Isaac stood frozen in the nursery doorway, the last few seconds replaying in his mind. Her voice cracking, the way her hands had trembled when she tried to smile, and then those tears real and completely unexpected.

He exhaled, his jaw tightening as he stepped into the hall. He caught sight of Lena just outside the door. She was standing stiff, one hand over her mouth.

Her eyes met his, wide with shock.

He walked past her and stopped a few steps ahead, his fingers dragging slowly ...