Aliyah's POV

I nodded again, the knot in my chest easing slightly. “I will.” My eyes flicked to the window, imagining Asher still outside, waiting. I longed to see him, to feel that warmth and reassurance again, but I had to be careful. I couldn’t risk letting anyone know about the baby. Not even him.

Papa’s hand lingered briefly on the bed, a silent promise of protection, before he stepped back. “Try to sleep,” he said. “Let your body recover. You’ll need your strength for ...