Tegan had just become a mother, and could hardly bear to sleep. She wanted to check on Lola every moment.

As the bedroom lights dimmed, Lorian returned to the sofa and lay down. He gently closed his eyes and murmured, “Go to sleep early. I’ll bring Lola over to you at night.”

Tegan wanted to refuse but hadn’t spoken yet when Lorian seemed to fall asleep. In the dim light, he lay quietly on the sofa. He stretched one arm out over the baby crib and rocked it gently. The mild rhythmic motion made