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Eleanor: By your lack of response, I can tell you’re upset

Why deny it?

Sienna: I am. I hate that you’re going through this

Sienna: And I hate that you’re going through it alone. I should be there

Eleanor: No, you shouldn’t

Eleanor: You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be

Sienna: It’s hard to feel good about that when I know where you are

Eleanor: And you being where you are is giving me joy, Sienna

Eleanor: I’m so glad you took my advice

Sienna: You always give me good advice

Eleanor: Then I’ve got one more for you

Sienna: Oh?

Eleanor: Don’t worry about me. Everything happens for a reason

Eleanor: Go and start your day on a happy note

Eleanor: Watch the sunrise, walk on the beach, smile, and take lots of pictures

Tears stung her eyes as she silently nodded

Sienna: I will

Eleanor: Good. And send some to me. I’m sharing your adventure with the nurses

That made her laugh.

Eleanor: And they all think you deserve this too

Eleanor: xoxo

Sighing, she placed her phone back on the small table beside her and did her best to get her emotions under control. Closing her eyes, she hugged herself tightly to fight off the early morning chill. “I should have made some coffee before coming out here,” she muttered.

“Your wish is my command,” Mick said from behind her, and she practically fell out of the chair.

“You scared the hell out of me!” she huffed, her hand on her chest. “I didn’t even hear the doors open.”

Looking tousled and far too sexy in a pair of gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt, he handed her a mug. “Sorry. I woke up alone and got up to see where you were. When I spotted you out here on the deck and saw that you hadn’t helped yourself to the coffee, I figured I’d make you a cup.” Leaning down, he gave her a soft kiss. “Wait here.”

The warmth of the mug in her hands felt wonderful. A minute later, Mick was back with a blanket. “Scoot forward a bit,” he said before draping the blanket over her lap and sliding in behind her on the chaise. His arms went around her as he pulled the blanket further up and then urged her to lean back against him. “Good morning, beautiful.” His breath was warm against her throat, and Sienna simply melted against him.

“Good morning to you, too. I hope I didn’t wake you.” Over the last week, they had gotten up early each day because they had places they wanted to see, and she just assumed he’d want to sleep in today.

“I thought we were going to be lazy today. Then I rolled over and you weren’t there, so I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

She took a sip of her coffee and hummed with pleasure. “So good.” For a moment, she simply let the sensations wash over her—the feel of Mick, the smell of the ocean air, and the taste of her morning coffee. “I’m used to being up early, and I was curious about the view. It was too dark to appreciate it last night.”

“It’s definitely a good view,” he murmured against her shoulder, and she knew he wasn’t looking out at the ocean. It made her blush. “Are you hungry? Should I get something delivered?”