“Ethan, honey, what’s wrong?” she asked softly.
“Mama, Tom has another family,” Ethan declared, his voice quivering. “I heard him talking about a daughter. Is he cheating on you?”
Gasps rippled through the gathered guests. Diana’s breath caught, and she glanced at Tom, who appeared equally taken aback.
“Ethan, tell us what you heard,” Diana encouraged, keeping her tone calm despite the shock.
Ethan stared at the ground. “Tom said he has a daughter. Why didn’t he tell us, Mama?”
Tom exhaled and moved closer, gently placing a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “You’re right, champ. There is a baby, but it’s not the way you think.” He turned toward the crowd, still holding Diana’s hand. “We wanted to share this at the reception, but it looks like now’s the right moment.”
Kneeling down, Tom met Ethan’s eyes. “You’re going to be a big brother,” he explained, voice charged with emotion. “Diana and I are expecting a baby.”
For a heartbeat, the garden was silent—then cheers and applause burst forth, relief and joy washing over everyone.
“Really? I’m gonna have a little sister or brother?” Ethan asked, his face alight with excitement.
Diana wrapped him in a hug, tears of happiness forming in her eyes. “Yes, sweetheart,” she whispered. “And you’ll be the best big brother ever.”
With a grin, Tom joined them in a family embrace. “We thought we’d keep it a surprise,” he admitted, chuckling.
A warm smile on her face, the officiant calmly picked up where they’d left off. A few moments later, Tom and Diana exchanged rings and sealed their marriage with a gentle kiss under the glow of the setting sun.
As the celebration carried on into the twilight, Diana watched Tom and Ethan playing in the garden, her heart brimming with gratitude. Their life together was just starting—and the promise of love, laughter, and a few surprises along the way felt nothing short of magical.
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that make a day truly unforgettable.