The power came back on at 5am, flooding Jamie's flat with light.

A string of profanities poured from Jamie's mouth at having been awoken in such an abrupt manner. Dani just groaned and pulled the covers all the way over her head.

Jamie got up and turned all the lights off, still muttering as she got back under the covers again next to Dani. The fire had died out and there was a chill in the air.

"At least the power is back on," Dani mumbled.

"Aye, and the heat will kick back on soon," Jamie said. "I'm freezing my ass off."

"Come here, I'll keep you warm," Dani said sleepily.

Jamie scooted back against Dani, who threw her arm around Jamie's waist and pulled her close, their legs intertwining.

"Better?"

"Mmm-hmm," Jamie sighed contentedly.

They awoke again properly two hours later when she sun peaked in through the curtains. Dani could feel Jamie's eyes on her.

"You're staring," she stated.

"Can't help myself."

Dani smiled and opened her eyes. "What are you thinking about?"

"How much I'd like to kiss you."

"Then why are you still thinking about it?" Dani said boldly.

Jamie cleared her throat. "I, uh, guess I just didn't know if it would be okay."

"It's always going to be okay," Dani said.

Jamie needed no further encouragement. She leaned forward and gently kissed Dani.

"I could get used to waking up this way," she said.

"Me too," Dani replied, smiling. Leaning in for another kiss, which Jamie happily reciprocated.

"You still feelin' okay about everything yesterday, Poppins? It was a lot."

"You know, honestly, I feel… free. Like, this huge burden has been lifted off of me. I know there is a lot to figure out still, but I feel so hopeful, Jamie."

"I'm glad to hear that, Dani. Seems I'm feeling a bit more hopeful myself this morning. Can't say I'm used to the feeling."

They both laughed. It was an easy laugh, full of shared understanding.

"I can't thank you enough, Jamie. I couldn't have done this without you."

"I believe you could have. You're stronger than you think. But, you're welcome all the same." Jamie was always uncomfortable receiving compliments, but she did her best to accept Dani's thanks. "Well, as much as I love laying on my living room floor, I'm thinking we should get up. Maybe make some breakfast. We've got a big day ahead of us."

Dani's mood shifted, and she looked nervous.

"Hey, chin up, Poppins," Jamie said cheerfully. "You'll have me with you today. You're not alone in this anymore. I won't let anything happen to you. Do you trust me?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Alright then, it's settled. No more worrying until at least after breakfast, yeah?"

"Deal," Dani replied. "Do you mind if I take a quick shower?"

"'Course not. I'm going to go downstairs and chat with Owen and Hannah for a bit while you do that. Will you be okay here by yourself?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just hurry back," Dani said with a smile.

"I will."

When Jamie returned, Dani was in the kitchen.

"There you are! I was going to make some tea and breakfast while you get ready. Is that alright?"

"Beautiful woman standing in my kitchen asking if she can make me breakfast? Yeah, I reckon that's alright," Jamie said, winking at her.

Jamie showered and got dressed. She tied her curly hair back into a loose ponytail. She put on her black jeans, the ones with the rips in them, and her favorite black leather jacket over her T-shirt. The jacket made her feel strong, and she felt like she was going to need every ounce of strength she had today. She didn't want Dani to worry, but Jamie was worried about how things would go today. That's why she went downstairs and asked Owen and Hannah to accompany them to the hotel today to get Dani's things. She didn't want to take any unnecessary risks, and she knew there was strength in numbers.

Jamie gave herself a pep talk in the mirror and then strutted into the kitchen. Dani was pouring the tea. Perfect timing, Jamie thought.

Dani looked up at Jamie. "Wow," she said in awe.

"Wow? Wow what? Good wow? Bad wow?" Jamie suddenly felt very self-conscious.

"Oh, good wow, for sure. That jacket is— umm…"

Jamie smirked. "Good to know, Poppins, good to know."

Dani was clearly flustered now, and Jamie would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy it a little bit.

"Umm, here's your tea," Dani said hurriedly.

"Thanks, love," Jamie said, accepting it and taking a sip.

"Oh wow." It was awful.

"Wait… good wow or bad wow?" Dani asked uncertainly.

"Uhhhh…"

Dani tried her own cup. "Oh yeah, definitely bad wow. I should have told you, I'm terrible at making tea. Coffee too. All beverages, really," she said sheepishly.

"Uh yeah, there's definitely an opportunity for us to work on your skills in this particular area. But, I do appreciate the gesture, Poppins. Now, you aren't murdering those pancakes, are ya?"

They both laughed. "No, cooking I am good at!"

"Well, how's about I make the tea from now on and you can make the breakfast?"

"Probably a good plan!"

Jamie sat down while Dani brought over the pancakes. Jamie chuckled when she saw her's.

"Poppins, what is this?" Jamie could hardly keep a straight face. Dani had used whipped cream and fruit to make a big smiley face on top of her stack of pancakes.

Dani, in her mock serious tone, said, "What? Didn't you know? That's how very special people get their pancakes."

"First I'm hearing of it. Think maybe I've been missing out." Jamie couldn't stop grinning. It was such a sweet gesture and it made her feel warm all over.

And, as a plus, the pancakes were good. Really good. Dani was clearly pleased with herself, and she should be, Jamie thought.

When she was done, Jamie put her fork down. "So, about today. I hope you don't mind, but I've asked Owen and Hannah to come along."

Jamie didn't say why; she didn't need to. Understanding dawned on Dani's face. Jamie was being cautious.

"They don't mind?"

"Not at all."

"It's probably a good idea, then."

The fact that Dani so readily agreed confirmed to Jamie that she had done the right thing. Twenty minutes later they were all outside and climbing into Owen's car. Jamie and Dani were in the backseat. The closer they got, the more fidgety Jamie noticed Dani getting. Jamie slid her hand across the seat, just in case Dani wanted to take it. And, Dani did. She looked look over at Jamie and Jamie tried to give her a reassuring smile while she squeezed her hand. It felt so good to be holding Dani's hand, Jamie thought. And it seemed to comfort Dani. Her breathing slowed a bit.

They parked at the hotel and Owen and Hannah both turned around to face them in the back seat.

"Ok, let's go over the plan one more time," Owen said.

Dani responded, "We all go up to the room together. Hannah will help me pack. It shouldn't take long. Most of my stuff is in my suitcases already. If Edmund is there, Jamie and Owen will keep an eye on him. If he is not there, they will stand in the hallway and keep a look out. We don't get involved in any conversations with anyone if we can help. Get my stuff and get out."

Hannah put her hand on Dani's knee and patted. "This is a brave thing you are doing. We are with you every step of the way."

Dani looked at each of them in turn. "Thank you all, so much. I've only just met you all but somehow you're more family than my own already."

"Alright well, let's go. Getting a bit too sappy in here for my taste," Jamie said jokingly.

They walked into the hotel lobby. As soon as they entered, Dani grabbed Jamie's hand. She didn't care who noticed or if anyone stared. She just needed the contact with Jamie. She felt braver with her. They got in the elevator and Dani pressed the button for the 10th floor. The elevator was crowded and Dani turned her body in towards Jamie's, pressing herself to her as close as she could. Jamie certainly did not mind. The elevator dinged and the doors opened onto the 10th floor. The corridor was long and empty at the moment. Dani led the way and stopped in front of room 1021. She took a deep breath and looked over at Jamie.

"I'm right here," Jamie said.

Dani just nodded and put the key in the door, hoping that luck would be on their side and Edmund wouldn't be there.

Luck was not on their side.

Edmund was there, sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked haggard, like he hadn't slept at all. His eyes were wild and bloodshot, flitting between the four people who had just entered the room.

"Danielle!" He stood up when he saw her. "What, what is this? Who are all these people?"

Owen responded, "Look, mate. She's just here to get her stuff. We don't want any trouble. Just let her pack and we'll be on our way."

"And, who the fuck are you?" Edmund yelled back at Owen.

"Eddie, stop!" It was Dani. "These are my friends. Just stop." She sounded tired.

Dani reluctantly let go of Jamie's hand and turned to Hannah, "You ready?"

"Yes, let's get you all packed up, dear," Hannah said, following Dani to where her suitcases were near the bathroom.

Edmund made a move to follow them, but Jamie intercepted him, blocking his path. Owen came up beside her. He was not going to let Jamie face this man down alone.

Edmund sneered at her. "You again. I should have known. You're nothing but trouble. The florist who sneaks off with the brides."

Jamie was silent, but she met his gaze without blinking, a fire blazing behind her eyes.

Dani glanced back nervously and saw Jamie standing her ground against the much bigger, much taller Edmund. Hannah gently touched her elbow. "Let's hurry this along." Dani nodded and started throwing everything in her suitcase. Hannah went into the bathroom to begin collecting Dani's items there.

Edmund was just warming up. "I don't know how you got your claws in her. But you will pay for this. I will ruin you. This isn't Danielle. You've corrupted her. Poisoned her against me." He was leaning over Jamie, practically spitting in her face now.

"I reckon you did that all on your own, mate. You didn't need any help from me," she said, matter of factly.

"I suppose you think she's your's now? Ha! She'll leave you, too. Whatever this is, this thing between you, it won't last," Edmund said, anger barely restrained.

"I don't suppose she's anyone's but her own. Just give it up, mate. It's over," Jamie replied, again keeping her cool, but finding it increasingly difficult to do so. She kept thinking about all the years Dani had spent with this man.

"How's it going in there, Dani?" Jamie called to her, hoping to speed up the process.

"Almost done!" Came Dani's response from the bathroom.

"You know what you are?" Ugh, Jamie thought, he's talking again.

"Why do I have a feeling you're about to tell me?" Jamie replied sarcastically.

Edmund did not appreciate her tone or attitude. To him, it was like she was practically daring him.

"You're a fucking dyke. You disgust me." He stepped back a bit as he said it, looking her up and down. Jamie felt her like skin was crawling under his gaze. "What you need is a good, hard fuck from a man to straighten you out and wipe that smirk off your face. Maybe I should be the one to do it. Get you on your knees. Teach you your place."

"Whoa man, come on!" Owen exclaimed, horrified.

Dani suddenly appeared in front of Jamie, putting herself between her girlfriend and Edmund. No one had even noticed her moving during Edmund's tirade. She was furious. She was screaming at him, her finger in his face.

"Don't you dare talk to her that way, you fucking bastard!"

"Oh, Danielle, you really shouldn't have said that," Edmund said, voice suddenly calm and calculating, shaking his head.

Edmund wound his fist back and Dani closed her eyes, bracing for the inevitable impact. He had never hit her in the face before. This was going to hurt, she thought. Then… nothing happened. Dani opened her eyes to see that Jamie had stepped in front on her. Jamie had caught Edmund's fist in her hand and was holding him back, inches away from Dani's face. Dani gasped. Edmund was shocked. Jamie twisted Edmund's hand, bringing him to his knees. He staggered back, screaming.

Edmund didn't stay down long. He lunged towards Jamie. Jamie didn't even have time to think. She brought her fist back and landed one very well-placed, strong punch to Edmund's nose. She felt a sickening crack under her fist as she made contact with his face. Edmund fell back on all fours, blood pouring from his nose.

"You fucking bitch! You broke my nose!"

"Yeah. And if you ever try to touch her again, I will fucking end you," Jamie yelled back, standing over Edmund.

"Oh my God, Jamie!" Dani's mind was reeling. She was so scared. Her hands clawed at Jamie's arm, just trying to get her to turn around and leave the room with her. Jamie took one last look at Edmund on the floor and turned to go, letting Dani pull her away. Hannah and Owen were getting the suitcases.

"Let's go!" Owen prompted.

They were back in the hallway now. Jamie was shaking her right hand out. It hurt. A lot. She put her good hand on the small of Dani's back and started to quickly guide her back to the elevator. Hannah and Owen were in front of them, carrying the suitcases. Dani could feel Jamie's hand trembling against her back. She was more shook up than she let on. They were almost to the elevator.

"Danielle?" A voice called from down the hallway.

"Shit," Dani muttered.

She turned around to see her mother and Judy walking down the hallway.

"We thought we heard screaming. Where is Edmund? What is going on? Who are all these people?"

Dani turned around, but did not walk towards her mother. Jamie's hand was still on her back, grounding her. "Look, Mom, I can't really talk right now, but we can talk later, ok?" Her voice was high pitched and shaky.

"Danielle, tell me what is going on! Eddie said you broke up with him last night."

"Yes, Mom, I did. We can meet up tonight, and I will explain everything. Right now I just have to go."

And with that, Dani got on the elevator with her friends, watching the confused looks on her mother's and Judy's faces as the elevator doors closed. Dani turned to Jamie.

"Oh my God, Jamie, your hand! Are you alright?" She reached down and grabbed Jamie's hand, bringing it up so she could look at it. Jamie's knuckles were bloody and her whole hand was starting to swell.

"Hurts like hell, Poppins, but it's not broken. You should see the other guy." She winked. Dani couldn't believe that Jamie was making a joke during a time like this, but she also knew that humor was a way for Jamie to cope. "Might be you should hold my other hand right now, at least until we get this one sorted," Jamie added, offering her left hand to Dani.

The elevator doors opened and they were back in the lobby. They walked out to Owen's car as if nothing had happened. Owen put Dani's suitcases in the trunk and then climbed in.

"Alright then, off we go," he said.

Everyone was silent for a couple minutes. Finally, Hannah spoke. "Are you girls okay?" She asked softly.

"I don't know, Hannah, am I going to get a lecture from you about not being very proper?" Jamie asked teasingly.

"Not this time," Hannah said.

"Blimey. I know he definitely deserved it then if Hannah Grose is letting me off the hook."

Dani laughed her adorable awkward laugh. "I can't believe you punched him."

"I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel extremely satisfying."

"You were really brave, you know."

"So were you, stepping in front of me like that to begin with," Jamie replied.

"My hero," Dani mouthed softly to Jamie, so Owen and Hannah wouldn't hear.

Jamie beamed.

They were back at the pub shortly thereafter. Owen and Hannah helped carry Dani's things up to Jamie's flat.

"Thank you both so much," Dani said warmly. "I'm sorry you had to see all of that."

"No apologies, necessary," Hannah replied. "If you all need anything, we'll be downstairs in the pub. If you want to meet with your mum there later, feel free. We can keep an eye on things."

"Thank you," Dani said. "That's not a bad idea."

"Of course. And, Jamie, you best put some ice on that hand," Hannah instructed as she and Owen left.

Jamie and Dani were alone. Dani immediately went to the kitchen to start gathering first aid supplies and to make an ice pack for Jamie. "Come here," she said, "Let's get you cleaned up."

Jamie wanted to protest and tell her it was fine, but it really wasn't fine. She would let Dani take care of her. She sat at the table and offered her injured hand to Dani. Dani gently took her hand and began wiping the blood off her knuckles with a wet paper towel. Jamie winced.

"Sorry."

"No, it's okay. Keep going." Jamie looked up at Dani and saw how intently she was tending to her. She would punch Edmund a thousand times for Dani, she thought.

"I'm really sorry about all those terrible things he said to you," Dani offered.

Jamie shrugged. "It's okay."

"It's really not," Dani countered immediately. "It was awful."

"Yeah, it did scare me a bit. I know I act tough, but it did scare me a bit," Jamie confessed.

"Well, I for one was terrified." Dani had moved on to applying antibiotic ointment to Jamie's hand. Dani's touch was so soothing to Jamie, better than any ointment.

"You were still brave though."

"Thanks, Jamie. I guess we are already pretty good at looking out for each other, huh?"

"Yeah, we are. I told you I wouldn't let anything happen to you and I meant it." Jamie spoke with such conviction. Dani believed every word.

"Ok, you are ready for the ice pack." She wrapped it in a towel and handed it to Jamie to apply. "I'm so glad it's not broken. It will probably be sore for a few days though."

"Worth it," Jamie said, as Dani leaned across the table and kissed her.