Page 195 of Where We Stay

“Okay.”

That’s it.

No questions. No pushing. No attempt to drag the nightmare out of me before I’m ready.

Dean lies back down and pulls the blanket over us, keeping one arm wrapped securely around my waist.

“Go back to sleep, baby,” he whispers. “I’ve got you.”

I’m not sure I’ll be able to, but his hand rests against my stomach and his breathing remains steady behind me.

Eventually, my eyes begin to close.

For tonight, I let myself believe I don’t have to stay awake and keep watch alone.

* * *

I’m standing barefoot in Dean’s kitchen, wearing one of his shirts and making coffee when someone knocks on the front door.

I open it and find Courtney standing on the porch.

Perfect.

Absolutely fucking perfect.

“Hey, Mommy!” Aspen calls, racing past me and throwing her arms around Courtney’s waist.

“Hey, baby.” Courtney kisses the top of her head. “Go get your school things.”

“Mommy’s taking me to school!” Aspen announces before hurrying upstairs.

“That’s great, Pen. I’ll see you there,” I call after her.

I vaguely remember Dean mentioning the plan last night before I fell asleep on him. After several supervised visits went well, he and Courtney agreed she could handle the short drive to school this morning.

It’ll be the first time Courtney and Aspen have been alone since she returned.

A small step, but still a big fucking deal.

I look at Courtney, then around the kitchen, because what the hell am I supposed to do in this situation? I’m standing in her ex-husband’s house wearing his shirt while she waits to take their daughter to school.

Her mouth twitches.

“What?” I ask.

“Sorry.” Courtney lets out a quiet laugh. “I’m just imagining how awkward this must be from your side.”

A laugh escapes me too. “Thank God. I thought I was the only one.”

“No. This is definitely weird.”

That sets us both off again, and some of the tension finally leaves the room.

Aspen comes running back into the kitchen, looking between us with confusion before apparently deciding she has more important things to worry about.

“Look, Mommy.” She holds up a photograph. “This is my favorite one from my camera.”

Dean took the finished camera to Bellamy earlier this week to have the film developed, and Aspen has barely put the photographs down since he brought them home.