At my dad’s wedding, the officiant asked, “Why do you choose to marry her?”
Everyone froze as my young stepbrother piped up: “Is it because she’s the nicest lady?”
He wasn’t causing drama—he just believed big questions deserved honest answers. I tugged his sleeve; he whispered, “I wanted to make sure he’s picking the nicest one.” To him, love was simple: kindness.
The room melted. The bride knelt, smiling: “I’ll always try my best to be kind.” Dad ruffled his hair: “Thanks for looking out for us.”
That child’s innocence cut through adult tension, reminding us marriage is about care, honesty, and daily choice.
Blending families took time—dinners, school events, holidays around one table. But that moment opened guarded hearts.
Years later, we laugh about it. My stepbrother, now grown, still fiercely protects with that earnest spirit. Their marriage, rooted in patience and kindness, endures.
Sometimes, the smallest voice holds the deepest wisdom—one brave “because” reaffirming why we stand together.