The day had barely begun, and the house felt alive with movement. Alejandro was at the mirror, knotting his tie with precise fingers, while Elise sat on the edge of the bed fastening the buckle of her flats.

He glanced over his shoulder at her reflection, his lips tugging into the smile that came too easily these days. “I’ll drop you off at the hospital.”

She shook her head immediately. “You don’t have to. I can manage.”

“I insist.” He turned, sliding his cufflink into place with a practiced flick. “What kind of husband lets his pregnant wife wander around the city on her own?”

Elise laughed softly, but it...