Chapter Six
Dawson
I led Nora and Taylor into the engine bay, the massive space echoing with our footsteps. The shiny red fire truck gleamed under the fluorescent lights, the chrome accents winking. Taylor’s eyes went wide as she craned her neck to take it all in.
“Wow, the truck is HUGE!” she exclaimed, her voice bouncing off the high ceilings.
I chuckled. “It sure is, kiddo. Come on, I’ll show you the inside.”
“Taylor, you saw it in action,” Nora said, then paled. I gave her a wink, hoping to ease her tension. I didn’t think Taylor even picked up on what she’d said.
We climbed up into the cab of the engine. Nora ran her fingers along the switches and dials, a look of fascination on her face. I couldn’t help but admire the way her dark hair fell across her cheek.
As Taylor pretended to drive, making siren noises, I leaned closer to Nora. “You know, being a firefighter is like being part of a big family. We look out for each other, have each other’s backs no matter what.”
She met my gaze, her brown eyes filled with a quiet sadness. There was a story there, I could tell. Pain she kept hidden beneath that shy smile. I found myself wanting to know all her secrets, to be the one she opened up to.
“You know, I’m here for you, Nora. No matter what it is you need, even if it’s just a shoulder to cry on.”
Nora bit her lip, glancing away. For a moment I worried I’d overstepped, come on too strong. But then she looked back at me, the hint of a real smile on her lips. “Thank you, Dawson. That means a lot.”
My heart stuttered in my chest. I wanted to pull her into my arms, to promise I’d keep her safe, but I held back. Every time I wanted to rush ahead, I tried to tell myself to see the bigger picture. What was that saying? Slow and steady wins the race?
I cleared my throat. “Come on, I’ll show you the living quarters. That’s where the real fun happens -- epic ping-pong battles and burnt dinners galore.”
Nora laughed, the sweet sound sending warmth flooding through me. I helped her and Taylor down from the truck, savoring the feel of her small hand in mine.
As we made our way farther into the station, I found myself sharing things I rarely talked about.
“My dad has no idea I’m a firefighter,” I said. “He’d lose his shit.”
She glanced up at me. “You don’t think he’d be proud?”
I shook my head. “I know I said he was part of a club, but my dad is something of an outlaw. He’d never understand why I want to do this for a living. Sure, some of his brothers were in the military, but if my dad was, I’ve never heard about it. Far as I know, he’s been a biker just about his entire adult life. I figure he’d always planned for me to walk in his footsteps.”
“I don’t remember the last time I saw my parents,” Nora said. “I’m not even sure they’re still alive.”
“Why didn’t you keep in touch?”
She looked over at Taylor and I got the message loud and clear. She’d gotten pregnant and her family hadn’t approved. I’d heard that same type of story often enough.
With every word I felt the connection between us growing stronger, deeper. Like fate had brought this beautiful, wounded woman into my life for a reason. I just prayed I was worthy of her trust. That I could be the man she needed, the one to show her what real love looked like. No matter what, I knew I’d die trying.
As we stepped back out into the crisp December air, an idea struck me. “Hey, what do you say we go pick out a Christmas tree together? Get the apartment feeling more like home.”
Taylor’s eyes lit up, and she bounced on her toes. “Can we, Mommy? Please?”
Nora smiled softly, tucking a stray curl behind Taylor’s ear. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Thank you, Dawson.”
My heart swelled at the gratitude shining in her eyes. “Great. I know just the place.”
We finished the tour of the fire station, then got back into the truck. Twenty minutes later, we were wandering through rows of fragrant evergreens, Taylor darting excitedly from tree to tree. “Look at this one, Mommy! It’s so big and fluffy!”
Nora laughed, the sound warming me from the inside out. “It sure is, baby. But I think it might be a little too big for our apartment.”
Our . I liked the sound of that. Had she even realized she’d said it? I watched them, marveling at the bond between mother and daughter. The way Nora’s face softened with love and pride. The way Taylor looked at her like she hung the moon.
Something fierce and protective surged through me. A longing to be a part of their little family. To keep them safe and cherished, always. I hadn’t asked Nora how old she was, but if Taylor was five, I figured she had to be around twenty-three. Maybe a little older. Shit. Was she older than me?
“What about this one?” I pointed to a lush, full-bodied fir, just the right height for the living room.
Taylor raced over, circling the tree with a critical eye. “It’s perfect, Mr. Dawson! Can we get it? Can we?”
Nora met my gaze over Taylor’s head, her eyes shining with a mix of joy and hesitation. Like she couldn’t quite believe this was real. That someone cared enough to give them this little slice of holiday magic. Truthfully, they were doing the same for me. I hadn’t bothered getting a tree, even though Christmas was now less than a week away. It hadn’t seemed important with only me at the apartment. It wasn’t like I’d planned to spend Christmas day there. I always went home.
As the baby of the family, I always spent at least half of Christmas day with my parents. Sometimes Farrah and Mariah would come back, but not often. They had their own families now and lived with a different club. So much had changed over the years. Now Mom and Dad lived alone. Although, I had a feeling that suited them just fine.
I reached out, brushing my fingers lightly over Taylor’s head. “Absolutely, sweetheart. Let’s take this bad boy home.”
An hour later, the scent of sugar cookies filled the cozy apartment as Nora bustled around the kitchen. Taylor and I tackled the tree, untangling lights and sorting through boxes of ornaments. I hadn’t known what to get, so I’d just randomly grabbed things at the store. The tree would have everything from snowmen to Santas, animals, old trucks, and I’ve even found a motorcycle ornament.
“Mommy makes the best cookies,” Taylor informed me, her chubby little fingers struggling with a knot of ribbon. “We always leave some out for Santa on Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, yeah? I bet Santa loves that.” I smiled, imagining future Christmases spent together. Watching Taylor’s wonder on Christmas morning. Holding Nora close while we sipped cocoa by the fire.
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.
“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 of Frosty the Snowman began 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.