Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1309

Whitney couldn’t help slipping into her professional mode. She reached out and gently touched the chubby little hand of the baby, giving her a quick but thorough once-over. “She’s about four months old, right?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Tiana replied, her voice warm with fondness. “Valerie brought her home when she was just two months. Nolan was holding her—she was so tiny, even Cherry couldn’t believe how small.”

“Well, she looks pretty well taken care of now.” Whitney ran her fingers lightly along the baby’s arm, checking her bones. “She’s got the weight of a healthy four-month-old, and she’s adorable. Good alertness, reacts well to sounds and sights. Aside from needing extra oxygen, you’d hardly notice anything different.”

Tiana sighed, her fingers curling protectively around the baby’s hand. “But the heart condition is serious. When she’s lying still, she’s okay, but Val says she still can’t lift her head. Her arms and legs don’t move much, and her circulation can’t keep up. The doctors warned us—if she doesn’t start rolling over soon, and her big movements don’t come along, she’ll fall behind the other kids.”

Whitney nodded, her eyes softening. “She’s not getting enough blood flow. Her heartbeat is slow. You might not see the effects now, but as she grows… it’ll be tough.”

Tiana pressed her lips together, watching the baby’s tiny fingers grasping the air. After a moment, she straightened up with a deep breath and smiled down at the baby. “Hey, Joy. I’m Tiana. And this is your godmother too—Whitney.”

She winked at Whitney. “Your godmothers are here to cheer you on! You keep fighting, sweetheart. Eat and drink well, okay? Your mommy made it through the hardest part. No one’s ever going to hurt you again. Everything’s going to be alright. You’ll get your surgery and grow up healthy, I just know it.”

Whitney felt her eyes sting a little. She gently touched Joy’s hand. “You know, your godmother has a baby at home about your age. You two can be besties one day.”

Tiana giggled. “And don’t forget the one in my belly! Maybe you’ll be three sisters!”

Whitney shot her a look, teasing, “Parker’s hoping for a boy, just so you know.”

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