The early morning light crept in through the curtains in soft golden streaks, catching on the edges of furniture and the faint outlines of a quiet apartment. Everything felt still. Quiet. Safe.

Caleb had been awake for a little while now, eyes half-lidded, one arm resting securely around her waist as if he never planned to let go. Her head was resting against his chest, rising and falling with the steady rhythm of his breathing.

With slow, careful fingers, he gently brushed her hair away from her face, letting them linger as they ran down the curve of her cheek. His voice was low, just a breath against her hair.

“Every time I think I’ve loved you as much as I possibly can…” he murmured, smiling faintly, “…you go and do something like this. Breathing. Existing. And I fall all over again.”

She stirred just a little — a quiet mumble against his chest that didn’t make out full words but was definitely her. Caleb looked down at her, warmth softening his features completely.

“Morning,” he whispered, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”

His arm tightened slightly around her, like holding her close was the only thing keeping the world at bay.