After losing his wife, Jim thought he’d never find happiness again. But life had other plans. Emily came into his life like a breath of fresh air, offering hope and a chance for a new beginning. Jim had been shattered by the loss of Karen, his beloved wife and the mother of his daughter, Amy. His mother often reminded him, “It’s okay to dream of a new start, Jim. No one will ever replace Karen, but it’s okay to want joy again.”
When Jim introduced Emily to Amy, he was relieved to see them get along so well. Amy, just nine years old, was thrilled to have another woman in her life. Over time, Emily became a part of their family, and even Karen’s parents approved of her. Two years later, Jim proposed, and wedding preparations began. Amy was excited to be the flower girl, but Emily suggested her nephew take the role instead. Jim stood firm, insisting Amy would have her moment. Emily didn’t argue, but Jim noticed a flicker of annoyance in her expression.
The night before the wedding, Jim tucked Amy into bed. “Do you think Mom will be happy?” Amy asked. Jim smiled softly. “I think she would be, sweetheart.” But the next day, everything changed. Jim overheard Emily’s bridesmaids plotting to lock Amy in a room to keep her out of the wedding. They claimed Emily couldn’t stand seeing Amy because she reminded her of Karen.
Furious, Jim found Amy and reassured her. “You’re walking down the aisle with me,” he said firmly. When Emily saw Amy at the ceremony, her face turned from joy to shock. “What is she doing here?” she hissed. Jim confronted her, his voice trembling with anger. “How could you think it was okay to hurt my daughter? To exclude her from this day?” Emily tried to explain, but Jim interrupted. “This wedding is off. I won’t marry someone who would hurt my child.”
The next morning, Jim took Amy out for breakfast. “Are you sure it was a good idea not to marry Emily?” Amy asked. Jim looked at her and smiled. “Yes, sweetheart. No one comes before you.” In that moment, Jim knew he had made the right choice.
