Page 132 of Betrayed

They both had today completely off, so it was a good opportunity to go through the boxes that had arrived yesterday from the restoration company. Part of her dreaded it. Ninety-five percent of what was in those boxes had come from Bree’s room. The day would be full of memories and tears. But hopefully it would be cathartic. AJ prayed it would be healing for both her and Logan.

She traced his face, running her finger along the stubble on his jaw.

He stirred. His eyes didn’t open, but a smile nudged his lips up.

He reached for her and tugged her closer.

She scooted into his arms. “Good morning.”

He grunted.

“Oh come on, get up sleepyhead. The sun is awake.”

“Why does that mean I have to be? Let me sleep in for once.” He still didn’t open his eyes.

“You can sleep in when I go to work tomorrow. But today it’s you and me, no outside commitments.” She rolled onto her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows.

His eyes cracked open. “You’re gonna make us go through those boxes, aren’t you?”

“Isn’t it time? I’m afraid if we put it off, we won’t do it.”

“That’s probably true.” He ran his hand up and down her back. “Big breakfast and then dive in? Or quick, easy breakfast?”

“I’m not super hungry, but I can help you make something if you want bigger.”

“Cereal is okay with me. I’d be fine waiting another two hours before I got up and ate.”

She chuckled.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Morning people.”

She swatted his chest.

He flipped her onto her back and leaned over her.

“A sudden spurt of energy? I thought you wanted to go back to sleep.” She could barely get the words out around her giggles.

He shook his head again but didn’t say anything. Instead, he lowered himself to her and kissed her.

She reveled in the passion of his affection and melted into his kiss.

With a contented sigh, he lay down next to her, holding her close. “Nah, I could still go back to sleep.”

She pushed herself to a sitting position. “Get up, mister. I want coffee. And you need to brush your teeth.”

They crawled out of bed and brushed their teeth before finding some cereal to start their day. They moved around one another in a beautiful dance of ordinary life as husband and wife.

Still in their pajamas, they settled on the couch with the first of the boxes in front of them.

AJ’s hands shook as she removed the tape off the top of the box.

Logan gripped her hand. “Are you okay?”

“Nervous about all the emotions that are going to come out of these boxes.”

“Let’s pray.”

“Please.”