However, things took a turn when Toby discovered a small silk purse with fertility herbs sewn into the mattress. Julia admitted she had added them in secret, hoping to boost our chances of conceiving. We felt betrayed, unsure if our journey to parenthood was natural or influenced by the herbs.
Julia apologized, and Toby suggested we move forward with open communication, ensuring we were informed of any future plans.
Though hurt, we chose to focus on the love we shared as a family. Julia’s intentions may have been misguided, but the joy of having Maddie was undeniable. Family is full of surprises, but what mattered most was the love and the bond we were building together.