Turning her head with effort, Chelsey saw the concern etched deeply on Jacob's face. Her lips, parched and dry, barely moved as she whispered, "The baby..."

The doctor, overhearing her faint words, chastised her gently but firmly, "As a mother, you need to be more careful. How could you endanger your pregnancy like this? Do you realize you almost lost the baby?"

Chelsey's breath caught in her throat, rendering her speechless.