Three months later…
Winter quietly gave way to spring.
The streets of Seabrook were alive with blooming flowers, children playing in parks, and fishing boats returning to the harbor each morning. The peaceful rhythm of the coastal town slowly healed wounds Emily had once believed would never disappear.
Her pregnancy had reached its eighth month.
The once-flat stomach she had tried so hard to hide now rounded proudly beneath her loose maternity dresses.
Every morning, she stood before the bedroom mirror, gently rubbing her belly.
"Look at you two."
"You've grown so much."
As if responding to her voice, a tiny kick pressed against her palm.
Emily laughed.
"Oh!"
"Was that you, Noah?"
Another kick followed almost immediately.
She smiled through happy tears.
"Or was that you, Nora
