Amanda awoke to the smell of a robust coffee blend, definitely not the Folgers she carried in her kitchen. As she became more awake, last night's events came flooding back. Instead of the worn sheets she was used to and the errant stuffed animal in bed with her, she was wrapped up in soft, well made sheets that smelled like fresh laundry. She slowly opened her one eye and saw a white mug on the bedside table. Smiling at the sweet gesture, and remembering getting lost in one another after the blissful kiss at the Hudson River, she tried to tamper down the giddy feeling in her stomach. Turning over slowly, she sees her partner wearing a t-shirt and glasses, his attention on the crossword puzzle in his hands.
She couldn't recall him wearing glasses in the past, but there was something striking about seeing him in this new light.
Comfortable, relaxed and content. Whatever giddy feeling she had felt moments ago grew exponentially into something much stronger but for the first time in her life, it didn't scare her. She felt safe and while she wouldn't be screaming it from the rooftops anytime soon, she knew it was love.
"Mornin'," he says sweetly, his voice hoarse, "brought ya some coffee."
He is propped up against the headboard, a pillow squished beneath his head and his hair is untamed. He really is a sight to see and Amanda smiles, a warm chuckle escaping her lips. She never knew of him to be a crossword puzzle fan but it makes sense. Seemingly random trivia and general knowledge works well for Sonny. She stretches towards the coffee cup and takes the initial sip before closing her eyes
in happiness. Sure, she misses the chaos the only mornings with children and toddlers can bring, but it's a welcome change. When he stays over at her place, he'll have his hands full with the Rollins girls. Until now, quiet domestic bliss works just fine.
Carefully maneuvering over to where Sonny is, she tucks into his side, reading the puzzle clues. He's pretty far along in the puzzle and she wants to see if she knows any of the answers. Scanning, she sees clue 21. A score of zero in tennis. Happy, with the warmth of a wonderful man and a great cup of coffee, she answers.
"21 across. It's love."
She looks up when she feels him kiss the top of her head. He quickly scratches in
the answer before tossing the pen and puzzle aside. He carefully grabs the mug out of her hands and places it, along with his glasses, on his bedside table. Amanda grabbed his shirt, pulling him towards her. She knew exactly how she wanted to start their day.