“The best you can.”
She glanced at him, knowing what she wanted but not sure if she should ask. There was a haunted look in his eyes—no doubt the same she’d see in her own if she was foolish enough to look in a mirror—but at least he didn’t appear to be in too much pain. She didn’t want to burden him more than she already had, but she couldn’t bear the thought of being away from him right now. “Can I stay with you? I know I’m not supposed to, and I have no right to ask any more of you, but… I really need your strength tonight.”
“I don’t know that I have much strength left at the moment,” he said gently, then took her hand and squeezed. “But you have every right to ask, Beth. You’re my friend—my best friend—and even if you hadn’t asked, I would rather you stay with me so I know you’re saf
