Page 113 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“We’re more than okay,” he replies, his lips brushing against my hair. “We’re unbreakable.”

A soft knock interrupts the stillness. The door opens, and Dr. Bennett steps in, his white coat slightly rumpled but his expression calm and reassuring as he offers a warm smile.

“Nora,” he greets, his voice gentle. “It’s good to see you like this.”

Rafaele’s arm tightens protectively around my shoulders, and I feel the tension radiating from him. “How is she?” he asks, his tone steady but laced with that quiet intensity he can never fully hide.

Dr. Bennett pulls up a chair, offering a warm smile. “Nora, you gave us quite a scare, but the good news is you’re here, and so is your daughter.”

I clutch Aurora tighter, my voice trembling. “It was preeclampsia, wasn’t it?”

He nods. “Yes. Your high blood pressure, swelling, and other symptoms pointed to severe preeclampsia. Combined with your lupus and fibromyalgia, it created a perfect storm that made delivery more challenging. But you both came through remarkably well.”

Rafaele’s grip on my shoulder tightens. “And now? What does this mean moving forward?”

Dr. Bennett’s expression softens. “The preeclampsia was a pregnancy-related issue, and your existing conditions make things harder, but with care, we can manage them. With rest, hydration, and monitoring, I’m confident you’ll recover fully. There’s no lasting damage.”

“And Aurora?” I ask, my gaze dropping to her tiny face.

“She’s doing beautifully. Strong and healthy, with no signs of complications from the delivery. She’s perfect.”

Rafaele exhales sharply, kissing my temple. “Thank you. Whatever she needs, I’ll make sure she gets it.”

The doctor rises, his smile reassuring. “Focus on healing and bonding with your daughter. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”

“You hear that?” he murmurs, his hand cupping my cheek once the doctor is gone. “You’re strong, amore. Both of you are.”

“And you’re my strength,” I whisper, leaning into his touch.

Aurora stirs slightly in my arms, her tiny hand reaching out as if she knows she’s the center of our world.

It takes two more days for the doctor to allow me to leave the hospital, and I’m practically bouncing with excitement when the car pulls up in front of the house. Before I can even unbuckle my seatbelt, Rafaele is already there, opening my door. His strong arms scoop me up effortlessly, cradling me and Aurora as though we weigh nothing.

“Rafaele, I can walk,” I protest, though my body’s exhaustion betrays me.

“Not a chance,” he replies, his tone firm but warm. “You’re not lifting a finger until I say so.”

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. Being in his arms, feeling the steady beat of his heart, and seeing the love etched on his face—it’s everything. As he carries us toward the door, I catch sight of Lucia waiting, her eyes shimmering with relief.

“Rafaele, please,” I murmur, glancing at her. “Let me stand.”

He hesitates, his jaw tightening, but finally relents, setting me carefully on my feet. His hands remain at my waist, steadying me as if ready to catch me the second I falter.

I reach out, resting a hand on his chest. “Thank you, but I’m okay.”

He gives me a wary look before stepping back slightly. As soon as he does, Lucia rushes forward, her eyes glistening.

“Nora!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with emotion. She stops short, hesitating, her arms half-raised. “Can I?—?”

“Of course,” I whisper, pulling her into a hug. She holds me tightly, her frame shaking, and I feel her tears dampen my shoulder.

“I was so scared,” she murmurs, her voice cracking. “I thought?—”

“I’m okay,” I reassure her, pulling back to meet her gaze. “Thanks to you and Rafaele. I’m okay.”

She nods, sniffing, and then her eyes drop to Aurora. Her breath catches as she steps back slightly, her hands flying to her mouth. “She’s beautiful.”

“She is,” I reply, my own voice thick with emotion. “And she needs a godmother. Someone fierce, someone brave. Someone like you.”

---