Evan didn't mind the closeness but was holding back from placing an arm around her shoulders. She was still his brother's wife despite how he felt for her. ”How have you been?” he asked softly, almost whispering in her ear.
Lysander was sitting on the floor, watching Laura-Beth open her presents and reminding her to thank everyone for their gift. Which usually resulted in the little girl running over and hugging the person.
"not too great Alexander and I have barely even touched each other my nightmares are getting worse tried to drown myself last month" she whispered so only Evan could hear
Evan turned to look at her in concern. ”I’m sorry to hear that.” he said genuinely, keeping his voice soft. ”You know… I could help you with those nightmares.” he offered, a little awkwardly. ”I won't do it if you don't want me to. Nor will I influence you in any way.”
"I was actually going to ask you if I could stay with you for a little while" she asked
”Oh.” Evan said, his eyebrows going up in slight surprise. ”O-of course you can. Should I expect your family to come with or would it just be you?” he asked softly.
"just me he wants to come your brother but I don't want him to lots of reasons why one of the main ones is he's triggering the nightmares" she said
Evan glanced over at Lysander in confusion. ”Does he know that?”
She shook her head laying it on his shoulder " I'm scared" she said
Evan wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. ”It’s ok. My home is always open to you whenever you need it.” he assured her. ”You don't have to be scared.”
" but I am evs so much even of my husband" she said
Evan sighed. ”It’ll be ok, Betty. I don't think you're really scared of him. You're just scared because of the nightmares you have near him.” he told her. ”Whenever you're ready you can come to my home and stay as long as you need to.”
" No I actually think he's going to hurt me" she said
Evan pulled back and looked at her in shock. ”Why would you think that?”
" I don't know just a feeling I Have" she said
Evan nodded slowly. ”Ok. I understand. I don't really believe it but I understand.” he told her, gently stroking her hair.
The night passed quickly and they got Laurabeth to sleep peacefully Betty was on the couch and she woke up startled.from a.nightmare looking at the time it was only 10:30 so she silently made her way upstairs and stepped inside thier bedroom
Lysander was laying on the bed, reading a book when he heard Betty walk into their room. ”Hey. Another nightmare?” he asked gently as he set his book down.
She nodded she walked over to him " can I lay with you for just an hour or two please?" She begged
He nodded, scooting over a little bit to make room for her to be comfortable. ”Of course, my love. You can lay with me all night if you want.” he told her.
She walked over laying down leaving enough space so he wasn't bei f touched I. Case h didn't want that
He laid down next to her, turning onto his side so he could look at her. ”Do you… Would you like me to hold you?” he asked.
" if you want" she said
He nodded softly and slid an arm under her, gently holding her as his other hand reached up and started stroking her hair.
She scooted closer to him resting her head under his chin
He smiled softly at the familiarity of having her so close to him again and gently kissed the top of her head.