“Dr.

Collins, this is Paula down in ultrasound,” she said into the receiver, her voice lowered to a quiet murmur.

“I need you to come look at this scan right now.”

“Paula?” Grace asked, her soft voice trembling a little.

“Is my stomach okay?”

“The doctor will explain everything in just a minute, sweetie,” Paula said, giving Grace’s hand a gentle squeeze before wiping the gel off her stomach with a warm towel.

I stepped out into the bright corridor to make a call while Paula helped Grace sit up.