LOVING WITH PATIENCE, ENDURING WITH LOVE
John and Emilys marriage had been blessed in church. On their wedding day, just as the procession reached the church doors, a sudden summer storm tore through the sky. It ripped Emilys veil clean off, sending it spinning into the air before it landed, limp and soiled, in a muddy puddle. The guests gasped. The storm vanished as quickly as it came. John rushed to retrieve the veil, but it was too late. The once-pristine lace lay ruined.
“Dont touch it,” Emily cried. “I wont wear that now.”
The old women who always lingered by the church whispered among themselves. A bad omen, they said. Storms and strife would follow this marriage.
In a nearby shop, they bought a white silk flower to pin in Emilys hair instead. There was no time for a new veilthey couldnt miss their own wedding.
Before God, in the hall of the church, they stood with candles in hand, exchanging vows beneath the sacred canopy. But before the ceremony, they had already signed the papers at the registry office and celebrated with a grand reception. For the world to see.
Three years later, they had two childrenSophie and Thomas. Life was peaceful, their home filled with laughter.
Then, ten years in, a knock came at the door.
Emily welcomed guests warmly, invited or not. She fed them, poured tea, listened with kindness. But this visitor was different. She arrived when John wasnt home.
Emilys sharp eyes took in the strangergraceful, charming, strikingly beautiful, and young.
“Hello, Emily,” the woman said. “Im Lily. Im going to be your husbands new wife.”
Emily blinked. “How interesting.”
“How long has he been courting you, then?”
“A while,” Lily replied smoothly. “But I cant wait any longer. Were expecting a child.”
Emilys breath caught. “Ah. The classic talewife, mistress, illegitimate baby. Do you know were married in the eyes of God? That we have children?”
“I know all of it,” Lily said, unshaken. “But were in love. Truly. And you can have the marriage dissolved. He doesnt love you anymore. I checkedits allowed.”
Emilys fingers tightened around the doorframe. “Listen, girl. I wouldnt advise meddling in someone elses marriage. Well sort out our own vows and loyalties without you.”
With a careless shrug, Lily left. Emily slammed the door behind her.
*Shes done her research, the little vixen. But she wont have him.*
The signs had been thereJohn growing distant, working late, sudden fishing trips. A wife always knows.
That evening, she fed him firstroast beef, Yorkshire puddingbefore confronting him.
“John are you in love?”
He froze. Then, quietly: “Yes.”
“Your *Lily* came by today. Is it serious?”
He crumpled. “Im sorry. I cant breathe without her. I tried to end itI couldnt. Let me go, Em.”
She did.
John left. Emily sought counsel from the vicar.
“My child,” he said gently, “love is patient, love is kind. You have every right to dissolve this marriagehes strayed, failed to master his desires. Or you can forgive, pray, and wait. Gods ways are mysterious.”
Two months later, Emily discovered she was pregnant. Johns child. A sign, she thoughthed return.
When the baby came, her mother suggested naming him Jacka variation of John. *Perhaps your Johnny will come home.*
John never forgot Sophie and Thomas. He sent gifts, took them to Brighton, left money in envelopes. Emily forbade them from mentioning baby Jack. But children never listen.
Sophie told him during a visit. Johns heart twistedEmily had moved on, then. He never imagined the boy was his.
Meanwhile, Lily lay in hospital, fragile. John fetched pickles, fruit, even chalk for her cravings. But tragedy strucktheir daughter was stillborn. The next pregnancy ended in miscarriage.
Devastated, Lily wanted to wait. Fate had other plans.
John stayed, drowning in guilt.
And thenValerie, Emilys old university admirer, reappeared. Hed proposed years ago, but shed chosen John. Now, divorced and childless, he began visiting, bearing sweets for the children, flowers for Emily.
She set boundaries. *Come, but Im waiting for my husband.*
Valerie accepted it. “Then Ill be your brother. The childrenmy nieces and nephews.”
He stayed.
Thenjoy. Lily gave birth to a healthy girl, Grace. Blessed. Close to God.
Motherhood softened Lilys heart. She remembered Emilys words. *Stolen happiness is bitter.* She wished she could beg forgiveness.
John adored Gracetoys, lullabies, bath times.
Five years passed.
Then, Lily fell ill. Just thirty. John spiralledhospitals, treatments, bills. She was dying.
“Take me to Emily,” she whispered.
Sophie had kept her father informed. Emily agreed to meet.
John carried Lily inside. The family watched, silent.
“Leave us,” Lily murmured.
Emily sat by the bed. Lily, gaunt, wept.
“Forgive me. Take Grace. Raise her with John. Promise me.”
Emily took her hand. “God doesnt punishwe punish ourselves. I forgave you long ago. Grace will be safe. Stay here. Rest. Youll recover.”
The house became a refuge. Valerie, especially, tended Lilygentle, steadfast. He fell in love.
Lily fought, clinging to hope.
Six months later, she walked unaided. Sunlight warmed her face. She thought of Valeriekind, devoted. John was another womans husband. But Valeries love? That could grow.
At dinner, Lily announced their departure.
John and Emily exchanged glances. Theyd seen it coming.
Earlier, John had confessed: *I belong with you. Forgive me.*
Emily had kissed him. “Well raise our children together.”
And Grace?
“Shes mine,” John said. “Always.”
At the door, Lily kissed John goodbye. “Be happy.”
And thenthey were gone.
Life, at last, moved forward.
