The chuckle continued at Heidi's response, though Nathan moved his hand from her hair to the spot between her shoulder blades, rubbing in slow, steady circles. He doubted she would sleep through the boys leaving the room – that motherly instinct and hearing at work, as always – but he harbored the small hope he might lull her back to sleep awhile longer. He could try, at least.
And she needed it. She'd helped wherever she could in all of this and hadn't failed to provide calm in the turmoil of the return of the rescuers that Nathan felt they all needed, whether it was admitted or not. He was proud of her.
"As much as you want, I'll lock them out before the three hours is up," he said, obviously teasing. He kept his voice as quiet as possible without being entirely soundless as he moved his fingers upward toward her neck and then down her back again. Even if he didn't manage to fall back asleep himself, he would be content to rest just like this.