Doug had been sleeping, one more long sleep from checking out, which they had finally grudgingly told him he could do at any time. But steps, however quiet, sent his mind scrambling for consciousness and his eyes snapping open. The form near him made his eyes widen, and then he grinned as he raised his hands to rub sleep-affected eyes.
"Hey, there, Lady of the Night. Nice to see you."
His voice was a little more confident, even in sleep, and his eyes warmer, than they had been before he left. A lot had happened and as he smiled up at her, he nodded. Carrie. Now things would be better.