“Do you, Tom, take Diana to be your wife?” the officiant asked with a smile.

“I do,” Tom replied, his eyes never leaving mine.

“And do you, Diana, take Tom to be your husband?” the officiant continued.

“I do,” I said, my voice filled with emotion.

Just as the officiant was about to pronounce us husband and wife, a small but determined voice rang out from beside us. “I object!”

A gasp rose from the crowd. I turned to see Ethan standing there with a serious expression on his face. My heart skipped a beat.

Why would he say that?

“Ethan, sweetheart, why do you object?” I asked, kneeling down to be at eye level with him.

Ethan held up a small worn-out rattle, his little hand shaking slightly.

“Tom has another family, Mama! I heard him talking to his mommy about his daughter. Is Tom cheating on you, Mommy?” he asked.

The crowd began to murmur, their whispers growing louder. I felt a knot form in my stomach as I turned to look at Tom.

Everyone’s faces went pale, and Tom seemed as stunned as I was. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

The officiant looked bewildered, glancing between us and the guests.

“Ethan, what do you mean?” I asked gently, trying to understand. “What did you hear?”

Ethan lowered his gaze to the ground. “I heard Tom talking to his mommy about his daughter. He said he has a daughter, but I didn’t know about her. Why didn’t he tell us, Mommy?”

“Guys, I can explain,” he began, facing the crowd.

I held up my hand to stop him. “Ethan, are you sure you heard correctly?”

“Yes, Mommy,” he insisted, his little face earnest. “Tom said he has a daughter.”

Tom took a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine. The crowd was buzzing with murmurs, everyone waiting for an explanation.

“What’s going on?” one guest whispered to another.

“Did you hear what the little boy said?” another murmured, sounding confused.

“Is there really another family?” someone asked, their voice filled with concern.

“Well, Tom, I guess it’s time you told the truth,” I said, putting an end to the murmurs.

Tom stepped forward, taking my hand in his. He looked out at the crowd and then back at Ethan.

“Ethan, buddy, you heard right. There is a baby involved, but it’s not what you think,” Tom said.

A huge gasp rang out in the gathering once again. Tom scooped Ethan up and held my hand firmly.

Tom turned to face our guests, his smile growing wider. “Everyone, we’d like to announce that we’re expecting a baby. Ethan, you’re going to be a big brother!”

“Oh my!” someone exclaimed.

“Gosh, this is not what I expected!” someone else said.

The collective shock turned into cheers and applause from the crowd. The tension melted away, replaced by joy and excitement.

“Really? I’m going to be a big brother?” Ethan asked excitedly.

I hugged him tightly, tears of joy streaming down my face. “Yes, sweetheart, you’re going to be the best big brother ever.”

Tom joined our embrace, wrapping his arms around both of us. “Ethan, I’m sorry if we confused you. We wanted to surprise everyone today.”

Ethan’s face lit up with understanding. “We’re having a little baby?”

“That’s right, champ,” Tom said, chuckling. “We’re having a baby.”

The crowd continued to cheer, the atmosphere now filled with laughter and celebration. The officiant, smiling broadly, picked up where we left off. “Well, this is certainly a special day! Let’s continue with the ceremony.”

The vows were quickly completed, and Tom and I were pronounced husband and wife. We kissed, sealing our commitment to each other and our growing family.

Later that evening, as the sun set and the garden was bathed in a soft, golden glow, I watched Tom and Ethan play together. I felt a deep sense of happiness and contentment.

Our journey together was just beginning, and it was already filled with so much love.