“Yeah.
Just stay home.”
“So all those promises,” I argued. “About how you’d handle everything? About how I wouldn’t have to give up what I’d worked for?”
He shrugged.
“Things change.
You’re a mom now.”
“I was a doctor first.”
“Well, you can’t be both. Not really. Come on, babe.
Where have you ever seen a dad stay home while the mom works? That’s not how the world works.”
Something inside me went very still and very cold.
The next morning, I made coffee, set the twins in their bouncers, and took a deep breath.
Nick was halfway through his toast when I spoke.
“Okay. I’ll consider quitting.”
His head snapped up, eyes brightening.
“Really?”
“On one condition.”
His expression shifted slightly. Wary now. “What condition?”
“If you want me to quit my job and stay home full-time, you’ll need to earn what I make. Enough to cover everything… the mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance, and childcare for when I need a break. All of it.”
The color drained from his face as if someone had pulled a plug.
He knew.
God, he knew.
Nick worked as a regional sales manager for a construction supply company. It was decent money, enough to be proud of. But decent wasn’t enough when I was bringing home almost twice his salary.
“You’re saying I’m not enough?” He argued.
“I’m saying you can’t demand I give up my career when you can’t afford to replace what I contribute.
That’s just math, Nick.”Continue reading…
