Chapter 25
Curling up in bed tonight is different. Liberty’s completely relaxed when she lies on my arm, tucking into my side.
“I’m going to sleep like a rock,” she murmurs, yawning.
With my chest aching, I pull the blanket up around her. “Rest well, sweetheart.”
“Dim the lights,” I tell the system, and seconds later it fades to almost black. With only a faint twinkle of light in the intricate cave ceiling above us.
“That’s nice,” she whispers sleepily. “So are you.”
I grin toward the ceiling. “You’re nice too, babe.”
She nestles closer, and another level unlocks inside my heart. Walls have been falling one after another. Every touch. Her laugh. The way she watches me, knowingly, with understanding in her expression.
Never before did I believe in Christmas miracles. But now I’m a believer.
“Night,” she murmurs, and I brush her hair back, letting the golden strands sift through my fingers. Everything about her stirs me and soothes me.
I love how her feet find their spot between my calves and how quickly she’s drifting off.
It doesn’t take long for me to follow. The nightmares don’t come. Worry about Justice doesn’t intrude. Memories of my lost ex don’t surface.
I sleep soundly as if the whole world is right.
My body clock wakes me before dawn, and I slip from the bed, making sure Liberty’s tucked. Warm. Safe.
I’d rather wake up together today, but it’s Christmas and I have something important to do.