He held both arms out toward me, hands open and steady.

“Give her to me,” he said.

I looked up at his face.

His eyes were clear and focused, the indecisive panic from the emergency room completely gone.

I gently lifted June from my lap, supporting her neck with one hand, and passed her warm body into his arms.

Ethan pulled our daughter close against his chest, sliding one broad palm behind her head to support her against his shoulder.

He bowed his head, rested his cheek against her soft fleece cap, and closed his eyes as he held her tight.