Page 119 of No More Lies

“This is going to sound ridiculous.”

Steve’s hand under her chin was comforting as he tilted her head up to look at him.

“Nothing is ridiculous.” He lowered his hand from her face and smiled. “Tell me.”

“I feel different. I’m not saying I feel back to the old me. But after everything that’s happened, it’s opened my eyes to how I’ve been seeing everything. I mean, I wish none of us had to go through what we just did, but in some strange way, I’m glad I did. It’s like I’m seeing things differently.”

She waited for a reaction, but Steve was still looking at her tenderly.

“What are you seeing now?”

“That maybe I’m not as alone as I thought I was. That I have so much to be grateful for, and perhaps I’ve been focusing on the wrong things. When we were in that hangar waiting, Natasha was telling me these wise words that her mom had said to her. She said that happiness is a choice, and that stuff doesn’t make us happy. Love, people, experiences, and what’s in here does.” She placed her hand over her heart. “I think I lost my way a little and was focusing on the stuff more than what’s in here.”

“Those are wise words. You are loved by so many people, Diane. We are blessed to not only have blood family, but everyone at Onyx considers you family, too. As for experiences. Every day is a new experience for us, and we can create any experiences you want.”

She nodded. “I know. I thought becoming a lawyer would... I don’t know... complete my life and put me on an equal footing with all of you. I’m not even sure why I thought that because none of you have every treated me like I didn't belong.”

“Because you do belong. I don’t care whether you’re a lawyer, a bus driver, a stay-at-home mom, or a cat lady. It doesn’t matter to me, and it doesn’t matter to our family. I only want you to be happy.” He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. “Scratch that. I’m not sure I could handle a cat lady. I’m more of a dog guy.”

Diane smiled. “No cats. Got it. But I am an unemployed lawyer, so maybe I should learn to drive a bus.”

Steve laughed. “Angel, if that’s what you want to do, go for it.”

“You really wouldn't mind, would you?”

“No. I wouldn’t. But I know you dreamed of being a lawyer since you were little. Even when Megan came along, you never gave up. I’m not sure you’re ready to just dismiss it.”

“It’s not what I expected it would be. I don’t mind working hard, but I’ve never felt like I was proud of what I was doing at that firm, and it took me away from you and Megan too much.”

“Maybe it was just that firm. Considering, what they’ve done, I don’t think you can judge all firms by McCormick and Michaels. But there are other ways you can be a lawyer or use your skills. You don't need to decide now. Give yourself time.”

“I hated it, Steve. I think the more unhappy I got at work, the more it spilled over into every other part of my life. Why I started resenting you, everyone. Feeling sorry for myself and blaming everyone and everything around me.” She squeezed his hand tighter. “I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “Don’t be sorry. I’m just upset you were suffering that long.”

“I didn't want to let everyone down. Everything my family did to make my dream happen. You and your family, too. The money, the childcare, the support. I didn’t want it to be all for nothing.”

“Angel, it wasn’t for nothing. You are a lawyer, which is a fantastic achievement. No one can take that from you. I wouldn’t change that. I remember the day you graduated like it was yesterday. I was so damn proud of you, and you were so happy. You were happy in here.” When his hand covered her heart, she fought to stop the tears that welled in her eyes. “The rest is just stuff.”

Diane placed her hand over his as he continued.

“You know, everything that’s happened made me see things differently, too.”

She frowned.

“In a good way.” he added quickly. “It’s made me own up to how I’ve been as a husband. I might not have been the worst, but I definitely haven't been the best. You deserve the best. I want to be that for you. I want to give you everything you want and support you in every way I can. I want you to be happy for yourself, and with me. Whatever we need to do to get that, I’m in. You and Megan are the most important people in my life. Everything and everyone come second. Including Onyx. I love those guys, but I’ve been kicking in doors for ten years now. I’m OK to walk away, if that’s what’s best for my family.”

Tears rolled done Diane’s face. She couldn’t open her mouth to speak. He would give up Onyx for her? Her heart felt about to burst.

“Come here. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” She went willingly into his arms and buried her face in his neck. God, she loved this man.

They sat in silence as the minutes passed. Despite crying, Diane felt better than she had in months. They were going to be OK. With Steve beside her, she was going to be OK. Straightening, she wiped her face with her sleeve then placed her hand on Steve’s cheek and kissed him. Not a gentle kiss, but a hungry, hot, passionate kiss that Steve eagerly returned. When she finally eased back, they were both breathless.

“I love you, Steve, and you are not leaving Onyx. I want you to be happy too, and Onyx makes you happy. They are a part of our family. Knowing they all came to Westside made me realize just how much. I can’t imagine you doing anything else, and I am still damn proud of what you do.”

Steve relaxed against her. “I love you too, Angel.” His voice was gruff as his hand stroked over her hair. “I feel like we’ve had a reset. You. Me. Megan. The three of us. The is the first day of the rest of our lives.”

“Um... yeah... the three of us.” She bit her lip.