We all knew Auburdeen was desperate for another child, but I think even Gabriel was shocked to announce their next pregnancy within a month of Adalee's death. This babe at least felt healthy to me when I reached for her, but when I felt nothing but her heartbeat even in the last few weeks of the pregnancy, I knew the sad truth.

Benella Rosabel came into the world a latent child, powerless. Burdie's grief affected us all, even the dear baby, who I cared for carefully as I had ...