I stood in the small cottage beside the garden, surrounded by my bridesmaids.

It was the morning of my wedding, and I was both excited and nervous.

The cottage smelled sweet with flowers, and through the windows, I could see guests arriving and sitting down.

My bridesmaids, in soft lavender dresses, moved around me, fixing my hair and adjusting my dress.

They chatted and laughed, their joy spreading to me.

I smiled, thinking about the journey that led me here.

Tom and I had been together for three years. He came into my life when I needed him most, and he had been everything I hoped for in a partner.

More importantly, he had been a wonderful father figure for Ethan, my five-year-old son.

The bond Ethan and Tom shared was something special. They spent hours playing with toy cars, building Lego castles, or going on little adventures in the park.

Seeing them together filled my heart with happiness.

"Mama, look at me!" Ethan's voice brought me back to the present.

I turned to see him standing proudly in his tiny suit, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. He looked so grown up and handsome, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

"You look so smart, Ethan," I said, kneeling down to his level. "Are you ready to help me today?"

"Yes, Mama!" he exclaimed, beaming. "I'm gonna be the best ring bearer ever!"

I hugged him tightly, feeling a rush of love and gratitude.

This day was about more than just Tom and me; it was about our little family and the future we were building together.

The cottage door opened, and one of my bridesmaids, Kelly, peeked in. "Diana, it's almost time. Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

As we walked out of the cottage and into the garden, the sight took my breath away.

The aisle was lined with flowers, creating a beautiful path to the altar where Tom stood, waiting for us.

All the guests were smiling and chatting happily.

It was the perfect setting for our special day.

"Ethan, are you ready?" I whispered to my son, squeezing his little hand.

"Ready, Mommy," he replied, his eyes bright with excitement.

We walked down the aisle, the soft music playing in the background.

I could feel the eyes of our guests on us, their warm smiles adding to the joy of the moment. Ethan looked so adorable in his suit, and his steps were confident and proud as he held my hand.

As we got closer to the altar, I saw Tom's broad smile, his eyes shining with love and happiness. My heart swelled with emotion, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek.