A week and a half before completing her dissertation research, Keeley gave her two weeks' notice at the lab, explaining that she had some personal concerns demanding her time. Dr. Kim was sorry to see her go, as they had worked together for many years.

"I wish I could keep you on post-graduation," she admitted. "But I'm afraid that's not up to me. I'd be happy to provide a letter of recommendation if you choose to seek other opportunities later."

"Thanks, Dr. Kim," Keeley said gratefully. That was the end of it. A clean break.

She had been so tired lately that she frequently fell asleep in class, affecting her grades—a serious problem. This led Aaron to convince her to quit her job.

She no longer needed the academic credit or the paycheck, so staying on campus five extra hours a day was pointless. Keeley had homework, a dissertation to write, and a baby to raise. She was better off at home.

Aaron was genuinely concerned about her. She belatedly realized this was likely why he'd wanted her to quit her job at Ace Burger years earlier.

At the time, she'd thought he looked down on her profession, rather than considering her well-being. How wrong she had been. Aaron always cared; he just wasn't adept at expressing himself back then.

When not in class, doing assignments, or studying, Keeley was sleeping. She probably slept twelve or thirteen hours a day. Most days, when Aaron got home, she was asleep on the couch, and he had to wake her for dinner.

He'd resumed using a meal delivery service when she started school, as she wasn't home for dinner. He continued using it after she quit her job to ease her burden. Ordering for two was simple.

"Hey sleepyhead," Aaron said softly, gazing at her. "Come eat."

Keeley blinked slowly, adjusting to the light. She'd fallen asleep reading a textbook on the couch; it had fallen to the floor, crumpling several pages.

"What time is it?"

"A little after six."

She groaned. She'd been asleep for at least two and a half hours. And that textbook chapter, plus a paper, still needed attention.

He said sympathetically, "I know, sweetheart. Food might help. As soon as you finish a minimum amount of work, you can go back to bed."

"Okay," she mumbled sleepily.

Why was she so tired? She hadn't been this tired during her first pregnancy. Did it vary, or did she simply misremember?

Keeley picked at her Mediterranean chicken, then rushed to the trash can to vomit. Her morning sickness struck randomly—the name was a misnomer; it hit anytime, unexpectedly.

Aaron handed her ginger ale and saltine crackers, as Dr. Chapman had recommended during her first prenatal visit. He knew the routine.

"Are you okay?"

She groaned. No. She was only eating the crackers for the baby. She might vomit again soon.

"What needs doing tonight?" he asked, concerned she might not make it to bedtime.

"I need to finish the chapter and gather sources for my paper."

"How long will that take?"

"A few hours? I was halfway through the reading."

"I've written many papers. I can help you find sources," Aaron said firmly. "Just tell me where to look. While you read, I'll search, and you can narrow things down."

Tears of gratitude welled in her eyes. She felt more affection for him than ever before. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you," she said fervently.

He hugged her tightly, rubbing her back soothingly before releasing her. "Let's get this done so you can sleep."

True to his word, Aaron diligently searched NYU's database for research articles once Keeley specified her needs and keywords. She'd review everything afterward.

Finishing the reading was difficult, but she persevered, knowing she had less to do afterward. Sorting through the sources took under an hour thanks to Aaron's help.

"You're a good man, Aaron Hale," she said aloud, snuggling under the covers two hours earlier than expected.

His amused voice came from outside her door. "I'm glad you think so."

Keeley blushed crimson. She hadn't thought he'd hear! "I take it back! Eavesdroppers are bad!"

"How is it eavesdropping if it's unintentional?"

She had no reply. "Just let me sleep."

"Alright, alright. Good night, sweetheart."

"Night," she muttered.

He was so cheesy. The pet names hadn't stopped since their engagement. Aaron took his vow to be different seriously. He'd never used nicknames before.

It made him sound like any man in love. The thought warmed her heart.

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