My mother-in-law looked at my 38-week pregnant belly, told my husband, “Put a lock on both doors and let her give birth alone,” and then went off on a luxury trip to Aspen, paid for with my money. Seven days later, they returned tanned, smiling, and dragging suitcases full of shopping bags…

Justin was not listening to his mother anymore as he stared at the new security cameras that were tracking their every move on the porch. He finally understood that the door he had locked a week ago was a door that would never open for him again.

My phone began to ring as I sat in a rocking chair at Phoebe’s house with Hudson sleeping peacefully against my chest. I saw Justin’s name on the screen and I chose not to answer while listening to the rhythm of my son’s breathing.

He kept calling over and over again until Beulah finally decided to use her own phone to reach out to Phoebe’s number. I told Phoebe to put the call on speaker and we listened as Beulah’s voice came through with a frantic and demanding tone.

“Audrey, you open this door right this instant because we are standing outside like fools and our luggage is heavy!” Beulah screamed into the phone. I adjusted the baby and told her it was strange because I had been locked out of something important seven days ago as well.