There are way's to prevent swarming, splitting, checker boarding,....like open up the brood chamber etc. but sometimes you cant do much.
I let mine swarm and I can catch them,...these will be my new hives for the following year.
You should be fine...hopefully?
Not really sure what your husband did, ..think he took out queen cells, if he did, then the hive could get queen less.
The old queen takes off with about half the bees, the rest will take over with a new mated queen,...normally, if you didn't take all the queen cells out.
Check for new eggs/larvae in about 2 weeks.

DH says we just have about 30 bees lift, and he doesn't see any eggs, and maybe not any drones. "So looks like we are stuck." He is thinking of buying another beehive, from a guy who has offered to let him watch and learn. We need the learning!
Thank you konrad.

Yeah,...your hive is gone, too bad, good advise from the guy.

Google Package bees, you should find a package with bees and Queen for $130 or less. Order now or you will miss the season. Follow the suppliers instructions and install the bees. Be sure to feed the bees with Sugar water (1 to 1) and some patty food, also from the web. You should have 95% chance of success. Keep us posted.

>>He is thinking of buying another beehive, from a guy who has offered to let him watch and learn.This is a better plan.

There are numerous videos on Youtube showing how to install bees. If you can't find them I will help you.