The first snow of the season fell in Edelmere five months later.
At a secluded private hospital there, I welcomed my baby into the world and began a new life with him.
There was none of Cassiano's false tenderness in the delivery room. There was only a professional medical team and Louis, who stayed outside the door the entire time.
Labor lasted more than 10 hours. Every contraction sent pain ripping through me.
I didn't scream.
I clenched my teeth and pushed through every wave of pain, holding on to the thought of finally meeting my child.
When a loud cry finally broke the stillness of the delivery room, I released a long breath.
A nurse brought the flushed newborn to me.
"Mrs. Moretti, you have a very healthy baby boy."
I looked at his tightly closed eyes and waving hands as tea
