Determined to be sure, she made an appointment with her doctor. As she lay on the examination table, the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat echoed through the room.

“Do you hear that, Barbara?” Dr. Carter asked with a smile.

Barbara swallowed hard. “The heartbeat?”

Dr. Carter chuckled. “Heartbeats, Barbara. You’re having twins.”

Barbara’s entire world shifted in that instant. Shock flooded her veins as she stared at the ultrasound monitor. She was already a mother and a grandmother—this wasn’t part of the plan.

“Can we… can we terminate the pregnancy?” she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor’s face fell. “Barbara, I need to be honest with you. Your reports are concerning. There are inconsistencies that suggest you’re at high risk for complications. If we attempt to terminate now, we’d be endangering your life.”

Barbara felt tears