It was comforting to hear that no one was ever really ready. But how could they be? She had experience looking after her younger siblings and cousins, but that wasn't the same as having her own child to care for. She'd never shied away from responsibility and she wasn't about to start now in spite of the fact that she was already worried about not giving this child everything it needed. But what I've always wanted is to show a child the same love my parents showed me, to give a son or daughter that same support and to make them truly believe they can accomplish anything. There was a small pang at the fact that her mother would never see her children, but she assuaged the pain with the knowledge that her mother would smile so very happily if she was here.

"John's remarkable at dealing with stress," she replied quietly, "But I know things still affect him, even if he doesn't always show it." His responses might be far more mild than most people's, but she knew he still felt deeply about the things he cared about. Liz's words about how big a change it was were both empowering and terrifying. "You're right. It'll be a complete recreation of the life we have now. And that new life is one I've wanted for almost as long as I can remember. I just hope I can do right by this child, that I can be as good to him or her as my parents were to me..."