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Chapter 53

*C H A R L O T T E*

I wake up with my head on Hero's chest. I listen to his heartbeat for a second and enjoy the feeling of his smooth skin against mine. My whole body aches from sleeping in the same position for a whole night because of the tiny bed. But still, despite the aches, a smile comes across my face.

"Good morning beautiful," Hero whispers.

I hadn't noticed he was awake so I'm startled. I look up and see his big, green eyes looking at me.

"Good morning." I give him a broad smile and put my hand on his jaw. I look into his eyes a little longer before I move his head towards me and give him a kiss on his soft lips.

"I never would have thought there would be a day when I'd wake up like this again," Hero says.

"Me neither..."

The past still haunts us and the memories of a few months ago kill the happy moment. It's as if a dark cloud covers the sun all of a sudden.

"But the past is the past, let's agree: clean slate and no more secrets," I say fiercely. And in that moment I mean what I say. I have thought about this and the best way to move forward, the only way to make it this time is to forget about the past. I can't let it come between us any longer.

"Can you do that? Can you truly get over what happened?" he asks.

"I will, for you."

He kisses me this time. I haven't been this happy in months and the future looks bright again. Feeling comfortable and loved around Hero is easy. It's like blinking, I can't help it. I'm kind of proud I let down my walls and let him in again. I also know it was the right thing to do. We belong together and there is no denying that. Our love is like a force of nature, too strong to ignore.

"I can't wait to see the look on Jack and Lizzie's face," Hero grins.

"Oh as if this wasn't the whole point of letting us sleep in the same room!"

Hero giggles and that makes me laugh. It's such a great sound.

After a few more cuddles we decide we can't hide in here any longer. We walk to the kitchen and try to keep our hand off each other. I mean, have you ever tried to keep your hands off Hero Fiennes Tiffin?! Not an easy task!

"You're looking happy this morning," Lizzie teases.

How can she know? I mean?!

"I'm surprised you look this good, Char," Jack adds. "I mean, you didn't get much sleep last night."

Oh my god. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks immediately and I start stammering. Hero, Jack and Lizzie look at me and start laughing uncontrollably. I hide my face against Hero's shoulder. This is horror!

"Oh, Charlotte, it's fine!" Lizzie says. "Kind of reminded me of staying in a dorm last year."

I show my face again and I start to see the humor. I can tell they're genuinely happy for us.

"As if this wasn't part of your plan all along," I say and I walk over to the counter to get some coffee.

"Don't know what you're talking about," Lizzie shrugs and hides her face behind her mug.

We all take something to drink and take a seat.

"So what are we doing today?" Lizzie asks.

"I think we should paint a new layer today," I say.

"Do you think this will be the last one?" Hero asks.

"I honestly have no idea," I admit. "I guess we'll see when it's dried."

"And then we can decorate!" Lizzie claps her hands.

Lizzie and I start talking about baby stuff and Hero and Jack exchange a look.

"Okay," Hero says. "I think this is my cue to leave! Let me take a quick shower to wake up properly and I'm good to go!"

After about ten minutes I decide to go to my room to take my toothbrush and fresh clothes. Hero should be done soon. As much as I want to join Hero in the shower, I'm not going to. I haven't forgotten about my embarrassment this morning! There is plenty of time for that. Oh how I look forward to the future! I can't wait to take him to Madeira and show him the island. I'm sure he will love it as much as I do. I have a vision of us watching the sunrise on top of Pico do Ariero and watching the ocean on top of Cabo Girão. I can't wait to show him my favorite townst São Vicente, Monte and Camara de Lobos. I start humming a song as I imagine this. I'm busy putting the stuff I need on top of my bed when I hear a phone buzz. I look around and I see my screen is dark so it's not mine. I turn and spot Hero's on his bed. With a frown I look at the screen and I see Scott's name. Oh, I haven't talked to him in ages! I decide to pick up, I know Hero won't be mad.

"Hi Scotty!" I enthusiastically say.

"Well, well, well," a familiar voice says. "Hello Charlotte, it's been a while."