Chapter eighteen

Abbigail

Melanie just confessed her love for me. The last person she said it to was her husband and daughter almost six years ago before she left for Iraq. I let out a calming breath and tilt my face upward to hers. I brush my lips against hers and our breaths hitch.

I hear her whimper, wanting me. Tears roll down my cheeks and I lay a gentle kiss on her lips. "I love you too," I choke in a whisper. "I just need to focus on Shawn waking up before I step forward with our relationship. Please give me time."

I hear her sigh in relief and chokes in a whisper, "I understand completely. I'm just glad you feel the same."

I lay my head on her chest and she scrunches my hair. I hear someone enter the room and tighten my hold on Melanie. "Shh, its okay," Melanie says in a soothing tone. "It's Joyce and Beth. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."

"I don't want to jump every time the door opens. I want to go home, but not after Beth got that threatening letter and not without Shawn," I choke in