Margarita found love again ten years after the death of her first husband. But it seemed that her trials were just beginning. During the ceremony, when the priest asked if there were any objections, her four children stood up and declared, “Yes.” Margarita’s heart skipped a beat. What had gone wrong? Why had her children, who had supported her up until then, suddenly opposed her?
The late light of day filtered through the windows as I settled into my favorite chair.
— Oh, Alexei, I miss you every day… I whispered, running my fingers over the edge of an old photograph.
On my lap rested an album brimming with memories of a life now gone. I gazed at Alexei’s portrait – his smile so alive, as if he were still there, beside me.
We met at the institute, young and full of dreams.
Our first date was at a small café near the university. We chatted for hours, about everything and nothing. He knew how to make me feel like the only one in the world.
Turning the pages, I relived each moment. Here was our wedding day – a warm June noon.
Laughter filled the air, family and friends all around. I saw the joy in Alexei’s eyes as we exchanged our vows. We were so happy, full of hope for the future.
We traveled a lot, seeking adventure. In Italy, we got lost in the alleys of Rome and discovered a pizzeria where we had the best pizza of our lives.
And in the Rocky Mountains, caught in the rain, Alexei still managed to start a fire – we laughed, huddling under a makeshift shelter.
But then, life changed.
At 42, Alexei fell ill. We hoped, we prayed… but he left us.
That day was the hardest of my life. The house emptied, and my heart shattered with loneliness.
I thought that kind of love only happened once in a lifetime. I lived in a fog. Leisure, friends, trips – all were there, but my soul felt empty.
Then Mikhael appeared. Two years ago.
He was very different from Alexei, but his kindness and sense of humor brought warmth back into my life. We met at a dinner with mutual friends, and slowly, he became an important part of my life.
Six months ago, he proposed, and I said “yes.”
I closed the album and hugged it to my chest.
— Alexei, you will always be my first love… I whispered, — but I think you would be happy for me. I smiled again…
I looked around the living room, filled with memories, but today, it buzzed with joyful excitement. We were preparing for the wedding.
The children were all there, helping with everything.
— Mom, can you help with the banner? Anton called from the living room.
He was setting up decorations — he always loved those little touches.
— Of course, my dear, I replied with a smile.
Harry was negotiating with the caterer on the phone. — Don’t forget the vegetarian menu, I reminded him.
He nodded and gave me a thumbs-up.
Daniel was decorating the tables with lilies. — Beautiful, my son, I complimented him.
— I want your day to be perfect, mom, he replied lovingly.
Benjamin was checking the sound system:
— Everything’s ready, the music and the microphones work! he said, hugging me.
— Thank you, my dears. You are my happiness, I held back tears.
Mikhael was sitting in the living room, rereading his vows. When I approached, he took my hand: — How are you? he asked.
— Better than ever, I smiled. — I’m lucky: I have wonderful children and you.
— We’re with you, mom, Anton added.
— Tomorrow will be magical, I agreed.
In the evening, we had a rehearsal dinner in the garden: sparkling lights, flowers, a warm atmosphere. — Mom, do you like it? Anton asked, sitting beside me.
— Very much, my son, I replied.
Mikhael approached and hugged me: — Ready for tomorrow?
— It’s almost unbelievable that all of this is coming true.
Daniel raised his glass:
— To mom and Mikhael! May their love shine as brightly as these fairy lights!
— To mom and Mikhael! everyone cheered in unison.
I looked at my children with gratitude. — Thank you, my darlings. You made this day so special. — We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Benjamin assured.
— We’re so happy to see you like this, Harry added.
But a lingering emptiness remained in my heart. I thought about Emily — my daughter, with whom I hadn’t spoken for years.
— Emily would have liked this, I whispered. — She might still show up, Marina, Mikhael said. — Give her time.
— I hope so…
Then came the wedding morning. I stood next to Mikhael. Everything felt like a fairy tale.
The priest declared:
— If anyone has any objections to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.
My four children stood up.
— We oppose! they said in unison.
My heart stopped.
But before I could say anything, Anton stepped forward:
— You can’t marry, mom… without one person.
They parted — and I saw her.
Emily.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
She approached me, tears in her eyes.
— Forgive me, mom, she said. — I blamed you for your father’s death. I thought you had given up… I was blinded by pain.
When Alexei was ill, he had signed a document stating that if his heart stopped, he shouldn’t be revived.
I honored his last wish… but I lost my daughter.
— I missed you so much, my daughter… I tried to reach out to you…
— I know. And now, I understand. I want to be by your side. Mikhael is a wonderful man. Thank you to my brothers for inviting me…
Mikhael stepped forward and took Emily’s hand:
— Your mom loves you deeply. You’ve given her back her completeness.
With tears in my eyes, I turned to the priest:
— Please continue…
Mikhael and I exchanged our vows. And when he declared us husband and wife — we kissed.
At the reception, we were surrounded by children. Five in total. The family was complete again.
Emily raised her glass:
— To a new beginning. To love. To family. To mom and Mikhael!
In the room, applause rang out, and glasses clinked.
I looked at my family, my heart overflowing with joy.
I was embarking on a new chapter of my life — surrounded by love.
Have you ever experienced something like this? Something unexpected, but warm, at a wedding or another important event?