Chapter 33

“Come on, babe,” he says softly. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.”

I obey, putting one barefoot out and then the other. He lifts me effortlessly into his arms and carries me up the stairs, into the house. I revel in the safety and strength of his arms. I rest my head against his chest, feel the beating of his heart, and am comforted. I don’t dwell on the fact that I’d never have been in this harrowing situation in the first place had I not been involved with him.

He carries me up the stairs to our bedroom where he wraps me in the comforter. After kissing my brow, he goes to the bathroom and begins running water to fill the garden tub. As I lay there, I watch as he pours in various soothing oils designed to help me destress from the trying ordeal.

I must have drifted to sleep because I hear him call my name and feel the gentle nudge. He takes me by the hand and leads me to the full tub, overrunning with sudsy bubbles. The lights are dimmed, and meditative music plays over the