A wooden crib stood beside the window.
And several framed animal illustrations hung above a low bookshelf.
Amanda contributed an absurd number of gifts.
Baby clothes.
Blankets.
Books.
And a ridiculously expensive stroller Naomi insisted was unnecessary.
Amanda laughed.
"It's a gift."
Naomi shook her head.
"You could've bought a normal stroller."
"I could've."
"Then why didn't you?"
Amanda grinned.
"Because I'm the aunt."
David laughed from the doorway.
"She's got you there."
Naomi rolled her eyes.
But she smiled.
The small moments of joy began returning.
And as the baby's arrival approached, Naomi slowly reclaimed the ordinary excitement the confrontation had interrupted.
At thirty-seven weeks, Naomi's medical team determined that delivery should be planned based on her condition and the baby's assessment.
She and David discussed the recommendations carefully.
They asked questions.
Reviewed the plan.
And prepared for the hospital.
Amanda promised to be available.
She was scheduled for a promotional appearance that weekend but told her manager she would leave if Naomi needed her.
The manager laughed.
"Amanda, this event has been booked for six months."
She smiled.
"So has this baby."
He sighed.
"Fine. We'll make arrangements."
Amanda grinned.
"Thank you."
Two days later, Naomi went into labor under the care of her medical team.
David was beside her.
He held her hand.
Helped her breathe through difficult moments.
And repeatedly reminded her that she wasn't alone.
Amanda arrived later.
This time, she wasn't wearing an extravagant cape coat or towering burgundy boots.
She wore comfortable black trousers, a simple shirt, and sneakers.
When Naomi saw her, she began laughing.
"You look normal."
Amanda stared.
"Excuse me?"
Naomi smiled weakly.
"No runway outfit?"
Amanda laughed.
"Not today."
Then she approached the bed.
Her expression softened.
"How are you doing?"
Naomi took a breath.
"Scared."
Amanda nodded.
"That's okay."
She reached for her hand.
"You're allowed to be."
For a moment, Naomi looked toward David.
Then toward her oldest friend.
She remembered the ambulance.
The parking lot.
And the fear that followed the fall.
Now she was surrounded by people who loved her.
She took a slow breath.
And turned toward the medical team as the next stage of her life began.
The baby was born on a rainy Saturday evening.
She weighed just under six pounds, with dark hair, tiny curled fingers, and a surprisingly powerful cry.