PART 22: The Place I Chose

When my maternity leave ended, I returned to work gradually with my medical team’s guidance and a childcare plan that didn’t depend on anyone acting out of guilt.

Dad enjoyed helping, but I hired a qualified caregiver for set hours so he could be a grandfather instead of a full-time solution to every problem.

Lucas and I continued co-parenting under a clear schedule.

Our relationship changed from desperate apologies and demands into practical conversations about feeding, appointments, naps, and eventually first teeth.