Second Chance Sweethearts. Kristen Ethridge

      Gingerly, she laid the baby in Rigo’s arms. It felt strangely powerful.

      In just a few minutes, all the stages of labor were completely finished, and Gloria wanted to give Tanna the chance to rest and cuddle with her baby.

      Gloria tried to keep the visual of Rigo holding the baby from being burned in her mind. Tanna wasn’t the only one who needed rest. So did Gloria’s swirling mind.

      “Rigo, you can hand the little man back to his mama. Tanna, why don’t you start to try and feed him? I’m sure he’ll appreciate the comfort and it’s important to start a good nursing relationship early.”

      Inez came back in, peanut butter jar in one hand, a sleeve of crackers in the other and a bottle of coconut water tucked under an arm. This had undoubtedly been the most unconventional birth Gloria had ever attended, but she wasn’t sure she could have asked for a better crew to share it with.

      “I’ll help her with that, Gloria, while you clean up. I’ve got some experience with this.” Inez placed the food on the bedside table and got Tanna set up with pillows tucked securely behind her. “You can hand the baby to me, Rigo.”

      Slowly, Rigo moved toward his aunt.

      “Something wrong?” Gloria looked up and caught Inez studying her nephew’s face. It was as blank as the wall behind the bed.

      He continued to stare at the baby, almost tracing the little smacking lips with his gaze.

      “No,” he said quietly and flicked a split-second glance at Gloria. “Not at all.” He laid the baby in Tanna’s open arms. She cuddled the little bundle tightly against her chest.

      Rigo backed up and headed toward the door, then turned back to the bed. “Tanna, do you have a name for him?”

      The baby squirmed, drinking in his mother’s scent.

      “No, not really.” She tore her gaze away from the tiny face in her arms for just a second. “Gloria, earlier when we were at your house, what did you say your baby’s name was?”

      Sadness pierced Gloria’s heart. She needed that strength she’d prayed for. And she needed it now.

      “Mateo,” she said, her tongue stumbling over every syllable. “His name was Mateo.”

      A smile crossed Tanna’s face. “I like it. Mateo Rodrigo, for you both.”

      White-hot shock pierced her heart. Tanna didn’t know their history. She just thought she was doing them a great honor.

      Gloria prayed for the second time today. For the second time in the past two years.

       Oh, please, God, don’t let me fall.