Sloan stayed up way too late texting Rumy but it was a Friday and, in her opinion, she was allowed. Being open with someone like that was such a relief and she was glad their little misunderstanding didn't end up harming their friendship.
Across the street that same night, Dark jolted out of sleep with his heart racing from a nightmare he had. Try as he might to shut his eyes again, every time he tried, the images came back. Not too proud to resort to a tactic used by small children, he rolled over where Daizi was fast asleep and gently nudged her awake and quietly ask if they could cuddle. Hearing the tone in his voice, Daizi shifted so she could hold him almost more like she was his backpack than she was the big spoon. Then she fixed the blanket, kissed him behind his ear, and stroked his hair before falling back asleep.
Staring into the blackness of their bedroom, Dark breathed deeply, taking comfort in the gentle feel of his wife's soft body pressed against his and the rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing. He held her hand against his heart and didn't move even as a few hot tears fell on his pillow beneath his head. Finally, he dropped into a now-dreamless sleep.
Come morning, Daizi asked if he was alright, her memories of being woken only hazy and Dark promised he was and apologized for waking her. It was only nightmares, he explained, but they were too vivid to relax on his own after.
By breakfast, it was like nothing had happened and that evening, his biggest problem was trying to figure out what you're supposed to wear when getting dinner with your ex. And his new family. With your new family.
Waiting downstairs in a black tiered maxi skirt, a purple wrap top, and a ring on almost every finger, Daizi was bouncing Ivy on her knee and patiently waiting.
