.

In her gaze, I saw a reflection of my own emotions -- the growing connection between us, the unspoken promise of something more. My breath caught in my throat as I fought the urge to pull her into my arms, to explore the depths of this feeling that had taken root in my heart.

“Dawson,” Nora whispered, her voice soft and hesitant, “I… I don’t know how to thank you for all of this. For making us feel like we’re not alone anymore.”

I reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my fingertips lingering on the soft skin of her cheek. “You never have to thank me, Nora. I’m just grateful to have you and Taylor in my life.”

She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. When she opened them again, they were shining with unshed tears. “I never thought I’d find someone like you. Someone who makes me feel safe, and cherished, and like I’m worth fighting for.”

My heart clenched at her words, at the vulnerability in her voice. I knew then and there that I would do whatever it took to prove to her that she was worth everything. That she deserved all the love and happiness in the world.

“You are worth fighting for, Nora. You and Taylor both. And I promise, as long as I’m around, you’ll never have to face anything alone.”

She smiled up at me, a single tear slipping down her cheek. I caught it with my thumb, wiping it away as I pulled her into a gentle embrace. We stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the music played on and the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree cast a warm glow over the room.

Taylor’s eyes sparkled with pure joy as I picked her up and she carefully placed the shimmering star atop the Christmas tree. I set her back down so she could admire her work.

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