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Charlie is alone when he wakes up, which isn’t an anomaly most days. Either he’d wake up alone, or Sarah would. It’s a rarity they’re both still in bed at the same time. Except they were supposed to be on vacation. He blinks to orient himself and frowns, rolling over to check the time. It’s early, way earlier than he would even think about getting out of bed, even on a day off.
The past couple days on Fogo Island have been bliss. They’d been able to fall into bed when they liked, no work calls to distract them, and plenty of time to wake up with Sarah snuggling into his side. Charlie runs his hand over her empty spot in the bed, the sheets rumpled and cold.
He turns on his side and inhales deeply, breathing in the last remnants of her lotion and soap on the pillow. Charlie thinks about going back to sleep again, but he finds himself wondering where Sarah has disappeared to. He sits up and stretches his arms over his head, sighing contentedly, and then gets to his feet.
The curtains filter most of the early morning sun as Charlie pulls a throw blanket off of the bed, wrapping it around his shoulders as he makes his way towards the door. The early morning sounds of boats on the water and the birds filter in as Charlie steps out onto their hotel room porch and inhales deeply. The air is fresh, crisp, and clean, filling up his lungs.
Charlie notices her by the railing, watching the water, coffee mug in hand. Rex is dozing next to her but looks up as he sees him approaching.
If Sarah notices him she doesn’t say anything until she feels Charlie wrap his arms around her, his lips against the crown of her head.
“Hey,” she says softly, relaxing into his embrace as her hands find his, giving them a squeeze.
Charlie squeezes hers in return before adjusting the blanket to cover them both, tugging her against his chest. He kisses her cheek. “What’re you doing up so early?”
Sarah laughs and lets her eyes linger on the sky. “Watching the sunrise. I woke up earlier and couldn’t get back to sleep and didn’t want to wake you.” She turns her head, side-eyeing him. “You looked too peaceful anyway.”
“Hm, I guess that’s a pretty good reason.”
They stand like that for a while, watching the sunrise. Sarah rests her head against Charlie’s chest, listening to the waves and sounds of Fogo Island coming to life.
Charlie breaks the silence first. “What’s on the agenda for the day?”
“Mm.” Sarah ponders. “Do we have to decide right now?”
“Huh,” Charlie muses, resting a hand on her hip bone. “Dr. Sarah Truong doesn’t want to plan out her entire day? That’s not like you at all.”
Sarah shrugs, turning so she can wrap her arms around his neck. “Shocker, I know,” she murmurs. “But I kind of like being here with you, like this.”
Charlie lets his hands slide down her torso, pausing briefly when he reaches the hem of the sweatshirt she’s wearing.
“Something wrong?” Sarah asks as he pushes her away slightly, holding her out at arm’s length, eyes running over her.
“You kept this?”
Sarah laughs. “Of course I did. It’s all worn in, which makes it perfect.” She tucks her face into the crook of his neck. “Besides, it’s yours and it reminds me of you.”
Charlie kisses her face several times before he presses a kiss against her lips. “Aw, so sentimental.”
She reaches a hand up to tug at his curls. “Don’t make me regret saying anything, Charlie.” She smiles. “Let’s go back to bed.”
He hums thoughtfully. His hands make small circles on Sarah’s hips. “I could probably be persuaded.”
Sarah curls a hand in his and tugs him towards the door. “I’ll make it worth your while. Promise.”