Long after he’d finally relaxed in her arms and slept, Debbie was still awake, cradling his head against her breast. Her hands smoothed the nearly dry fabric of his shirt over and over in a gentle caress, a reminder that he wasn’t alone. Often, his arms would tighten around her, and he’d begin to mumble. It was then that she’d know that he was starting to dream, to relive the horror of the incident all over again.

“Sssh,” she whispered. “It’s all right, Cole. I’ve got you, darling. And I’ll never let you go.”

His arms relaxed, his breathing evened, and Debbie sighed with relief. She threaded her fingers through his hair, combing gently against his scalp as he quieted.

*  *  *

Hesitant to acknowledge itself, morning finally dawned in a gray and rainy mood.

Exhaustion had finally claimed Debbie. Cole heard the steady rhythm of her heart before he opened his eyes and knew that he’d fallen asleep in her arms.

If I never have to move again, I’ll be happy, Cole thought.

And then he looked down at himself and changed his mind. His clothes felt glued to his body. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept fully dressed.

He shifted slowly, easing himself out of her arms. It only took a few seconds to undress, and then he was back beside her. She sighed softly in her sleep as he nestled her against him. Her arm slipped around his chest as her head fell into the hollow beneath his arm. Her hand was small and warm against his skin. He pulled the covers over them, slid his hand on top of hers, and closed his eyes.

They slept.

*  *  *

Morgan tiptoed down the hall toward Cole’s and Debbie’s rooms. The night had been long and traumatic for both of them, but in different ways, and he was anxious to check on them.

The door to Cole’s room was ajar. He pushed it aside and had started to go in when he saw them. A mist of tears filmed his vision, and for one moment, he remembered his own wife and the precious mornings they’d spent in each other’s arms.

They slept so peacefully. And Morgan suspected it had not come easy. He backed out and quietly eased the door shut. Last night was over, but he knew there would be many more nights during which Cole would suffer. What had happened yesterday wasn’t something a man could quickly forget. It was something he would have to learn to live with. He prayed that Cole would let Debbie help him.

*  *  *