There was a long moment of stunned silence before one teacher stood up to clap. Then another parent joined in, and soon the entire room was standing and cheering through their tears.
The people who had been laughing moments ago now kept their eyes fixed on the floor in shame. After the ceremony ended, the rest of the night became a blur of hugs and apologies.
Teachers came over to shake his hand while other parents pointedly avoided my gaze. That same woman who had whispered behind my back hurried toward the exit without looking at us.
None of that mattered to me because my son had walked off that stage with his head high and his daughter in his arms. We drove straight to the local hospital to see the baby’s mother.
Brianna looked exhausted and pale as she sat up in her hospital bed. “I feel like I ruined everything for you both,” she whispered the moment we walked through the door.
Westley went to her side immediately to comfort her. “You didn’t ruin a single thing, Brianna,” he said as he handed her the baby.
When she looked at me, bracing herself for the judgment she expected, I simply reached out to pat her hand. “Have you had anything to eat yet?” I asked her softly.