Aloe's POV
The cramping started during my third week in Durango, just as I was beginning to believe I might actually build a safe life for myself and my baby.
I was refilling coffee cups in the morning rush when the first sharp pain cut through my lower abdomen, intense enough to make me gasp and grab the counter for support.
"Sarah?" Maria appeared at my side immediately, her experienced eyes taking in my pale face and the way I was protecting my belly. "What's wrong?"
"Just... a cramp," I managed, though the pain was unlike anything I'd experienced during the pregnancy so far. Sharp, persistent, accompanied by a pulling sensation that made me dizzy with fear.
"How far along are you?"
"Eighteen weeks." Eighteen weeks and two days, according to my careful calculations. Far enough al
