Chapter 11 - THE BABY WHO ARRIVED DURING THE STORM
Serena went into labor during a December snowstorm.
It began with a dull ache in her back.
Then a tightening across her belly.
She tried to ignore it.
She had been frightened before.
Tired before.
Uncomfortable before.
But this was different.
Damen noticed immediately.
"Serena?"
She gripped the edge of the kitchen counter.
"I think something's happening."
His face drained.
"What?"
She looked at him.
"Call the doctor."
Within minutes, they were on their way to the hospital.
Snow hammered against the windshield.
Traffic crawled.
Damen sat beside Serena in the back seat.
He held her hand.
She squeezed so hard his knuckles turned white.
"I'm scared."
He kissed her forehead.
"I know."
She looked at him.
"What if something happens?"
His eyes filled.
"Then we'll face it together."
She began crying.
He held her.
And for the first time in months, she believed him.
Their son was born early.
Small.
Furious.
Beautiful.
He cried the moment he entered the world.
Serena began sobbing.
Damen stood beside her, tears streaming down his face.
The doctor smiled.
"Congratulations."
Damen looked at his son.
Then at Serena.
"What should we call him?"
She smiled weakly.
"Matteo."
Damen swallowed.
"Matteo Moretti."
May you like
He kissed her forehead.
"Perfect."
