It didn't surprise him that Cash had been worrying himself sick, not really. Having children layered on responsibilities, stacks of them, and responsibilities in general were antithetical to the way Cash approached his life — comfortable having no control, as he'd phrased it. This had been on Ford's mind ages ago, before the wedding; it was at least half of the reason he'd objected so strongly to the marriage. So it wasn't a surprise... but what it lacked in surprise it had twicefold in guilt, because Ford should have noticed. He should have noticed if Cash was spiraling about anything; he especially should have known to watch for this. He'd had his hands full this summer, with Grace's interviews, and Jemima still adjusting, and stalking Philomen Huxley — but still. He should have noticed. It was important enough.

"It's when you think about the baby?" Ford clarified. "What specifically?"

---