Page 90 of Betrayed

He poked her between the ribs.

She squirmed. “That’s not fair. You’re not ticklish.”

“Ha! I’ll take that unfair advantage.” Using both hands he got each of her sides.

She squealed, kicked, and draped her legs over his. “Stop it.” She playfully swatted his chest.

He quit tickling her and drew her closer until his lips had captured hers.

It took a moment for her giggles to subside and relax into the kiss. But his heart swelled with the joy of holding his wife close. The kiss intensified.

This was his wife, whom he’d missed so.

He ran his hand into her hair but got stuck on her ponytail, so he pulled the hair tie out.

She ran her hands up his chest, sending his heart to supersonic speeds.

Leaning her back on the couch, he drew out of the kiss and searched her eyes. So much desire, so much hope, so much love met him.

Cupping the side of his face, fingers playing with his hair, she smiled.

Unable to resist, he lowered himself, meeting her lips again. She giggled, delight emanating from her. He broke off the kiss before he let his hands wander farther than her waist.

He slid his arm under her and laid down next to her. She snuggled into him, laying her head on his shoulder.

“I guess Will wouldn’t be impressed if we re-consummated our marriage on his couch.”

A giant laugh burst out of AJ. “Oh my word, he’d kill us.”

Logan wrapped his arms tighter around her. “I look forward to sleeping with you in my arms again.”

“But where are we going to live?”

“I don’t know. Should we rebuild or look for a new place?”

She sighed. “I wish I knew the right answer.”

“I don’t think it’s a matter of right or wrong. Rebuilding will be a process, but that’s the same with our relationship. Do we jump right in or take more time?”

“Yes?”

“Either/or question, babe.”

She chuckled. “We should pray about it.”

Something panged inside Logan. He should be the one leading them to the cross before the bed. But he loved that she was in tune spiritually and could shove him in the right direction. She was the best helpmate any man could ask for.

“Jesus, AJ and I come to You with all of this. Our marriage, as broken as it has been, we ask You to fix it. Help us know how to love one another the way You have loved us.”

They took turns praying aloud for everything from repentance to housing to future children.

Mid-prayer AJ’s words trailed off. Logan craned his head to look at her face where it still rested against his chest. She’d fallen asleep.

Giant emotions overtook him. He never thought the day would come that she would fall asleep in his arms again, but it was here, with a promise of more to come.

He shifted a little and fell asleep too.

AJ woke from the most contented sleep she’d experienced in a long time. With his arms wrapped around her, Logan snored softly.