Nana kisses my forehead. “You did great, my love. Now I’m going to check on him.”
She crosses the room, watching the nurses carefully. The doctor removes my placenta, which I want to keep stored.
“He’s eight pounds, nine ounces,” Nana announces.
Dr. Santiago tells me she needs to stitch me up. Wonderful—the little boy tore me apart.
My eyelids flutter closed for a moment.
“Here’s your baby,” the nurse says.
He’s swaddled snugly in a blanket, soft brown hair peeking out.
“I’m all done,” Dr. Santiago announces.
“I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Now it’s time for you and the baby to bond.” She smiles warmly.
“Thank you, Dr. Santiago.”
She slips out of the room quickly.
The nurse guides his mouth to my breast. Holding him close, I’m filled with awe.
“He’s perfect,” I whisper.
“He’s a handsome little guy,” Nana comments.
“What’s his name?” she asks.
“Madden Cichello.”
Nana’s smile falters briefly, then returns.
“What is it?” I ask.
“You’re not giving him his father’s last name?”
“No, I don’t plan to tell the father. This baby is mine,” I reply.
She brushes her hand through my sweaty hair. “All right.”
“I’m going to call your dad,” Nana adds.
I smile down at Madden, and the room’s noise fades into silence. It’s just the two of us.
“Why do you have to look so much like your father?” I murmur, kissing his forehead.
“I’m not sure how I’ll keep you away from him,” I whisper.
But I have to.
This baby must be kept safe.
Chapter Five
NICO
Keeping my schedule open during her delivery window is important.
