It's not like her to admit weakness. And he doesn't think it's pride: it's that she's accustomed to a need to show her strength. She is strong, but so is he, and they're getting used to being softer for each other than for the people they lead. When she settles in against his front, he drapes an arm over her midsection.

"If there's a wall you don't want to look at," he says, starting over, "look at me instead. I'll be right here. Or look at Ghost: he'll be on the floor beside you. Don't step on him in the night, though. He won't take kindly to it."

Pressing the flat of his hand high on her belly, he adds, "Gods, I've missed this."