Page 76 of Coming Home

Tears flooded his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” she murmured.

“For this.” He hid his eyes behind one hand.

“Should I apologize for the three times in the last three weeks that you’ve been there for me when I wobbled?”

He shook his head.

“Then don’t apologize for this.” She sat beside him on the bed. “There are going to be times when I wobble and times when you do.”

He nodded.

Nat crawled around him to the top of the bed. “Come here.” Her command was soft.

He turned. His weary eyes met hers. Exhaustion sighed across every muscle. He crawled into her waiting arms, lying his head against her chest.

“I thought I was back there. The dream was so vivid. I…” he trailed off.

Nat stroked his short dark hair. “I’m here. You’re safe. You’re with me.”

His hand tightened on her ribcage. “I’m with you.”

With each sweep of her fingers, his tense muscles eased. His breath slowed. His eyes closed. Soon he slept. Nat continued her soothing touches until sleep took her as well.

CHAPTER THIRTY

“Into each life some rain must fall…”~Louisa May Alcott,Little Women

The weight of Noah asleep atop her was as cozy as a down comforter. They’d remained intertwined with each other since falling asleep. His arms draped over her waist, and his head rested on her chest.

“Good morning,” he murmured.

“You’re awake?”

Raising his head, he looked at her. “I woke up a few minutes ago, but I didn’t want to move.”

“I like waking up with you.” She sighed with happy contentment. As much as she hated what he experienced last night, she loved waking up in his arms.

A sweet smile bloomed across his face. “I like waking up with you too.”

“How are you feeling?” She brushed her fingers into his sleep-rumpled hair.

“I’m okay… Thank you.” Gratitude shaded his blue eyes. “I’m sorry about last night.”

“There’s no need to apologize.” She combed through his hair.

He nodded. “I just wish it wasn’t part of being with me.”

“I hate that you went through what you did in the service and that it pulls you back at times. I can’t take away what happened to you, or its power to steal you away, but never doubt my ability to be there with you just as you are for me.”

An almost painful fullness clogged her chest. It hurt as much as it offered a sense of completeness. She’d never felt like this with, or for, anyone. The realization of how deeply she cared for this man trembled within her.

“You are so strong.” He shifted in the bed, pressing his lips against hers.

“I’m your warrior, and you’re mine,” she said between seeking kisses.

She couldn’t get enough of him. It was like being pulled in different directions. Both longing for and achieving the completeness of them. It terrified and exhilarated her…as if she soared in the sky, the vast view below, but the fear of falling still loomed.

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