Tears stream down my face, matching my mother and Leo, but for entirely different reasons. I’m happy, for sure, but my tears of joy are that the birth is over. The baby howls as the harsh realities of life slam down on both of us.
I’m a mother.
There’s no going back, only forward.
* * *
The entire family,including Leo’s father, squeezed into my hospital room as soon as the nurse said it was okay to have visitors. They jockeyed for position like it was a contest, leaving Mr. Conti and Leo on one side and my mother and father on the other. Delilah, Lucio, Vinnie, Angelo, and Michelle filled in the gap, closing off a circle of people I never thought I’d see crammed into such a tiny space…well, at least not without some sort of bloodshed.
The way they’re gawking at the little guy in my arms, it’s like they’ve never seen a baby before.
“He’s so beautiful,” my mother says as she rests her head against my father’s shoulder.
“Look at all that hair. Just like you, Leo,” Mario tells Leo. He’s even a little choked up but hides it well. Lord forbid he show the heart underneath his steely mob boss exterior.
“You two have been keeping his name a secret for months. What is it?” my father asks.
I smile at Leo, knowing this has bothered our families, but we still didn’t give in. To be honest, we had a few names picked out and couldn’t decide, leaving the decision until we actually laid eyes on our little boy.
“We’re paying respect to our grandfathers,” Leo announces as he squeezes my hand and looks around the room. “His name is Nino Raffaele Conti.”
“It’s perfect.” My mother wipes the tears which have started to fall a little harder and easier than before.
“It’s a fine name,” Mario says. “Strong.”
My mother takes Nino from my arms, and the attention goes with him.
“How are you feeling?” Delilah asks.
“Like roadkill.” I laugh.
“Yeah. That feeling doesn’t go away for a while. First, it’s physical and then it’s mental, but,” Delilah says and looks up at Leo, “at least you have someone to help you with the newborn.”
I can’t imagine going through any of this alone. Delilah’s obviously a much stronger person than I am because I would’ve been a total hot mess without the support of my family and my husband.
“You’re a rock star, Delilah.”
“Oh, stop,” she says and blushes. “I can’t imagine doing it alone again.”
“Again?” I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow.
She places one hand over her stomach and winks. “Don’t tell,” she mouths.
I had wondered why Lucio seemed happier than usual, and now it makes total sense. With the way he loves Lulu, I know he’s going to be over the moon experiencing all the joys and horrors from the beginning.
“Since we’re all here,” my father says and clears his throat. “Your mother and I have an announcement.”
The room goes silent.
“We set a date,” my mother explains.
I roll my eyes. It’s been almost a year since my father announced they were getting married, and in typical Santino fashion…there was absolutely no hurry.
My father pulls my mother close. “We’re getting married on December 23rd.”
“Way to go, Pop,” Vinnie says as he punches my father in the shoulder, almost knocking him over.
“It’s about fucking time,” Angelo adds.
