He didn't know what was wrong, couldn't even fathom what she was experiencing. But he could see it, the twisted look of anguish on her face, feel her tired body tremble with effort beside him.

He set his jaw then; he tried to find strength for her as he searched the glazed look in her eyes, the pained film of tears over them. He moved decisively, didn't let his gaze stray from hers as he scooped her up by the waist, pulled her up against him to quell her shaking, his fingers weaving into her hair.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered calmly. "You're fine. I got you."