"And the only day that this can happen is my birthday?" I accused, my tone venomous.

"I'm so sorry, I'll make it up to you," he apologized, looking incredibly guilty.

"Did it ever occur to you to send someone else?" Mom asked.

"Yes, why can't James or Eric go?" I demanded. "They're senior partners and more experienced than you."

"I'm the one who's been leading this case the entire time," he explained. "It has to be me."

"Fine, whatever," I said, waving my hand at him, too angry to even shed a tear. A caring husband would know it wasn't fine, and would do whatever it took to make a...