"Ava...forgive me, I should have told you sooner...but...your infection has been clear for days, and your organs suggest ideal function. So if your wish is to have more children, I see no evidence why you'd be unable to, in due time. Despite what you've experienced...you are of great health," Karl offered quickly.

The room seemed to grow hotter when Ava's pretty mouth widened into a bright smile, followed by a new, bright tremble in her shoulders, and finally...a giggle.

She was actually...laughing at him.

This wasn't a reaction he'd been anticipating. Unusual affect was certainly common for women who'd experienced stillbirths, from hallucinations and screaming to abject catatonia, but never...