It had been a long labor, but an easy one, and Molly breathed her first free breath in hours. Meli was sweat-soaked and sleepy-looking, but her smile was bright as she accepted the squirming bundle from her mother. She gently traced her baby's ears with her finger tips, and stared in fascination at the tiny fingers. Pippin moved up beside Molly and squeezed her tight, both of them watching Meli.
She looked up at them with a glow of joy so strong Molly almost felt she should shield her eyes. "We have a son," she said softly, and held out her free arm to them.
~