Just as I lifted my bride Carolyn’s veil, my 13-year-old son Tim’s voice rang out through the chapel. The guests went silent as I followed his gaze to a butterfly-shaped birthmark on her shoulder — identical to one on a girl in his class named Emma.
Four years ago, I had lost my wife and never imagined loving again. Carolyn changed that. She was patient, kind, and never tried to erase my grief. Most importantly, she cared for Tim, even though he remained distant. When I proposed, Tim hadn’t objected — but he hadn’t celebrated either. I convinced myself that was enough.
On our wedding day, just as the vows began, Tim stood and pointed to the birthmark. He explained that Emma, his classmate, had the exact same one, and he’d read that such marks could be hereditary. Carolyn went pale. “I need to tell you something,” she said…..