Chapter 19 - A Child Who Had Done Nothing Wrong
Andrew drove to the hospital after arranging for Tessa to stay with Emma.
He checked with the staff about Clara's wishes and waited where he'd been asked to wait.
He would not force his way into the delivery room or mistake fatherhood for ownership.
Several hours later, a nurse told him the baby had arrived safely.
A boy, five pounds and nine ounces, who needed additional observation because he was early but was breathing on his own.
Clara had also come through delivery safely.
When Clara agreed to a brief visit, Andrew entered quietly.
The baby lay in a bassinet with one fist near his cheek.
Clara looked up from the bed, exhausted and tearful.
"His name is Leo," she said.
"I chose it last month."
Andrew stared at his son.
There was nothing about this small child that required Emma to disappear.
"He's beautiful," he whispered.
Clara nodded.
"I know asking you to forgive me would be unfair. I don't expect Emma to forgive me either."
"Then don't ask her," Andrew said.
"Do the work. Let the people responsible for her safety decide if and when contact is appropriate."
Clara had begun individual therapy and parenting education.
She said she wanted to learn how to love her son without making another child pay for her fears.
It was a beginning, not proof that she was ready to care for Emma.
"My mother wanted to come today," Clara said.
"I told the staff no."
"That was your decision to make."
"I signed a statement correcting the lies about Zoe. My attorney has it."
Andrew nodded.
He would not offer absolution as a reward for doing something she should have done before.
But he thanked her for telling the truth.
At home the next morning Emma watched him make coffee.
"Was my brother okay?" she asked.
"He's okay. His name is Leo."
She thought for a moment.
"Maybe someday I can show him the star on my desk."
May you like
Then she looked at Andrew with sudden worry.
"Daddy, do I have to love Clara to love him?"
