We lie there for a long moment.Eventually, I ease her off me to deal with the condom, then pull her back into my arms.
"Timothy?"
"Mm?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For fighting for me.For keeping me safe.For making me feel like I'm worth something."
I tilt her chin up."You are worth something.You're worth everything."
Her eyes shine with unshed tears."I love you."
"I love you too."I kiss her forehead."Get some sleep.I'll be right here."
She nods against my chest, already drifting.Within minutes, her breathing evens out.
I lie awake, one hand stroking her hair, thinking about the future.About building a life with this woman.About all the ways I'm going to prove to her that she's safe now.That she's loved.That she's home.
For the first time since I left the Army, I know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.
Protecting her.Loving her.Building something real.
I press a kiss to her hair and finally let myself sleep.
CHAPTER 10
Carla
A year later
The second-graders are restless.It's Friday afternoon, and they can smell freedom like bloodhounds on a scent trail.I'm trying to get them to focus on the math worksheet in front of them, but half of them are staring out the window at the playground.
"Miss Alexander," Brayden calls out."When's recess?"
