Gilbert and Audrey left shortly after confirming that Arianne and the baby were both safe and healthy. Audrey had squeezed Franz's shoulder and told him to get some sleep. Gilbert had looked at the bassinet, at the tiny bundle wrapped in the hospital blanket, and shaken his head with something between wonder and disbelief.
"She actually did it," he'd said. "Arianne. A mother."
"Don't let her hear you say it like that. She'll think you doubted her," Franz said.
"I didn't doubt her. I just never expected—" He'd stopped, searching for the right words. "She's changed. She's not the same person who told us she'd never have children."
"She's the same person. She wanted different things."
Gilbert had nodded. "I'm happy for her. For both of you. We'll get out of your way now. Let you have some time alone."
