Page 224 of From Rivals to I Do

familiar sights and smells that have become a second home to me. My colleagues, dedicated firefighters like me, move with purpose and precision, their

camaraderie palpable.

I take a moment to appreciate the sense of belonging I feel in this place, the bonds forged through shared experiences and a common mission. It's a

sanctuary where we trust each other with our lives, relying on one another's skills and unwavering support.

Just as I'm organizing paperwork, my phone vibrates, indicating an incoming call. I reach for the receiver, my grip tightening as I prepare to respond to the

emergency at hand. Glancing at the caller ID, I see Margaret's name flashing on the screen. My ex-mother-in-law rarely reaches out, and each call from

her carries an air of tension.

I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever news or critique she has to offer. I answer the call, my voice steady and professional. "Hello, Margaret. How are you today?"

There's a momentary pause on the other end, followed by a sigh. "Jackson, I hope you haven't forgotten what we discussed the last time I visited," she says, her tone tinged with a mix of contempt and sternness.

My heart tightens in my chest, remembering our conversation. "No, Margaret, I haven't forgotten," I respond, my voice steady despite the ire gnawing at me. "I'm doing everything I can to provide a loving and stable home for Henry."

There's a brief silence, and then Margaret speaks again, her voice dripping with disapproval. "And what about Karen, the babysitter?" she asks pointedly.

"Is she measuring up to your standards? You know how important it is for Henry to be properly taken care of."

My mind races, searching for the right words to convey my newfound truth. Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and respond, "Uh, yeah, Margaret. But there's something I need to tell you."

Margaret's tone turns cautious, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Jackson? What could possibly be so important?"

I hesitate for a moment, the weight of my words heavy on my tongue. “I… I got married," I say, my voice filled with a mix of apprehension and vulnerability.

"It happened quietly, in court. I wanted to tell you earlier but I wasn't sure how you would react."

There's a pregnant pause on the other end, and I can almost feel the anger simmering beneath Margaret's composed exterior. When she finally speaks,

her voice is tight with controlled fury. "Married? How could you do this, Jackson?" she says, her words dripping with disappointment. "You know how

important it is to have stability for Henry, and now you go and make such a reckless decision with a woman you hardly know. What if it does not work out,

how will this affect Henry? He has already lost his mother, Jackson, isn’t that enough?"

"But, Margaret, it is for the sake of stability that I did it. You complained that you weren't comfortable with Karen, a complete stranger coming now and

then to look after Henry," I say firmly, my voice tinged with defiance. "I decided that the best way to resolve everything was to get married."

Again, the line goes silent. "So, who's this woman you're married to? Someone I know?" Margaret asks with a hint of sarcasm coloring her tone.

"No, you don't know her. Her name is Maya, and she is an amazing stepmother to Henry. She is not just another woman. She has brought joy, love, and

stability into our lives since we got into a relationship. Henry adores her, and she loves him as if he were her own. We are building a family together, one

that is grounded in love and commitment."

Margaret scoffs, her disbelief echoing through the phone line. "You think a court wedding can create a family? Jackson, you've lost your way. I warned you

about the consequences, and now you will face them. I have overlooked your behaviors every since Emily passed away and have tried to be there for you

for Henry's sake. This is what Emily would want from me, but no more. I do not trust this Maya lady; she gives me bad vibes and I do not want Henry

around her”.

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