As she nestled him against her shoulder, Karen stirred, his little face scrunching up in the way that only small children can. His eyes blinked open, sleepy and confused, and he looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Annabelle stepped closer, her voice soft and soothing. "That's your grandma holding you, Karen," she said, smiling as she watched her son begin to focus on the woman holding him. "Your dad's mama."
Serena's eyes brimmed with tears again as Karen turned his big, curious eyes toward her. For a moment, he just stared, his tiny brow furrowed in concentration as if he were trying to make sense of this new face. Then, slowly, his lips curved into a small, sleepy smile, and Serena felt her heart nearly burst with joy.
"Hello, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm your grandma. Oh, you're just perfect."
