"There you are." I find Bella in her rocker in Masie's room.

"Hey." She looks tired.

"Is everything okay?"

"Her fever is down, but I wanted to stay close," she murmurs, eyes on our sleeping daughter.

"I'm sorry I had to work."

She shifts her gaze. "You're here now, and I appreciate that."

"Come here," I say, tugging her up.

I pull her into my arms.

Hug her tightly.

She sags against me.

After a moment, a sniffle.

I rub her back. "She'll be okay. Mase is tough."

"I know." She pulls back but doesn't retreat. "Thanks. I needed that."