"Hey," he whispered, "you OK with going upstairs and getting settled in my room while I lock up down here? I won't be long." She nodded mutely and turned toward the stairs.
"Don't be scared, Katie. I'll hold you and chase away the nightmares. You won't be alone tonight. I promise." He saw a small smile flicker across her face when she turned to look at him as she started up the stairs. He smiled back and began to clear up the room. He made sure that he engaged every lock on each of the doors and set the alarm. He quickly shut off all the lights and went upstairs for bed.
As he walked into the room, he could see her on the far side of the bed on her side facing the room. He smiled as he went into the bathroom to change and clean up. As he came out a few minutes later, he could hear the quiet rumble of distant thunder outside. He didn't waste any time getting into bed and close to a sleeping Kate. There was no telling if she was afraid of thunderstorms, and he wasn't about to take chances. He propped himself up and watched her sleep.
She looked ethereal in the pale light coming through the windows. Her skin was luminescent, making her appear more delicate than she actually was. Someone finding her alone here could easily mistake her for a wood sprite or a faerie in this light. He traced her hairline and the edge of her ear, marveling at the sight of her next to him.
He lay down next to her and began to run his fingers gently along the inside of her wrist and arm. Her skin was soft to his touch; like touching pure silk.
"Oh, Katie," he whispered, not knowing if she heard him, "you're so very beautiful, so intoxicating. I don't know how I'll be able to keep my distance from you now. Please, let me in. Tell me why you're hurting like this. Let me give you some kind of happiness, some joy. I miss your smile, your laugh, the way you do your little bunny nose whenever you have the attention of a small child, the light in your eyes. All I want to do is to make you feel safe and loved wherever you go." Wrapping himself around her like a blanket, he continued, "See, I told you that I'd hold you while you slept. I'll protect you from your nightmares. All I want is for you is to be happy."
He laid his hand on her cheek as he looked at her with tears in his eyes. "I love you, Katie. I've loved you for years. Let me love you the way you deserve to be loved. Fully, completely, no limits or restrictions. From your past to your future and everything in between." He rested his head on top of hers and put his free arm around her. He snuggled close to her and settled into sleep.
Kate's sleepy words didn't even break the silence that blanketed the room between the soft sounds of distant thunder.
"I love you, Sam."