Page 136 of Sheltering You

“If anyone comes”—Derrick handed back the walkie-talkie— “or if you see anything or hear anything or think of anything we need to know, don’t hesitate to contact me. Us, I mean.”

“You will not be with me?”

Grant had given assignments to the rest of the men. The women who were comfortable with guns would be at upstairs windows, watching, shooting if necessary. The rest of the women—her, Sophie, and Leila—along with the two young people and Levi, would stay out of the way.

Because Grant hadn’t given Derrick an assignment, Jasmine had assumed that meant he’d be with her.

“Sam and I will be on this floor making sure nobody gets up those stairs.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “Oh.” His eyes widened. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have…” He pushed himself up, giving her a tight smile. “It’s going to be fine.”

She reached out and took his hand. “You do not apologize to me, not for anything. And I wish you to know…” She shouldn’t say it. It would do no good. But if he were to die, or if she were to die or be taken… Or perhaps one of his family members would die, and his feelings for her would change…

Maybe this would be her only chance.

All around, there was chaos. The women had gathered coats and hats and gloves and boots, for what purpose, Jasmine didn’t know.

Men placed other gear onto the table. Fire extinguishers and flashlights and backpacks and first-aid kits. They were preparing for every possible contingency. Nobody was paying any attention to Derrick and her.

He looked at her on the sofa, his face softening into that kind, gentle expression she’d seen so often.

“I never knew men like you existed. If I had known… I-I don’t think I could have changed anything, but I would have tried. I would have tried to wait for you.”

He sat again, took her hand, and leaned in. His kiss to her cheek was so light and tender that it felt like a warm breeze. “I love you, too, sweetheart.” The words were a whisper in her ear. “No matter what happens, that’s never going to change.”

Before she could formulate a response, he stood. She thought he’d return to the window, but Sam stood there now.

Derrick went to the kitchen and took up a position inside the door, focus beyond the window to the long patio.

Already waiting for the first enemies to arrive.

She couldn’t stand to see him there, in danger, for her.

It wouldn’t be long before she was told exactly where to go and with whom. Until then, she’d pray. She slid to her knees and bent her face to the floor, asking for the Lord’s protection and guidance and help. No matter how prepared they were, they were one family against an army.

They needed God on their side.

She didn’t know how long she stayed like that before someone touched her back.

“Come on, Jazz.” Sophie’s voice pulled her from the haze.

She sat up.

“You all right?”

“Yes. Only praying.”

Sophie nodded to the other sofa, piled high with outer gear. “They want us to take our coats upstairs with us, just in case.”

She found hers, which had gloves in the pockets.

“Grab a hat,” Derrick called from the other room. “If you have to go out, hide your hair.”

She selected a red knit cap and put it in a pocket of her winter coat.

“We’re going upstairs to one of the bedrooms.” Sophie had her own coat draped over her arm.

Jasmine turned to Derrick, wanting to say…something. Or perhaps just to see him again. He still stood by the far door. He wore jeans and his bomber jacket. His hair was messy, disheveled after he’d pushed it back a thousand times, a common gesture when he was worried. His gaze was on her. “Go on.”

“Be safe. Please.”