After losing his wife, Karen, Jim thought he’d never find happiness again. But Emily brought light back into his life. For three years, Jim had been a devoted single father to Amy, his young daughter. His mother encouraged him to embrace a new chapter, reminding him, “It’s okay to want joy again, Jim. No one will ever replace Karen, but you deserve happiness.”
When Jim introduced Emily to Amy, he was relieved to see them bond. Amy, just nine years old, was excited to have another woman in her life. Over time, Emily became a part of their family, and even Karen’s parents approved. Two years later, Jim proposed, and wedding preparations began. Amy was thrilled to be the flower girl, but Emily suggested her nephew take the role instead. Jim stood his ground, insisting Amy would have her moment.
The night before the wedding, Jim tucked Amy into bed. “Do you think Mom will be happy?” Amy asked. Jim smiled. “I think she would be, sweetheart.” But the next day, Jim overheard Emily’s bridesmaids planning to lock Amy in a room to keep her out of the wedding. They said Emily couldn’t stand seeing Amy because she reminded her of Karen.
Jim was furious. He 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 shaking 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 smiled. “Yes, sweetheart. No one comes before you.” In that moment, Jim knew he had made the right choice.
