It was meant to be

13 - Changes

Hardin

I'm sitting in my office, immersed in emails from Michael about our next steps in the case. My mind is so focused that the knock on my door barely registers. "Come in," I call out, still glued to my screen. When Diane walks in, her expression pulls me out of my concentration. Something's wrong; I can tell even before she speaks.

"Hardin, can we talk?" Diane asks, her voice softer than usual. I set aside my work and give her my full attention, motioning for her to sit down.

"Of course. What's going on?" I ask, closing my laptop.

She hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Hardin, I've been your assistant since the beginning. I've been with you through all the highs and lows. I love working here, but I have to leave. My mother was just diagnosed with cancer, and I need to be with her."

The news hits me like a punch to the gut. "Diane... I'm so sorry. Of course, you need to be with your mother. Family comes first. Take all the time you need."

"That's the thing," she says, her voice wavering. "I don't know how much time I'll need. I can't keep working, not with everything that's happening. But I've already found someone to replace me. My friend Vanessa—she's experienced, and I think she's the perfect fit."

I nod, trying to absorb everything. "If you trust her, Diane, then I trust your judgment. I'll meet her, and we'll go from there."

"Thank you, Hardin. I'll make the introductions before I go."

"When do you leave?"

"I've booked my flight for Friday. That gives me two days to show Vanessa the ropes."

I feel a pang of sadness. Diane has been more than just an assistant—she's been a constant presence, someone I could always rely on. "Thank you for everything, Diane. I couldn't have done this without you."

She smiles, though it's tinged with sadness. "You're welcome, Hardin. And if you need anything, just let me know."

As Diane leaves, the weight of the situation settles in. Losing her now, on top of everything else, feels like yet another piece of stability slipping away.

I decide to leave work early that day, feeling drained and needing to be with Auden. As I pull into the driveway, I see the lights on inside, and I know that Tessa and Auden are home. The sight brings a small sense of comfort.

"Daddy!" Auden's voice rings out as I step inside. He runs to me, and I scoop him up, holding him close. His laughter is a balm to my weary soul.

"Hey, buddy. Did you have a good day?" I ask, kissing the top of his head.

"Yeah! Tessa and I built a big tower with blocks!" he says, his eyes shining with excitement.

I smile and ruffle his hair. "Sounds like you had fun."

Tessa stands nearby, watching with a soft expression. "He's been full of energy today."

"Sounds like he's back to his usual self," I reply, setting Auden down. "Thank you for taking care of him."

"Of course," she says, her eyes meeting mine. "But you look exhausted. Long day?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, you could say that. Diane, my assistant, told me she has to leave. Her mother is sick, and she needs to be with her. She's leaving on Friday."

Tessa's face softens with sympathy. "That must be hard for her. And for you. Diane's been with you for so long."

"Yeah, it's tough. She's been more than just an assistant. She's been a part of everything from the beginning. Now, everything's going to change."

Tessa reaches out and places a comforting hand on my arm. "Change is always hard, but you're not alone, Hardin. You've got people who care about you—and Auden."

I nod, her words offering a small comfort. "Thank you, Tessa. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You're welcome," she replies, her eyes full of warmth. "How about I make us some tea? It might help you unwind."

"That sounds nice," I admit, feeling a bit of the day's tension easing.

As Tessa heads to the kitchen, I watch her, grateful for her presence. Despite everything happening, knowing that Tessa is here makes the challenges ahead seem a little less daunting.

After she returns with our tea, we decide to watch a movie with Auden. As the rain begins to fall outside, turning into a full-blown storm, we settle on the couch. Auden, nestled between us, is glued to the screen as his favorite animated movie plays. I glance at Tessa, who looks so comfortable here, so at ease. In many ways, it feels like she belongs.

As the movie ends, Auden begins to yawn, his eyes drooping. Tessa smiles, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Looks like someone's ready for bed," she whispers.

"I'll take him upstairs," I say, lifting Auden into my arms. After tucking him in, I head back downstairs, where Tessa is tidying up. The storm outside has intensified, and as I watch her, a sudden thought crosses my mind.

"You should stay the night," I say, the words coming out before I can second-guess them. "It's really coming down out there. I'd feel better if you didn't have to drive home in this weather."

Tessa looks out the window, considering. The rain is relentless, and I can see the hesitation in her eyes. She's about to decline, but a loud clap of thunder makes her jump slightly, and she nods.

"Okay," she agrees. "I'll stay."

"Good," I say, relief washing over me. "The guest room is next to Auden's room."

"Thank you, Hardin," she says softly, her gaze lingering on mine.

I nod and turn to head upstairs, but before I take more than a few steps, I feel her hand on my arm, stopping me. When I turn back, she's closer than I expected, her expression unreadable.

"Hardin..." she begins, but the words seem to catch in her throat. Her hand slides down to mine, and for a moment, we just stand there, holding on to each other.

Without thinking, I close the distance between us. My free hand cups her face, and before I can talk myself out of it, I lean in, pressing my lips to hers. The kiss is soft, tentative at first, as if we're both testing the waters. But then it deepens, and I can feel the tension of the day melting away, replaced by something warmer, more urgent.

Tessa responds just as eagerly, her fingers curling into my shirt as she pulls me closer. For a few heartbeats, everything else disappears—the storm, the court case, the stress. It's just us, finding comfort in each other in the middle of the chaos.

But then, as quickly as it started, reality crashes back in. I pull away, breathless and suddenly unsure. I search Tessa's eyes, and I can see the same confusion mirrored there.

"Tessa..." I start, but I don't know what to say. My heart is pounding, my mind racing with conflicting emotions.

She takes a step back, her hand slipping from mine. "Maybe... maybe we should just go to bed," she suggests, her voice shaky. "It's been a long day."

"Yeah," I agree, my voice hoarse. "That's probably a good idea."

We stand there for a moment longer, the air thick with everything we're not saying. Then, with a small, almost hesitant smile, Tessa turns and heads upstairs to the guest room. I watch her go, my chest tight with a mix of longing and uncertainty.

Once she's out of sight, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. My mind is a whirl of thoughts and emotions, none of which I can fully process right now. I head to my own room, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. As I lie in bed, the sound of the rain still pounding outside, I can't shake the image of Tessa's face, the feel of her lips against mine.

Sleep doesn't come easily, and when it does, it's fitful, filled with dreams that blur the line between desire and doubt. By the time morning comes, I'm no closer to figuring out what this means—for me, for Tessa, or for whatever is happening between us. But one thing is clear: things are changing, and there's no going back.