“She’s mine,” I say barely over a whisper, glancing down at the baby girl with a pink blanket wrapped tightly around her, sleeping so peacefully. There’s a pink bow in her dark hair. Swallowing, I continue. “Her name is Maize.”
Jackson’s mouth falls open, and even I don’t know what else to say. I’m just as blindsided about this as they are. On cue, Maize opens her eyes, takes one look at all of us hovering over her, and releases a scream from her lungs. I look around, not really sure what to do. Emily kneels, picks her up, and then holds her gently against her chest. Standing up, she rocks her body back and forth to soothe her.
“Shh, it’s going to be alright, little Maize. We’re all going to take good care of you,” Emily whispers, calming her and me at the same time.
“What did the lette
