Chapter 1

The little screen showed a tiny, pulsing heartbeat.

Dr. Ramirez smiled.

"Everything looks perfect, Sarah."

Relief washed over me.

My hand went to my belly.

Michael squeezed my shoulder.

"Our little miracle," he whispered.

He looked so happy, so proud.

We'd been trying for what felt like forever.

Outside the clinic, the sun felt warm.

Suburban streets, quiet and peaceful.

This was it, our dream starting.

Chloe called as we got into the car.

"Well?" her voice was tight.

"It's official," I said, beaming. "Everything's great."

A pause.

Then, "Oh, Sarah, that's... wonderful. I'm so happy for you."

Her voice sounded a little thin.

Chloe, my best friend.

She'd been through so many rounds of IVF.

So many disappointments.

"I have something for you," she said, her tone brightening a bit. "A little protection charm. For you and the baby."

"Chloe, you don't have to."

"I want to. Meet me at The Daily Grind? My treat."

Michael nodded. "We can go."

He was always so supportive of my friendship with Chloe.

At the coffee shop, Chloe was already there, a small velvet box on the table.

She looked tired, but her smile was wide.

"For you," she said, pushing the box towards me.

Inside, an antique silver locket lay on a bed of satin.

It was beautiful, intricate.

"Chloe, it's gorgeous."

"It's old," she said. "Supposed to be very lucky for expectant mothers. I found it at this amazing little antique place. You have to wear it. For good luck."

Her eyes were intense.

"I will," I promised, touched by her thoughtfulness.

She helped me fasten it around my neck.

It felt cool against my skin.

"It looks perfect on you," Chloe said, her smile a little too bright.

Michael watched us, a soft expression on his face.

"That's really thoughtful, Chloe," he said.

Later that night, as I got ready for bed, Michael hugged me from behind.

"Happy?" he murmured into my hair.

"So happy," I said, touching the locket.

It felt heavier than it looked.

He kissed my neck.

"You deserve all the happiness, Sarah."

I believed him.

I trusted him.

I trusted Chloe.

They were my world.

My family.