"Congratulations," she said, beaming. "He's a healthy big boy!"
A heavy, warm exhaustion settled over her, mingling with a surge of elation as Barbara looked down at the tiny, squirming bundle nestled in her and Lycus's hands. The baby's skin was flushed a delicate, rosy pink, damp with birth, and it made the most fragile sound. This tiny whimper felt like a spark igniting within her, illuminating every exhausted fibre with fierce joy.
"He's small." Barbara's breath hitched as she took in every detail of her newborn, tears welling up in her eyes.
She'd done it; her body, through the pain, had brought this life into the world. Her fingers reached out shakily to trace the baby's little brow, her lips curving into a smile that was both relieved and filled with wonder.
Beside her, Lycus's
