*Tom*
I sit by Dove's bed. Her hand in mine as my fingers slowly draw circles on her pale skin. She is sleeping most of the time, but she is also on heavy painkillers and her body needs time to heal.

These last few days I have pretended to be sick, telling Marie that I can't see her. Luckily she is not the nurturing kind, so she hasn't offered to come care for me. To be honest I have no desire at all to see her again, but I know I have to, I have to stop her.

Ivy has been so sweet, bringing me everything I need, both for me and Dove, and taking time to speak with me.

Zac I haven't seen as much, he seems a bit, not angry, hurt maybe, offended somewhat. I am not sure if it is because I did not tell him about being married or if it has to do with me asking out Ivy. I know he will forget it soon. Zac is not someone to hold a grudge.

I know our marriage has, to say it mildly, not always been easy. We are both passionate people. We have both been willing to go above and beyond in the line of duty. Something that has brought us both pain courtesy of both ourselves and the other.

"I am sorry darling". I tell her, hearing the slight quiver in my own voice. "I never meant to hurt you".

"I am sure she knows". Ivy's voice sounds from the door.

I smile at her, I know she means well in saying it. "I wish I could be that certain about it".

She walks over and puts a plate of food down on the table beside me. "I do wish you would join us for dinner".

"I can't leave her". I mumble. "And you and Zac also need time alone".

"We have plenty of time alone". She says softly. "Even with filming and Zac's therapy".

I teach out with my free hand to take hers, giving it a small squeeze. "How are the two of you doing ? How are you doing ?"

"We are ... doing better". She says with a small smile. "And I am doing okay, it's not always easy, but I am handling it".

"Zac loves you more than anything. I know he screwed up badly, but you must never feel it had to do with you". I tell her, not for the first time. "Some people might judge you for going back, but I applaud you for having the strength".

She closes her eyes for a second. "I don't feel strong, but I love him with all my heart. I might not be able to forget, but I have forgiven him".

"You shouldn't forget". I tell her. "Neither of you should forget, forgetting one's mistakes is the easiest way to repeat them. Accept them, come to terms with them and rise above them ... but never forget".

*Ivy*
I can't help but smile. "Maybe you should change your job Tom, become a therapist instead. He says exactly the same".

"Maybe I should". He says with a small smile. "I bet it is less stressful and dangerous".

"Less dangerous definitely, but are you sure about stressful ?" I giggle softly, I have a feeling that our therapist often feels rather stressed.

He looks at me with a curious expression. "Does Zac stress out the therapist ?"

"It is probably more me". I admit. "Listening to Zac's stories, his childhood, his life, how he has felt and sometimes still feels ... it's hard".

"I know ... and Zac knows". Tom says softly. "It means the World to him that you are there with him and that you support him. I think for the first time in his life he feels he is worthy of love".

I can't help the pride that swells in my chest. It means everything to me that Zac comes to terms with his past, and truly heals. But honestly, right now I feel a need to shift the focus. "What about you Tom, how are you doing".

"Contemplating the meaning of life". He says, then he sighs. "I am holding up".

I can't help feeling with Tom, it can't be easy what he is doing. But the whole agent thing, the secret marriage and well sitting here, seeing the woman he clearly loves hurt.

"You need to think about yourself too, just once in a while". I tell him. I wish he could have a just somewhat normal life.

"I ...". He starts but then Dove lets out a small whimper and his full attention is instantly on her. "Morning darling".

She smiles softly at the sound of his voice. "Tom ... can I please have some water ?"

"Of course". He says, taking a glass of water from the table. He gently supports her head, lifting it, as the other hand holds the glass to her lips and she drinks greedily.

I can so easily feel the love between them, it is in the way he looks at her, the small smiles she sends him, and in the way they seem to need to touch each other. Slowly I move towards the door, both to give them some much deserved privacy, but also because I feel a deep need to go hug Zac and tell him how proud I am of his progress.