“As soon as the doctor clears you for discharge, we’ll transport you. Most likely, tomorrow morning.”
Fresh tears spilled down Sissy’s cheeks. She bent over the baby again, kissing her tiny head and whispering words Naomi couldn’t hear.
Naomi swallowed past the ache in her throat and turned to the agent. “When do I . . . take her?”
“In the morning,” Langston said. “The baby can stay at the hospital overnight. That gives you time to get things arranged.”
Naomi nodded, though the words sent a fresh wave of unease through her.
The reality of what she’d agreed to pressed down on her all at once. A newborn. Paperwork. Bottles. Diapers. A life suddenly dependent on her choices.
She had no idea what she was getting herself into—and no illusion that this would be simple.
Her chest tightened.
A hand brushed her elbow.
Naomi startled, then realized it was Micah. She hadn’t even heard him come into the room.
The contact was brief, barely there, but it grounded her all the same. Everything about the man was solid, steady, and reassuring in a way she hadn’t expected.
“You don’t have to figure it all out tonight,” he reminded her.
She nodded, unable to trust her voice.
As the agent stepped back toward the door and Sissy continued murmuring to the baby, Naomi closed her eyes for a heartbeat.
Lord, I can’t do this on my own.If this is where You’ve led me, give me the strength to see it through. One step at a time.
When she opened her eyes again, the fear was still there.
But so was a quiet resolve.
For now, that would have to be enough.
