Disclaimer: I own none of the characters and only borrowed them for a little while.
When a four month pregnant Ivy Lynn sung "Don't Forget Me" for the last time on stage, it wasn't just her friends who felt it: the audience were right there with her. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when she received a standing ovation.
And when they headed out post-show she glided from one person to another, all smiles and joy. She laughed when they asked for one last song, but acquiesced. And boy did she glow.
But one man stood back through it all and saw the facade.
One by one, or two by two for some, they began to leave and Ivy waved them all off, until she was left alone. And it was only then that her smile dropped.
He watched her stand at the large glass window, looking out on the lights of Broadway, a wistful expression on her face.
He watched as she sighed heavily and placed a hand on where her stomach was beginning to swell.
And he saw the solitary tear run down her cheek.
Silently he drowned the remainder of his drink, placed it on the table and crossed the near empty room. He placed a hand on her back and felt her tense before she recognised him.
"C'mere," he said softly.
She resisted for a moment before suddenly she was in his arms. There were no words to say as she cried, heaving sobs. He pressed his lips to her hair as he held her tight.
Who knows how long they stood there, but soon the tears slowed and she remained firmly in his embrace, content simply to be held.
"Let's go home." Watery eyes looked up from his chest.
He leaned down slowly to brush a stray hair from her forehead and press his lips to hers.
"Always."
Next chapter: Observed.