Saving me

Chapter 23

I'm finally home. My home. The home I haven't seen in months. "Joseph's room is finished. When the police told me to go home everyday that's what I worked on. Well into the night. Most nights I didn't sleep," Josh tells me. "You didn't have to do that Josh," I tell him. "I can't sleep without you beside me," he whispers and kisses me gently. "I'm home now," I tell him. "And I'll protect you for the rest of my life. For as long as I live," he tells me with a soft smile. "It's gonna be a long life Joshua," I grin. "With you? I'll take it," he smiles and kisses me again.

I set Joseph in his crib and watch as he sleeps peacefully. I haven't slept like that in a long time. Not even at the hospital. I woke from nightmares of the cold, dark, and damp place I was in with Alice. Alice is asleep in her room. Josh put her to bed. It's 8:30. I'm beyond tired and ready to sleep next to my husband. "I'll carry you," Josh tells me and picks me up. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean my head on his shoulder. He sits on his side of the bed with me in his lap. "I missed you so much," he says as he starts to cry. "Josh, sweetie don't cry," I tell him. "I'm here now." "I know. But I wasn't there for you. I was helpless. I wanted to be there for you every step of the way with Joseph. And he made it impossible," he says. I wipe the tears off his face and kiss him gently. "It's okay, Josh. I'm home. Joseph is here and a happy little baby. We want three children. Just wait until Joseph is at least a year old. We can try again," I tell him. "Then you'll be there every step of the way for that baby. I promise," I add. "Okay," he whispers. I kiss him again and curl up on his lap. "Go to sleep Heather Grace. I'll keep you safe," he whispers softly. I fall asleep almost instantly. Wrapped in the safety I know as my husbands arms. I feel him kiss my temple and I sigh a sigh of content. I am safe. I am home. And Josh has finally saved me.