The morning after their wedding, Ava woke to the soft warmth of sunlight spilling through the white linen curtains. The sweet scent of sea air mixed with the faint aroma of Dominic’s cologne still clinging to the bedsheets. His arm lay wrapped around her waist, his breath steady and even against the back of her neck.
For a moment, she simply lay there, savoring the peace.
It was still strange—this quiet. This calm.
For so many years, her mornings had started with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. But now? Now, there was safety. Love. And promise.
She carefully turned in Dominic’s embrace, wanting to see his face. His eyes were closed, but as if sensing her gaze, they fluttered open.
“Good morning, Mrs. Sinclair,” he said, his voice thick with sleep, a rare softness she cherished.
She smiled, her heart fluttering. “Good morning, Mr. Sinclair.”
Dominic pulled her closer, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “I could get used to waking up like this every day.”
“You better,” A
