that too.”
“Sometimes.”
She squeezed my fingers.
“You protected me because you loved me. But sometimes you acted like I could not protect myself.”
The truth hurt.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
She looked toward the door.
“Are Mom and Dad here?”
“Yes.”
“Did they see the contract?”
“Yes.”
Rosie closed her eyes briefly.
“Good.”
“Do you want them in here?”
“No.”
There was no hesitation.
I nodded.
“Then they will not come in.”
The nurse wheeled two bassinets closer.
Inside were two tiny babies wrapped in striped blankets.
Rosie’s face transformed.
“My girls.”
Ben placed one carefully against her chest.
I held the other.
The baby’s fingers curled around mine.
“What are their names?” I asked.
Rosie smiled.
“Regina, after Grandma.”
“And the other?”
“Hope.”
Ben looked at her.
“You said we were still deciding.”
“I decided.”
He laughed softly.
“Of course you did.”
Three weeks later, my parents resigned
