RUBY

Being called that by my daughter felt completely different. I didn't know where my soul was anymore. Tears were stifled, and feelings I couldn't explain.

I never thought I'd be ready to be a mother. In the past, I hadn't wanted a child. Even when Luther asked me to get pregnant, I wasn't prepared. But for all that time, while I was pregnant with her, I felt a deep, soul-connected connection to this little girl.

"Are you really Mommy? Really?" Rose's eyes were full of hope. She turned to ...