Page 46 of Hidden Depths

A love built on choosing each other...

Every single day.

9

WARD

Iwoke before sunrise.

Old habits.

The yacht was quiet.

The only sound was the steady rhythm of water sliding along Sea Whisper's hull.

For a moment...

I couldn't remember where I was.

Then I smelled coffee.

Fresh bread.

And cinnamon.

I smiled.

Willow.

Of course.

The galley lights glowed softly.

Willow was already moving around the kitchen with practiced ease.

She looked up.

"I was wondering which one of you would show up first."

"I wasn't trying to interrupt."

"You aren't."

She pointed toward the coffee pot.

"Help yourself."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

"You looked like you needed it yesterday."

"I probably still do."

She laughed.

"So does Storm."

Almost on cue...