**LOVINGLY ENDURING, ENDURING LOVINGLY**
John and Emily had a church wedding. On their wedding day, as the procession neared the church, a sudden summer storm blew in out of nowhere. It snatched Emilys veil right off her head, sending it spiraling into the sky before it dropped into a muddy puddle. The guests gasped as the storm vanished just as quickly. John rushed to grab it, but it was too latethe once-pristine veil now lay ruined.
Emily, flustered, called out, John, leave it! I wont wear that now!
The old ladies who always sat by the church whispered among themselves, saying this was a bad omenthat the couples life would be full of storms and strife.
In a hurry, they bought a cheap white flower from a nearby shop and pinned it to Emilys hair. There was no time to find another veilthey couldnt be late for their own wedding!
At the altar, they held their candles, exchanged vows, and were wed before God. But before the ceremony, theyd already signed the papers at the registry office and thrown a grand receptionfor the sake of appearances.
Three years later, they had two childrenSophie and Thomasliving happily, untouched by sorrow.
Then, ten years in, a young woman knocked on their door.
Emily was always warm to guests, invited or notfeeding them, pouring tea, and sharing heartfelt conversations. But this visitor was different. She came when John wasnt home.
Emily took one look at hertall, beautiful, and far too young.
Hello, Emily. Im Lily. Im your husbands future wife, the stranger said.
Emily blinked. How interesting.
How long has John been courting you, then? she asked dryly.
A while. But I cant wait any longer. Were having a baby, Lily announced without shame.
Emily exhaled. Classic. Wife, mistress, illegitimate child. Did you know John and I are married in the eyes of God? We have children.
I know everything. But were in lovereal love! You can get an annulment. He doesnt even love you anymore, Lily argued.
Emilys patience snapped. Listen, girlstay out of my marriage. Well handle our own vows and loyalty. Goodbye.
Lily left in a huff, and Emily slammed the door behind her.
She started piecing things togetherJohns distance, his sudden work trips, his newfound interest in fishing, though hed never cared for it before. A woman always knows.
That evening, after dinner, Emily cornered him.
John are you in love?
He froze. I am.
Your little fling came by today. Is it serious? Her voice wavered.
John broke down. Im a wretch, Em. I cant breathe without her. I tried to end itI couldnt. Let me go.
Emily swallowed hard. Go, then.
Pleading would be pointless. Life would sort it out.
John left.
Emily went to their vicar for guidance. He listened, then said gently, Love is patient, my child. You could annul thishes broken his vows. Or you could forgive, pray, and wait. Gods ways are mysterious.
Two months later, Emily discovered she was pregnantJohns child. She took it as a sign hed return.
When their son was born, her mother suggested naming him Jacka variation of John. Maybe itll bring him back, love. Stranger things have happened.
John still visited Sophie and Thomas, bringing gifts and sending money. Emily forbade them from mentioning little Jackbut of course, Sophie spilled the secret during a visit.
Johns heart ached, assuming Emily had moved on. He never imagined the boy was his.
Meanwhile, Lily was in hospital, struggling through a high-risk pregnancy. John ran errandsfruit, pickles, even chalk (she craved it for calcium). But tragedy strucktheir daughter was stillborn.
Then, another miscarriage. Lily was shattered.
John blamed himself, staying by her side.
Meanwhile, Emilys old university friend, William, started visiting. Hed had a crush on her years ago, but shed chosen John. Now, divorced and childless, he brought sweets for the kids and flowers for Emily.
She set boundaries: Come if you like, but Im waiting for my husband. Nothing more.
William accepted it. Then Ill be your brother, and the kids my nieces and nephews.
Meanwhile, Lily finally gave birth to a healthy girlGrace.
Motherhood changed her. Guilt gnawed at hershed wrecked a home. She longed to beg Emilys forgiveness.
John adored Grace, doting on her endlessly.
Five years passed.
Then, at just thirty, Lily fell gravely ill. Hospitals, treatmentsnothing helped.
On her deathbed, she whispered, Take me to Emily. Please.
John carried her into his old home.
Emily had known Lily was dyingSophie had told her.
Lily begged, Forgive me. Take Graceraise her with John. Promise me.
Emily took her hand. I forgave you long ago. Grace will be safe. Stay herelet us help.
The whole household nursed Lily. William, especially, barely left her side.
To everyones shock, she recovered.
One day, she announced, Were leaving. Thank youfor everything.
John and Emily exchanged a glance. Theyd seen William and Lily growing close.
Before they left, Lily whispered to John, Love Emily. More than life. Dont hurt her again.
He nodded. Be happy, Lily.
Earlier, John had confessed to Emily, No matter what, I want to come home. Forgive me.
Shed kissed him. Life teaches hard lessons. Welcome back.
As for Grace? Shes your daughter, Emily said. Shell always have you.
William, Lily, and Grace leftstarting anew.
And John and Emily? They rebuilt, wiser, kinder. Love had endured.
