“Vanessa.”
She ignored me.
“I would have lived in a one-bedroom apartment and put the crib beside our bed.”
“But you did not let me choose any of that.”
Ethan cried harder.
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
“Not yet.”
Her voice shook.
“I am still learning what you did.”
“You don’t get forgiveness before I even understand the betrayal.”
That silenced him.
Then Vanessa stood.
“Take me to my daughter.”
I went with her.
Ethan followed several steps behind.
The baby looked impossibly small beneath the hospital blanket.
Vanessa picked her up.
Held her.
Kissed her forehead.
Then she looked at Ethan.
“This is your daughter.”
“I know.”
“No.”
“Look.”
He did.
Vanessa shifted the baby toward him.
Not handing her over.
Just making him look.
“She is not a medical bill.”
