**Chapter 29: A Miracle is Born**

The warm glow of the hospital lights seemed to brighten as Ashley's eyes locked onto her mom's, who was beaming with pride. Nicole was holding a tiny, swaddled bundle in her arms, and Ashley's heart skipped a beat as she realized that it was her baby. "Is it a boy or girl?" Ashley asked, her voice weak but full of curiosity. Nicole's face lit up with a smile as she gently turned the baby towards Ashley. "It's a girl," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at her daughter. "She's beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Nicole smiled and handed the baby to Ashley. "You're a mom," she said, her voice choked with emotion. As Ashley held her daughter in her arms, she felt a sense of overwhelming love and joy. She looked up at her mom, who was crying tears of happiness. "What do I name her?" Ashley asked, her eyes still fixed on her daughter's tiny face. Nicole smiled and took a deep breath. "We've been thinking about that," she said. "We were thinking maybe...Aria?" Ashley's eyes sparkled with tears as she looked at her daughter. "I love it," she said, her voice full of emotion. As Ashley gazed at her daughter, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. The 36 hours of labor had been worth it, she thought. This tiny, perfect human was hers, and she would do anything to protect and love her. Nicole smiled and leaned in to kiss Ashley's forehead. "You're an amazing mom, Ashley," she said. "I'm so proud of you." Ashley looked up at her mom, her eyes shining with tears. "I couldn't have done it without you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. As the nurse came in to check on Ashley and her daughter, Ashley felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. She had brought a new life into the world, and she was ready to start this new chapter of her life.