Chapter 100. The First Morning

The first time Gabriel held Clara, Diana watched every movement.

He had listened to the person helping him. He had asked a question, adjusted his arms, and waited until he was sure he understood.

Now he stood beside her bed, looking down at their daughter.

“You can sit,” Diana said.

He looked up, startled.

“Yes.”

He sat so carefully that she almost laughed. The laugh hurt her tired body enough to make her stop, but the pleasure remained.

Clara frowned in her sleep.

Gabriel studied the expression as if it might require an answer.

“She's very small,” he said.

“I noticed.”

“I knew she would be.”

“Knowing isn't much use yet, is it?”

He looked at her then, and she saw the relief of not having to pretend otherwise.

“No.”

Diana leaned back against the pillows.

Gabriel looked at her, then at Clara.

“What?” she asked.

“I don't know how to be grateful for this without sou