Inside Out

114

“It's really all over?” Sean asked Winter once he was in her bedroom.

“Word of honor, ma'am.”

“Where do we go from here?” she asked, studying him with serious eyes.

“Far as I'm concerned, that totally depends on you.”

“Yesterday you told me that nobody would ever have to order you to keep me safe again.”

“I stand by that offer.”

“Are you sure? I mean after all this, do you really want to be reminded of the time since we met, the losses you've suffered, the pain this has brought you?”

“I don't understand.”

“Won't I be a reminder of the terrible things you…”

“Do I remind you of the terrible times we've been through?”

“Oh, no. Of course not. I want to know if you're sure, that's all.”

“I've never been as sure of anything in my whole life, Sean. I was hoping we could get to know each other better, under calmer circumstances.”

“Quality time. Calm circumstances. That sounds wonderful.”

“I've got some people back in North Carolina I want you to meet. I think you'll like them and I know they'll like you. Why don't we just take it as it comes?”

“I'd like that, Winter. I'd like that a lot.”

Sean was suddenly overcome, so Winter pulled her to him and held her tightly as she wept.

Now she was finally free to shed tears for Angela Martinez, for Wire Dog and Max, and for all of the others she had cared about but couldn't grieve for before. And she cried because a man she loved-a man who loved her-was comforting her.

Now she was truly safe.

They stretched out on the bed. Sean put her head on Winter's shoulder, her arm across his stomach and hugged him.

Winter put his hand on her shoulder and massaged it gently.

For a very long time, they stayed just like that.