And I still wasn’t prepared.
The ceremony started like any other.
Names. Applause. Speeches.
Then Ethan stepped out of line.
He walked straight toward me.
“Mom,” he whispered, holding out his arms, “give her to me.”
My hands moved before my mind could catch up.
I placed the tiny baby girl into his arms.
She stirred softly, letting out a faint cry that only I seemed to hear.
He tucked her gently against his chest, hidden beneath his gown except for her small face wrapped in a soft pink blanket.
Then he turned—and walked toward the stage.
The whispers started immediately.
Then the laughter.
Soft at first… then spreading.
“Is that a baby?”
“Are you serious?”
“Wow…”
And then, behind me, a woman hissed just loud enough—
“Just like his mother.”
It hit like a slap.
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.
I wanted to disappear.
