Page 130 of Betrayed

She leaned her head on Logan’s shoulder. As ready as she was to go somewhere warm and cozy, she was already home.

Logan opened the door of AJ’s apartment for her. It was the first time they’d been there since Miles had violated it. But it was all clean and didn’t look like he’d ever been there. And for that, Logan was grateful.

They hadn’t left the crime scene until after they’d both given their statements. And despite being fairly dry, riding his motorcycle back left them both cold.

AJ wandered toward her bedroom but stopped and turned before she’d even made it halfway.

“You okay?” he asked.

The weariness on her face morphed into a mischievous grin. “I know how we can get warm.”

He laughed. “Will and Zara will be here in like ten minutes.”

Her eyebrow quirked up.

He shook his head and chuckled. “Tempting, but maybe now’s not the moment.”

She giggled. “I know.” She came back over to him and threw her arms around his neck.

Maybe he should call Will and tell him to take his time.

He kissed his wife. “Go take a shower and get changed.”

“I’m too weary to stand up in the shower. I’ll stick to clean clothes and shower later.” She gave his lips another quick peck and disappeared, leaving him reeling. How had he ever sent her away? It seemed so ridiculous now. Yes, she had betrayed their wedding vows, but she had repented. Why had he had such a hard heart?

He dropped to his knees in the middle of the apartment. God, I’m so sorry. I never want to walk away from You or her ever again. I’m done keeping You at arm’s length. I’m done living for myself and wallowing in self-pity. You gave me a woman who knows me better than I know myself, who loves me in spite of it. Heal us both. Thank You for the work You are already doing in us. Forgive me for failing to protect her. And thank You for Your safety and provision.

He leaned his hands on the floor as sobs shook his body. He had only spent half of his bottled-up grief at the cemetery last week, and now the rest of the suppressed emotions made their way to the surface. Why had he ever held it back?

“Logan?” Panic filled AJ’s voice.

He sat up. “I’m fine.”

She dropped to the floor in front of him. “You don’t look okay.”

He opened his arms to her.

She closed the space and took his face in her hands. She searched his eyes and smiled. “We’re gonna make it.”

“I regret so much wasted time.”

“I know. But God is one to make up for that time. He’s good at that kind of thing. And we’ll just have to make up for it too. And we can. We will.” She winked at him.

“You are so good to me.”

She shrugged. “I haven’t always been. But I promise to be from now on. As best I can anyway.”

He chuckled. “I know.” He leaned forward and seized her lips with his own.

The rumble of a pickup engine sounded in the driveway, so Logan drew out of the kiss and tugged AJ to her feet.

He wiped his face, hoping he didn’t look like a weepy mess.

“You’re fine. Plus, I think they’ll understand.”

AJ went to the door and opened it for Will and Zara. They came in, and Will passed off a bag to Logan, who went and changed.

While Logan changed, AJ rummaged through the kitchen for something to eat.