*Lauren*

My eyes snapped open, the whiteness of the hospital room blinding me. Panic clawed at my chest, a wild, thrashing thing. I tried to sit up in my panic, but the pain nearly knocked the air out of my lungs. "My baby," I rasped, voice hoarse from disuse, "Where's my baby?"

"Shhh, Lauren, it's okay." Lucas was suddenly there, his presence a relief to my frayed nerves. His dark hair was ruffled, looking like he’d run his hands through it. He probably had, in worry. I ...