Julian’s state of mind felt like it belonged to another lifetime.

A grief he couldn’t name, a cold hopelessness, surged up and swallowed him whole.

But when he looked at her, his gaze was gentle. He walked up slowly. When he was an arm’s length away, he reached out and lightly touched her lower belly, asking softly, “Was the baby good today?”

Francesca didn’t dodge. She lowered her eyes to his palm and gently caught his hand. “I already ...