You all deserve so many apologies. I am so sorry I have been MIA for so long. Junior year is killing me and dealing with work and everything else caught up to me and I haven't had a moment to sit fown and write. The Way We Touch hopefully will be updated soon, but this story popped in my head after watching the last episode which by the way was amazing! Whoever is reading this and continues to read my stories, I cannot express how thankful I am and how much your encouragement helps me. I'm still into writing at school and I still want to pursue some kind of writing career. Once again, please forgive me for leaving all my stories on hiatus and thank you for clicking this story.

This story is based off what I want to see happen in the next episodes. The title was inspired by the Civil Wars song "Dust to Dust". I recommend listening to it before reading, it is soooo them.

Please review even though I'm a horrible author. Thank you so much and I love all of you!

"It's okay."

Alex's gentle words brought comfort to Norma at this time of fear and despair. The motion of his hand rubbing up and down her back grounded her.

"Who...? Why?" Norma asked while ducking her head in the spot where his neck showed from his collar.

He cleared his throat and threaded his fingers in her hair. "I don't know." He murmured quietly through the silence. "I'm sorry."

Norma's arms moved up and interlaced around his neck. Their eyes locked and she could still see the desire flaming in his eyes. He attempted to break eye contact, but Norma brought her hands up to maintain their gaze. "Hey," She whispered as quietly as he did, "it's not your fault."

"It might be." Alex replied almost instantly. His hands settled on her waist and she felt flustered with his touch and the coat she was wearing.

His response caught her attention and Norma opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. There was so much going on in his mind and she could read it all through his eyes. Norma was becoming an expert on reading Alex Romero ever since that night the two discovered each other. She knew he felt guilt, he always did. Even if it ends up being someone else's fault, he will still find a way to feel guilty. Norma could see fear for what this means. Things like this never happen and end in a good way in this town. She read anger in his eyes most of all all.

"What do you mean?" Norma asked, still tightly wrapped in his embrace.

"Norma, it's a long story." Alex spoke with a clear voice. "Let me clean this up. Get upstairs and get comfortable, I'll be up when I'm finished."

He attempted to move from my embrace, but she quickly caught his arm. "Wait just a minute. You can't just say stuff like that and expect me not to want you to elaborate."

"I'll tell you. I promise. I don't want you to have to deal with this especially now." Alex added.

Norma stood there, holding his arm for a moment, touched by his words. "You don't need to clean this up tonight. It's just us here anyway." She pulled him closer, missing his warmth already. "Come up with me, please."

Alex didn't need any more convincing when he looked into her eyes. He realized this night wasn't going to end the way he expected it to be. Hot and sweaty sex would be replaced with comforting touches and intimate words. Alex didn't mind though; anytime with Norma was cherished.

"Okay." Alex comforted. The small smile that graced Norma's lips brought one to his as well. She truly was beautiful, he thought, inside and out. "Let's go, hm?"

Norma reached for his hand and led the way upstairs. As the two made their way upstairs, they noticed the mess was primarily downstairs. Whoever came in must have already found what they were looking for downstairs.

The two reached the bedroom with their fingers tightly laced. Silently, Norma began to unbutton his shirt and splayed her fingers across his tanned chest. The steady thump thump of his heart reverberated upon her fingers. She watched through her eyelashes as he reacted to her touch. He bit his lower lip and his brown eyes slightly rolled back into his head. He was beautiful, gorgeous even.

The only sound in the house was their gentle breaths. Norma's heart thumped harder as Alex undressed her. His feather soft hands trailed down her arms once her top was removed and he chuckled lightly at the goosebumps that flared on her ivory skin.

"Hold me." Norma whispered against his lips. She pulled on his hand and they both tumbled onto the bed, her lithe body tucked warmly under his. "Now, tell me what's going on."

Alex adjusted so he wasn't putting all his weight on her, but kept the distance minimum. Every part of her body was tied closely to his and they both basked in the intimacy. His hand was wrapped tightly around her waist allowing her fingers to caress his cheek.

"Remember our old friend Bob Paris?" Alex began. He told her all about Bob and Rebecca and the three million dollars. He told her about the money her hid and the key he found. She tensed at Rebecca's name and Alex noticed. His lips feathered across her cheeks and jaw provoking a girlish giggle from Norma.

"You think it's her?" She asked, clearing her throat in seriousness. "That Rebecca you knew before me?" Norma sneered at her name.

"It makes sense. I bet she was looking for that key and the money I hid in the basement." Alex nuzzled his nose in her hair, inhaling her vanilla scent.

"She doesn't seem to like me that much either."

"She's just jealous," Alex admitted, "we were...involved before us."

"Involved? With your bank lady?" Norma scoffed. Her cold toes rubbed against his calf, warming them almost instantly.

"She was more than my bank lady. We slept together a few times, but never dated or anything close to resembling dating." He said.

"Hmm," Norma raised her eyebrows, "so jealous not girlfriend trashed my house."

"I don't know for sure. If it is, she has the key to his safety deposit box." Alex huffed.

"Check tomorrow," Norma pulled him closer, "stay here tonight."

Alex hummed in approval and kissed her on the shoulder. Her body radiated heat and made him quake with desire. After four years of knowing this woman, Alex was deprived of touching her the way he wanted. He wasn't surprised that her skin was satiny soft and the sounds she made were music to his ears.

"I'm sorry your house was ransacked." Alex whispered in her ear before dropping a kiss to it.

"You need to learn how to stop apologizing for things out of your control." Norma reprimanded, her hands automatically brushing through his hair.

"But it is my fault. I brought that money into your house, putting you in danger. I should've figured it out and left you out of this." Alex sighed.

"I do believe I was the one who asked for your help. And this is our house now, Alex." She pointed out.

"Our house..." He murmured. "I just hate the fact that someone has this power over us."

"I don't want you to blame yourself. I know you're going to figure this out one way or another." Norma lowered her voice. "And I know you'll keep me safe."

"Always." Alex finalized, kissing her forehead. "Always."

Norma smiled to herself and dropped her head to his chest. Her hand drifted down to his chest, softly combing through his chest hair. Being with him like this made Norma feel carefree and safe. Alex gave her a chance to be loved, a chance to be happy. Nothing between them was normal though. Their relationship began with him showing up at her doorstep with a suspicious idea, ready to arrest her. Their intimate relationship began just a few days ago with their fake marriage. But in all honesty, she was so thankful for his proposal.

"Did you mean what you said tonight?" Norma asked, sleep weighing heavy in her voice.

"What did I say tonight?" Alex squeezed her tight against him.

"Do you really think things are going to be okay?" Her voice sounded so small.

Alex took a deep breath and thought for a minute. "Things between us will be okay, I'm sure of it."

"What about the money and Rebecca?" She questioned and swallowed a lump in her throat.

"I'll figure it out. I don't want you to worry about this." Alex said.

Norma moved so she could look up at him. He had such a determined look on his handsome face. She placed her hand on his cheek, something she has become accustomed to over the past few weeks. As she lifted her head, he lowered his to meet her sweet lips.

The kiss was soft and slow. This was still new and Norma kept finding new ways to make him squirm. If she moved her tongue a certain way, he would squeeze her waist just the way she liked it. His hand snaked down to grip her hip, pulling her leg softly over his. Her lips were suctioned to his, swallowing his moans, reverberating through her. Alex slanted his mouth over here gently and his tongue swept inside her warm mouth, slowly and lazily. She savored his taste; the perfect mix of pine needles and his aftershave.

Norma's lips were so full and soft and she shivered when he whispered, you're beautiful, like he did earlier in the night. She tentatively rolled her tongue around his warm one and he growled, pulling her body flush against his. His hands drifted down to her plump bottom and squeezed tight enough to elicit a moan from Norma.

He is so good at this, Norma thought. He was an amazing kisser, gentle yet demanding at the same time. His kisses were soft but insistent, sweet but passionate. Kissing him caused her ears to buzz and her heart to swell. Kissing him felt right, so complete. Nothing has ever felt this right. Her past marriages never came close to what she feels with Alex.

His kisses slowed down, but were insistent. She pulled away to breathe, catching her breath and listening to his ragged breathing. Norma leaned her forehead against his and snuck one more kiss against his lips. Alex sighed and pulled his hand to rest on her thigh. They both smiled as their breath evened.

"See? Everything is going to be okay." Alex cleared his throat. He tangled his fingers in her hair as she rested her head on his chest. Her hair was loosening from the curls she had earlier that night allowing his fingers to skate through.

Norma remained silent and nodded against his chest. She believed him, she knew one way or another he would figure it all out.

"I just don't want this to turn into another brawl in my house." Norma thought about the time her son and Zack Shelby had a shooting spree. "There's been too many of those here."

Alex tightened his grip thinking about his deputy. "I know. I know, but if anything happens, I'll be here. You know that right?"

At his words, she rested her chin on his chest so their eyes met. The look of absolute adoration and protection in his mocha eyes took Norma's breath away. Nothing could ruin this moment, seeing love in this man's eyes, untainted by evil or harm. It was alarming how much she began to need him, how much she craved his attention and how much she ached to touch him.

Ever since she moved here, Alex has always been her safety net. Even when he showed up with intentions to arrest her. Their marriage was sudden and she didn't expect to develop feeling this strong. She'd always known she could count on Alex, but she had to admit to herself she felt guilty marrying him for insurance.

But now, it was the best decision she ever made. There was never any malice in Norma's proposal, she just needed it. Norma began to realize how quickly she is falling for Alex Romero. The gentle way he touched her like she was an expensive piece of China was new to her. She had never felt the gentle touch of a man that didn't involve abuse. She wasn't accustomed to being kissed hello and goodnight. Now, she is afraid to admit she just might be in love with her husband.

"I know you will, I've never doubted you, Alex." She answered truthfully. "I'm just scared, I'm so scared for us. I'm scared that someone is going to hurt us and I'm just tired of being scared all the time." Norma's voice caught in her throat and Alex noticed the change. He trailed his fingertips down her spine as an attempt to calm her down.

"Norman is fine, he's getting help from those people. It's good for him. I know it's difficult and you feel like you're doing everything wrong, but you're doing the right thing. He needed this...before it got too late." Alex explained.

Alex had been through this before and the feelings were all too familiar. His mother had needed help before she committed suicide and Alex blamed himself for not taking action. He never wanted Norma to carry that guilt if something would have happened and she could have stopped it. Or worse, if Norman ever harmed Norma in any way, Alex would never forgive himself.

"I just miss him..." Norma hiccuped in attempt to stifle her sob.

If it weren't for Alex's sturdy arms, Norma would have shook with the weight of her sob. She let it all out, all the worry about the money and the key and Rebecca and most of all Norman. Being comforted by Alex made her feel an unexplainable way. There was such a tremendous love and care in his arms. The occasional 'shush' and murmurs of comfort filled Norma's ears and she moved her head in the crook of his neck.

"What if you visit him tomorrow?" Alex suggested. "You should talk to him."

Norma sniffled, "I don't know if I can face him like this."

Alex thought for a moment before blurting out his response. He knew Norman was a gray area when it came to Norma. He always felt like he was treading on thin ice when the Norman subject came up. "What if I came with you?"

The room was silent except for a car driving past. Norma thought about Alex's offer; it could either go very terribly or slightly okay. Norman still is unaware of her marriage and he has to find out one way or another.

"Alex, there's so much going on right now. You don't need to deal with this on top of everything else." Norma traipsed around the question.

"If this is bothering you then I want to fix it. I can deal with whoever did this after." He said.

"Really?" Norma propped herself up on her elbow. "No, no. I-I can't ask you of that. It's too much and I don't even know if Norman will-"

The gentle press of his lips to hers stopped Norma's stammering. Her mind blanked as his lips worked over hers.

"If you don't want to do this yet, we can wait. If you do, I'll be right by your side." Alex held her chin.

"I want you there." Norma breathed. "He has to know sooner than later."

Alex kissed her forehead, "Sleep. Don't worry about anything."

"Hey," Norma peeked up to meet his eyes, "thank you. For tonight I mean. Before all this, I had a really great time."

"I'm glad. We're still getting used to this date night thing, huh?" Alex chuckled.

"Yeah." She smirked. "I didn't get my one on one with Mr. Sheriff tonight. It seems like all of town wants a minute with you."

"I think I can make time for my wife." He joked back.

"Your wife. Hm, I think I can get used to that." Norma held his cheek.

"Goodnight, Norma." Alex kissed the hand that held his cheek.

"Goodnight." She hustled into his warm body and tangled her legs with his.

As she laid there with her husband, she finally felt content. His gentle breath in her ear and the steady thump from his chest felt like home.

The morning sun shone through the curtains in the bedroom. The light gave Norma a radiant glow and Alex couldn't keep his eyes off her. She slept with her mouth slightly open and her hand glued to his chest. Alex noticed she has a small snore the first night they slept in the same bed and he found it completely endearing.

She was still naked from last night, giving him the perfect angle to kiss her shoulder. Alex wanted her to sleep as long as possible. She has been dealing with so much with Norman and it has been slowly breaking her down.

As she slept, Alex managed to clean up the mess the intruder made downstairs. Picture frames were shattered, lamps were knocked over and throw pillows were literally thrown around. It was a mess.

Cleaning up was difficult because he knew Norma had a certain about how things were put away. He tried to remember where things were from the few times he has visited. There was glass from the picture frames scattered around the floor. Some of her China had been knocked over and broken in the dining room. He mustered a few big pieces from a dish to try and glue together. Alex knew how much these mean to her.

Alex didn't notice Norma had awoken and made her way downstairs. She stood in the living room, admiring how quickly and how efficiently he cleaned. He wore his plaid pajama paints and a black t-shirt and his back muscles were on full display for her. Alex turned and gave her a small smile.

"Good morning." He said as he walked over to her.

"You cleaned all this up on your own?" Norma asked surprisingly, pulling him close by the waist.

"I did. Some of your things were broken, but I managed to pick everything up." Alex kissed her forehead and held her face between his hands.

"Thank you." She pecked his lips. "How bad was it?"

"I don't think whoever did this was wanting to break anything, the stuff just got in the way of what they were looking for." Alex explained.

"Did they find the money?" Norma asked.

"Yeah." Alex answered and she shivered. "I'll deal with it, okay?"

"Okay." She nodded and released his waist. "I'll make you breakfast." She said as she made her way to kitchen with him in tow.

"So, are you still open to visiting Norman today?" Alex asked as he helped Norma prepare breakfast.

She paused at the fridge. "I am. I'll have to call ahead but I want to. They should let us visit, he's been there long enough "

"Yeah the first two days are the most critical. He should be settled in by now." Alex leaned against the counter.

"How'd you know that?" She cracked an egg into the brightly colored bowl.

"My mom was in a place like Norman is. Before it got really bad, I would visit." He explained, feeling Norma's eyes on him.

"And you stopped visiting?" She prompted him.

"I don't know. It sounds selfish, but it just got hard on me. She was there, but she wasn't there." Alex dipped his finger in the pancake batter earning him a playful slap to the arm.

"You said she killed herself?" Norma asked meekly, not wanting to upset him.

Alex cleared his throat and straightened his posture. Norma noticed his casual manner was gone and he was tense.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." Norma held her hand to his chest.

"No, you didn't. It's just hard to talk about. You deserve to know, I want you to know about me. I mean really know me." Alex admitted.

Shock filled Norma at his statement. He was really going to tell her a very personal moment from his life. Her mind was going a hundred miles an hour with the idea of telling Alex about her personal life.

"My dad was off trying to make more money off her bank account. I was still in the marines and too involved with myself. She managed to sneak into where they held the pills. She OD in her room." Alex voice was low. Norma stood a at the stove, shoveling the eggs around the pan. She watched with pained eyes as he opened up to her.

"Alex..." Norma whispered. "I'm sorry, I know it doesn't mean much. But I am."

"It means a lot, Norma." His gravelly voice drew Norma in closer. "Not a lot of people know about that."

"Thank you for telling me." She smiled sweetly up at him. Alex took that opportunity to drop a quick kiss to her.

"You want me to call ahead? After we do this, I'm going to talk to some people. I don't know how long that will take." Alex cleared his throat.

"How long will you be gone?" Norma hated how desperate she sounded, but she didn't care.

"I hope not long." He answered honestly.

Norma wondered how domestic they looked planning out their day while still clad in their pajamas."You'll be safe?"

"I will. Don't worry about that." Alex pulled two plates out from the cabinet. "This all for us?"

"When are you ever going to get used to how much I cook?" Norma teased. "I mean you are a big guy after all."

The raindrops were the racing each other on the window as Norma and Alex whizzed down the road. The sky matched the mood of the car with its gray and somber shade. The two sat in his SUV and the light hum of the radio was the only sound. She fidgeted with her cold fingers in her lap, dreading when they pulled into the PineView parking lot.

Alex stopped at a red light and nudged Norma with his elbow. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. I'm just nervous." She answered honestly.

His fingers trailed to her lap and enveloped her cold hand into his warm one. "Norma, your hands are freezing. Are you warm enough? Why didn't you tell me to turn the heat up?"

"I didn't realize it." She scoffed absently. She remained silent the rest of the ride there, but held Alex's hand tightly on her lap.

"You want to take a minute?" Alex asked as he pulled into a parking spot.

Norma exhaled, "No, they're expecting us."

He squeezed her hand and turned the car off. "Okay, let's go."

The rain was now only a tiny drizzle as the couple walked hand in hand into the building. The same woman who greeted her last time stood near the door as they walked inside.

"Good morning, Mrs. Romero, Mr. Romero." The woman smiled and greeted them each with a hand shake.

Norma was about to correct her, but Alex was already speaking. "Good morning, is Norman around?"

"He's about done with his doctor. You two can wait in the lounge area." She motioned to the room to their right.

"Is there anywhere we could speak in private?" Norma asked earnestly.

"I'm sorry, we don't allow private rooms with our residents." The woman replied.

Alex sensed Norma's frustration and cleared his throat to channel his authoritative voice. "I think we can figure something out. She misses her son and all we want is some privacy."

"I understand, but Sheriff-"

"If you understood, this conversation would be over." Alex cut her off.

The woman stood in shock and fumbled with her words. "I'll clear a room for you." And she scampered off like a frightened animal.

Norma turned to Alex with a small smirk across her face. "You're a bad ass."

Alex lightly chuckled. "You wanted a private room, I'll give you a private room."

"That sounds oddly sexual." She joked.

"It's too early, Mrs. Romero." He teased. "And not as private as I want for me to have my way with you." Alex whispered the last part gruffly in her ear.

Pins and needles poked down her spine and she shivered at his words. The turn in their conversation was so sudden, she didn't think about their surroundings. Not thinking, she pulled his neck down so she could kiss him.

Alex was taken by surprise, but his hands rested comfortably on her waist. The two were so caught up in themselves, they didn't notice Norman standing three feet away.

"Oh," Norma pulled away from Alex, "Norman, I didn't see you."

"Obviously." Norman replied.

Norma inhaled sharply and smiled at her son. "Honey, I missed you." She pulled him into a hug. Surprisingly, Norman returned the hug.

Alex stood behind Norma and watched mother and son connect. He could feel Norman's eyes on him, but remained passive for Norma's sake. Alex knew Norman disliked him and he just thought it was the normal boy reaction to a man in his mother's life.

"Hey Norman." Alex smiled as Norma pulled away but clung to her son.

"Sheriff." Norman nodded.

Norma cleared her throat. "Well, we have some talking to do. Let's find that room, huh?"

Norma and Norman walled in front of Alex as they made their way to a room. Alex felt out of place sitting on the chair across from the two. Norma's eyes wandered around the light green walls as to Norman's who was still glaring at Alex.

"So, Alex and I have some news." Norma struggled to keep her voice steady. A generic smile was shot at Norman and reached for his hand.

Norman looked down at his mother's finger and stared at the rock on her ring finger. "You're married." He spoke plainly.

"We did. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I guess time just got the best of me." Norma giggled nervously.

"Congratulations." He smiled at his mother convincingly.

Alex sat and thought just for a moment, it wouldn't be that bad. That Norman would understand and Norma would be free.

"Thank you, Norman." Alex replied.

"So when am I coming home? I suppose he's already moved in." Norman tapped his fingers on his knee.

Norma was stunned to silence. Everything seemed to be smooth sailing, until now. She glanced at Alex for support and knew he would handle it.

"We're not here to pick you up. We just wanted to speak with you and see how you were doing. Your mom has been worried about you." Alex explained clearly.

"Yeah, I've been so worried, sweetheart." Norma added. "I miss you, but you're making so much progress here."

Norman remained silent but stood and paced the walls of the small room. Norma flinched at his sudden movement and that didn't go unnoticed by Alex. He thought about moving to sit next to her, but decided it would be best to distance himself from Norma. Instead, he gave her a small reassuring, crooked grin.

"I'm not crazy. All these people are crazy here!" Norman muttered harshly. "If you were so worried about me, you would see that this isn't helping. There is no progress being made."

Norma looked like she was going to speak, but remained quiet for a moment. An awkward silence filled the room and the only sound was Norman's back and fourth movement of his feet.

"Norman, this is what you need. I need you to be here so you can get better and come back home." Norma explained.

"I need to be home!" Norman snapped. "Mother, do you really think he will take care of you?"

Alex's head snapped up at the young man's statement. He decided to keep his mouth shut once he saw Norma's reaction. At first he saw anger across her face, but then he saw an expression he couldn't read.

"Alex does take care of me. He is taking care of you too." Norma's voice was alarmingly shaky.

"Oh really? If I do recall, you two were at each other's throats like two weeks ago! How can you possibly marry him, mother? Do you know anything about him?" Norman fought back.

"Yes, I do. Norman, you need to calm-" Her sentence was cut short.

"This is so something you would do." He chuckled darkly. "You don't think, you just do and don't realize the consequences. How do you know he loves you? Let alone care about you?"

Alex quickly stood up in front of Norman, catching both mother and son by surprise. "Stop this now, Norman." His voice was calm and collected.

"You do know why she married you, sheriff, don't you?" Norman sneered. "You think all of the sudden you two have this lovey dovey relationship? She's using you! I'm not stupid." He directed his next comment at Norma. "It was a smart decision, I'll give you that. You need protection and insurance."

"You don't know what you're talking about!" Norma shouted as she still sat on the love seat.

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. But be honest with yourself, if it wasn't for this place, would you and Alex ever do this?" Norman shot back. "Now, tell me Sheriff Romero, how is she? Is she as crazy in bed as-"

"HEY." Alex's demanding voice roared. "That's enough. That is completely inappropriate and you know it. Look, I understand you are upset about this and it's normal. But what's not normal is you poking holes in our relationship. Sure, we didn't plan or think anything through and true, she needed insurance for you. She came to me because she wanted to help you. And anything else after that, does not concern you."

Norma was shocked into silence at Alex's words. He had been open with her before, but nothing like this. They never talked about the elephant in the room that was their fake marriage. She began to second guess her feeling for him after sifting through Norman's remarks. She knew deep down she wasn't using Alex, well at least now she isn't. As for before, Norma had trouble deciphering which feeling was love and which feeling was convenience

"I think this visit is over." Norman stated plainly, cutting through the thick silence.

"Norman," Norma arose from her place and bypassed Alex to get to her son, "please, I don't want to end things like last time. Can we talk about this like adults?"

"I think you already made a decision, mother." Norman shrugged his mother's hand away from his cheek. He trudged to the closed door and cleared his throat before saying, "I'm sure I'll be bearing for you two very soon." And he left.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room after Norman's ominous departure. Alex could sense her distress and wasn't sure how to deal with this.

"Hey, let's get going." His voice was a gentle rumble. He reached for her arm and winced inwardly when she quickly pulled away.

"Yeah." She muttered and collected her purse. Instead of walking in hand in hand, they walked out three feet away from each other.

As they settled into the SUV, Alex didn't know what to expect. Maybe tears. Or maybe screaming. But he didn't expect silence. He's never seen Norma speechless like this and it shook him. The drive was quiet and Norma leaned against the window, as far away from him, Alex noted.

"Maybe we didn't think things through." Norma suddenly spoke. "We didn't really plan anything."

Alex remained silent. He didn't know what to say. Did she really feel that way? What about last night and the night before and the night before that?

"Do you feel like we rushed things?" He asked carefully.

"I don't know." She continued looking out the window. "Maybe."

"You either think so or not." Alex bit back. He ignored the feeling of being used until now. Until she started doubting him.

"Well I don't know." She snapped, her voice full of anger.

"I have never given you a reason to doubt me, ever." He stated plainly.

"My son come first, Alex. He's sick and..." She trailed off.

"I know that. Goddamn it, Norma, I did this whole thing to help you help your son. Sometimes I feel like you know that I will do anything for you and you take advantage of it." Alex replied.

"You said you would marry me!" Norma yelled, the sound reverberating through the car. "You knew the reason why this all started anyway. How dare you say I take advantage of you!"

"Do you understand how much trouble I would get into if anyone found out I filled Paris? I did that for you, I did that to protect you and Norman. If you're doubting me, that's all you."

"I'm not doubting you..." Norma sighed. "I'm doubting myself. God, hearing you say all those things back there made me realize how shitty I am. I could have you, and you're so good for me. But I... I can't do that to you. I can't bring you down with me."

Alex stopped at a red light and glanced at Norma. She had a lone tear glide its way down her porcelain cheek. One hand was quickly wiping away tears and the other was in a tight fist on her lap. Seeing her and listening to her made Alex realize where she was coming from. She felt like she was toxic, like she was no good for him. But does she even know who I am? She knows all that I've done and what I can do and she still thinks she's the toxic one?

"Norma, you're slowly changing me. You may just be the most insane woman I've ever met, but you bring out someone in me that I haven't been in so long. I don't know what it is and I don't know if it's right, but I like who I am around you. You give me a reason to be someone. I'm not just the sheriff with you, I'm Alex."

Norma turned her head to him and tears shone on her blue eyes. "You're so much more than just the sheriff. You've never hurt me and to me, that's a lot." She scoffed. "But I can't keep asking you to do things like kill people for me."

"That's a little too late." Alex spoke, not meaning to sound irritated. "This realization of yours is a little too late, Norma. Bob Paris is already dead and we're already married."

"Maybe we shouldn't be." Norma whispered as they pulled into the motel gravel lot.

"You don't want this anymore?" He asked, trying to disguise his hurt.

"No, yes... I mean maybe we just need to slow things down. I don't want to make any permanent decisions because..." She trailed off again.

"Because why Norma?" Alex prodded.

After a moment of silence, "Because I think I'm falling for you." Her voice was so quiet, he barely heard it.

Alex cleared his throat and sat there in silence. So, the feelings were a bit mutual. All Norma needed was some reassurance, but not now. Right now there was too much going on with dealing with the DEA and the intruder from last night and Norman.

Bravely, he reached over the console to grasp her fist. Her hands were freezing and she squeezed so hard that her knuckles were white. He smoothed his hands over her fist in attempt to calm her.

"We'll take some time. Take today and we'll see where we are by tonight, okay?" He asked gently.

Norma nodded and twined her fingers with his. She looked into his eyes and found nothing but love and care. "Okay." She agreed quietly. "I'm sorry about what happened today with Norman."

"It's not your fault. We needed to talk about this sooner or later." Alex shrugged.

Norma gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll see you tonight." And the opened her door and hopped out. She was just about to walk into the motel office, but quickly scampered back to the car in front of Alex's door.

"I don't regret our decision." Norma said once his window was rolled down.

Alex didn't know if she meant the decision to marry him or consummate their marriage. Either way, he was glad. "Good because I don't either."

Norma smiled back and gently kissed his lips. "Bye, Alex."

"Bye." He replied.

"You better be safe and come home in one piece." With a smirk and a wag of her eyebrow, she left Alex feeling a bit better.

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