Page 44 of More than a Memory

“She moved after I graduated from high school. She’s now retired and living in Florida with her third husband. We touch base several times a year. She was really there for me when … Ryan … was shot and killed.”

Darcy jumped up, grabbing their empty plates, and put them in the dishwasher while keeping her back to Sam. He could tell that she was upset. Not wanting to be pushy, he stayed seated, fighting the urge to rush over and gather her up in his arms.

“I’m sure she was a great comfort to you, especially considering that she had direct experience as a cop and could understand, maybe more than most, what you were going through” Sam said, grasping the importance of that support.

“Yes. That’s why she got out. She lost a partner too,” Darcy said, almost whispering.

“Darcy, I’m struggling here. All I want to do is take you into my arms. Can I do that?”

Still keeping her back to him, she meekly nodded her affirmation. Sam sprung from his stool like a loaded spring. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in tight.

Burying his head in her hair, he murmured, “I am so sorry. Let me be your shelter, Darcy. Please let me in.”

She leaned into him and wept from the depths of her being. He turned her to face him and just held on tight.

“I’m here, right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

He held her as he reached to grab a napkin from the counter to wipe her runny nose.

Embarrassed at losing it, Darcy said, “I’m a mess.”

Sniffling, she blew her nose into the napkin Sam had provided, honking loudly, which only endeared her to him more.

“Life is messy, Darcy. It’s painful and beautiful and humbling, and full! This is a moment where the past and present are colliding. I’m here right now, like Betsy was all those years ago. Let me into your world. Don’t batten down the hatches again.”

“I’m trying, Sam, I really am, and it’s terrifying!”

“I appreciate that you’re trying. You can take as long as you need…. I mean, how long can you possibly resist?” He grinned at her, trying to make her smile.

Sedated after her hard cry, she kissed his bare chest, then nipped at him lightly.

“You do have a point, I mean, I’m glad you are here now, and I want to be held in your arms all night long.”

Sam squeezed her tight, enjoying the sensuous feel of her soft body molded to his.

At around three in the morning, Sam was startled out of a deep sleep by Darcy thrashing around in bed, obviously having a nightmare. Sobbing in her sleep, her head tossing from side-to side, she moaned, “No … no … no!”

“Shhh. I’m here, Darcy. Shhh. It’s alright, darling.”

Sam brushed her hair back from her brow as he held her tight. Her whole body was trembling as she slowly became aware of her surroundings.

Teeth chattering, Darcy pleaded, “Hold me, Sam!”

Sam squeezed her tighter, wrapping them both in the comforter, in effect creating a cocoon to shelter Darcy.

“Babe, I’m here, I’m not going anywhere.”

They stayed like that until Darcy fell back into a restless slumber. Sam didn’t sleep another wink, his protective alpha male was on overdrive, and he was determined to shield Darcy from the demons that haunted her. He felt a stirring deep in his core that their relationship was her path to healing. In that moment, he knew that he had fallen in love with the complicated, sometimes exasperating, beautiful, Darcy Morgan.

God help him, he thought, he knew he was going to need it!

The next morning, Fannie, Freddie, and Mac made sure that they weren’t forgotten by jumping onto the bed and smothering Sam and Darcy with kisses. This quickly turned into a playful wrestling match, with both Darcy and Sam hiding under the covers to protect themselves. Giggling, Darcy seemed to have recovered from the previous evening’s torment. Huddled under the comforter, it felt like they were cloaked from the rest of the world.

Darcy reached down to touch Sam and was not surprised to find him hard and ready. She fondled him, rubbing his large erection as he pressed against her hand, breathing hard. She traced his handsome face with her fingertips and kissed his sculpted lips.

“Sam, about last night, I’m sorry … I haven’t had a nightmare like that in a long time.”

“Darcy, please don’t apologize for something you have no control over. I want to be the one that is there for you. Your rock, your shoulder, your man.”