Free The Grace Series (Book 3): Dark Grace by M. Lauryl Lewis Page B

quietly, avoiding waking Abbey and Jane.  I looked up.  He was standing close and looked worried.  “We’ll get through this, ok?”
    I nodded.  He held my chin in one of his hands, leaned down, and kissed me lovingly.  It had been a while since I had felt this gentle side of him, and it made me feel like I had come home after a very long time away.  The kiss wasn't deep or erotic , but rather simply the comforting touch of a lover.  When he withdrew from the kiss I leaned my head against his chest and we embraced in a quiet moment of understanding.
    We left the bunk room after I made sure the girls were covered.  Abbey was snoring gently and Jane was sucking her thumb while clutching her teddy bear.  They girls had grown accustomed to sleeping with each other and I was glad they had each other.  They were sisters now, forced together in this Hellish world.
    “I’ll make you something to eat,” offered Boggs kindly.
    “No, let me do it?”
    “You don’t have to.”
    “I want to.  It’ll help keep my mind busy.”
    Boggs sat down at the small table and I began going through boxes of food.  I decided to open a can of stew to share. 
    “Stew ok?”
    “I’m not really hungry.”
    “You need to eat,” I encouraged
    “Ok.”
    The two-burner stove didn’t work unless the motor was running, and since we were currently anchored for the night we’d be eating it cold.  I didn’t bother with plates or bowls, but instead set the can of stew on the table with two spoons.  We sat in relative silence, each taking small bites.  As hungry as I was, mentally I had a hard time choking anything down.
    “Did you sleep at all?” I asked Boggs just after he had put a cube of potato in his mouth.
    “Not really.  I just sat and watched you.”
    “You should sleep.”
    “Ya, probably.”
    “Do you mind if I head up and check on Gus?”
    “Of course not.  Want me to come with?”  Boggs yawned. 
    I shook my head side to side.  “You have circles under your eyes.  Go sleep.  I’ll send Susan and Nathan down and sit with Gus for awhile.”
    “Ok, but if you get tired wake me or Na te up.  I want one of us on lookout all night.”
    “Sure.  I can keep watch for a while too, you know.”
    “I know you can, Zo.  That’s not what I meant.”
    “Good.” 
    I stood and leaned down, kissing him on the cheek.  I left the small galley and climbed the stairs.  Stepping on deck, the evening air was refreshing.  It felt warmer than it had in a long time.  I found myself wishing that Emilie could watch the sunset with me.  The sun was almost fully behind the Olympic Mountains to the west and was streaking the sky in shades of purple and orange.  Maybe it was Em herself saying good-bye.  I hugged myself and followed Susan’s voice to the small semi-open cabin where she and Nathan were sitting together.
    “Hey guys,” I said , rather glumly.
    “Hey Zoe,” said Susan with a small sympathetic smile. 
    “Get any sleep?” asked Nathan.
    “Ya, more than I expected to.  I actually came up to spell you guys so you can get some rest too.  I thought maybe I could sit with Gus for awhile.  How’s he doing?”
    “Not too great,” admitted Nathan.  “He’s been sitting in the bow for hours.  Just staring at the sea.”
    Susan yawned.  “I think I’ll head down, Nate.”
    “Ok, I’ll be behind you in a couple minutes.  I just want to talk to Zoe for a few.”
    Susan stood and stretched before leaning back down to kiss Nate gently on the lips.  “See you in a few then.”
    I watched Nathan watch Susan walk down the stairs.  Once she was out of sight, he turned to me.
    “I’m fine with you sitting with Gus, but I just want to make sure no one gets hurt.  There’s been enough heartbreak today.”
    “Thanks for being worried, Nate.  Gus and I both know that what happened between us was wrong.  I’m just going to sit with him as a friend.”   I didn’t really know what else to