I took her hand to help her stand from the couch and started to lead her down the hall toward the bathroom in my room. Both Jackson and I had a shower in our room, plus there was a guest bath as well. I probably should have had her shower in the guest bath, but there was something about knowing she was in mine.
“I’ll be in the living room when you’re done, and then I’ll show you to your bedroom.” I kissed the top of her head and started to walk away.
“Wait. I don’t have any clothes to sleep in.” I walked to my dresser and pulled out a pair of boxers and a T-shirt for her. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Tomorrow we’ll make sure you get your clothes too.”
She nodded and closed the bathroom door.
“Well, this shit just got real,” Jackson remarked as I walked back into the living room.
“Yeah,” I exhaled, sitting on the couch. “Crazy ass shit.”
“Are you really sure we can take the big ass dude Autumn’s referring to?”
“No doubt. This guy is huge, but just remember, light as a feather. We’ll be able to take him. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that though.” I rested my head against the back of the couch as I thought about the evening. I was exhausted. “That reminds me.” I lifted my head. “I’m going to put that gun I bought in the glove compartment in case we need it for tomorrow. If Autumn comes out, just tell her I left something in the car. I don’t want her to know and freak out.”
“Yeah, sure. No problem.”
When I walked back into the house after putting the gun in the car, Autumn was still in the bathroom. I didn’t hear the water running, so I waited for her in the living room until she was ready to come out of my room. She walked out dressed in my boxers and T-shirt and I smiled. I liked seeing her in my clothes.I wouldn’t mind seeing her out of them either.
“Come on, it’s been a long night.” I reached for her hand to lead her to the guest bedroom. I wanted to bring her to my bed, but I knew she needed time to digest everything. She said goodnight to Jackson and then we walked down the hall. “Get some sleep. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
She nodded. “Thank you for everything.”
“Anything for you, angel.” I kissed her softly after tucking her in bed, then turned out the light and closed the door.
We continued to fire. I didn’t know how many enemy troops there were. I couldn’t see with all the sand in the air, but we kept firing until the wind wasn’t blowing and all the enemies were down.
“Everyone good?” I asked. I turned around to see one of my medics down. I couldn’t tell who, but my heart stopped.
“Jackson!” I hollered as I ran to the down medic.
When I reached her, I fell to my knees, flipping her over—Cochran.
“No!”
“It’s okay,” Cochran mumbled, choking on her blood. “I like her. She’ll be good for you.”
“Who?” I asked, brushing her hair from her face.
“Autumn.”
I awoke with a start, panting.
My door slowly opened and I could barely make out the figure entering. “Gabe?” Autumn called out.
“Yeah, angel. Are you okay?”
“Can I sleep with you?”
I smiled. “Come here.” I pulled the covers back and she crawled in, moving until her back was flush with my chest. I wrapped my arms around her and held her, no longer thinking about my dream as a nightmare.
It was an epiphany.
