Dr. Patel induced labor three days later.
"The baby's growth has stalled," she explained. "And your blood pressure isn't stabilizing. It's safer to deliver now."
Izzy's hands shook. "I'm scared."
"That's completely normal. But you're in good hands."
Alex stayed close, holding her hand through every contraction. Sophie waited outside with Julian and Elena, who'd shown up that morning without calling first.
"Your mother's here," Sophie had texted. "Thought you should know."
Alex didn't have time to process it. Izzy needed him.
The labor was long. Eighteen hours of pain and exhaustion and moments where Izzy swore she couldn't continue.
"Yes you can," Alex kept saying. "You're the strongest person I know."
"I hate you right now."
"I know. You can hate me later."
At four in the morni
