Azzmi’s question made Raven chuckle. She couldn’t help but wonder what was funny about it.

“I was waiting for that question,” Raven replied. “No, that’s not why I stayed. I just really wanted to be here. Even if you weren’t pregnant, I’d still be here.”

There was something in his tone, a sincerity in his eyes, that made Azzmi believe him.

“Thank you,” she said with a half-smile.

“For what?”

“For being here when I needed you.”

Raven smiled, a soft, comforting look. ...