Nine months later.
Kassie’s phone rang at 3 AM. She fumbled for it in the dark, her heart already racing. Calls at 3 AM were never good news.
“Mom?” Lee’s voice, breathless and excited. “Madison’s in labor. We’re at the hospital.”
Kassie sat up, instantly awake. “I’m on my way. How far apart are the contractions?”
“Five minutes. They’re saying it could be a while but… Mom, I’m about to be a dad.”
“You’re going to be great, sweetheart. I’ll be there in thirty minutes. Call me if anything changes.”
She hung up and was out of bed before Daniel even processed what was happening.
“Kassie?” He sat up, confused.
“Madison’s in labor. I have to go.”
“Now?”
“Now. I’m not missing this.”
Daniel was already getting out of bed. “I’ll drive you.”
“Daniel, you don’t have to—”
“I want to. Let
