On our way back to my apartment, Josephine didn't hold back in questioning me. 

Wary of Emma staring, she leaned in close. 

"Have I met this woman before?" 

I shook my head. "No. It's complicated. I didn't tell you but she's my birth mother." 

At this, Jo furrowed her brows. "But your parents-" 

I pursed my lips. "They're not my parents. I only just found out. It's an ongoing case with the police. I'll explain later, okay?" 

Josephine blinked, still utterly confused. 

"Oh okay. Yeah." 

It grew quiet the rest of the ride.

Emma made it clear that she needed to go back to her apartment and gave me a hug as we reached my apartment lot.

"Everything's going to be okay." She murmured. 

I nearly sobbed. "I know. I love you, mom." 

"Hey, girl," Brendan spoke before I could climb out, "I'm sorry the night was a waste, but we have plenty more where that came from." 

I rubbed my nose. "You still want to hang out after that drama?"

Brendan turned in his seat.

"Are you kidding? That was the most fun I've ever had. I might as well have had a bowl of popcorn." 

I laughed, so glad that I'd found a true friend in him. 

Josephine leaned over, enveloping me in a bone-crushing hug. 

"I know I left you for Tahiti. I'm sorry." 

I pulled away shaking my head.

"It's okay. Really. You needed a break. We'll see each other at work soon." 

Josephine smiled. "We sure will." 

When I finally made it out of the van and up the gravel drive, my hand paused on the door. It had been an hour since I'd seen Hero. 

He was in a foul mood then. He was probably in a foul mood now.

I couldn't do much except avoid him until he simmered down. 

Or perhaps we could talk it through.

When I made it inside I was worried that I was alone again until I saw him appear from the couch. 

Thank god. He didn't look too pissed either. He seemed pleasantly surprised to see me. 

Had Diedre not cried to him about my visit to her yet? 

"I'm glad you're here," Hero breathed. 

I replied hesitantly.

"You... are...? You're not still mad?" 

Hero shut his eyes, running his hands down my arms. 

"I did a lot of thinking. Though her heart was in the right place, I think Diedre may have been overreacting. I was worried when you didn't come home." 

I raised an eyebrow. "Worried about what?" 

Where was this going?

"I wasn't mad," he spoke through a clogged nose, "I was afraid... afraid that you had come to your senses and realized... that I'm not good enough. I thought that you realized Cole was a much better fit for you than I am. I thought you were leaving..." 

I rushed forward, feeling terrified. 

"No! How could you think that? I love you, Hero! I don't know what else I can do to make you see that!" 

Hero looked down. "There is one thing." 

I cupped his face in my hands. "What is it?" 

He unknowingly bit down on his lip.

"I scheduled an appointment with a good therapist. We go to our first session in a few days." 

My mind was still in shock. My face was blank. I didn't know how to react. 

"When did this happen? I mean... it's so late!" 

Hero snorted.

"My family has connections. You should know this by now, but that's not the point. Can... Can you just believe in me? I know I keep fucking up, but I can't help it. " 

I couldn't believe it. He'd kept his word. He really was willing to change. For us. 

"I'll always believe in you," I replied. 

After a moment of silence, Hero stood up. 

"There is... one other thing you can do for me." 

I looked up from where I knelt on my knees. 

"Anything." 

"You're going to head to our bed," he ordered. "I've had a long day and I just want to bury myself inside you." 

My mouth went dry, taken aback by this demand.

"Okay..." 

I did as I was told, going the extra mile and stripping before I eased back against the headboard.

If he was willing to make changes, why couldn't I?

When he returned, I was shocked at what I saw before me. 

He was holding a can of whipped cream and a bucket of cherries. 

I knew we hadn't had those before.

This was pre-meditated. 

"Are we having dessert?" I asked. 

Hero smiled. "You are the dessert."