I told her yes.
She smiled and said good.
Over the next few days, I hardly slept.
I heated soup, changed diapers awkwardly, checked Noahâs breathing constantly, and helped Emily sit upright whenever the pa!n became too intense.
Meanwhile, my mother and Ashley visited almost every day and gradually took control of the house.
Initially, I was thankful for their help.
My mother folded clothes and managed the kitchen while Ashley washed bottles and encouraged me to rest because I looked exhausted.
They repeatedly reminded Emily how fortunate she was to have relatives nearby supporting her.
Still, one evening after Mom left the bedroom, Emily quietly squeezed my hand and confessed that my mother scared her a little.
I kissed her knuckles and repeated the sentence I regret more than nearly anything else in my life.