Chapter 13 - Labor Under Siege
“I see the head, Donna Romano!” Dr. Gabriel shouted over the hum of the monitors. “One more big push! Give me everything you’ve got!”
Chloe took a deep, ragged breath. She locked her eyes onto Arthur’s, gripping his hand with all the remaining strength in her soul, and pushed.
A primal scream tore from her throat.
At 7:42 PM, amidst the roaring thunder of the November blizzard, a loud, clear, furious cry cut through the room.
The tension shattered instantly.
“It’s a boy!” Gabriel announced, a huge smile breaking across his tired face as he lifted the newborn child. “A healthy, perfect baby boy!”
Arthur collapsed forward, resting his forehead against Chloe’s, hot tears streaming freely down his cheeks. He kissed her cheeks, her lips, her sweaty brow over and over again.
“You did it, sweetheart,” he choked out, his voice completely broken with joy. “You gave us a son.”
The nurse cleaned the baby and wrapped him in a warm, white fleece blanket before placing him gently onto Chloe’s bare chest.
Chloe looked down at the tiny, perfect human resting against her skin. He had a thick mop of dark hair, chubby cheeks, and tiny, perfect fingers that immediately reached out and curled around Arthur’s index finger.
“He has your hair,” Chloe whispered, weeping with sheer happiness.
“And your beautiful heart,” Arthur replied, his voice trembling as he stroked the baby’s tiny cheek.
“What should we name him?” Chloe asked softly, looking up at the man who had turned from a dangerous stranger in her storeroom into the love of her life.
Arthur looked at his son, then at Chloe.
May you like
“Leo Thomas Romano,” Arthur said softly. “After the loyalty that kept us alive, and your father who raised the finest woman in the world.”
Chloe’s heart melted completely. “Leo Thomas. It’s perfect.”
