She needed this baby, for reasons she was still hoping to understand.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: Hal Jackson is confusing for Izzy, at first wanting her to have baby Cap, then wanting her to abort baby Cap. Izzy, however, remains firm in her desire to have the baby. She does not know why exactly, but knows it is important.

This is gonna be hard.
-- Izzy (Chapter 2)

Importance: Here, Izzy announces to her closest and most paternal friend, Mr. Tannehill, that she is pregnant. Izzy has no one else that she can tell that is close enough or that matters enough. Tannehill is kind and encouraging. Izzy knows the road ahead is going to be difficult, but she will not give up her baby for anything.

I knew that you were someone who had designs on improving the world, of doing something important. And, in my old age, doing something important really appeals to me.
-- Brenda Acklen (Chapter 3)

Importance: Here, Brenda underscores...