When Aria is in labor with her and Dave’s firstborn baby, she’s horrified to see him leave the hospital just because his mother called. Things get worse when Aria discovers that the reason was because Dave needed to help with his mother’s groceries. What is Aria going to do next?

I never imagined I’d be writing this, but here I am, needing to vent and share the valuable lesson my husband learned the hard way.

I’m 32 and stepping into motherhood. My husband, Dave, is 34 and has always had a complicated relationship with his mother.

Marlene is the type of mother who called for every little thing, expecting him to drop everything and come as soon as she needed.

I used to find it endearing until the day I went into labor. Everything was going smoothly until I was about six hours into the agonizing labor.

But then, Dave’s phone rang, and he quickly stepped out into the hall to take the call. When he came back, he seemed agitated. Then, just a few minutes later, his phone buzzed with a text message.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“I need to go, Aria. But it will be quick. I’ll be quick, promise.”