I remained involved where appropriate, but I made sure decisions weren’t made simply because I’d been the one who carried the pregnancy.

From the beginning, our intention had been that Hope would be raised by Lucas and Hannah; now that intention needed clear paperwork and dependable care, not assumptions.

Hannah insisted that before Hope came home, Lucas spend time learning routines and attend a counseling session with her.

He did.

They also agreed to review their finances every Sunday, no hidden accounts and no soothing lies offered in place of facts.

“I still may need space,” Hannah told him.