Acting quickly, I consoled and reassured our daughter at this significant life turning point. He stepped forward without thinking, loving and caring for her like he would for his own child even though he was not her biological father.

As I hurried home from work, my daughter and husband were deep in conversation in the living room. My daughter rushed into my arms, clutching a little packet of pads that my husband had gotten up from the supermarket, as her eyes lighted up with relief at seeing me.

Gratitude tinged her voice, “He helped me figure everything out, Mom.”

With pride and gratitude for the wonderful and compassionate man my husband was, I looked at him. Along with welcoming the role of stepfather, he had gone above and above to help our daughter at a critical juncture in her life.

Whispering “thank you,” I embraced him firmly.

Warmly grinning, love filled his eyes. Obviously, he said. “I’ll be there for her no matter what.”

I also realized at that same time that our family was more bonded by love, support, and unflinching dedication than it had ever been. Though he isn’t my daughter’s biological father, my husband has shown himself to be a real parent in every other way.