Page 3 of Shielding Aubree

They had to earn it from Aubree.

And earn it, they would.

"Why don't you go ahead and step outside. I'll step out after you and close the door."

A muscle in Aubree's jaw tensed and her neck was next, likely reacting to Henley's promise.

Even though she'd said that Aubree wasn't going to be closed in, her mind had still gone to the worst-case scenario.

When Aubree took a step toward the door, Henley considered that a win.

Not for herself but for Aubree.

Every decision she made.

Every chance she was taking was a win.

Getting through her challenges wasn't going to be a one and done.

Thinks like this could have a thousand paths to success, but none of them were instantaneous.

When Aubree reached the doorway, she put her back to the door frame and her eyes watched Henley as if she wasn't sure she could trust her not to beat her out the door and shut it in her face.

So Henley didn't give her a reason to worry, walking as if they were already outside the building, taking her time to move.

By the time they reached the outside door, Aubree's hands were fisted at her sides and her knuckles had white crescent moons that Henley could see in the interior lighting.

"Ready?"

Aubree's head turned toward the side wall, and Henley immediately saw what she was looking at.

"Is that yours?"

Aubree looked back at the walker that was parked against the wall and her lips thinned into a pale white line beneath her nose. "I've been feeling better."

The words didn't answer the question, but Henley wasn't going to point that out.

Deflection was a strong motivator for people. Especially when it came to pain and weakness.

Add to it that Aubree was a police officer, and it was a real concern.

"I might need the walker if we stay out for... more than a few minutes."

Henley smiled softly and hopefully it was an expression that conveyed ease to Aubree. "Would you like me to get it for you?"

Aubree's shoulders tensed and her upper arms trembled a little. "I can get it."

Again, Henley didn't argue or try to change her decision. She waited while Aubree crossed to the wall to retrieve the walker she'd set against it.

Instead of opening the walker to use both arm rests, Aubree turned it to face the door and put her right forearm in the cushioned cradle and started to walk back toward the door.

Keeping her expression neutral again, Henley pushed the door at the front of the building open and stepped out into the sunlight.

She held it open and kept her gaze on Aubree.

While the other woman tensed and her steps stiffened a little, Aubree walked herself out of the door and into the sunlight.

When she came to a stop, Aubree lifted her chin slightly and drew in a lung-filling breath.

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