My Husband Told Me to “Handle It Yourself” While I Was in Labor So He Could Stay at His Mother’s Birthday—Then I Made One Phone Call

Held Liam while I showered.

Folded baby blankets with the precision of a man reviewing merger documents.

He did not move in permanently.

He booked a hotel nearby.

That mattered.

Old Dad might have occupied the house and taken command.

This Dad asked:

“Do you want me here tonight?”