Morning arrived with a slow, deliberate grace.
Leo and Amelia were still wrapped in sleep, the heavy curtains of the master bedroom allowing only a thin wash of pale, milky light to filter through. Leo’s arm was draped over Amelia’s waist, protective even in his rest, his slow and steady breathing a rhythmic warmth against the small of her back. They hadn't moved since the night had finally loosened its grip on them.
Then, the silence was severed. Amelia’s phone buzzed on the nightstand.
The sound was sharp and sudden. Amelia stirred, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks before she reached out carefully, sliding the phone toward her so as not to disturb Leo. She squinted at the glowing screen.
Eli.
She answered immediately, her voice a hushed, morning rasp. “Eli.”
“Amel
