Chapter 8 - Cracks in the SolitudeOver the next two days in the recovery suite, Ethan spent every moment off shift in Room 7.
He brought Clare hot meals from her favorite diner, helped her learn how to nurse, and held baby Lily for hours while Clare finally slept deeply for the first time in months.
Eleanor attempted to call three times from her hotel, but Clare finally found the strength to set firm, permanent boundaries with her mother, letting her know that if she couldn't respect Ethan and Lily, she had no place in their lives.
On the afternoon of the third day, Dana arrived from Seattle, rushing into the hospital room with arms full of pink baby clothes and teddy bears.
When Dana saw Ethan sitting in the rocking chair with baby Lily sleeping peacefully on his chest, her jaw dropped in absolute shock.
"Ethan?!" Dana gasped. "The... the Chief of Obstetrics is...?"
May you like
"He's her father, Dana," Clare smiled radiantly from the bed, looking happier and healthier than she had in years.
Dana burst into happy tears, hugging Clare tightly. "I knew it. I always knew you two were meant to be together!"
