The next morning, around nine o'clock, Cassidy's phone rang. It was Georgia.
Her voice came through, excited. "Cass! Mom's awake. Martha just called. I'm getting ready to head to the hospital now."
Cassidy's heart leapt at the news. "Are you serious?" she asked, breathless.
"Yes! She just woke up a few minutes ago. I'm on my way there."
Cassidy thanked her and ended the call, a relieved smile already forming on her face. She turned toward Zeke, who was sitting on the sofa, focused on his laptop. His brows were furrowed as he read something on the screen—probably work-related.
She glanced at Claire, still sleeping peacefully on the bed, then walked quietly over to Zeke.
"Zeke," she said softly, "can you watch Claire for a bit? I want to check on my mom."
Zeke looked up, immediately attentive. "Of course. You can leave her with me."
Cassidy nodded, grateful. "Thank you."
