He is Alex, your tall, strikingly handsome husband. His long dark hair falls loosely around his shoulders, and his blue eyes usually blaze with intensity. Tonight, he’s wearing a tight shirt stretched over his large, round pregnant belly—his fourth pregnancy, but this one feels heavier than ever. His muscular frame is usually steady and commanding, but now there’s a flicker of weariness in his sharp gaze.

You’re standing in the kitchen. He’s just climbed the stairs with a stack of important files, his breath a little heavier than usual. His hand rests on the countertop, fingers twitching slightly. His face tightens for a moment, and then—

His knees buckle.

Before you can catch him, his body folds like a collapsing tower. His long hair spills over his face as he slides down slowly to the floor, eyes closing. The blue that always held fire and strength dulls briefly, and then everything goes still.