Pam had been away for months on what I thought was a business trip, chasing a promotion she’d dreamed of. But when she unexpectedly returned with a newborn, my world spun.
Pam had always wanted the promotion to Senior Project Manager, not just for the money, but for the recognition of her hard work. But when the offer came, it required her to move away for six months to oversee a new branch.
Though I hated the idea of her leaving, I supported her dream. We kept in touch, but as her schedule grew busier, our communication faded. Then, I noticed Pam had gained weight and tried to reassure her.
One Saturday, she returned home early with a baby. Shocked, I asked, “Whose baby is that?”
Pam explained the truth: She hadn’t been on a business trip. Instead, she had been helping her younger sister, Ashley, through an unplanned pregnancy. Ashley had been left by her partner and didn’t want to keep the baby, but Pam couldn’t let her give the child up to strangers. Pam wanted us to adopt the baby.
I was stunned, but Pam explained she hadn’t been offered the promotion, and her work had been remote. After hearing her out, and holding the baby in my arms, I agreed: we’d raise her.
A month later, the adoption was official. We kept the details from Pam’s parents, telling them it was a private adoption. At Thanksgiving, we surprised my family, and Pam told her parents later, who were thrilled to meet their new granddaughter.
Now, we’re the happiest parents, and Pam eventually got the promotion she deserved.