C192 STEFAN AND MIA DANCED WITH BABY HOPE BETWEEN THEM

Hours stretched, each contraction stronger than the last. Mia's world narrowed to just the pain and Stefan's voice cutting through it, anchoring her, reminding her why she was doing this.

She could feel his fear in the way his hand trembled slightly against her forehead, could hear his love in every whispered encouragement.

And then, at last, the air filled with the sharp