The new drug development project at the lab is entering a critical phase,” he told Melissa later, his expression apologetic. “I might not be able to make many of the checkups. But I need you to know that you and the baby are my top priority. Always.”

Melissa understood completely. His work was important, and his actions spoke louder than his presence at appointments ever could. Every evening, he would come home, kneel before her, and place a hand on her still-flat stomach. “How was your day in there?” he’d murmur to their unborn child. “Daddy is looking forward to meeting you so, so much.”