"Hey, love," Luca said gently as she walked toward him.
"Hey," she replied, wrapping her arms tightly around him. He returned the embrace, holding her close, allowing himself a brief moment of solace. She pulled back slightly, studying his face with concern. "Long day?"
"The longest," he admitted with a weary smile. "Please tell me I am not too late for the baby dance."
"We can always keep trying with or without a window," Veronica said.
"Yeah, it is fun trying," he replied. "Now, I have an excuse to stay buried inside you."
She laughed, though there was a trace of weariness beneath the sound, a subtle heaviness that didn't escape Luca's notice. He brushed his thumb gently along her cheek.
"You didn't go anywhere today," Luca observed softly.
Veronica shook her head. "I thought to stay home."
He nodded slowly, understanding but not entirely comfortable with the idea. "You are learning to be careful," he said, "but I also do not want you to learn to be afraid."
