Pedro and his family continued to wait patiently (maybe not so much) in the lobby of General Hospital. Brigitte was observing the cityscape through the windows. Caio positioned himself behind her, massaging her shoulders. “Are you thinking about us, dear?” Brigitte was slightly startled, not expecting to talk about this now. “Darling...” “Brigitte, how long are we going to keep avoiding the subject?” Caio asked softly, just for his wife to hear. “Didn’t I tell you that we’re at the peak of our careers? Who will wake up in the middle of the night to prepare bottles or change shitty diapers? You?” Brigitte asked in the same tone, but exasperated. Caio raised his eyebrows. “You asked as if it were impossible for me to do.” “I’m just reminding you of the pros and cons.” Brigitte pouted. “I’m mentally preparing myself for when those occasions come.” Caio poked her belly. “Just you also need to want it.” Before Brigitte could respond, the door opened.Sofia entered, holding envelop

General Hospital, Daniela’s hospital room. Daniela Reis, the new mother, held her newborn baby, with Pedro sitting beside them wearing a cap and gloves. First-time parents, they smiled in awe at witnessing the miracle of life. “It’s a healthy baby boy, dear. Congratulations.” Pedro kissed his wife’s cheek. “You also played a part in this.” Daniela’s voice was choked with emotion. “When he grows up, thanks to your chromosomes, he’ll become the next handsome guy in the neighborhood.” “Oh, come on...” Pedro chuckled softly. “I just want him to have a peaceful life.” “Tell that to the girls who will go crazy when he turns 18,” Daniela replied with concern, already thinking about how to fend off the groupies that will flood the Teodoro building once Raymond is discovered. Rosemary and Caio enter the room, melting over the baby. “Aww, what a beautiful little nephew of mine!” Rosemary crossed her fingers. “Guys, did you hear? Sofia is also pregnant,” Caio informed them, with a slight

After recovering from childbirth, Daniela and her baby boy returned home. Pedro’s apartment became too small to accommodate all the people who wanted to see the newborn and heir of the Teodoro Building. Only Josias and his group were enough to fill the living room. Even Beto and Teresa came all the way from Belo Horizonte to take a look at their grandson. Josias and Beto embraced fervently to soothe their longing. “Your grandson, Beto. Another one,” Josias said. “What an emotion, Josias,” Beto replied when the hug ended. “I’m truly happy with the son I have.” “And did you see how everything was well organized?” Josias gestured. “The building is in good hands.” “That’s true,” Beto said, wiping away a tear that insisted to fall. Pedro approached with two glasses of orange juice. “No beer for the old man here.” Beto laughed, taking the glass. “Son, I was telling Josias: you’re doing a good job keeping the building just like before, well organized and clean. Do the tenants give y

Beto left the apartment and stayed in the lobby, looking at the photograph of him and Teodoro.“Dad, you would have liked to meet your great-grandson,” he said with longing.Suddenly, Felipe appeared, taking advantage of the open gate.Beto turned to him and frowned, disapproving of the young man’s appearance.“Hey, the gate was open,” Felipe apologized.“That doesn’t mean we want you here,” Beto retorted.“I heard Daniela gave birth.” Felipe didn’t back down, trying to push through.Beto, with the speed of a lynx, blocked the younger man’s path. “You are forbidden from entering my son’s apartment, understood?”Pedro hurried out upon hearing his father’s angry voice.“Dad, don’t get worked up. I’ll handle this,” Pedro said, grabbing his father’s right arm.“Okay, son. At my age, I can

Following Josias’s advice, João Paulo Queiroz Rocha’s next column featured Pedro and Daniela Reis with their firstborn, Raymond Chaves Lombardi Reis. The audience melted over the newborn. Letters and emails flooded Pedro and Daniela’s inboxes, along with gifts and bouquets from various parts of the city and Espírito Santo, wishing happiness and a good journey in raising the future heir. As promised, Pedro and Daniela traveled to Victoria to show the baby to Raymond and Cristina, Pedro’s maternal grandparents. After all, the grandfather was being honored. Rosemary remained in charge of the building, aided by some staff Pedro had hired along the way. Diane appeared that day, looking at the portraits of Teodoro and Beto hanging on the wall. Rosemary showed up wearing an apron. “Hello, Rosemary,” Diane greeted. “How are things here without Pedro and Daniela?” “Well, as you can see, things are complicated. But I’m managing,” Rosemary smiled, wiping sweat from her brow with her forear