MY HUSBAND MISSED 0UR BABY’S BIRTH—THEN I SAW HIM CARRYING AN0THER WOMAN’S CHILD

The same chair he had pulled close when we arrived at the hospital that afternoon.

He had kissed my forehead and said, “I’m not leaving this room unless you throw me out.”

Then, a little after eight, his phone rang.

I watched his expression change.

“What happened?” I asked.

He was already reaching for his coat.

“Family emergency.”

“What kind?”

“I don’t know yet.”

Another contraction began.