Reckless Surrender :: Chapter Forty One

Hope could hear her heart pound in her chest. Butterflies swarmed her stomach. She was nervous. She tried to maintain eye contact with the hazel eyes that stared back at her, but it was difficult. She was being analyzed. Everything was riding on this moment. She wanted to say the right things and give the correct answers. She was very aware of her body language and her strong urge to fidget. She willed the urge away. She exhaled slowly.

"How did you feel after you confronted Aiden?" Marlena questioned.

Hope sighed. She searched for words. Her mind took her back to that moment, "Empowered."

Marlena fought a smile, "Good."

"It felt… liberating…" Hope continued. She was being honest, "I've been hiding out all of this time. I had so much to say and I was finally able to say it."

"You didn't need the gun," Marlena replied.

Hope shook her head in agreement, "No…"

"Do you really feel like you're ready to get back to work?" Marlena asked. Her eyes were serious.

Hope nodded, "I do. I've taken quite a leave of absence." Hope paused and let her eyes wander around Marlena's office, "Bo has been training me at home. I feel so much stronger. At work I sit in my office and do paperwork, but I still hear all of them talk shop. I want back in. They need help."

"Do you want to help? Or are they asking for help?" Marlena questioned, "Because the last thing I want is for you to feel guilted back into being ready."

"I'm ready," Hope replied, "I'm good at my job Marlena. The case that Bo is on excites me. I have unfinished business with it. I was shot. I want to close it. I want to win. I can do this."

Marlena stared at Hope and finally let a smile cover her concerned features, "I know you can."

Hope smiled back, "So, am I cleared?"

Marlena nodded, "I think it's time."

Hope stood with relief, "Marlena, you don't know how great this is. This means a lot to me."

Marlena laughed, "I think I do. You deserve your freedom. I'll let Abe know as soon as possible."

Hope smiled again, "Thank you."

"I wouldn't be opposed to you continuing your sessions," Marlena offered, "With everything you have going on, it wouldn't be a bad idea."

Hope couldn't process her offer with all the excitement flowing through her veins, "I'll think about it."

Marlena nodded, "Okay."

Hope paused at the door. She felt like she was leaving something unsaid.

"You've worked really hard," Marlena added, "I'm proud of you."

Hope's eyes fell, but she smiled. Marlena's words meant a lot to her. She did work hard. She'd been through a lot, and she was proud to still be standing. Her eyes raised to meet Marlena's, "Can we go back to being friends now?"

Marlena giggled, "Of course."

"I'm sorry," Hope sighed with relief. She'd pushed Marlena away and taken many of her frustrations out on her.

Marlena shook her head, "Don't worry about it."

"Bo's waiting for me," Hope gave her an apologetic stare.

"Well don't make him wait any longer," Marlena laughed again, "Go tell him the good news. Go out and celebrate."

"Thanks again," Hope beamed and flew out of the office. She found Bo pacing in the hallway. She grinned at him and ran towards him.

Bo smiled and welcomed her with open arms as she flew into his chest. He lifted her in the air and gave her a twirl.

"Good news?" Bo asked as he surveyed Hope's glowing face.

She nodded eagerly, "I'm all clear."

Bo kissed her in excitement. It was exactly what he wanted to hear, "Congratulations Detective."

Hope hugged him tightly with both arms wrapped around his neck, "I couldn't have done it without you."

Bo kissed the side of her head and pushed her back just enough to see her face, "You did this."

Hope's face fell, "Bo, I'm serious. You did so much. You deserve some credit."

"Well, I love you," Bo shrugged, "I'd do it all again in a heartbeat."

Hope bit her lip, "I love you." She welcomed another kiss from him. When they broke she peered up at him with a familiar spark in her eye, "So… how about that case?"

"The meeting in the park is in less than 24 hours," Bo stared back at her, "Looks like we'll be working late tomorrow night."

Hope grinned, "I can't wait."

They walked together in silence as they both got lost in anticipation. Their recklessness may have given them an unwanted detour, but they were finally getting back on track.