The Wedding Bouquet Surprise
I never expected my mom’s wedding at 70 to be anything but a quiet, sweet celebration. But then she grabbed the microphone and dropped a bombshell rule for the bouquet toss—and my life took a wild turn.
I stood in the kitchen, arms crossed, watching my mom rearrange place cards like the world depended on it. At 79, she was glowing, full of energy, while I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she was getting married—again.
“Mom, seriously? You’re seventy-nine,” I said, shaking my head.
She flashed me a mischievous grin. “Oh, don’t give me that look, darling. Age is just a number. Harold makes me happy!”
I groaned. “You don’t need a man to be happy.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “Of course not. But I want one. And after your divorce, you’ve been hiding behind that tough-girl act long enough.”
I clenched my jaw. My ex-husband’s betrayal still stung—coming home to find his bags packed, hearing him say he’d fallen for someone younger, funnier. Love had felt like a scam ever since.
But my mom? She was unstoppable. The wedding was already planned—guests invited, dress picked, menu finalized.
“You’re impossible,” I muttered.
She winked. “And don’t you forget it.”
The Bouquet Toss Disaster
The wedding day arrived, and of course, my luck struck first—a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Just as I was cursing my existence, a pickup truck pulled over.
“Need help?” a deep voice called.
I turned to see a tall, annoyingly handsome man smirking at me. Great.
“Tire’s flat,” I snapped.
“Nick,” he said, kneeling beside my car. “And don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
Before I could protest, a sharp voice cut in from his truck. “Nick, seriously?”
A blonde girl—Julie—glared at me like I’d personally offended her. Nick just chuckled. “Give me five minutes, Jules.”
I rolled my eyes. Typical man.
The Shocking Announcement
The wedding was beautiful. My mom beamed, Harold looked smitten, and then—just when I thought I could relax—my mom grabbed the mic.
“Ladies! Time for the bouquet toss!” she announced. “And whoever catches it gets my sapphire ring!”
The crowd cheered. My nieces rushed forward, ready to fight for it.
“But!” Mom raised a finger. “The winner must go on a date with someone I choose!”
My stomach dropped. No. No, no, no.
I tried to back away, but Mom winked—then hurled the bouquet straight at me. It smacked into my hands before I could dodge.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Mom grinned. “Congratulations, sweetheart!”
My voice was a whisper. “This is a joke.“
Nick stepped forward, smirking. “Well, well. Looks like we’re going on a date.”
Behind him, Julie looked murderous.
The Worst Date Ever
I agreed—one date, just to keep the peace. We met at an Italian restaurant, and against my will, Nick was… charming. Funny. Infuriatingly likable.
Then his phone rang.
He silenced it. It rang again.
With an apologetic look, he answered. “Julie, calm down—yeah, I’ll be there soon.”
He hung up and stood. “I have to go.”
I crossed my arms. “Let me guess—Julie?”
He sighed. “It’s not what you think.”
“Save it,” I said, tossing my napkin on the table. “We’re done here.”
The Truth Comes Out
A week later, Mom tricked me into dinner—only to find Nick grilling burgers in her backyard. And Julie was there, glaring daggers at me.
I turned to leave, but Mom grabbed my arm. “Just listen,” she insisted.
Nick sighed. “Julie’s not my girlfriend.”
Julie rolled her eyes. “Ew. He’s my dad.”
My jaw dropped.
Nick rubbed his neck. “My wife passed when Julie was six. It’s been just us since.”
Julie crossed her arms. “And he’s annoying. But… you’re not terrible. So if you want to give him another chance…” She shrugged. “Fine.“
Nick grinned. “See? Even my kid approves.”
I stared between them, then finally laughed. “Okay. One more date.”
Nick’s smile widened. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
And for the first time in years… I actually believed him.
