The thrumming in her heart slowly settles, little by little, with each of his words taking the edge off the hurt and the fear that gripped it for the last day. That he took it as seriously as she felt it was - so new. Undid all the pain of the days before.

"I missed you." She admits. "I've been so afraid, that you would not - make it back."

But most of all, in the time he was gone, one important thing had started to happen.

She took the hand that held her cheek and guide it down - down to the growing bump was now so clearly showing. Settling his palm over the swell to cup the child that took up more space by the day. "He missed you."

And there, right on cue, was that first kick, the straining twitch that was faint.

But could not be mistaken.