Chapter 21 - NORAOur daughter was born on February 18.
Healthy.
Seven pounds, eight ounces.
Dark hair.
Angry lungs.
Derek was present.
That decision surprised people.
Some friends thought I was too generous.
Others assumed allowing him into delivery meant reconciliation.
Neither.
He was Nora’s father.
He had attended later prenatal appointments respectfully.
Completed a co-parenting course voluntarily.
Stopped bringing Jessica into any pregnancy discussion.
Paid his share of medical expenses without argument.
Acknowledged paternity in writing after the accredited test and again after birth.
I wanted him to meet his daughter without the first moment becoming punishment for what he did to me.
When Nora was placed on my chest, Derek cried.
I did too.
He touched one tiny foot.
Then asked:
“Can I hold her?”
He asked.
That mattered.
“Yes.”
I watched him hold the daughter he had once called impossible.
He whispered:
“I’m sorry.”
I did not know whether he meant to Nora, me, or himself.
May you like
Maybe all three.
I let the sentence remain where it was.
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