The contractions started at 2 AM, week thirty-eight.

Liora woke to sharp pain radiating through her lower back. Regular. Intense.

“Dashiell.” She shook him awake. “It’s time.”

He was out of bed in seconds, already moving. “How far apart?”

“Five minutes. Maybe less.”

“Okay. Don’t move. I’ll get everything ready.”

He was a force of nature. Called the hospital. Alerted Dr. Thorne. Had Gideon bring the car around. All while helping Liora dress and gathering her hospital bag.

“You’re very calm,” she observed between contractions.

“One of us has to be. And you’re busy bringing our son into the world.”

In the car, contractions intensified. Liora gripped Dashiell’s hand hard...