My husband threw me out right after I gave birth — the day after I was discharged, he returned in tears and told me something no woman should ever have to hear.
When I finally got pregnant after six years of trying, Edan was beside himself. He came to every appointment.
His mother helped me with everything.
I could not believe how lucky I was to have that husband and that mother-in-law. The two of us could not wait for Nuala to arrive.
The delivery went smoothly. She was born perfectly healthy.
And then Edan bent over her, and the smile went off his face.
"No. This isn't happening. This isn't the baby I wanted."
And Moira leaned in and made a noise with her tongue.
"What a disappointment," she said.
"You're frightening me," I said, and I pulled her in. "What's wrong with her?"
And he stepped back without looking at either of us.
