His Plan: Book 2 in the Crossing Midian Series - A Small-Town Christian Romance

Chapter 19

Wesley was the first awake the next morning. He quietly made his way out of the tent, being careful not to disturb Anna, and stretched his arms above his head. His back ached, his shoulders were sore, and he was sure he had a crick in his neck. Maybe he was getting too old for sleeping in tents.

Yawning, he walked back toward where they'd had the campfire and was unsurprised to find Beau sleeping outside.

He hadn't, however, expected to find Lenore sleeping with him.

Wesley's eyebrows raised nearly into his hairline as he glanced down at his brother. Beau certainly didn't look like he'd had any trouble sleeping.

Wesley stood silently for a long moment before he walked over to where they lay cuddled together in Beau's sleeping bag. Beau had his arm wrapped protectively around Lenore's shoulder, and for once, Wesley thought he almost looked as if he'd slept peacefully.

He cleared his throat and nudged Beau's shoulder with the toe of his boot. "Beau," he whispered when his brother didn't even stir.

He didn't want to risk startling him awake. Wesley had been on the receiving end of that outcome one-to-many times. But when Beau still didn't wake up, he crouched down beside him and gently shook him. "Beau," he said again. "C'mon, wake up."

"Hmm?" Beau burrowed his head further into his sleeping bag as he muttered, "Go away, Wes."

But Wesley only grinned. "You gotta wake up," he said, trying to make his voice more firm.

Slowly, Beau opened his eyes and looked around. He seemed to realize for the first time that Lenore was still with him.

She was laying with her back against him. Her long curls were wild and hid most of her face.

Beau's eyes widened as he swiftly looked between Lenore and Wesley. "Oh, um."

The sun had barely risen, leaving the campsite still mostly in darkness, but Wesley could still see the pink that now colored Beau's face.

He shifted his arm, and Lenore stirred awake.

"Good morning." Beau whispered, his voice still rough from sleep.

Lenore raised her arm and stretched as much as she could within the confines of the sleeping bag.

"Morning." Lenore replied with a small smile. But then, all at once, her demeanor changed. "Oh, no," she said as she struggled to get up.

Wesley stood and took a step back. He wasn't sure if he should offer to help her up or leave her alone.

"Oh my God, Beau. We fell asleep." Lenore glanced at Wesley, who managed an awkward wave in her direction, and blushed.

"Lennie, it's okay," Beau tried to say, as he, too, sat up.

Lenore interrupted him with a sharp shake of her head. "I gotta get ready," she said as she turned away from them and made her way to her tent.

"So?" Wesley said after a moment.

Beau groaned and dropped his head into his hands. "It's not what it looks like," he mumbled.

Wesley grinned. "What's it look like?" He couldn't resist the opportunity to tease his little brother.

Beau glared at him before standing up. "Don't start, Wes." Irritation coated his voice.

"I didn't say anything," Wesley defended innocently.

"Good. Don't."

Wesley rolled his lips between his teeth and he managed to stay quiet for all of fifteen seconds. "Look, all I'm saying is—"