During the funeral, a raven landed on the girl’s coffin. A second later, everyone present went SPEAK…
The doctor smiled, adjusting the machine. The sound of the heartbeat filled the room. Owen froze, his eyes glued to the screen. “That’s so sweet,” he said, his voice trembling. Tears glistened in his eyes, quickly brushed away.
Emily saw his joy. It wasn’t just happiness—it was a deep bond with the child, a new beginning for them both. “Owen,” she whispered, “are you really this happy?”
He turned, eyes brimming with emotion. “You have no idea,” he said, kissing her hand. “Every day with you reminds me there’s nothing more precious than family. This baby is our future.”
Her heart swelled. She knew she had a chance at happiness with him. The doctor continued, confident. “Everything looks great,” he said. “The baby’s healthy, no issues.”
His words lifted a weight from Emily’s shoulders. The doctor left, giving them a moment. Owen leaned in, hugging her. “I love you,” he said softly.
Tears fell—not of sorrow, but gratitude. “I love you too, Owen. With you, I’m truly at peace.”
Time passed. One early morning, as sunlight peeked through the curtains, Emily felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. The moment had come—labor. Her heart raced as she shook Owen awake. “Owen, it’s starting. The baby’s coming.”
He bolted upright, eyes wide. Like all parents, panic hit, but he pulled himself together. He grabbed the hospital bag, double-checked it, and turned to Emily. “It’ll be okay,” he said, taking her hand. “I’m with you. That’s what matters.”
His calm steadied her. In his eyes, she saw worry but also unwavering care. At the hospital, contractions overwhelmed her, each one a battle. Owen held her hand, soothing her. “You’re strong, Emily,” he said. “I’m so proud of you.”
The labor was grueling, but when Lily was born, Emily’s world shifted. She gazed at her daughter with a love so fierce it could envelop the universe. Owen, beside her, looked at Lily with awe, tears in his eyes. “She’s a miracle, Emily,” he whispered, cradling her. “A true miracle.”
Emily watched them, tears streaming, her heart full. This was the moment she’d dreamed of. She had a family, and with Owen, she could face anything.
The days after Lily’s birth were challenging. Emily was recovering, her body still aching and exhausted from labor. When Lily woke at night, crying for attention, Owen was the first to rise. He’d scoop her up, soothing her with gentle whispers, then lay her back in the crib if Emily was too tired to move. “It’s okay, little one,” he’d murmur, gazing at his daughter. “You’re safe. Daddy’s here.”
Emily watched from the bed, a tired smile on her face. One afternoon, as they strolled through a park, Owen carried Lily in his arms. Emily walked beside him, holding his hand, feeling their life complete. “Look at her, she’s growing so fast,” Emily said, watching Owen gently rock Lily. The baby, though so young, was already curiously taking in the world…