Rob watches the tiny baby squirming in Cassie's arms, a dazzling pink creature with tufts of dark hair. She had come into the world screaming indignantly with huge blue eyes staring up at her parents, demanding answers. He wonders if those eyes will eventually turn brown like his, or Cassie's shade of green.
His eyes meet Cassie's and they share a tiny private smile over their daughter's head. They had agreed to raise the baby together, as platonic friends. There were worse situations for a baby to be born into and having parents who liked and respected each other was enough. Looking at Cassie now though, completely exhausted and sweaty and never more beautiful, he can't deny his feelings any more.
"I love you," he whispers, leaning in to kiss her hair, smoothing it back from her face. "Both of you."
Even if she rejects him, tells him it's just the relief of the birth being over talking, he doesn't mind, but she smiles and slips her hand into his. "I love you. We both do."
They continue to watch as if hypnotised as Alexandra Clare Maddox Reilly turns her head slightly and gives something that could be a snore.
