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“Also valuable information.”

Her mouth twitches even though she tries to look annoyed. “You went completely off-script.”

“I noticed.”

“You were better off-script.”

The compliment gets through more easily than the applause did.

I turn back toward Emma as Claire introduces one of the shelter directors joining the initiative.

Her stomach rests between us, and I put my hand against the side of it when one of the babies moves beneath my palm.

Emma smiles. “Where’d you go?”

“I think we’re done.”

“With the event?”

“With Spencer.”

She watches me long enough to understand what I mean, then threads her fingers through mine. “I really like that.”

“So do I.”

We leave the backstage corridor together and find Mom outside the greenroom with Babs and Biddy, although the sign has somehow acquired several more hearts and what appears to be another green wolf.

Biddy runs toward me with the poster held above her head. “Daddy, everybody liked it!”

“I saw.”

“Babs says you can put it in your office.”

Babs catches up and takes hold of the other side. “Where people can see it.”

“That’s important,” Emma says beside me.

Babs nods because apparently Emma understands corporate display requirements better than I do.

I take the sign before they tear it between them, then tuck it beneath one arm and offer Emma my other hand.

Behind us, Claire is still answering questions, reporters are waiting outside, and somebody will probably put another microphone in front of me before we make it to the SUV.

I can deal with them then.

Biddy grabs two of my fingers and starts pulling me toward the exit and Babs takes Emma’s hand.

I go with them.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Emma

OCTOBER 15TH

The technician moves the wand across my stomach again, and the smile she’s worn through most of the appointment fades as she leans closer to the monitor.

My hand tightens around Bane’s before I even realize I’m doing it. “What’s wrong?”