Chapter 4: A Different Beginning
Two months later...
Labor began just before sunrise.
James drove faster than Emily had ever seen him drive.
"You always obeyed speed limits."
"I still am."
"Dad..."
"I'm choosing not to notice the signs."
Emily laughed for the first time in what felt like forever.
Ten hours later...
A tiny cry filled the delivery room.
"It's a girl."
James froze.
The nurse placed the baby into Emily's arms.
She looked impossibly small.
Perfect.
Safe.
Emily whispered,
"Hello, Grace."
James blinked rapidly.
"Why Grace?"
Emily smiled.
"Because we survived without becoming bitter."
He leaned down and kissed his granddaughter's forehead.
"Your grandmother would have loved that name."
The nurse quietly wiped away her own tears.
Outside the room, morning sunlight spilled across the hospital windows.
May you like
For the first time...
Tomorrow felt larger than yesterday.
