Chapter 10 - THE FIRST HEARTBEAT
Our first ultrasound appointment changed everything.
I lay on the examination table while Luca sat beside me.
He held my hand so tightly I almost laughed.
“Luca.”
He looked at me.
“What?”
“You're squeezing.”
He immediately loosened his grip.
“Sorry.”
I smiled.
The technician began the examination.
Then turned the screen toward us.
“There.”
A tiny shape appeared.
Our baby.
Luca stopped breathing.
The technician pointed gently.
“And there's the heartbeat.”
A rapid rhythm filled the room.
Luca stared at the screen.
His eyes filled.
I turned toward him.
“Luca?”
He didn't answer.
A tear slipped down his cheek.
Then another.
He covered his mouth.
For twelve years, he'd believed this moment was impossible.
For twelve years, he'd told himself he didn't care.
Now he was watching his child move on a screen.
And the most feared mafia heir in Boston was crying like a little boy.
I squeezed his hand.
“Are you okay?”
He nodded.
Then laughed through his tears.
“No.”
I smiled.
He looked at me.
“I'm better than okay.”
Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
“Thank you.”
My eyes filled.
“For what?”
May you like
He looked back at the screen.
“For giving me something I stopped believing I could have.”
