“James,” she whispered, her voice weak. He didn’t answer. She tried again. “Is she okay?” He turned slowly. His face was pale. In his arms, the baby shifted, wrapped snugly in a white hospital blanket. Emily smiled through tears. “Let me see her.” He hesitated. Just for a second, but she saw it. A flicker of something sharp in his eyes.
When he finally stepped closer and lowered the baby into her arms, Emily felt her heart swell. The tiny weight, the warmth, the impossibly small fingers. “Hi there,” she whispered. But James wasn’t looking at her. He was still staring at the baby, expression frozen. “What is it?” she asked softly. He blinked, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Nothing. I just—she’s beautiful.”