CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE.

(MELIORA'S POV)

"You know, you may be right...I never even considered how exposure to those elements might affect a newborn. You really are becoming a skilled nursemaid, huh?" Martha commented.

I ducked my head with a laugh, warmth blooming in my chest at both the compliment and the casual way she'd referred to my role - as if it were simply a natural progression rather than a mere job duty.

"Well, at any rate, I think we're well on our way to getting everything sorted for when this little one arrives," Martha declared in a tone of satisfaction, sinking down onto the edge of her bed with a contented smile.

She patted the space beside her invitingly, and I joined her, studying her expectant features with a pang of wistful longing flickering in my chest.

To be able to finally embrace the joys of motherhood after so much tragedy and hardship...it was truly a blessing.

One which, I suspected, our other dearest friends who'd left the pack at my side so months ago are expecting to welcome young ones into their lives by now.

"You know," Martha said aloud, as if reading my innermost thoughts. "The first thing I absolutely must do after getting everything prepared here is write to Suzanne, Anna, Beth and the rest to let them know about the happy development!"

She beamed at me with tender anticipation sparkling in her eyes. "And after that, Liora...don't you think we should plan a trip so you and I can visit them all once their babies arrive as well? I can't wait for us all to be reunited, even for a little while!"

Surprise flickered across my features as I considered her words. Travel out even for some time? The mere prospect twisted my stomach into anxious knots.

Yet...as I studied Martha's hopeful, yearning expression...how could I refuse such a simple, joyous request from her?

Slowly, I felt the knot begrudgingly loosen as a warm tendril of nostalgic longing unfurled in its place.

Perhaps it was time to stop hiding, keeping the world at arm's length after everything I'd endured. If Martha believed I was ready, I could find strength in her faith in me...

"Yes," I heard myself replying in a tone both firm and suffused with growing optimism. "Yes, let's absolutely start making plans to travel and visit the girls once all the newest pack members have made their arrivals.

Nothing would make me happier than for all of us to be together again after so much time apart.

"If we're allowed to travel from the pack, then we can go," I replied, voicing my lingering uncertainties about such an ambitious journey.

Martha waved a dismissive hand. "Of course we're allowed. All of the girls live just a few miles away - merely a matter of hours' ride from our village."

She punctuated her assertion by obediently taking a sip from the small vial of herbal tincture I'd prepared for her, making a slight face at the no-doubt bitter taste.

"Once I've got a bit more energy, I'll ask Brian for some funds so we can go shopping for the baby together," she continued, brightening. "Pick up all the necessities like swaddling clothes, toys, a proper crib or cradle..."

Her eyes sparkled with anticipatory delight as she regarded me imploringly. "You'll come with us to help choose everything, won't you Liora? You've got such an eye for spotting beautiful, well-made things."

I felt an inexplicable lump form in my throat at her simple compliment and obvious desire to involve me so intimately in this joyous life event. With an effort, I blinked rapidly and managed a watery smile.

"Of course," I assured her gruffly. "Anything at all for our little bundle when they finally arrive."

Martha beamed, but her expression quickly sobered as she noted my overly emotional response.

"But before we get too ahead of ourselves with planning," she chided gently, "you need to focus on making sure I stay healthy and rested for the time being."

I gave a chagrined laugh, swiping discreetly at my damp cheeks as I rallied my composure.

"You're absolutely right," I agreed in a steadier tone. "Getting you and the baby through the remainder of your pregnancy safely is the top priority right now."

Rising fluidly to my feet, I cast her a reassuring look. "Which means you need to listen to Elder Emma's instructions about resting up for the foreseeable future. But don't worry - I'll only be next door in the nursery, so I'm just an errand away if you need anything at all."

Martha smiled gratefully, giving a small nod of acknowledgment as she settled deeper into the plush bedding with a contented sigh.

"Thank you for being so supportive through all of this, Liora. I know you'll make an amazing aunt to this little one."

The words were like a physical caress against my heart, filling me with a warmth and contentment that momentarily banished my swirling doubts and insecurities.

Swallowing hard, I simply inclined my head before turning and quietly slipping from Martha's chambers, leaving her to the peaceful solitude she needed.

As I made my way back towards the nursery wing and the chorus of soft coos and infantile giggles filtering from within, I couldn't quite stifle the giddy smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

A baby. Martha was going to have a baby - a new life, an innocent little being she could love and nurture with all the boundless affection she possessed.

And she had deemed me worthy enough, trusted me implicitly to play some special role in that precious newcomer's world as well.

The mere thought made my heart feel fit to bursting with gratitude and...something else I couldn't quite identify. But it blossomed within my chest, warm and effervescent, filling the hollow spaces that had ached for so long.

For the first time in longer than I could remember, a sense of genuine, uncomplicated hope began taking root inside me.

A glimmer of belief that good things still awaited on my path ahead if I could only muster the courage to keep walking it faithfully, one footstep at a time.

Perhaps this journey to see my lost sisters, to reunite our fractured little family if even for a short while, would be the first bright milestone to mark that road into the future. I found myself eagerly awaiting the prospect as a renewed sense of purpose took hold.