Page 80 of Marcel

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Their son, MarkTerrence, was born on the very first day of spring after twelvegrueling hours of labor, with the anxious father almost going out ofhis mind with worry.

After spending a dayin the hospital, both mother and son were declared fit to bedischarged. The proud grandparents, uncles, and aunts followed themhome and did not leave until late in the evening when the baby hadbeen fed and put into his cot.

“Now that thecrowd has left, it’s time for you to get some sleep.” herhusband told her firmly.

“He is sobeautiful.“ She whispered, leaning back against her husband.“His hair is brown, and his eyes - I have never seen such abeautiful shade of gold except yours.” She turned to look athim, a smile flitting around her lips.

A lousy moment hadassailed her when she realized her parents would never know theirgrandson. But her husband, completely attuned to her moods, hadcomforted her.

“Thank you,”he whispered hoarsely. “Thank you for changing my life, forgiving me life and hope and happiness.” He had been there forher through every morning sickness, the appointments, her moodswings, and her impossible cravings.

He had rubbed herswollen feet and bathed her when she felt as sick as a dog and couldnot get out of bed. Turning in his arms, she gently cupped hisbeloved face. “Loving you makes up for the fact that I am anorphan. You and Mark are my family, and for that, I am so grateful. Icannot really express how much I am. I love you, darling.”

“And I adoreyou, my love,” he told her softly. Lifting her into his arms,he carried her out of their son’s room and into theirs.

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