The crying had stopped, but the silence that remained between them spoke louder than any words. He continued stroking her hair, and his voice came out low and rough, resonating against his chest beneath her ear.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” he murmured, his deep tone vibrating softly beneath her. “Soon those tears will be tears of joy… because of our child.” He paused briefly, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling. “And who knows… maybe you’ll even want another one someday.”

“I’m never