Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1160

Sammy and Danny both widened their eyes in surprise at the sudden change in Mom's attitude.

Her fingertips, warm and gentle, barely brushed their baby sister's cheek.

And then, as if some invisible thread of family pulled them together, a miracle happened little Molly stopped crying. The heartbreaking wails faded, and her big round eyes blinked up at Whitney, searching for comfort. Her tiny mouth puckered, instinctively reaching out for closeness.

That sacred bond between mother and daughter-it hit Whitney hard. Her eyes grew misty, red at the corners.

She bit her lip and whispered, "You're a fighter, sweetheart. I promise, I'll do whatever it takes to help you pull through."

Sammy clung to Danny's hand, squeezing tight.

The two brothers met each other's gaze, both blinking away tears. Sammy noticed that, even though Mom hadn't called herself "Mommy" to Molly yet- maybe it was too soon, too hard to accept-she was already worrying about her.

That was enough for now. More than enough.

her in a small voice. "Her lungs are stable today. They said it's a good time to try a

She bent low and murmured, “This might hurt a little,

steel scalpel on the tray, made Sammy's palms sweat. He

you two wait outside,"

the tools, "What are you gonna do

Be strong for your sister," Whitney said, her voice firm.

hand and whispered, "Those needles... are they going to poke

Let's go," Sammy whispered

2 Wrough

the incubator. If Molly had to go pain toget better,

worried. As soon as the door clicked shut, the pediatricians

cut through the hallway-sharp, desperate, heartbreaking. She

with those needles? She's in so much pain! I

Sammy, tears in his eyes too, grabbed Danny before he could