Diana feels both happy and nervous as she prepares to marry Tom. However, her five-year-old son’s protest surprises everyone and throws the ceremony to a halt. As the guests react in disbelief, Ethan exposes a bombshell that turns everyone pale. What does Ethan know about Tom that might change everything?
I stood in the modest cottage next to the lawn, surrounded by my bridesmaids.
It was the morning before my wedding, and I was both thrilled and nervous.
The cottage smelled beautiful with flowers, and I could see folks arriving and sitting through the windows.
My bridesmaids, dressed in gentle lavender, moved around me, adjusting my hair and outfit.
They spoke and laughed, and their delight went to me.
I smiled as I reflected on my journey to this point.
Tom and I had been together three years. He came into my life when I needed him the most, and he was everything I could have dreamed for in a companion.
More importantly, he had been an excellent father figure to Ethan, my five-year-old son.
The friendship between Ethan and Tom was special. They spent hours playing with toy cars, constructing Lego castles, and embarking on small excursions throughout the park.
Seeing them together made my heart happy.
“Mama, look at me!” Ethan’s voice drew me back into the present.
I turned around to see him standing proudly in his small suit, his blue eyes bright with joy. He looked so mature and handsome that it nearly brought tears to my eyes.
“You look so smart, Ethan,” I said, kneeling down to his level. “Are you ready to help me today?”
“Yes, Mama!” he exclaimed, beaming. “I’m gonna be the best ring bearer ever!”
I hugged him fiercely, full of love and thanks.
This day was about more than Tom and me; it was about our small family and the future we were creating together.
The cottage door opened, and Kelly, one of my bridesmaids, peeked inside. “Diana, it’s almost time. Are you ready?”
I drew a long breath and nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.”
As we walked out of the cottage and into the garden, the sight took my breath away.
The aisle was strewn with flowers, forming a lovely route to the altar, where Tom stood waiting for us.
All of the guests were smiling and conversing enthusiastically.
It was an ideal backdrop for our big day.
“Ethan, are you ready?” I whispered to my son, squeezing his little hand.
“Ready, Mommy,” he replied, his eyes bright with excitement.
We walked down the aisle while lovely music played in the background.
Our guests’ eyes were fixed on us, and their warm grins added to the festive atmosphere. Ethan looked adorable in his suit, and he took confident and proud steps as he clutched my hand.
As we approached the altar, I noticed Tom’s huge smile, his eyes filled with love and joy. My heart flooded with emotion, and I felt a tear run down my cheek.
Tom was the man I had always wished for, and today we were making our dreams come true.
“Daddy, look at me!” Ethan exclaimed with sheer excitement.
Tom chuckled his smile getting even bigger. “I see you, champ. You look so smart!”
Ethan smiled, his small chest swelling up with pride. “I’m a big boy today!”
“You sure are!” Tom said, his eyes meeting mine. He had a glance that spoke volumes, but without words.
We were a family, and today marked the start of a new chapter in our life.
As we approached the altar, Tom grabbed my hand and I felt his power. “You look stunning, Diana,” he said quietly.
“Thank you, Tom,” I replied with a smile. “I can’t believe this is real.”
“It’s real,” he said, smiling back. “And it’s perfect.”
I looked down at Ethan, who was grinning up at us. “We did it, sweetheart,” I said softly.
“We did it!” he echoed, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
The officiant smiled at us and started leading Tom and me through our vows.
“Do you, Tom, take Diana to be your wife?” the officiant asked with a smile.
“I do,” Tom replied, his eyes never leaving mine.
“And do you, Diana, take Tom to be your husband?” the officiant continued.
“I do,” I said, my voice filled with emotion.
Just as the officiant was about to call us husband and wife, a small but resolute voice emerged from beside us. “I object!”
The crowd let out a collective gasp. I turned to see Ethan standing there, serious expression on his face. My heart skips a beat.
Why is he saying that?
“Ethan, sweetheart, why do you object?” I asked, kneeling down to be at eye level with him.
Ethan held out a small worn-out rattle, his little hands trembling slightly.
“Tom has another family, Mama! I heard him talking to his mommy about his daughter. Is Tom ᴄʜᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ on you, Mommy?” he asked.
The crowd began to murmur, and their murmurs became louder. I felt a knot build in my stomach as I turned to face Tom.
Everyone’s faces turned pale, and Tom appeared as surprised as I was. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words emerged.
The officiant appeared perplexed, looking between us and the guests.
“Ethan, what do you mean?” I asked gently, trying to understand. “What did you hear?”
Ethan lowered his gaze to the ground. “I heard Tom talking to his mommy about his daughter. He said he has a daughter, but I didn’t know about her. Why didn’t he tell us, Mommy?”
I took a big breath and tried to understand what Ethan was saying. I looked at Tom, who’d finally found his voice.
“Guys, I can explain,” he began, facing the crowd.
I held up my hand to stop him. “Ethan, are you sure you heard correctly?”
“Yes, Mommy,” he insisted, his little face earnest. “Tom said he has a daughter.”
Tom took a big breath, his gaze meeting mine. The crowd buzzing, waiting for an explanation.
“What’s going on?” one guest whispered to another.
“Did you hear what the little boy said?” another murmured, sounding confused.
“Is there really another family?” someone asked, their voice filled with concern.
“Well, Tom, I guess it’s time you told the truth,” I said, putting an end to the murmurs.
Tom went forward and took my hand in his. He peered out at the crowd before returning his attention to Ethan.
“Ethan, buddy, you heard right. There is a baby involved, but it’s not what you think,” Tom said.
Once again, a tremendous gasp echoed through the crowd. Tom grabbed Ethan up and firmly gripped my hand.
Tom turned to face our guests, his smile widening. “Everyone, we’d like to announce that we’re expecting a baby. Ethan, you’re going to be a big brother!”
“Oh my!” someone exclaimed.
“Gosh, this is not what I expected!” someone else said.
The crowd erupted in cheers and ovation after experiencing collective astonishment. The anxiety dissipated, replaced by exhilaration and excitement.
“Really? I’m going to be a big brother?” Ethan asked excitedly.
I hugged him tightly, tears of joy streaming down my face. “Yes, sweetheart, you’re going to be the best big brother ever.”
Tom joined our embrace, wrapping his arms around both of us. “Ethan, I’m sorry if we confused you. We wanted to surprise everyone today.”
Ethan’s face lit up with understanding. “We’re having a little baby?”
“That’s right, champ,” Tom said, chuckling. “We’re having a baby.”
The throng continued to cheer, creating an atmosphere of laughing and celebration. The officiant, smiling warmly, continued where we left off. “Well, this is certainly a special day! Let’s continue with the ceremony.”
The vows were soon exchanged, and Tom and I were declared husband and wife. We kissed, committing to each other and our growing family.
Later that evening, as the sun sank and the yard was illuminated by a lovely, golden glow, I watched Tom and Ethan play together. I felt incredibly happy and content.
Our journey together was only beginning, yet it was already filled with so much love.
