CH.51

Karl's side of the bed's sheets was already chilly when I woke up the following morning.

I ran my fingers over the indentation his head had left on the pillow with a frown creasing my brow.

It was unusual for Karl to be up before me. I was the early riser in our relationship.

"Karl?" I called out softly in a voice still husky with sleep.

No response.

Pushing myself to sit, I swept my tangled hair out of my face and glanced around our bedroom.

Sunlight streamed through the gap in the heavy curtains. Everything was in its place, exactly as we'd left it the night before - except for my husband.

I threw off the silk sheets and swung my legs over the side of the bed.

The plus carpet next to our bed was soft beneath my bare feet, and I padded over to the walk-in closet to grab my favorite silk robe from its hanger.

"May as well go find him and figure out what he's up to," I muttered, running a hand through my sleep-mussed hair.

I made my way out of the bedroom and down the long