Chapter 4

The sky darkened with storm clouds on the morning of my baby shower, a fitting backdrop for what would become one of the most humiliating days of my life. Sarah had transformed her backyard with soft pink and yellow decorations, tiny paper booties hanging from strings between the trees, and a table laden with finger foods and a three-tiered cake topped with a fondant stork.

"You look beautiful," Sarah whispered, squeezing my hand as guests began to arrive. My swollen ankles protested every step, but I managed a smile, one hand cradling my enormous belly as I greeted old friends…