Jeff and Ashley broke apart from the hug they had just shared. Jeff kissed her on the head and said

"I know that you'll follow your heart and I won't stop you, honey."

Ashley hugged him and went back inside. She found Nate writing dwn another poem in his book.

"Hey, baby girl."

Nate greeted her as she plopped down on his lap, she groaned and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Tired?"

He asked, with a teasing undertone to his voice. She sent him a mock glare and lightly punched his arm. He pouted, and she leaned over and kissed him. He sent a cocky smirk over to her, and scooped her up.

"Haha! You're all mine, baby!"

He said playfully swinging her around. She giggled and for the first time in a while smiled, Jeff was a bit jealous to say the least. Seth had popped in a movie, and everyone watched along. Ashley fell asleep cuddled under Nate's arm on the bed, Nate was falling asleep too. Listening to her quiet breathing, and peaceful face carried him to dreamland. Jeff and Seth were still awake, but Randy was asleep on his bed too.

"Man, everyone is tired!"

Seth complained, Jeff nodded in agreement, Both men turned to look at the youngsters all cuddled together under a wool blanket. Jeff stared into Ashley's peaceful face and found what he was looking for. That Nate could make her feel at peace in her sleep, something no-one else every managed. Soon everyone was asleep, but Ashley was shaking and sweating in her sleep. Nate felt the shaking body next to his, and sat up. He rubbed all sleep from his eyes, and shook Ashley awake. She woke with a jump, looking around wildly. He opened his arms, and caught her as she fell into his embrace.

"Shush pretty baby

don't say a word

I'm gonna hold you

oh so tight

hush little honey

don't say a word

i'm gonna keep you safe"

Nate sang the familiar words in her ear. She smiled, and snuggled closer to him. Her love shining so bright in her eyes, but he couldn't see. What they didn't know is that Randy was watching them, and he was glaring right at Nate.

"Now try to sleep my little princess, I'll be here when you wake."

Nate promised.