“You can go,” I whispered. “We’re going to watch her the rest of the night.”
Gaby nodded and slunk away, closing the door without a sound. Anna lay in her crib, her tiny hands curled to fists and her face peaceful. She was still small but she’d grown a lot since we’d been allowed to take her home from the hospital two weeks ago. I tiptoed toward her bed and rested my hands on the edge, itching to stroke her rosy cheek, but I didn’t want to wake her. I loved watching her in these quiet moments. I never felt more peaceful. Dante came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning his head against mine. “I’ll never let anything happen to you or Anna. I’ll protect you until my last breath.” I knew he would.
It had taken a while and we’d encountered some bumps along the road, but finally I had what I’d always wanted: a husband who cared deeply about me and a beautiful baby we both loved more than anything else in the world. It felt as if I’d finally arrived where I was supposed to be.
The End