EMERSYN

JESS

he quiet hum of the hospital filled the air as Luke pushed my wheelchair out of Laura's room in the ICU. My heart felt lighter now. Seeing Laura awake, talking-even if she was weak-was a miracle I hadn't dared hope for just hours ago. Josh was at her side, practically glued to her, his hand clutching hers like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.

"Take it easy, you big oaf," Laura had teased, her voice hoarse but filled with that familiar sass. "I'm not going anywhere."

Josh just shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "You scared me," he whispered. "Never do that again, okay?"

"I'll do my best, but no promises," Laura joked, her lips twitching into a small smile.

Luke had been silent, standing behind me, but his presence was steady, grounding. When it was time to leave, I'd squeezed Laura's hand and smiled through my own tears.

"You scared us all, you know," I said softly.

"Yeah, well," Laura replied with a faint grin, "you've got a baby to think about now, so quit worrying about me."

I didn't know how she could joke, but it gave me hope.

Now, as Luke wheeled me down the hallway, the sterile scent of the hospital seemed less oppressive. EMERSYN

11

in my ear,

glancing back

resting lightly on my shoulder as he steered us into

My heart was pounding now, anticipation building as we neared the neonatal ICU. Luke stopped just outside the door, leaning down so his face was close to mine. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low and full of something I couldn't quite

the lump

beeping from monitors and a gentle hum from the warming stations. Nurses moved quietly, their voices low and calm. Everything

other side of the glass, I

pink blanket with the smallest cap covering her head. Her little fists were curled up beside her cheeks, and her chest rose and fell in

tears

his voice thick

light highlighted the tiniest features I'd ever seen-her button nose, her delicate lips. My

arm wrapping around my shoulders as he leaned down to kiss the top of my

faster now. "She's

eyes misty. "Yeah, she is. Just like

turned to him, my heart full, and asked, "What should we name

his head, considering for a moment. "Something

bubbled up in my mind, one that felt right. "What about Emersyn?"

raised an eyebrow.

she won. She's our little fighter." Luke smiled, and the way

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