3 weeks later
*Athena*
I had needed to get it all a bit at a distance before seeing Zac again.. so I had taking a trip back home. But now I am back in LA and I felt I was ready, so I had sent him a text asking if I can come by and pick up my things and he answered sure.

Some part of me hopes that Bella won't be there. I have come to love that little girl in no time and it will hurt seeing her again, and especially having to say goodbye and leave her.. knowing there will probably be tears.

While thinking things through and visiting with my parents and old friends, it has been really nice being the one being spoiled and taken care of. I have talked a lot with my mother about it all and she said I needed to protect myself. And she hoped Zac got professional help, because he clearly needed it, she felt sorry for him. So do I, he is a good man but he needs help.

I ring the door and soon it is opened..I find myself face to face with Zac again.. To my surprise he is wearing a smile, along with a pair of dark blue silk pyjamas pants and a lighter blue T-shirt. And he has several pink bows in his hair. "Hi Tena. Come on in".

"Uhh Hi Zac. I really like your bows...They are like the perfect colour for you". I say giggling.

He kind of looks up. Then he seems to realise and his smile widens. The most genuine smile I have ever seen from him. "Well thanks... Bella is playing hair salon".

As I walk inside I hear a happy squeal and see Bella comes sprinting in a pink pyjamas, she has bows in her hair too. "Tena, Tena .. you are back. Daddy said you didn't come back, but you did. We are doing hair. Can I do yours ?"

"Hi princess. Both you and daddy look really pretty with the hair done. I am sorry, but I am just here to get my things... I can't stay okay sweetie ?" I hate to see her pretty little face fall. Her lip starts to quiver slightly.

Zac puts his hand on my shoulder... His voice almost begging. "Tena uhhm.. do you have a moment ? I would like to talk to you in private if it is okay".

"Yeah sure". I say. Letting go of Bella. "I am just going to talk to daddy okay ? I promise I wont leave without saying goodbye".

"Can you go do the dolls hair gum drop ? We are going to be in daddys office if you should need me. But I will be back out very soon". He says ruffling her hair a bit and she nods running over to her dolls.

Zac leads the way to his office and closes the door behind us. "I just wanted to say I am sorry Tena. You were right and I shouldn't have fired you for being honest with me. I needed help and I am getting it.. I have spend two weeks in a clinic getting some intense treatment for my grief and the depression...And I am continuing to see a counsellor twice a week".

"I am happy to hear that Zac..I am proud of you... I really hope this will get you out of her shadow. Not that you should ever forget her or the love you so clearly had for one another. But you need to live your life, for Bella and for yourself.. I didn't know Kate.. but I am sure she would want that". I tell him with a smile.

He nods slowly. "I thought I was doing that, but I am starting to realise that I had locked up my heart.. Listen..I was thinking, Bella misses you very much.. so I.. I was thinking.. will you please come back ? We really need you to be honest".

I look at him. I must admit I am a bit guarded. But I don't know if it is wishful thinking, but I feel like there is a difference in him. After a few moments I smile softly. "I miss her too... So yes, I will come back".

He suddenly pulls me into a warm hug. "Thank you. Bella is going to be so happy. And I promise, I am not going to do anything that stupid again".

It feels nice being hugged by him actually... He feels warm and strong and I feel like I am almost disappearing in his embrace. I also realise that he smells nice. Warm, masculine and spicy. I hug him back, hoping this is a new start, a beginning of something better.

"Good, because if you did that I would so have to kick your ass". I say as he lets me go and he chuckles softly. "So do you just want me to start right away ?"

"If it is no trouble you can just stay. Your room is left untouched". He says as he walks to open the door and I follow him.

As we walk back into the living-room side by side I nod. "I have nowhere else I need to be, so that is fine with me".

"Are you leaving now Tena". Bella comes running over. Throwing her little arms around my legs and I squat down to hug her.

I pull a little away to be able to look at her. "You know what Bella, if it is okay with you, I think I would like to stay... Can I move into my old room and look after you when daddy works ?"

"Yeah". She hops around whooping happily and hugs me again. Then she runs to hug Zac, and when he squats down, she kisses his cheek soundly. "Thank you daddy".

"Well I will just go make a couple of calls then". I say smiling and when I walk past Zac he gently puts a hand on my shoulder. "Thank you Tena".