The next morning was different for Arabella did not awake alone in the lounge chair, but with a warm body holding hers close.
Silas hadn't left the room for his early morning walk as per usual.
"Morning," he whispered the moment the change in her breathing rhythm became noticeable.
"Morning," she groaned, wiping at her still sleepy eyes. It took her a moment to realize where and with who she was, only to then wiggle and try to straighten herself, "You did not leave for a walk around the manor?" she asked, looking up at him.
"No," he shook his head slowly.
When he said nothing else, the young woman made further inquiries,"Is everything alright?"
"Yes," he cracked a kind smile, "I merely wanted more of this," at those words, he tightened his hold around her middle.
She returned the beam and laid her head against his chest, allowing silence to creep in and mingle with the sun that painted the space around them in gold.
