I moved swiftly to comfort and console our daughter at this momentous life turning point. Not being her biological father, he stepped forward without hesitation, loving and caring for her like he would for his own child.

My daughter and husband were deep in conversation in the living room when I hurried home from work. With relief in her eyes at seeing me, my daughter hurried into my arms clutching a tiny packet of pads that my husband had picked up from the grocery.

Her voice was tinted with thanks, “He helped me figure everything out, Mom.”

With pride and gratitude for the wonderful and compassionate man my husband was, I looked at him. He had welcomed the stepfather position and gone above and above to support our daughter at a pivotal time in her life.

Grabbing him tightly, I said, “Thank you.”

Grinning warmly, love flooded his gaze. Obviously, he said. I’ll support her through good times and bad.

At the same moment, I also understood that our family was closer than it had ever been in terms of love, support, and unwavering commitment. Even if he isn’t my daughter’s biological father, my husband has demonstrated in every other way that he is a true parent.