"That could be it," he says, softly, something about the comment striking him more deeply than he'd expected. When Alex shifts, he's already stepping forward, and he nods. "Of course."

Bending, he lifts Edie from Alex's arms, cradling her in his own. She stirs, a little, dark eyes blinking up at him once, twice, before closing again. "You're okay," he says. "I've got you."