Dedicated to all you beautiful people who have stuck with this story till the end.

Leo heard and with his hands in his pockets he slowly turned to face me, my lips parted, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to smile or cry. He was there in front of me, in the flesh wearing his usual crooked smile.

"Hi, Mils," He greeted.

I wanted to run into his arms and hug him so tightly that he wouldn't be able to leave again but I didn't because I wasn't sure where we stood with each other, so I took slow steps towards him and eventually offered a small smile.

"Hi."

"I thought of calling first but I was out all morning and my phone died," He admitted.

"It's fine," I immediately said, "You don't need to call, you know that."

He merely grinned in response, "How are you?"

I exhaled, "Happy to see you."

His eyes roamed around the room that was big and quite intimidating with its state of the art décor and formal setting, "I feel like I'm about to be interrogated by Damien Brinson in this room," He mused and I softly chuckled, "Can we go for a walk?"

I nodded, "Sure."

After a brief walk down the hallway, there was a right turn that had a backdoor that led to the pool area. Leo followed me out and I appreciated the warm, sunny day telling me Spring was in full swing. As I walked past the flower beds, I admired how they were blooming in bright colors of pink, yellow and white, all surrounded by the luscious green, perfectly manicured lawn.

I smiled at the two gentlemen who were trimming the shrubs near the pool and one who was tending to the crystal blue water, he noticed me, and I politely asked for some privacy. I took a seat on one of the outdoor loveseats, mindlessly glancing at the square stone outdoor firepit and admiring how the dark pebbles in the middle complemented the white outer surface.

Leo took a seat next to me and inhaling his familiar cologne and scent brought a smile to my face, I couldn't describe how happy I was to see him.

"I owe you an apology," Leo broke the silence, "I acted out of line the last time I saw you... I upset you and for that I'm sorry."

"No," I shook my head and scooted closer to him, "You do not owe me anything."

"If anything, I should be sorry," I muttered, lowering my gaze, "I invited you as my plus one to the wedding and you went out of your way to make it but I..."

"Hey," Leo hesitated but reached for my hand, "You don't have to say sorry," He gazed warmly at me, "You know I'll always show up for you... no matter what."

"I know but," I gulped, "I don't deserve that."

"I hurt your feelings and it kills me every time I think about it," I said softly.

Leo pointed at himself with his thumb, wearing a cocky expression, "This guy's feelings?" He scoffed, "You're delusional."

"Leo," I drawled, giving him a look.

"Hey, Mila," He softly said, shifting in his seat to face me, "For as long as I know you, you've faked a smile ninety-nine percent of the time. I have seen tears in your eyes more than anything so naturally, I'm protective of you and your happiness."

"I only want you to be happy because if anyone deserves that it's you," He took my hand in his and traced circles over it, "I don't want anyone to hurt you ever again."

His jaw clenched, "Seeing Clarke again took me back to the time when you looked so... broken and fragile. I saw what he put you through and I couldn't take it knowing that you so easily forgave him and..." He trailed off but I knew what he meant.

"I haven't fully forgiven him," I admitted, "He explained to me what really happened, and then he told me that he loves me," I huffed, "I suppose emotions got the better of me, and well..."

Leo stilled and his soft expression turned into something else, "He loves you?"

I nodded, "At least I think so," I began and went on to explain what Mitchell told me, about why he left and how he ended things with Liza.

Leo's expression was unreadable, but he silently listened to what I had to say and didn't say anything until I was done talking.

"He was a mess when you were in the hospital," Leo muttered, "And he certainly blamed himself, so much so that when I threw one at him, he didn't even retaliate."

My jaw dropped and my eyes widened, "You what?"

"Don't look at me like that," Leo defended his actions, "You were driving his car and Damien said you were upset when he spoke to you... emotions were running high alright."

I felt bad when I thought about what Mitchell went through when I was in the hospital, everyone was against him and made him feel like a criminal – as if he didn't hate himself for that night enough, he had my dear ones adding to that.

"I suppose if I think about it now, the way he silently took the blame and harsh words from everyone, it makes sense that he had strong feelings for you," Leo said, "The few times I met him he always gave me the impression of how collected and composed he was but in the hospital... he looked like a wreck."

I saw the pain in Mitchell's eyes when he brought it up that night, he barely even spoke about it, all he said was how he felt and how he regretted leaving so I could believe it when everyone told me what a mess he was.

"You still love him, don't you?" Leo asked after a moment of silence.

I sighed and tucked one leg under the other, my eyes glanced at the water ripples in the pool before slowly nodding, "I never stopped but," I looked back at Leo, "There's no point, I can't get over his lie."

Leo pursed his lips, "Not all lies are bad," He said, "Sometimes we lie to the people we love because we think it's what's best for them."

"I don't want to defend the guy but maybe that was his reason," Leo added, "He really does love you if he could stay away despite being so near at times."

"Selfless love is the greatest love of all and Clarke... well I'll hand it to him, he loved you from a distance just so you could be happy."

I loved that about Leo, he was always fair and always had the right things to say, I gazed at him, the sun shone in his brown eyes making them look golden, "What about you?"

Leo froze for a moment and lowered his gaze for a second before looking back at me with a small smile, "You're my Chubbles, always has been and always will be," He wrapped an arm around me, "I told you this before and I'll say it again, I will always first and foremost be your best friend."

"I will always be here for you, come what may," He assured me, "I might go MIA for a while but when you really need me, I'll be there."

"Even if I have to be your maid of honor at your wedding one day, I will put on that damn dress and walk down that aisle just to see you smile."

I laughed but tears rolled down my cheeks, I knew Leo and I could tell he was hurting but covering it up with a smile just to make me feel better.

"Hey now," He wiped away the tears with the pads of his thumbs, "You just love ruining my shirt with your tears, don't you?"

I sniffed and rested my head on his shoulder, "I love you and I am so grateful to have you in my life."

Leo didn't respond but he took in a deep breath and rested his head over mine, I wanted him to know that I did love him, and he was one of the most important people in my life.

"Good," He casually said after a long moment, "Because you are never getting rid of me."

I lifted my head and looked up at him, "Promise?"

He smiled but it didn't reflect in his eyes, "I promise."

I returned his smile, and he pressed a soft kiss on my forehead, I rested my head back on his shoulder.

"Whatever happens with you and Clarke," Leo broke the silence, "If he ever hurts you again, I will happily do more than just punches at him."

I laughed softly, "I do not doubt that for a second."

Leo and I sat outside for a long while and he eventually stayed for lunch that he prepared. My heart felt happy to know that he was there and normal, but it also ached because I knew I hurt him but being the great man he was, he put aside those feelings and remained my best friend.

***

Leo had some work to do so he had to leave shortly after lunch but before he left, I had him drop me at the cemetery. It had been some time since I visited my mom and with everything that happened, I wanted some one-on-one time with her.

I picked up her favorite hydrangeas and set them down on her grave as I gazed down at her name on the headstone, I smiled, and my eyes brimmed with tears and I ran my hand over the engraved name.

"I miss you so much," I whispered, "Your Millie needs you more than ever."

A tear rolled down my cheek, "You always spoke about how I would fall in love one day and ride off into the sunset, I never believed it, or I didn't want to because," I paused and sniffed, "Because the thought of leaving you... living without you scared me."

"But here we are, you left and I'm living without you," I cried, "And it's so hard, mommy."

"Why do we have hearts if people only break them?" I asked, "Why does love hurt? Wasn't it supposed to be happy and fulfilling?"

"I have so many questions that I wish you would answer," I said between tears, "I wish you were here with me."

"I would've rested my head on your lap, and you'd hum a tune, and everything would be... better again."

I sat there for a long while and poured my heart out to her, I knew she couldn't respond or hear me, but it felt good to think that she could.

I sat on the bench near her grave with my knees to my chest and with tears in my eyes, I stared at her name and told her about my trip. It hurt like hell when the only sound was from the chirping birds and whistle of the slight breeze.

I rested my head on my knees and shut my eyes for a long moment, imagining her voice and thinking of the advice she would give me.

"I knew I'd find you here," My eyes fluttered open and I was a little startled but calmed down when my gaze met familiar blue ones.

"Dad," I breathed sitting up straight, "You scared me."

He was sitting next to me and I quickly wiped my eyes and sniffed, he looked at me sadly and offered me his handkerchief.

I took it and wiped my eyes mumbling a soft thank you.

"She would be so proud of you," He muttered, "She always told me that our Millie would take on the world one day, she insisted you were the most special girl in the world."

I smiled, "She's my mom, obviously she assumed I was special."

"She wasn't wrong," My dad said, "You have made all of us very proud."

"I haven't done much but... thanks," I murmured.

Silence sat between us for a long while and I glanced at my watch before turning my attention to my dad, "Why aren't you at work? Didn't you have back-to-back meetings all day?"

"The best part about being me is, I don't have anyone to answer to at work," He grinned, "So when my little girl needs me, no meeting is going to keep me away."

I smiled at his words, "I'm fine dad, I just miss mom."

"I'm not your mother but I can tell when you're not fine," He said and I remained silent so he continued, "Mandy came to see me at the office this morning."

I turned my attention to him, and I was left speechless. Could Mandy have told him everything? I confided in her and I knew she was never one to share things I trusted her with – not even with my dad.

"She was rather upset," He went on to explain, "She called me your perpetrator and said I was a selfish father."

'So maybe she didn't tell him everything.'

"And," He paused, "She has a point."

I frowned, "I don't understand."

He removed his glasses and massaged his temples, "Was the Clarke boy at the wedding?"

'She certainly covered that bit.'

I sighed, I was not in the mood to get into a fight with him over Mitchell, "Dad," I drawled, "I don't want to argue."

"I'm not going to argue with you," He promised.

I wasn't sure if I could believe that, but I knew him, he wouldn't drop the subject until I replied.

"Yes, Mitchell was there." I replied, "But don't worry, I doubt I'll be seeing him again."

"Is that what you want?" I was surprised by my father's question.

I shrugged, "I feel... betrayed by him."

"He left me at a time I probably needed him the most and his reasons might be valid, but he was selfish in doing so and didn't think how I would feel."

"That boy," My dad paused for a long moment, "If I really think about it, he has a lot of his mother in him."

"Integrity, selflessness, and putting the people he loves first," My dad went on, "That's Carly alright... or at least the Carly I knew."

"Are you," I was gobsmacked, "Are you praising Mitchell Clarke?"

"I wouldn't call it praising," He elaborated, and his awkward tone would've made me laugh if I wasn't so upset, "Merely stating an observation."

"Wow," I breathed.

My dad took in a deep breath, "Mila, I love you sweetheart, more than anything, and sometimes as a parent who's a little too overbearing and paranoid when it comes to your safety and wellbeing, I think I do the right thing without realizing how it might affect you."

I frowned and my heartbeat was picking up, anxiety was creeping in and I was scared to ask what he meant.

"Dad," I whispered, "What did you do?"

"When I got a call in the middle of the night, telling me that you were critical in hospital from a car accident," He paused and took in a shaky breath, "My world stopped, I couldn't believe it... I refused to believe it."

"But I flew out immediately, I needed to see you and make sure you were alright." I could tell by his tone and body language that it pained him to reminisce that night, "And when I saw you... I was that twenty-year-old boy who lost his father all over again."

"I cannot tell you how scared I was, I thought I lost you forever," It hurt me to see him that way, but I silently listened, "And when I saw him... Mason's son, I lost it."

"When you called, sounding upset I didn't want to think much about it, but I had a feeling it had to do with him and that was confirmed when I saw him," His jaw tightened, "And learning you were driving his car fueled that fire."

"I blamed him," My dad admitted, "And he admitted it was his fault."

"I forbade him from seeing you, I refused to allow him near you," My dad went on to explain, "But he was desperate, especially when you took a turn for the worst, we thought you wouldn't make the night and he begged me to let him see you."

"He said he would do anything," My dad looked at me and I could tell where this was going, and I didn't like it.

"What did you make him do?" I asked in a breath.

My dad pursed his lips and put on his glasses again before looking at me regrettably, "I made him promise – vow, swear on the person he held dearest – that the moment you opened your eyes, he was to never see you again."

The air seemed to disappear from my lungs, I knew my father was paranoid and controlling but I never imagined he would do something like that. Suddenly the hostility Mitchell felt towards my father every time he mentioned the name Brinson in Bora Bora made sense.

"He didn't like it, but he was more than desperate because he agreed and without a second thought, he ran to your room," My dad continued.

A thousand thoughts and feelings were running through my mind and heart, Mitchell surely took integrity to another level if he kept that promise for so long and didn't even tell me.

"True to his word, the minute you woke up, the boy never showed his face," My dad concluded.

I looked away and my mind played back every conversation I had with Mitchell in Bora Bora; I recalled the way he looked at me every time I threw it in his face that he mercilessly left. He always looked so conflicted and sad, I thought it was just regret and remorse but with that, it was the promise that held him back. He looked broken and I kept rubbing salt on his wounds, I went as far as to humiliate him and continuously taunted him, but he took it silently when it wasn't entirely his fault.

'Oh, Mitchell.'

"You had no right," I breathed as my eyes brimmed with tears, "Whatever the reason, you had no right to make such a decision regarding my life."

My dad lowered his gaze, "I am so sorry, Millie," He sounded nothing but remorseful, "I thought I was doing the right thing for you."

"But today Mandy made me see how sad you've been without him all this time... how much the boy means to you."

"I love him," I whispered as the threatening tears escaped, "And when he left, it broke my heart."

"After mom, he helped piece my heart back together but, in a moment, at your insistence, he broke that heart into tinier pieces."

"I thought you of all people would understand a broken heart more than anything," I accused, my voice broke, "But you had a hand in breaking mine."

"Millie," My dad reached for me, but I pulled back, shaking my head.

"I'm not a child, dad," I said as more tears ran down my cheeks, "Yes, I might've made mistakes in my life and will most likely continue to do so but those are my mistakes to make, it is my life to learn and grow."

"If you shield me forever, I'll just be a weak little individual who has barely even lived," I sniffed, "Is that what you want for me?"

"Because I sure as hell know mom would've never wanted that."

His eyes held shame and regret, "I..." He sighed, "I made a mistake, I know. I thought I was doing it out of love, but I was the selfish one, not him."

"That boy proved how much he loved you and silently walked away, without a complaint and he never looked back," My dad said, "He loves as hard as his mother and if you are destined for a love that fulfilling, I can't stand in your way."

"I never believed in fate or kismet, but my father always did," He said, "I suppose it was his way to cope with the death of my mom, he believed it was meant to play out that way."

"And perhaps, it was meant for Carly to break my heart many years ago so I could have you and you could find her son," He said, "Perhaps this was all kismet."

"And who am I to stand in the way of what's meant for you?" He concluded.

I had no words, this was growth for my father – even though I was angry and hurt by what he just confessed, it was a big change.

"Go, Millie," he said, "Go clear the air before he slips through your fingers again,"

"The driver is waiting to take you to the Clarke New York regional office where he currently is," He elaborated, "Tell him I sent you."

"Dad..." I couldn't believe my ears.

He placed his hand over mine, "I just want you to be happy and if he makes you happy, then so be it."

"We can fight about this later but for now, go fix what I broke," He grinned.

I blinked twice and felt overwhelmed, I couldn't believe my ears, "I..."

"Hey," My dad gave my hand a squeeze, "I'm not saying I'll be spending Thanksgiving with the Clarke's any time soon, but I'll do anything to make you happy."

"Go, sweetheart," He gestured to the car parked on the sidewalk with his head, "Get your happiness."

I nodded and was about to stand up but before I could, my dad leaned over and kissed the side of my head, "I love you."

I could tell by his facial expression and the uncertainty in his eyes that he was afraid that he might've lost me because of what he did – it wouldn't be