Chapter Three
Nora
I let out a long sigh as Dawson closed the apartment door behind him. The tension drained from my shoulders and a wave of relief washed over me. With Dawson home, I felt safer. He’d left early this morning to pick up some groceries, insisting he needed more food in the apartment with a growing girl staying here. Personally, I thought he’d only gone out after he’d heard Taylor ask about her favorite cereal and snacks. I spied both in the sacks he carried in.
Dawson touched my arm. “Hey, you okay?”
His blue eyes searched mine with concern. How could he be so damn nice? I’d never met anyone like him before. I nodded, mustering a small smile.
“Yeah. It’s just… I guess I’m still processing everything from last night.”
Dawson guided me over to the couch. “Why don’t you sit and rest for a bit? I’ll put the groceries away and get us something to drink. Where’s Taylor?”
“She fell asleep again. I think she was exhausted from escaping the fire last night.”
As he headed to the small kitchen, I sank onto the cushions and tucked my legs up, wrapping my arms around them. For the first time in longer than I could remember, the knot of anxiety in my chest began to loosen.
My hand drifted to my belly, cradling the small bump. “It’s going to be okay,” I whispered to the tiny life inside me. “We’re going to be okay.”
For once, I actually started to believe it. I hadn’t even told Dawson about the baby yet, but I knew I needed to. It was only right he understood he hadn’t just taken in two people, but three. Although, I was barely pregnant. We’d probably be long gone before I even started to show. I should be grateful we had a place to sleep for now. I’d most likely need to figure out something soon. Even if he said it wasn’t a rush for us to leave, I didn’t want to take advantage of him. Just the same, what if something went wrong with my pregnancy? If he didn’t know about it, then he wouldn’t know what type of help I might need.
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.
It was a foreign feeling, this sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than myself. But as I watched Akira and Taylor, their laughter mingling in the air, I couldn’t help but think that maybe we’d finally found our place in the world. Assuming Dawson wanted anything to do with us once we were able to move out. It wasn’t like we could live with him forever.
Akira turned to me, a gentle smile on her face. “The items I picked up may not be to your taste, but Dawson said you’d lost everything. I’m sure the fire was scary enough, but then realizing you only had the clothes on your back…”
She began to unpack the bag and my eyes widened as I took in the generosity, the thoughtfulness behind each item. Clothes for each of us, hairbrushes, ponytail holders, hair clips, bows for Taylor, socks, pajamas, and even a stuffed bear.
“Akira, this is too much,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
She waved off my protest, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Nonsense. It’s the least I could do. We’re practically family now, and family takes care of each other.”
Family. The word echoed in my mind, a concept I’d almost forgotten. But why did she consider us family? It wasn’t like Dawson and I were dating. He was just helping us out for now.
Taylor squealed with delight as Akira handed her the items she’d picked for my little girl. “Mommy, look! I can be a princess now!”
I laughed, the sound foreign to my own ears. When was the last time I’d felt this lightness, this joy? It seemed like a lifetime ago. Rex had destroyed our lives, then the fire consumed what was left.
As Akira continued to distribute the items, I found myself drawn into easy conversation with her, the words flowing naturally as if we’d known each other for years. She asked about my interests, my dreams for the future, and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to imagine a life beyond survival.
“Do you have a job you need to get to?” Akira asked.
I nodded. “I work as a waitress at the café in town. And when there aren’t enough hours to go around, I pick up some shifts at the dollar store.”
“When’s your next shift?” she asked.
“Tomorrow. I’ll have to figure something out for Taylor. She’s on winter break at school.”
Dawson cleared his throat. “I can watch her. I’m off until the day after.”
“You’ve already done so much for us,” I protested.
Akira snorted. “Let him. Kids have always loved him. I’m sure the two will get along just fine. So, Nora, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do for fun?”
I paused, the question catching me off guard. Fun? I hadn’t had the time or money for something like that. “I used to love painting. There was something about capturing the world on canvas, creating beauty from nothing. But I haven’t done that since high school.”
Akira’s face lit up. “That’s amazing! You know, I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint. Maybe you could teach me sometime?”
“I’d be happy to.”
“Not to burst your bubble, Akira, but you need talent to paint,” Dawson said. “I seem to recall you messing up stick figures.”
She glowered at him. “Shut it.”
“I’m just telling the truth,” Dawson said.
“My dad loves my artwork.” Akira folded her arms.
“Uh-huh. That’s because you’re Daddy’s girl. It has nothing to do with your skills.”
She rolled her eyes, then ignored him. “I feel like I should apologize. We argue like siblings since we grew up together.”
“I actually like it. The two of you seem really close.” I gave her a bittersweet smile. “I’ve never had anyone like that in my life. I might even be a bit jealous.”
Akira turned to me, a smile playing on her lips. “You know, Nora, I’ve known Dawson since we were kids. Our families lived close by. He’s always been the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”
I nodded, glancing over at Dawson as he busied himself in the kitchen, his broad shoulders hunched over the counter. “He seems like a really good guy.”
My cheeks heated at the admission. How could he look so sexy just standing there like that?
“Our lives were chaotic. But Dawson was always different from the others, and from his father. Even now, his parents have no idea what he does for a living. He’s worried what they’ll say.” She sighed and watched Dawson. “Honestly, I think his mom would be fine with it. Not sure about his dad. But his sisters? They’ll give him shit.”
“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.
Everything fell away and I lost myself in the moment, never wanting it to end.