Northstar Vale If we drop a stone in a pond, the ripples begin to move.

He didn’t make her wait, appearing within moments of her call. Maxim looked a little quizzical, though there was a smile on his face. Towhee returned it, leaning into his kiss and offering a quick nuzzle in return. He seemed to be in good spirits, which made her tail thump on the winter grass with a dull thumping sound.

It’s starting, she told him. I’d hardly call them contractions—they’re really just cramps right now—but they’re coming steadily about every ten minutes. In case this information excited her mate, she hastily added, I don’t think they’ll be here for hours, possibly not even until tomorrow. But I wanted you to be here to, like, hold my hand and shit.