I thought I knew what pain was. I’ve worn it like silk, stitched it into every smile I’ve ever faked. But this—this was different. This was raw and holy and loud.
Luca’s hand was wrapped around mine, steady. He didn’t speak much, just watched me like I was something sacred. Not fragile. Not broken. Just… becoming.
The nurse said it was time. I nodded, even though I wasn’t ready. Who ever is?
The first cry came fast. A boy. My boy. They placed him on my chest, and I swear I felt the world shift. He was warm and real and mine. I cried like I hadn’t in years—like something inside me cracked open and let the light in.
Luca kissed my forehead. “He’s perfect,” he whispered.
But the nurse didn’t move away.
“There’s another,” she said.
I blinked. “Another what?”
“Another baby.”
I stared a
