CHAPTER 15

THE BABY SHOWER

Grace's friends and family insisted on throwing her a baby shower, hoping to lift her spirits. They decorated Ethan and Grace's living room with pastel balloons and banners that read, "It's a Girl!" Gifts piled up on the table—tiny onesies, soft blankets, and stuffed animals.

But Grace was too weak to fully enjoy the day. She sat in a chair, her hands resting on her belly, her smile strained. Every laugh and cheer from her loved ones felt distant, like a world she was no longer fully part of.

At one point, she excused herself to go to the bedroom. Ethan followed her, finding her sitting on the edge of the bed, her face buried in her hands.

"I'm ruining everything," she whispered.

"No, you're not," Ethan said, sitting beside her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

"I wanted to be happy today," she said, tears streaming down her face. "I wanted to feel normal. But all I feel is…tired. So, so tired."

Ethan kissed her temple, his own tears threatening to fall. "You don't have to pretend, Grace. Everyone knows how hard this is for you. They're not here for a party—they're here for you. Because they love you."

She leaned into him, sobbing quietly. "I'm so scared, Ethan. What if I don't make it? What if I never get to hold her?"

His heart shattered at her words. He pulled her closer, his voice shaking as he said, "You're the strongest person I've ever known, Grace. And no matter what happens, she'll know how much you loved her. I'll make sure of it."

As the weeks passed, Grace's condition worsened. She could barely stand without assistance, and the pain was relentless. Ethan took time off work to care for her full-time, refusing to leave her side.

One night, as they lay in bed, Grace turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ethan, promise me something."

"Anything," he said, his throat tight.

"Promise me you'll be the best dad you can be. Love her. Teach her about life, about kindness, about strength. Tell her about me."

Ethan's chest ached as he nodded. "I promise, Grace. She'll know everything about you. She'll know how brave you were, how much you loved her."

Grace smiled faintly, her hand resting on his cheek. "I love you," she said, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and peace.

"I love you more," he replied, his voice breaking.

As he held her that night, Ethan prayed silently for a miracle. But deep down, he knew time was slipping away. The woman he loved more than life itself was fading, and all he could do was hold on to the moments they had left.