Page 96 of Various Intentions

Zarah had begun a new life, for herself and the coming baby. She was getting some counselling, which was helping a great deal. She was determined to make a life for herself and her child.

* * * *

We arrived at the Civic location of the Ottawa Hospital within the hour. Once we made our way to Labor and Delivery on the fourth floor, Matteo spoke with the nurse at reception while we found seats in the waiting area. He returned to us after a few moments.

“She’s in Room 402. They’re administering an epidural right now, so I can’t go in. But I’ll be able to join her in a few minutes.”

“That’s good. She won’t be in pain, then.”

“Hopefully. God, this is terrifying,” Matteo muttered.

“What was Zarah’s birth like?”

“All I remember is that her mother swore a blue streak during the entire process. It happened so fast.”

The nurse called to Matteo from her place at the desk. “Mr. Rossi? You can go in now, but the others will have to wait here.”

I grabbed his arm before he could leave and squeezed it. “Good luck. We’ll be waiting for any news.”

“Thank you,” he said, and followed the nurse down the hall.

Vincent and I tried to be patient, but when we were well into the third hour, I wondered if it would be better to head home and come back when Matteo messaged us that the baby had arrived.

I stood up to go to the nurse at the desk, when the double doors opened and Matteo burst through them, his eyes brimming with excitement and a broad grin etched on his handsome face.

“The baby is here, and she’s healthy and strong and gorgeous!” he announced as Vincent joined us.

“Congratulations, Grandpa!” I said.

Matteo blanched. “Thatis going to take some getting used to.”

“A girl?” Vincent said, his voice pitched high with excitement. “I can’t wait to buy her all the frilly little dresses she could want!” Then he glanced at me, apologetically. “Well, uh, unless you don’t think—”

“I think that as long as we give her some other options, you can buy her all the pink and pretty clothes you’d like, Vincent.”

Matteo laughed and said, “This little one is going to be spoiled. You can count on that.”

“How is Zarah?” I asked.

“She’s just fine. I mean, she’s exhausted and it wasn’t a cake walk, but she’s so happy. Do you want to see them?”

“Of course we do! Come on, Vincent,” I said, grabbing his hand and pulling him after Matteo, my heart filled with excitement and the promise of a brand-new adventure.