Tessa was drifting in a dark, soothing layer of sleep when a cry pierced through her awareness. It was loud but fragile at the same time, like it was calling out and demanding attention all at once. Her brow furrowed, her breathing shifted slightly. She was not fully awake, but her heart recognized the sound instantly.

It was Ethan crying. Her son.

Even at just one week old, Tessa was already certain her baby had the strongest voice she had ever heard. Even half-asleep, her maternal ...