Page 56 of His to Save

A burst of pride rockets through me when Nora releases my hand and claims the stool next to Scarlet. She may not realize it, but each day she’s growing more confident in herself, and I’m fucking here for it.

Watching her come into herself is like watching a rare flower bloom. It sounds lame as hell, worded like that, but it’s the truth. She’s awe-inspiring.

I plate us each up a few slices before sliding onto the stool on her other side. Most of our meals together so far have been met with little fanfare, other than her thanking us—despite being told no thanks are necessary.

But her first bite of pizza—it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The little happy squirm she does after each bite is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

In this moment, she’s pure and unbridled joy, and I’m the lucky fucker getting to bask in the glow of her smile.

“So, tell me, Nora,” Scarlet says around a mouthful of pizza, ever the lady. “What did you think of Dr. Snider?”

Nora chews and swallows before answering. “She seemed really nice.”

Scarlet swipes her tongue over her teeth and then leans a little closer. “Did you give any thought to what she asked?”

My heart slows in my chest as my entire body tenses; I’m a predator about to pounce and rip the throat out of my prey, because I know exactly what Scarlet’s asking.

But Nora beats me to it. “I’ve already made up my mind, thanks.”

“Are you sure?” Scarlet presses, never knowing when to leave well enough alone. “You have options, Nora. You don’t have to keep?—”

“I know you’re coming from a good place,” Nora cuts her off, leaning back into me.

I press a hand to the small of her back in a silent display of support, letting her know I’m here for her.

“I’m sure it probably seems strange, but I love my baby, and I’m keeping it. Just like I would never judge another woman for choosing differently, I hope you can find it in you to respect me and my decision.”

Scarlet flushes but nods all the same. “Got it.”

“Thanks.” Nora twists in her stool so that she can look my way. “But I have been thinking about something…”

“What’s up?” I already know whatever she says, I’ll do my best to make it happen.

“I think I’d like to speak with someone. A professional. I-I used to see a lady named Maggie, but it’s been years.”

“Do you know her last name?” Ellis asks. He’s been so quiet, I almost forgot he was with us.

“Tyler.” She tips her head to the side. “I think.”

Ellis nods, before giving voice to what I’m already thinking. “I’ll find her.”

And we will, because if there’s one thing I know—if Nora needs it, we’ll work tirelessly to make sure she has it.

CHAPTER 18

NORA

“Ithink talking to Atlas about finding some type of online job is a great idea,” Maggie says, smiling at me through the screen. “The first step of many toward taking back your independence.”

“I do, too.” I glance away from the screen. “I just worry I’m not really qualified for anything.”

Maggie takes a sip from her mug, regarding me over the rim. “There are plenty of positions you’re qualified for, Nora. Don’t make problems where they don’t exist.”

My shoulders slump in defeat. “You’re right. I know you are. It’s just hard not to look for all the ways something can go wrong.”Especially when so much in my life already has,I add bitterly in my head.

“I know, which is why I want you to start a gratitude journal. That way, whenever life feels overwhelming or it feels like everything’s going wrong, you can look back and reflect on all that’s going right.”

“Okay, yeah. I can do that.”

---