Strong arms grabbed her from
behind and she squeaked in surprise. But when she
was folded into a familiar bear hug, she calmed and
snuggled into the embrace. Some things never
changed. "Morning, Ben."He ruffled her hair.
"Morning, Goose."
The words were low and husky from sleep, and she
shivered as they reached out and stroked her. "Sleep
well?"
He grunted his assent. "Only you would be out
here at this ridiculous hour." He sat at the end of
the dock, feet dangling over the side.
She didn't resist when he pulled her down beside
him, interlacing his fingers in hers.
"I wouldn't miss the sunrise up here for the
world." She reached up to smooth out lines in his
face made by wrinkled sheets. "Just up, huh? Haven't
had your coffee yet?"
"Can't find the coffeemaker."
He whined just enough to make her laugh and say,
"You boys need a keeper."
"We have one. You." He pulled her over and gave
her a noogie. "Now, hand over your coffee and no one
gets hurt."
She smiled and gave him her half-empty cup of
barely warm coffee.
As he gulped it down, he moaned a bit.
"And, yes, before you ask, there's more where
that came from."
"Cass, what would I ever do without you?" He gave
her a quick, sloppy kiss on the lips like he had a
thousand times before. So, why did her stomach
quiver today?
