Chapter 30
I had thought my life had already seen its share of storms, that happiness would always be something fragile, fleeting–like a candle flame at the mercy of the wind. But then came the doctor’s soft words, the tiny shape on the ultrasound screen, the sound of a heartbeat fluttering like a bird inside me.\
Pregnant.
The word filled me with both fear and wonder. After all the years of pain, loss, and heartbreak, I was carrying life again. A gift. A second chance.
Martin cried before I did. His hand shook as he pressed it to the monitor, his smile trembling as tears fell freely. “That’s ours,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Emerald… that’s our baby.”
I laughed through my own tears, clutching his hand. “We’re really going to be parents again.”
From that moment, everything changed.
The months that followed became a journey of hope. Gwen was the first we told. I braced myself for jealousy, for confusion, but instead her face lit up with excitement.”
“You mean… I’m going to be a big sister?” she squealed, hugging me so tightly I almost cried again. “Finally! I’ll take care of the baby, Mama. I promise!”
Her words healed something in me.
Martin showered us both with love. Every craving I had, he fulfilled–whether it was mangoes at midnight or warm soup at dawn.”
He painted Gwen’s room with her favorite colors, then started on the nursery, carefully assembling the crib with hands more used to power and contracts than tiny screws.
At night, he would press his ear to my belly, grinning each time he felt a kick. “He’s strong,” Martin would say, pride glowing in his eyes. “Just like his mama.“}
Not everyone stayed silent about the news.
One morning, I woke to find a bouquet of lilies at the door with a simple note tucked inside. Congratulations.”
No signature, but I knew. Leandro.”
The gesture made my chest tighten. I had expected bitterness, anger, even denial–but instead, he had chosen quiet acknowledgment. A father mourning what he lost, but still recognizing what I had gained.
Days later, another bouquet arrived. This time roses, with a note written in familiar, neat handwriting. From afar, I wish you happiness. Forgive me if you can. -Nadine
It stunned me. Nadine, from overseas, sending flowers. The woman who once ruined everything, who envied me, who kidnapped my child–offering words of peace. I didn’t know if forgiveness was within me yet, but her gesture felt… human. Perhaps grief had changed her too.”
The months blurred into preparations. Baby clothes folded neatly into drawers. Gwen painting pictures of herself holding her little brother. Martin fussing over me when I tried to lift even the lightest basket.
At seven months, the doctor confirmed it: a boy.”
Martin beamed so brightly the nurse laughed. “A son,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Emerald, we’re having a son.”
Nine months later, the day arrived.”
The pain was unbearable, waves crashing through my body, sweat soaking my skin. But through it all, Martin never let go of my hand. His lips brushed my knuckles again and again, his voice steady. “You’re strong, Emerald. Stronger than anyone ! know. Just a little more. You can do this.”
And then, with one final push, a cry filled the room.
The sound made my heart burst./
Our son.”
They placed him in my arms, small and perfect, his tiny fists waving as if he already wanted to fight the world. Tears blurred my vision as I kissed his soft forehead.
“Gavi,” I whispered. “Welcome, my love.“”
Martin leaned over us, tears streaking down his face. “He’s beautiful,” he said hoarsely. “Just like his mama. Just like his sister.”
Gwen came bursting into the room later, her eyes wide as she tiptoed to the bed. “He’s so tiny,” she breathed, reaching out to gently stroke his cheek. “Hi, Gavi. I’m your big sister. I’ll protect you, okay?“}
I smiled, my heart overflowing. My children. My family.”
The days after his birth were filled with inv. I ate nights of feeding turned into moments of wonder as Martin rocked Gavi in
12:18 PM P P
The days after his birth were filled with joy. Late nights of feeding turned into moments of wonder as Martin rocked Gavi in his arms, humming softly. Gwen insisted on helping with everything–fetching diapers, choosing outfits, even singing lullabies.
One afternoon, I walked into the nursery to find Martin and Gwen both fast asleep in the rocking chair, Gavi nestled between them. The sight brought tears to my eyes. For years I had lived in fear and sorrow, but here, now, happiness was no longer fleeting. It was real. It was ours.”
I pressed my hand against the doorframe, whispering to myself, “This is peace. This is what I prayed for.”
Visitors came in quiet waves. Friends, well–wishers, even a second bouquet from Leandro with no note this time, just silence wrapped in flowers. I accepted it without anger. He had chosen his path; I had chosen mine.”
Nadine never came in person, but her third letter arrived weeks later. Short, almost hesitant. I hope he brings you the peace we all lost. Take care of him. Take care of yourself.
I folded it away, not ready to reply, but not ready to throw it out either.”
The first time Martin cradled both Gwen and Gavi in his arms, he caught my gaze across the room. His voice was low reverent. “I thought I’d never deserve this. But you… you gave me a family. You gave me more than I ever dreamed of.“!
I walked to him, laying my head against his shoulder. “No, Martin. We built this together.““”
Gavi stirred then, his tiny cry filling the room. Gwen leaned in, whispering, “Don’t worry, baby brother. Mama and Daddy are Here.”
I smiled, tears slipping down my cheeks.
For the first time, I truly believed it. We were here. Together. And nothing–not the shadows of the past, not the scars, not the regrets–could steal this happiness from us again.
