Delaney woke up the next morning.
The very first thing she felt was the steady, rhythmic beating of Rowan's heart. He was holding her securely against his broad chest.
During the quiet hours of the night, he had pulled her even closer, burying his face deeply into the back of her neck. His strong arm was wrapped heavily around her narrow waist, keeping her safely anchored to his warm body.
Delaney did not want to wake him. She lay still for a few moments, simply enjoying the wonderful peaceful feeling of being held by her husband.
Slowly and carefully, Delaney began to move. She reached down and gently took hold of his large hand resting on her stomach. She slowly loosened the tight grip of his arm. She moved his arm softly, placing his hand onto the white pillows so she could slip away.
Rowan let out a very low, sleepy murmur, but he did not wake up. He simply rolled onto his back, his chest rising and falling in a deep, peaceful sleep.
