Chapter Fifty-Four

Emery woke in the bed under a thick blanket with Austin lying close beside her. The blinds and curtains that covered the windows were still pulled tightly shut, but she could see that the sun was out and shining brightly. The clock on the nightstand read it was almost nine o’clock. A full stretch of the legs and arms felt good. Emery was able to roll quietly off of the bed without disturbing Austin’s sleep. He looked so comfortable and relaxed just laying there.

The sliding glass door that went out to the small balcony opened without a sound as Emery went out to get another glimpse of the beach and water down below. There were people walking along the shoreline, but no one had ventured into the waters just yet. The seagulls were flocking overhead, looking for some bit of morsel that may have fallen from someone’s breakfast. Emery took in a deep breath and just enjoyed the serenity that this place brought.

“It’s nice and quiet, isn’t