Some concerns had eventually resolved, while others required ordinary follow-up, but Julian had treated uncertainty like a verdict.
The doctor had never said Sadie was unlovable or hopeless, although Julian had repeated those fears until Mara stopped answering.
I looked at our newborn's peaceful face and remembered how eagerly Julian had decorated the pink nursery just weeks before.
He had chosen a wooden rocking chair, built the crib himself, and laughed about being the easiest father in the world.
Now he couldn't bear to touch his daughter because she reminded him of another child he had left behind.
Chloe's hand found the edge of my mattress, gripping it so hard her knuckles turned white beneath the hospital lights.
She asked Julian whether he had known about Sadie before their marriage, and he replied with a miserable nod.
When she asked whether Sadie was alive and well, he said he had not seen her in years.
