"I can't believe she did that." Gwen sobbed on Hank's shoulder. "That she tried to manipulate me into leaving you, that she said so many awful things . . ."

Hank hugged her tighter and kissed her shoulder. "I can't believe it either."

Gwen hiccupped. "It's like she only cared about how I could improve her social standing—like she never cared about me for me."

Hank rubbed Gwen's back. "I wish I could do something to make this better."

"I wish you could, too," Gwen cried.

Nudging up her chin, Hank stroked Gwen's cheek. "I know it's not the same, but you'll always have me, Gwen."

"I know." Her face stained with tears, Gwen smiled at him. "And that's not a little thing."

Hank smiled and kissed her hand.

Gwen laid her head on his chest. "I just feel like I've been thrown over the side of a really steep cliff—with no one there to catch me."

"I'll always catch you." Hank squeezed her against him and kissed the top of her head.

"I know you will," Gwen said. "I just wish you didn't have to."

"Technically, I don't have to do anything," Hank said. "You're perfectly capable of saving yourself."

"I am—aren't I?" Gwen looked up at Hank, her voice filling with realization. "I've been doing nothing but proving that for the last few months."

Strength rising within her with each new syllable, Gwen sat up straighter. "I told Ethan the truth about the whole tabloid fiasco, helped save Sheridan and Luis from Alistair in Mexico, and made amends with your family—all without my mother's help."

"Yes, you did," Hank smiled. "And if you had to, you could do it all over again. I mean, you've got me on your side and your father on your side—but, if you needed to, you could definitely do it yourself."

Her eyes glistening, Gwen beamed at him. "I really could, couldn't I?"