The night labor pains began for Mahira, concern struck Ibzan the very moment he saw her.

Without wasting a second, he guided her carefully to the car. He took the passenger seat while the driver sped toward the hospital. Mahira sat in the back with Saisha, who held her gently as she writhed and cried in pain. One arm supported her shoulders while the other rubbed her back in slow, soothing motions.