CHAPTER 21

NAMING HER

The days following Grace's passing were a blur for Ethan. The hospital released him and the baby after ensuring she was healthy, but stepping into their home without Grace was a moment he wasn't prepared for. The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional cries of their newborn daughter.

Every corner of the house held memories of Grace—her laughter, her voice, her touch. The crib she had insisted on picking out, the baby clothes she had lovingly folded, and the ultrasound pictures on the fridge were all reminders of what he had lost.

But then he looked down at the tiny life cradled in his arms, her big, curious eyes looking up at him. She was a perfect mix of them both, with Grace's delicate features and his deep brown eyes.

"She's here because of you, Grace," Ethan whispered to the empty room. "And I'll make sure she knows it every day."

Ethan had struggled to decide on a name. Grace had wanted to wait until the baby was born to name her, hoping the right name would come to them in the moment. Now, Ethan felt the weight of making this decision alone.

One quiet night, as he rocked the baby in his arms, he spoke softly. "Your mom wanted you to have a name that meant something special. She believed names carried strength and love."

He paused, stroking the baby's tiny hand. "Grace fought so hard for you. So I think it's only right that part of her lives on in you."

The next day, he filled out the birth certificate: Lillian Grace Carter.

"Lillian, after the flowers she loved so much," he said aloud, holding the certificate close. "And Grace, because you're the greatest part of her".