Waiting wouldn't have helped so much. She started waking up when he got out of bed; the loss of his warmth and the shifting mattress are all it takes to rouse her just enough to monitor his comings and goings. It's not such a bad habit to develop, given how often he's injured or coming in late. The first time he says her name she groans softly. The touches get her to roll over, lips seeking his before she's fully awake. That's an instinct worth encouraging.

"Mm, morning. What's wrong, honey?"