Page 178 of Unravel Me

My labor is almost completely painless. The contractions come in gentle waves, and Mauro stays by my side, supporting me with his energy. Our Bond as True Mates eases the discomfort, allowing me to experience the birth in a calm, almost relaxing way.

When twilight arrives and the first stars begin appearing in the sky, the people outside light a bonfire, some of them dance, music softly plays, and Renato, Emilio, and Tony bring out snacks and organize an impromptu barbecue. Against this familiar, idyllic backdrop, our son is born.

Smoothly and easily he slips into Stefano’s arms, pink and squalling, greeting the world. The doctor lifts him into the air and says in Sicilian,

"A furesta ti saluta, a furesta ti abbrazza, a furesta ti curuna…"[3]

Then he places him in my arms, and I stare at my son, at his tiny face, softly wrinkled like every newborn’s. I notice the tiniest dusting of white-gold fuzz on his head—so he has my hair—but when it comes to his eye color, that’s where the difference is… As I bring him to my chest and his lips latch onto my nipple to nurse, he opens his eyes for a moment. I look into them and recognize the hue immediately. It’s the same shade as Silvio’s eyes, as well as Renato’s and Mauro’s, shimmering with all the shades of the forest.

Newborn babies often have dark or deep-navy blue eyes, but his eyes are those of a Forest Guardian from the very beginning.

Suddenly, my phone chimes with a text message.

"Is he here yet? I can’t wait to hear the news!" Star’s message comes through.

I smile. My half-brother and I met a few months ago, and the visit was wonderful. I think it healed some old wounds in both our hearts. Our families definitely grew! Star also promised he’d come visit me after my son was born, so I quickly type back.

"Pack your bags! Package delivered and currently feeding!" Then I send him a selfie of me with my bundle of joy.

When the little one is full, something makes me want to stand up. Even though I have just given birth, I feel an inexplicable strength inside me, and I want to go out to the people who have gathered to welcome my son.

I look at Mauro.

"I’d like to show them our son. They came here for him, and I think they deserve a little… presentation."

He nods with a gentle smile and helps me get up from the bed. Stefano supports me from the other side, but in truth, there’s no need for that because I feel an unusual energy and vigor inside me.

Mauro picks Tommy up, and I walk ahead carrying our newborn in my arms.

I step out onto the patio and then onto the grassy area in the back of Renato’s mansion. I walk confidently, my hair pulled back, leaving my ears exposed.

So many eyes, some of them very unusual, turn toward me.

A brief silence falls as everyone looks at me with bated breath, and I stop next to the magical tree. Only then do I face the gathered crowd and lift my son into the air, feeling almost as though I’m taking part in some forest reenactment of… The Lion King, duh!

"I’d like to introduce you to my son. His name is… Silvio!"

People begin cheering, clapping, applauding, and shouting joyfully, congratulations pouring toward me as the whole crowd seems to vibrate with positive energy.

I feel surrounded by their acceptance and happiness. I had been tossed around by the currents of my life before, hurt and used, but no longer! I proudly look at Mauro standing beside me, and he smiles.

"You look like a king, Jared," he sends me telepathically. "I bet one day you’ll become the mayor of Rainbow Spring!" And he winks.

I make a face because politics is the last thing on my mind, but who knows? It might be worth keeping my options open. This town is different, and maybe it will let me explore parts of myself that could never thrive anywhere else.

Tommy raises his hand and reaches toward Silvio’s tiny hand, gently squeezing it, then lets it go and uses both his hands to make the sign for "Welcome!"

My eyes grow wet, and Mauro notices, wrapping an arm around me and pressing a kiss to my forehead.

A moment later, Renato brings me a comfortable armchair and he also congratulates me, and I let him take little Silvio in his arms for a moment and he warmly kisses the top of my son’s head.

Then the festivities continue in full swing. People dance, drink, and rejoice as they celebrate Silvio’s birth, occasionally passing respectfully near me, glancing at my son’s tiny face and whispering blessings of good fortune over him, as Stefano explains to me.

Then… another figure emerges from the crowd. Gianni.

He must have arrived only recently, probably summoned by an excited Emilio.

Eight months ago, Gianni moved in with Lex to help him care for his uncle, and in the months since, something… unexpected happened between them. Or was it really unexpected?