Damien was already half-dressed when Ivy woke up. His shirt was buttoned, his hair still damp from a quick shower. He kept checking the clock like time was chasing him. Ivy watched him from the bed, her hand on her stomach without thinking.

“You have the meeting today?” she asked quietly.

He looked at her and softened. “Yes. The council called for it. I’ll try to make it quick.”

She nodded. She didn’t want him to leave, but she also knew he had to. He brushed her cheek, kissed her ...