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“Is that all? And you just walked away?”

“Of course. What do you take me for?” He demands. “Well, you were legless and when I rejected you, well, ugh...you lost it. Started crying and got mascara all over your face. I helped you wash up and held you till you slept. Then I left, that’s all.”

My heartbeat is ringing in my ears. I didn’t hardly hear anything he said after mascara. He saw me have one of the horrendous flashback episodes and he still stuck around. That says more than words ever could, regardless who his dad is or how he came to be in my life. It makes me love him all the more.

My heart stops. Love. LOVE. I just said. Love.

I love him. Oh, my, I love him!

I fight to keep my breath. I turn away so he won’t see my face. I’m not about to ruin Hester this could be with my confession. I need to get. Handle on this before I let him know what my heart has been trying to tell me all along. I love him.

“Scarlett. Baby, please. I came here for revenge but also to see who he was, what he was like and I felt like that opportunity was robbed from me. I’ve been to see him, once to unload everything I felt and two more times, I sat in complete silence. Each time I went back, the more time I had spent with you....It didn’t seem as important, my getting revenge. I just wish I could ask him why. Why he left. Why my mum want enough. She won’t let it go, she keeps pushing for revenge. But she’s just scorned. I’ve learned, as much as I love her, her battles are her own. I can’t fight them forever. These last few weeks with you, have been the best in my life. And I don’t hate Piers or Willow, or even Teddy. I don’t want revenge, just a chance to know my father.” His shoulders droop with relief as he lets it all out and my heart aches for this negotiation man who has been put in this position.

“And what about me, Cohen? Do you hate me?” I whisper. “I grew up there too. I loved Wendy, I can’t see her being this horrible person you’re mum has painted her out to be.”

“Hate you?” He stalks towards me, with that dark look in his eyes. “Never. How could I hate you?”

He reaches me and pulls me into his arms, his fingers brushing the underside of my chin have me turning my face towards his. “I’m in love with you Scarlett.”

Before I can even formulate a thought, his lips seal over mine.

He loves me.

He doesn’t give me a chance to speak so I mumble my love against his lips and show him how I feel, pouring everything I have into this kiss.

He loves me.