Id always pictured my wedding as a bright, cheery affair, filled with laughter and love. As I walked down the aisle at St.Marys Church in Bath, I truly believed that vision was finally unfolding. The soft glow of candles mixed with the scent of roses while Emma watched me with those gentle eyes that first caught my attention.
We first crossed paths three years ago at a mates garden party in York. I wasnt hunting for romance, but Emmas warm smile and easy charm made it impossible not to be drawn in. What began as lighthearted chatter about work and novels turned into long evenings of jokes and stories. We clicked straight away, and within a few months I could hardly picture life without her.
One evening, not long after wed started dating, Emma dropped a bombshell over dinner.
Tom, theres something I need to tell you, she said, stirring her tea. I have a daughter. Her names Poppy and shes four. I need you to think about whether youre ready for that. If its not right for you, Id rather hear it now.
A daughter? I echoed. You have a daughter?
It wasnt that I thought shed been hiding anythingthings had moved so quickly that the idea never crossed my mind.
Shes my whole world, Tom, she continued. I dont want either of us to be unhappy. If you need time to mull it over, thats fine. I just needed to be honest.
The vulnerability in her eyes was clear. I could see she was bracing for the worst.
I need to think about this, I said gently. Not because I doubt my feelings for you, but because I want to be sure I can give her, and you, what you both deserve.
Thats all I can ask. Take your time.
For days I replayed her words. I pictured a little girl with Emmas bright eyes and wondered what her world was like. Would she welcome me or see me as an intruder? Could I step into the role of a stepdad?
When I finally made up my mind, I asked Emma to meet me at our favourite café, The Rose and Crown.
As soon as she sat down, I said, Emma, Im in this for the long haul. If Poppy is part of the package, I want to meet her.
Thank you, Tom, she replied, relief brightening her face. That means everything to me.
When can I see her? I asked.
She laughed. How about this weekend? Shes been asking about you ever since I told her I was seeing someone.
That Saturday I stood on the front step of Emmas bungalow with a tin of homemade chocolatechip biscuits. My heart thudded as she opened the door, Poppy peeking shyly from behind her leg.
Tom, this is Poppy, Emma said softly.
Poppy looked up with wide, bright eyes and gave me a tiny grin.
Hi, she said, clutching her favourite stuffed rabbit.
Hi, Poppy, I knelt to her level. I brought these biscuits for you. Hope you like chocolate chip.
I love chocolate chip! she squealed, snatching the tin.
In an instant the ice melted.
Within minutes she was pulling me into her playroom, proudly displaying her toys and peppering us with endless questions. Emma watched from the doorway, a look on her face that said more than words ever could.
She likes you, Emma whispered later as Poppy napped on the sofa.
I like her too, I replied. Shes wonderful, Emma.
Becoming a stepdad wasnt something Id ever planned, but Poppy quickly carved a place in my heart.
When Emma proposed a year ago, Poppy shrieked with delight.
Youre going to be my mummy! she shouted, wrapping her arms around my legs.
I thought then that the three of us were building a happy little family.
On the day of the wedding, watching Poppy beam in her flowergirl dress made me feel completely wholeuntil the officiants words took an unexpected turn.
If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.
The room fell silent. I expected nothing more than a hush. Instead, Poppys tiny voice cut through the quiet.
You cant marry her, Daddy!
Gasps rippled through the guests as my stomach dropped.
I turned to her. Sweetheart, what did you say?
Poppy stood, eyes fixed on Emma.
Daddy, dont marry her. You already have a wife.
My gaze snapped to Emma, expecting him to deny it, but he looked as baffled as I felt.
Poppy, Emma said gently, what are you talking about?
She pointed toward the large window at the back. Shes out there!
Everyone turned to the window where a shadowy figure waved. My pulse quickened. Who could that be? Was Poppy actually right?
Kneeling beside her I asked, Love, who is that? What do you mean Daddy already has a wife?
Thats Daddys wife, she said, deadsure.
Emma stepped toward the glass, squinting. I I dont understand.
Emma, I asked, voice tightening, whats happening? Who is she?
Tom, I swear I have no idea what Poppys talking about, Emma said, crouching down to her. Poppy, darling, whos out there?
Poppy tilted her head, serious. Its your wife, Daddy. She came to the wedding.
A collective gasp rose.
Emma, is there something you havent told me? I asked quietly.
No, she replied, just let me see who that is. She stepped outside, closing the door behind her.
From the garden I watched as Emma talked to the figure. Her posture shifted from tense to, oddly, amused.
I turned back to Poppy, who sat calmly as if nothing had happened.
A few minutes later Emma returned, smiling, and beside her stood a woman I recognised instantlyRachel, Poppys former nanny. She clutched a soft pink teddy bear.
Rachel? I exclaimed. What are you doing here?
Emma and Rachel exchanged a quick, amused glance. Rachel lifted the plush.
Emma gestured toward it. Tom, meet MrsFluff.
What? I asked, bewildered.
MrsFluff, Emma repeated. When Poppy was three, she declared this teddy bear her wife. It was a silly game we all played, marrying me to the bear for laughs. I hadnt thought about it in ages.
Poppy clapped delightedly. Shes your wife, Daddy! You cant marry Emma if youre already married to MrsFluff!
Rachel grinned. Poppys been watching prank videos on YouTube. She wanted a wedding surprise, and I couldnt resist helping.
Laughter burst across the room. Guests who had been whispering nervously now wiped tears of mirth from their eyes.
I looked at Poppy. Poppy, you scared me half to death.
It was funny, Tom! she giggled.
Emma scooped her up, shaking her head. Love, youve got a lot to explain.
Poppy hugged Emma. Daddy, youre not angry, are you?
Never, Emma sighed, kissing the little girls forehead. But no more wedding pranks, okay?
Okay, Poppy said sweetly, though the sparkle in her eyes suggested otherwise.
I turned to Rachel. Rachel, youre lucky this turned out as a joke. I was about to cry.
I know, she laughed. Poppys been planning this for weeks, saying Dads going to be stunned! I just went along. Besides, MrsFluff deserved a comeback.
The officiant cleared his throat.
Shall we continue now that the first wife matter is settled?
Emma settled Poppy back in her seat and turned to me.
You alright? she asked softly.
I squeezed her hand. Ask me again after the vows.
The ceremony resumed, and though it hadnt gone exactly as Id imagined, it became unforgettable. When we exchanged rings, I caught Poppy giving me a cheeky thumbsup.
Later, while Emma and I swayed on the dance floor, I leaned in and whispered, This isnt the wedding I pictured, but I think it turned out even better.
She grinned, twirling me gently. What can I say? Life with Poppy is always a bit unpredictable.
And a lot of fun, I said, spotting Poppy dancing with Rachel in the centre of the room, still clutching MrsFluff.
