Prologue

The tiny delivery room was hushed in awe of the tiny new life. A mother smiled down at her newborn.

“Look Devon. She’s not even crying.”

Devon Barnes bent down to brush a kiss across his wife’s temple. “She’s happy; just like us. She has your eyes, Lee.”

Those shining green orbs gazed up at the couple with staggering alertness. Lee grinned and kissed the cheek of her daughter. “And your hair. Crazy mop,” she muttered while affectionately stroking the wispy red curls.

A new voice cut in. “Did you say eyes, Mr. Barnes?” The doctor moved to the other side of the bed, leaning low to study the baby. “Hmm… her eyes are wide open. That’s rare, and odd.”

Immediately Devon frowned. “Is something wrong, doctor? Should we be worried?”

“No, no, it’s fine, just… different. Usually infants don’t open their eyes right out of the womb. And they usually scream their little heads off. I don’t think you have anything to worry about, but keep an eye on her for a bit when you take her home. If she exhibits unusual behavior—small appetite; sleeping for extended periods of time, say for most of the day—just give me a call. For now, I say we take her to the nursery and give Mrs. Barnes here some time to rest. I’ll give you folks another minute.”

The doctor moved away, but Devon was still worrying. He glanced at Lee. “Do you think—?”

“No. My gut tells me that she’s perfectly healthy; just unique. And look, you’re making her upset.” The baby’s face was twisted slightly, and she was whimpering. But when Devon smiled again, she relaxed. “There… don’t be afraid, Devon. We’ll be good parents. And we’ll love you forever,” she said, directing this toward the child. “Our little Alora.”

As one, both parents closed their eyes peacefully, letting themselves be wrapped in happiness at their first child. A nurse came forward and reached for the baby. Lee gave her gently, knowing that the hospital would take good care of her little girl. She took her husband’s hand, and he grinned, watching his two beautiful women.

“Alora…”