Chapter 20 - Luca
My son was born on a rainy Thursday morning.
Thirty-nine weeks.
Seven pounds, ten ounces.
Hannah delivered vaginally after an uncomplicated labor.
I was in a family waiting room because that was what she wanted until after delivery.
Miranda was in a separate room.
No confrontation.
No wedding reprise.
Hannah’s attorney texted:
Baby delivered. Both stable. Hospital will call regarding access.
I sat with my hands locked together.
Nolan? Security was outside, not inside maternity unit. I had one plainclothes officer in public area because old Morello reputation required some precaution. No entourage.
A nurse eventually came.
“Mr. Morello?”
I stood.
“You can come in for ten minutes.”
I entered.
Hannah looked exhausted.
Her husband sat beside her.
The baby lay in a bassinet.
Small.
Red-faced.
Furious at existence.
I stopped.
Hannah said:
“He has lungs.”
I laughed despite myself.
Then cried.
No shame.
I touched one finger to his hand.
He grabbed it.
The word son finally became real without Miranda saying it.
Not:
heir.
Son.
We named him Luca James Morello.
The first name had been agreed in the original carrier plan months before the pause.
Miranda and I had both liked it.
I did not rename him out of spite.
She did not insist on something new to claim victory.
One good decision.
Daphne met him two days later at my home after discharge planning and safety review.
Not at hospital with Miranda present.
She stood over the bassinet.
“Is this the secret baby?”
I hated the phrase.
But yes.
“This is Luca.”
“Miranda’s baby?”
“And mine.”
She looked at me.
“Does he replace me?”
“No.”
“Because boy?”
“No.”
She touched his sock.
“He’s ugly.”
I laughed.
“Be kind.”
“He is.”
May you like
Siblinghood began honestly.
────────────────────
