Ellis rested in the center, his small thumb pressed against the woven side seam of his blue cotton receiving blanket.

June curled against Caroline’s left arm, her head tilted slightly toward her sister as she slept.

A night nurse in white crepe shoes stepped into the doorway carrying a thin aluminum clipboard and a yellow billing slip.

“The main desk sent up your final account statement, Mrs.

Holloway,” the nurse said, setting the paper face up on the bedside tray.

“Is there any outstanding charge left on the nursery fee?” Caroline asked, keeping her voice low so she wouldn’t wake the babies.