Aarmau: Remember Me, Remember Us, Just Remember

Chapter 67

Aaron and Aph continue to work on her strengthening exercises while Melissa straightens up around the house. By the time they decide to take a break three hours have passed and Aph is exhausted. 

She tries to argue that she can keep going but it's clear she's done for now.  "If we're done with exercise I can at least stay down here and keep you both company."

Aaron shakes his head. "Aph, another key piece to the healing process is getting plenty of rest. If you overdo it you'll start to back slide."

She reluctantly agrees but she's not happy with it. Aaron lifts her into his arms and as he heads for the stairs he can hear Melissa giggling in the kitchen.

Hitting the top landing he glances down at Aph's face and smiles to see her cheek tucked against his shoulder and that she's almost asleep. He carries her into their room, over to the bed, and lowers her onto the mattress. He planned to simply cover her and leave her to rest but she reaches out and quietly asks him to stay.

Aaron's heart thumps hard, what he feels for her has no words. To think he had forgotten her and could have easily lost her scares him. "Aph you really need to rest. You've worked hard and are worn out."

Aph is so tired she can't even keep her eyes open but she refuses to let him go. "I promise I'm going to rest. I don't have the strength to even open my eyes. I just feel better with you here."

Aaron could never say no to her so he climbs in next to her and pulls her close. As she snuggles next to him she lets out a small sigh and almost instantly falls asleep.

He tightens his hold on her as he listens to the steady beat of her heart and her soft even breaths. He knows she's worried about the Guardian Force and what they might do if they discover she came back with more than she led them to believe but he will protect her against anything.

For a split second, he thinks about slipping away to help Melissa with the house and possibly get lunch started but as if she can hear his thoughts Aph murmurs his name and snuggles closer. At that moment he realizes there is no other place he would rather be so he closes his eyes and quickly falls asleep.