Chapter 74: The Early Storm

The storm arrived three weeks before the due date.

Rain struck the windows of Moretti House in silver sheets. Scarlett was in Alexander's study reviewing foundation reports when a sudden pain tightened across her body.

She stopped speaking.

Alexander noticed immediately. 'Scarlett?'

Another pain came, stronger.

Her hand gripped the armrest. 'Call the doctor.'

The house transformed within seconds. Guards cleared the driveway. Luca shouted instructions into his phone. Alexander lifted Scarlett carefully into the car despite her protests that she could transfer herself.

'This is not the time to argue about independence,' he said.

Scarlett breathed through another contraction. 'I can argue through anything.'

'Unfortunately true.'

At the hospital, doctors moved quickly. The baby was early, but not dangerously so. Still, Scarlett saw the concern in their faces, and old fear rose like floodwater.

Alexander stayed beside her, one hand locked around hers.

'Look at me,' he said.

'I am scared.'

'I know.'

'Do not tell me everything will be fine.'

'I will not.' He kissed her forehead. 'I will tell you I am here.'

Hours blurred into pain, voices, lights, and rain against glass.

Scarlett fought for breath, for calm, for the tiny life making its way into a complicated world.

Then, near dawn, a cry filled the room.

Small. Furious. Alive.

Scarlett broke into sobs.

The doctor smiled. 'You have a daughter.'

Alexander looked as if the entire universe had struck him silent.

The baby was placed against Scarlett's chest, warm and impossibly small. Scarlett touched her dark hair with trembling fingers.

'Hello,' she whispered. 'I am your mother.'

Alexander leaned close, tears finally falling.

'She is perfect,' he said.

Scarlett looked at their daughter, then at him.

'Isabella,' she whispered. 'Her name is Isabella Grace Moretti.'

Alexander kissed Scarlett's temple.

'Welcome home, Isabella.'