(Emma)
I lay still, feeling the rise and fall of Darius’s chest against my back. His arm was warm around me, his hand resting over my belly, fingers curled just slightly like he was afraid to let go. He had held me like this all night, even after he fell asleep. Like he needed to make sure I was still here. Safe.
I knew I should try to sleep more, but my mind wouldn’t stop. The soreness in my belly had faded, but the feeling from last night—the fear, the helplessness—still stayed with me. I had never felt pain like that before. It was hard, and for a moment, I thought something was wrong. I thought I was losing her.
Our daughter.
I swallowed, tightening my grip on Darius’s wrist. He didn’t wake, but he shifted slightly, his hand pressing a little more firmly against my belly. He was al
