My wedding day had always seemed like a scene from a romantic comedycandlelit aisles, fragrant roses, and my future husband, James Whitaker, looking at me with the same soft eyes that first made my heart skip. As I walked down the pews of StMarys in the Cotswolds, I truly thought I was living the dream.
James and I first met three years ago at a mates garden party in Brighton. I wasnt hunting for love, but his easy charm and the way he laughed at my terrible jokes made it impossible not to be drawn in. What began as small talk about work and the latest Stephen King novel soon turned into long evenings of banter and bellylaughs. We clicked straight away, and within months I couldnt picture life without him.
One night, not long after wed officially started dating, James dropped a bombshell over fishandchips.
Poppy, theres something I need to tell you, he said, pushing his plate aside. I have a daughter. Shes four and called Rosie. I need you to think about whether youre happy with that, because if its not for you, Id rather know now.
A daughter? I echoed, stunned. Youve got a daughter?
It wasnt that I suspected he was keeping secrets; everything had moved so quickly that I never even considered the possibility.
Rosie is my whole world, Poppy, he continued, his voice vulnerable. I dont want either of us to be unhappy. If you need time to mull it over, thats fine. I just want to be upfront.
His eyes were pleading, as if bracing for a storm.
I need a moment to think, I replied gently. Not because I doubt my feelings for you, but because I want to be sure I can give Rosieand youwhat you both deserve.
Thats all I can ask, he said, relief softening his tone. Take all the time you need.
For days I replayed his words in my head, picturing a tiny girl with Jamess dark curls and wondering whether shed see me as a stranger or a welcome addition. Could I step into the role of stepmum?
When I finally decided, I asked James to meet me at our favourite indie café on the High Street.
As soon as he sat down, I said, James, Im in this for the long haul. If Rosie is part of the package, I want to meet her.
Thank you, Poppy, he said, a smile breaking across his face. That means more than you know.
When can I see her? I asked.
He chuckled. How about this weekend? Shes been asking about you ever since I told her Im seeing someone.
Saturday arrived and I stood on Jamess doorstep with a tin of homemade chocolatechip biscuits. My heart thumped as he opened the door, Rosie peeking shyly from behind his leg.
Poppy, this is Rosie, James said softly.
Rosie studied me with bright, curious eyes, then gave a tiny grin.
Hi, she said, clutching her wornout stuffed rabbit.
Hi, Rosie, I knelt to her level. I baked these biscuits for you. Hope you like them.
Chocolate chip is my favourite! she squealed, snatching the tin.
In an instant the ice melted. Within minutes she was pulling me into her playroom, showing off her favourite plastic dinosaurs and asking endless questions. James watched from the doorway, his expression saying more than words ever could.
She likes you, he murmured later as Rosie dozed on the sofa.
I like her too, I replied. Shes brilliant, James.
Becoming a stepmum had never been on my todo list, but Rosie quickly claimed a cosy corner of my heart.
When James popped the question a year later, Rosie squealed with delight.
Youre going to be my mummy! she shouted, wrapping her arms around my ankles.
I thought then that the three of us were building a happy little family.
Fast forward to today, Rosie looked radiant in a lilac flowergirl dress as we prepared for the ceremony. The officiant cleared his throat and said:
If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.
A hush fell over the garden; I braced for the usual polite silence. Instead, Rosies tiny voice cut through the stillness.
You cant marry her, Daddy!
Gasps rippled through the guests and my stomach dropped.
Sweetheart, what did you say? I asked, turning to her.
Rosie stood, eyes fixed on James. Daddy, dont marry her. You already have a wife.
My gaze snapped to James, expecting an immediate denial, but his face mirrored my confusion.
Mia? he asked gently, mishearing. What are you talking about?
She pointed toward the large bay window at the back of the marquee. Shes right there!
All heads turned to the window, where a shadowy figure waved. My pulse racedwho could that be? Could Rosie be telling the truth?
Kneeling beside her, I asked carefully, Love, who is that? What do you mean Daddy already has a wife?
Thats Daddys wife, she said with absolute certainty.
James stepped forward, squinting. I I dont understand.
James, I said, voice tightening, whats going on? Who is she?
I swear I have no idea what Rosies on about, he replied, crouching beside her. Rosie, sweetheart, who is that outside?
Rosies head tilted, solemn as a judge. Its your wife, Daddy. She came to the wedding.
A collective gasp echoed across the lawn.
James, is there something you havent told me? I whispered.
No, I dontjust let me see who it is, he said, stepping out.
He closed the door behind him as murmurs swirled. I watched through the glass as James spoke to the figure, his posture shifting from bewildered to amused.
Minutes later he reentered, smiling, with a woman I instantly recognisedDani, Rosies former nanny, holding a fluffy pink teddy bear.
Dani? I exclaimed. What are you doing here?
James and Dani exchanged a conspiratorial grin. Dani lifted the plush bear.
Poppy, meet MrsFluff, James said, gesturing.
What? I blurted, baffled.
MrsFluff, he repeated. When Rosie was three, she decided this teddy bear was my wife. It was a silly game we playedmarrying me to the bearjust for giggles. I havent thought about it in ages.
Rosie clapped delightedly. Shes your wife, Daddy! You cant marry Abi if youre already married to MrsFluff!
Dani laughed. Rosies been watching prank videos on YouTube. She wanted a wedding surprise, and I thought, why not help? MrsFluff deserved a proper comeback.
Laughter burst through the garden. Guests whod been holding their breath now wiped tears of mirth from their eyes.
Rosie, you gave me a proper fright, I said, halflaughing.
It was funny, Abi! she replied.
James lifted her onto his shoulders, shaking his head. Young lady, youve got a lot of explaining to do.
Rosie giggled, hugging his neck. Daddy, youre not mad, are you?
Never, he sighed, planting a kiss on her forehead. But no more wedding pranks, okay?
Okay, she said sweetly, though the sparkle in her eyes suggested otherwise.
I turned to Dani. Youre lucky this turned out to be a joke. I was about to burst into tears.
I know, I know, she chuckled. Rosies been planning this for weeks, saying Daddys going to be so surprised! I couldnt resist. Besides, MrsFluff deserved her moment.
The officiant cleared his throat again. Shall we continue now that the first wife matter is settled?
James settled Rosie back into her seat and looked at me. You alright? he asked softly.
I squeezed his hand. Ask me after the vows.
The ceremony resumed, and though it hadnt unfolded exactly as Id imagined, it became unforgettable. As we exchanged rings, I caught Rosie giving me a mischievous thumbsup.
Later, while James and I swayed to the band, I whispered in his ear, You know, this wasnt the pictureperfect wedding I pictured, but it turned out even better.
He grinned, spinning me gently. What can I say? Life with Rosie is always a bit unpredictable.
And a great lot of fun, I replied, spotting Rosie dancing with Dani in the centre of the lawn, still clutching MrsFluff.
