Chapter 12 - THE BABY
Elena gave birth at thirty-nine weeks.
A boy.
Healthy.
Seven pounds, two ounces.
She named him Mateo Cruz.
Not Cole.
Adrian was present because Elena invited him.
He cried.
Did not argue about surname.
Then legal paternity was acknowledged through standard hospital and attorney procedures.
No dramatic DNA reveal was needed because Adrian did not dispute paternity.
Charles asked once about adding Cole later.
Elena said:
“Maybe when Mateo is old enough for us to decide what makes sense.”
Charles accepted.
Progress.
Vanessa was not present.
No-contact order.
She sent a letter through counsel.
Elena did not read it for three months.
When she finally did, Vanessa wrote:
I hated you before I knew why.
Then:
I thought knowing who the father was changed what I had done.
It didn’t.
That was the best sentence in the letter.
Elena put it away.
No reply.
Mateo slept on her chest.
Adrian sat nearby.
Then he asked:
“Can I hold him?”
Elena looked at him.
“Yes.”
Permission.
May you like
Still.
Even now.
