We weren't doing anything, Melody thought to point out. Reuben wasn't the one who would be birthing a child, nor would he even have to deal with washing the babe or feeding it. By the time Reuben was brought in, the disgusting mess would be dealt with and the baby all snuggled up in its blanket. Meanwhile, she would either be dead, exhausted, or in perpetual fear of making another mistake so grave he sought to take the baby away from her. Melody sank further into the bed, embarrassment and exhaustion still plain to see on her face.

"No, we haven't..." she replied. "...I really thought today would be the day."

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