He watched her drive away, then stood in the parking lot for a long moment, feeling something he hadn’t felt in weeks.
Hope. Real, genuine hope that they could make this work. That he could be the person she needed. That they could build something lasting.
It wouldn’t be easy. Rebuilding trust never was. But for the first time in his life, Carson was ready to do the work. Not just for the relationship. For himself.
Because Nora was right. He deserved to be more than just a detective. Deserved to have a life that included love and happiness and moments that weren’t defined by tragedy.
And he was finally ready to claim that life.
***
Lila was waiting when Nora got home.
“Well? How did it go?”
Nora sank onto the couch, emotionally exhausted but somehow lighter. “Good. Reallygood. He’s been in therapy. Actually working on himself. He gets it now. Why what he was doing wasn’t sustainable.”
“So are you getting back together?”
“Slowly. We’re dating. Taking it one day at a time. I’m staying here for now. Just until I’m sure.”
“That’s smart.” Lila sat next to her. “And how do you feel?”
“Hopeful. Scared. Like I’m giving him my heart again and praying he doesn’t break it.”
“He won’t. Not on purpose. And if he does—if he falls back into old patterns—you’ll handle it. You’re strong enough to walk away if you need to.”
“I am, aren’t I?” Nora smiled. “I didn’t use to be. Didn’t use to believe I deserved better. But being with Carson—even the hard parts—taught me what I need. What I won’t settle for.”
Lila was smiling as she spoke. “Growth looks good on you.”
“It looks good on both of us. He’s not the same person he was two weeks ago. And neither am I.” Nora pulled out her phone. “He scheduled me into his calendar. Actually blocked off time for us.”
“That’s huge for him.”
“It really is.” Nora looked at the calendar Carson had shown her. Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Every weekend. Time that was theirs. “I think he’s really trying. Really changing.”
“Then I hope it works out. You bothdeserve happiness.”
***
Carson returned to work Monday morning feeling different.
The station looked the same. Smelled the same. But he felt changed. Lighter somehow.
“Welcome back,” Finn said, appearing at his desk and handing him a cup of hot coffee. “How was the time off?”
“Good. Really good,” he said, accepting the crappy office brew gratefully. “I needed it.”
“And Nora?”
“We’re trying again. Slowly. Dating. Taking it one day at a time.” Carson logged into his computer. “But it’s good. We’re good. Or getting there.”
“I’m glad, man. Really glad.”
Captain Holloway called him into the office mid-morning.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. “Ready to be back?”
