CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX – THE FEAR OF MOTHERHOOD

That evening, Deonna stood in the nursery, running her hand over the crib Logan had insisted on assembling himself. Despite his initial clumsiness with the instructions, the finished product was sturdy and beautiful. She heard Logan's footsteps behind her and turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on his face. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked. Deonna took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about what Dr. Patel said. About taking leave." Logan nodded, encouraging her to continue. "I'm scared, Logan," she admitted. "I'm scared of stepping back, of losing everything I've worked for. But I'm more scared of something happening to our baby because I was too stubborn to slow down." Logan crossed the room, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His hands rested on her belly, and she leaned back into his embrace. "Whatever you decide," he said softly, "I'm with you. If you want to keep working, we'll find a way to manage your stress. If you want to take leave