The hospital room was bathed in a soft, golden glow as the evening sun dipped below the horizon. Brielle lay propped up against a mound of pillows, her eyes heavy with fatigue but shining with a radiant joy as she gazed down at the tiny bundle cradled in her arms.

Their daughter – a perfect amalgamation of her and Darius – slept peacefully, her rosebud mouth pursed and her delicate fingers curled into tiny fists. Brielle traced the downy wisps of hair on her daughter's head, marveling at the overwhelming love that threatened to consume her.

A gentle rap on the door drew her attention, and she looked up to...