And when she opened her eyes just for a moment, they were the color of honey in sunlight. "Can I hold her?" He asked, his voice breaking. Norah passed the baby to him carefully, and suddenly Silas understood what people meant when they talked about hearts being full. His daughter weighed maybe 7 lb, so light he was afraid he'd drop her.
And when she wrapped her tiny hand around his finger, he felt tears streaming down his face unchecked. "Hello," he whispered. "Hello, little one. I'm your father. I'm going to love you for the rest of my life.
I'm going to protect you and teach you and make sure you know you're wanted every single day. I promise. The baby made a small sound, not quite a cry, and nestled against his chest, as if she recognized his voice from the months she'd spent listening to it through Norah's belly. "What should we name her?" Norah asked softly.
They discussed names for months, but never quite decided. Now holding his daughter, Silas knew immediately. Hope, he said. Hope, Norah Boon, because she represents everything we hoped for and everything your courage made possible. Norah's smile was radiant despite her exhaustion.
Hope, she agreed. It's perfect. Doc Miller cleared his throat. Mother and baby both need rest. Everyone out except Silas, and even he shouldn't stay too long.
The women filed out, each one stopping to congratulate them, to coo over baby Hope, to marvel at the miracle that was every birth, but felt particularly miraculous when it was someone you cared about. Tom stuck his head in long enough to say, "Congratulations!" With genuine warmth before hurting the other men outside. Finally, alone, Silas sat on the edge of the bed, Hope still in his arms, Nora reaching out to touch her daughter's tiny hand. They stayed like that as twilight deepened outside.
Three people who were now a family, processing the enormity of what had just happened. I was so scared, Norah admitted. Scared I wasn't strong enough. Scared something would go wrong. Scared I'd fail her before she even drew breath.
But you didn't fail, Silas said. You brought her into the world through sheer determination and strength. Our daughter is here because of you, Nora. Because you're exactly as strong as you need to be. We did it together, she corrected.
You got help. You trusted the community. You didn't try to handle this alone. I learned from the best," Silas replied, meaning her. Hope made a small sound, and Norah held out her arms.