Clara didn't interrupt.
When he finished, she sat quietly.
Then asked, "Did anyone ever tell you it wasn't your fault?"
Gabriel looked up sharply.
"What?"
She repeated the question.
He stared at the fire.
For a long moment, he didn't answer.
Then he shook his head.
"Not in those words."
Clara's eyes filled.
She looked toward him.
"Then they should have."
Gabriel swallowed.
For a moment, he seemed unable to speak.
Then he looked toward her stomach.
Clara noticed.
Her heart tightened.
He looked away quickly.
She hesitated.
Then whispered, "You know, a doctor can tell a man what his body may not do."
Gabriel remained quiet.
She continued.
"But he can't decide what kind of father that man could become."
Gabriel closed his eyes.
The words entered a place he'd spent years refusing to examine.
For a long moment, he didn't move.
Then he whispered, "Clara."
She stopped.
He looked toward her.
His eyes were wet.
"I don't know whether I can do this."
She nodded.
"I know."
He swallowed.
"I'm trying."
Her lips trembled.
"I know you are."
For several seconds, they simply looked at each other.
Then Gabriel reached toward the book.
He took it gently from her hands.
Opened to another page.
And began reading aloud.
His voice was rough.
Awkward at first.
Then steadier.
Clara sat beside the fire listening.
Her hand rested over her stomach.
And for the first time in months, the child moved strongly enough that she felt a small flutter beneath her palm.
She gasped softly.
Gabriel stopped reading.
"What is it?"
Clara stared down.
Then smiled through sudden tears.
"Nothing's wrong."
He looked concerned.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded quickly.
"Yes."
She pressed her hand against the curve of her belly.
"The baby moved."
Gabriel went still.
For a moment, the room seemed to change.
He looked toward her hand.
Then toward her face.
Clara smiled.
"It's the first time I've felt it clearly."
Gabriel swallowed.
He didn't know what to say.
Then he whispered, "Does it hurt?"
She laughed softly.
"No."
He nodded.
For a moment, he seemed relieved.
Then Clara looked toward him.
She hesitated.
"Would you like to feel?"