The Husbands: A Novel

Nora sends pictures of the Marches’ house to her fire expert, Dave, a former firefighter. He sees evidence that could point to arson, but he promises to do a walk-through and collect samples. Nora’s phone dings with a doctor’s appointment reminder, and she rushes to it. Hayden is excited to learn the baby’s sex because he wants to host a gender reveal party. Nora’s blood pressure is a little high, so the doctor tells her to put her feet up more, relax, and ease up at work. Hayden only hears the part about work, failing to realize that the doctor’s advice applies to life at home too. Nora knows neither man understands what it’s like to have his professional life disrupted by the choice to have a child, but she says nothing.

Nora and Hayden drive to the Dynasty Ranch dinner party. In attendance are Thea and her husband, Roman, a lawyer; Cornelia and Asher, a dentist; Alexis and Max, a civil engineer; and Penny. Nora asks Roman about any acquaintances they may share from law school, but neither has time for keeping up those relationships. Roman describes his weekly schedule: everything from meal prepping to driving children to appointments.