I knew our lives were about to change in ways we never imagined. As we drove home, I glanced at Zach, his expression a blend of anxiety and resolve. I realized that this was not just an end to his childhood as he knew it, but also a beginning — a beginning of a new chapter that neither of us was prepared for.

Back home, I sat him down at the kitchen table, determined to offer my support while also making him understand the seriousness of the situation. We talked about the immediate needs: baby supplies, where she’d sleep, legal responsibilities. I promised to be there every step of the way, but I also made it clear that he had to step up and embrace this new role with maturity.