Husband With Benefits-Chapter 573: Sleep Together

Arabelle was over the moon. She glanced secretly at Autumn, who was standing on the other side of the room, and then at the door, hoping Gabe would arrive soon. Tonight, they were all going to sleep in the same bed, just like how all her friends slept between their parents. Today’s picnic had turned out to be the best day ever. It was even better than her first day.

Even though Autumn was her older sister, Aunty N had said that since Mama had left her with Autumn before going to heaven so she should treat Autumn like her mother. And if Autumn was like her mother, then Gabe was like her father, right? So tonight, she could sleep between Gabe and Autumn and pretend to be sleeping with her parents. They could cuddle and read stories. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

On the other side of the room, Autumn was feeling scared. If only the matter had been completed today. They wouldn’t have to worry about staying in this place overnight where the rooms were all booked and they were forced to share a room. Sharing a room with Gabe...

She glanced at Arabelle, who was so full of excitement and innocence, and wished she could feel the same way. But she was nervouse... She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep all night. Thankfully, he’d gone out and she’d had time to mentally prepare herself.

The door creaked open, and Gabe walked in, his face tired and somewhat worried. The look of worry on his face made Autumn feel a little better. She was not the only one who was a mess about tonight.

On the other hand, Arabelle’s face lit up happily, "Yes! Come on, Gabe, let’s get into bed! Time to sleep."

With feet as heavy as lead, Autumn walked to the bed and gingerly got into bed. Arabelle quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her arm over her and sliding close to her as Gabe walked into bed from the other side. His arm was also grabbed similarly so that both their arms lay together on top of little Arabelle, who was now pink in the face with happiness.

Autumn was acutely aware of Gabe lying on the bed. His presence was palpable, his fingers nearly brushing against her stomach. Each small movement he made sent a wave of anxiousness and an unexpected thrill through her. She tried to steady her breathing, focusing on the rhythmic rise and fall of Arabelle’s chest instead.

Arabelle’s soft voice broke through her reverie. "Gabe, tell us a story," she whispered, her eyes already half-closed and her voice sleepy. Gabe shifted slightly, his fingers inadvertently grazing Autumn’s side, sending a shiver down her spine. "Alright, Arabelle," he said gently. "How about the one about the magical forest?"

Arabelle nodded, her hand tightening on them,"Yes. That would be good."

Autumn firmly believed that she would not be able to sleep all night. However, as she heard Gabe’s soothing voice, starting with a magical talking forest, she felt her own eyes close. It was oddly reassuring, and she could feel her eyes close on their own. Through half closed eyes, she glanced at Gabe, noticing the way his eyes softened as he spoke and patted Arabelle and smiled.

Arabelle let out a contented sigh, her breathing evening out as she fell asleep and so did Autumn, leaving Gabe the only one awake.

Gabe continued speaking softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as he noticed both Arabelle and Autumn drifting off to sleep. He gently patted Arabelle’s back, her little hand still clutching his as he gently took it out of her grasp. Autumn’s breathing had deepened, her grip on Arabelle’s hand relaxed and the two were deeply asleep.

He lay back down, his hand still protectively lying over Arabelle and sighed. As the room settled into silence, he listened to the soft breaths of the two girls beside him. He could feel the warmth of Arabelle’s small body nestled against him and Autumn’s subtle closeness. The sense of family, even in this makeshift arrangement, brought him a surprising comfort. Soemthing he had not expected. As he almost fell asleep, he felt Arabelle flinch slightly, and instinctively moved his hand on her, patting her to comfort her.

Autumn sleepily did the same so that their hands were now on each others. Autumn’s eyes fluttered open slightly, meeting Gabe’s gaze in the dim light. There was a silent understanding, a shared connection that passed between them. She gave a small, sleepy smile, "Goodnight, Gabe," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Goodnight, Autumn," he replied softly, neither moving their hand away.

Gabe stared at the small hand under his and sighed. He didn’t want to sleep. Even though his nightmared had come under control, there were times when he woke up in the middle of the night, with nightmares about Arabelle’s last moments. He didn’t want to scare Arabelle or Autumn if they woke up from his scream of his thrashing. It would be better to stay awake.

Or maybe he could go to the washroom and sleep in the bath tub there... With a sigh, he decided that this would be for the best. He needed a few hours of sleep at least to stay on top of everything so he should go there..That way, even if he did wake up, he would not disturb Arabelle or Autumn. He could stay for a little while longer, make sure they remained undisturbed. In a minute, he would extract his hand away from the girls and slip out...

Unexpectedly, his thoughts started to fade away and exhaustion took over, making him fall asleep, uncaring of his fear of nightmares.

It was only as the sun rose up that Gabe’s eyes snapped open and he woke up. Worried, he looked around and realized that he’d been sleeping peacefully and had woken up similarly.. not due to a nightmare....he closed his eyes and thanked the fates for sparing him this night.