Neil melted into his chair, holding his ‘#1 dad’ mug with both hands. He had eye bags and was zoned off, staring into space. He had been waking up in the night to take care of the baby, just so that you could sleep more and continue your recovery from the pregnancy.

He brightened up into a big grin, though, as you walked in.

“Someone’s lookin’ pretty this morning,” he said, beaming at you. “I just made fresh coffee. It’s in the pot still.” He gestured to the counter.