The weekly appointments brought their own particular rhythm of careful vigilance, Ivy's blood pressure monitored closely alongside the baby's continued healthy development, and though the doctor remained consistently reassuring, the low, persistent worry settled uncomfortably alongside the ongoing concern about Cross, two separate threats demanding careful attention during what should have been the most joyful final stretch of her pregnancy.

"I feel like I can't fully relax into any of it," Ivy admitted to her mother, during one of their now regular weekly visits. "The blood pressure thing, Cross, the general exhaustion of being this pregnant. It's a lot, all stacked together."

"You're allowed to feel overwhelmed, baby. Nobody expects...