Poppy, think this through again! begged her 18yearold daughter, Lily. Hes a proper adult! Twice your age. What could possibly be good about being with him, love? Please call off the wedding. Im sure youll realise the mistake soon enough just not too late.
Poppy grew up faster than anyone expected. One moment her parents barely had time to blink, and the next the clumsy little girl theyd known turned into a tall, striking young woman. Shed just celebrated her eighteenth birthday with a boisterous party balloons, a couriers lavish bouquet and a mountain of gift parcels. When Lily asked who the generous lad was, Poppy simply flashed a mysterious grin and waved it off.
Honestly, forget it! Its just a boyfriend. All later, all later
Her parents decided not to press the issue. In hindsight, that was a mistake.
A few months after the celebration, a quiet dinner chat erupted into a fullblown scandal. Poppy announced she was getting married. Lily and Geoff were stunned, but their desire to see their daughter happy made them rush to reassure her, despite the suddenness. The euphoria quickly turned to anxiety when Poppy introduced her future husband. He wasnt a teenage sweetheart at all, but a solid 38yearold gentleman practically the same age as Lily and Geoff.
The tension in the living room settled like a heavy blanket. Lily, fighting to keep a smile, turned to her daughter.
Poppy, dear were thrilled for you, but is this man actually your fiancé?
Unfazed, Poppy took the mans arm.
Mom, Dad, this is Mark. Hes my fiancé. We love each other and have decided to tie the knot. Weve actually been together for a year, by the way!
Geoff, whod been silent until now, clenched his jaw.
Mark, is it? Im 38 myself. Do you realise youre twenty years older than our daughter?
Mark, looking confident and smug, nodded.
Yes, Mr. Thompson. I get it. Age is just a number when genuine feelings are involved. Poppy and I share the same outlook and plans.
Plans?! interrupted Lily. Are you sure? Youve just turned legal adult. What kind of relationship started when you were seventeen?
Poppys brow furrowed as the conversation turned sour.
Im not here to debate when we began dating. Weve decided to marry, and thats final.
Geoff sighed heavily.
Mark, be honest, do you realise that in twenty years, when Poppy is thirtyeight, youll be fiftyeight? She wants a big family. Who will support the household at that age?
Mark smiled, as if the question were absurd.
Mr. Thompson, Im financially stable. I have the means to provide for both Poppy and any children. And, if youll allow it, lets not waste time worrying about my old age. Were focusing on our happiness right now.
Lily softened her approach.
Sweetheart, maybe you should wait a bit? Test these feelings? Youve only just started living together properly. Why rush to the registry office?
No, Mum, I dont want to wait or test anything, Poppy replied firmly. I love Mark, and he loves me. If you cant accept that, Im really sorry.
Geoff stood up abruptly.
This isnt just a fling, Mark! It feels like youve taken advantage of our daughters innocence and youth. A girl at eighteen cant see all the pitfalls that, say, a twentyfiveyearold would notice.
Mark kept his voice low, but his calm only seemed to enrage the parents more.
I havent exploited anyones youth. Ive courted an adult woman whos fully capable. My feelings are sincere. I love Poppy and Im ready to prove it every day. Isnt that what you want for your daughter to be loved?
Lily tried to intervene with her husband.
Geoff, calm down. No need for a scene. Mark, its just unexpected and were worried about Poppys future. Shes our only child. Thats a huge responsibility.
Responsibility is wonderful. Im ready for it, Mark interjected. You seem to forget Poppy wants this herself. Is keeping her close more important than her own wish for a family?
Geoff, fists clenched, launched a final retort, forgetting his own decorum.
Im thinking of calling the police. Filing a complaint!
Poppy gasped, leaping from her seat.
Dad! Have you lost your mind? How could you? You want to ruin my life and your own reputation over some wild guess?
Mark stepped forward, icecold on the outside.
Mr. Thompson, I understand your anger. But if you take that step, youll lose your daughters trust forever. Im ready for any checks. I have nothing to hide. I wont let baseless accusations destroy our lives. Well still get married in three months.
After Mark laid out his intentions, the tension eased a little, turning into a cautious appraisal. Lily reached out and gently touched Geoffs hand.
Geoff, sit down, please. Poppy, Mark, give us some time to think. We need a moment to accept this reality and, honestly, to collect ourselves.
Poppy smiled at her mother.
Mum, you dont have to accept anything. I just need your blessing. Just the blessing, love. Everything else Mark will sort out. Right, darling?
Well have another chat with Mark, just the two of us, Geoff said, looking straight at his future soninlaw. No drama, no tears, no theatrics. I want to know how youll live after the wedding. Poppys still in university, she hasnt even finished her first year
Mark nodded.
Im ready for a serious talk. But I want to stress that my decision is final, and I wont walk away from Poppy.
Seeing their daughters resolute stance and Marks certainty, Lily and Geoff realized that ultimatums wouldnt help. The fear of a broken relationship loomed larger than the age gap.
A week later, after long, detailed discussions about Marks stability and his plans for Poppys future, things lightened a bit. They saw that he truly cared for their daughter and seemed able to give her a decent life. They invited him over for dinner again.
Poppy, we love you and we want you to be happy, Lily began, looking at her daughter. Were still a bit worried about the future, but you love him, dont you?
We just hope you dont regret rushing into this, Geoff added. Mark, welcome to the family, if you truly love our daughter. But remember: well be watching.
Mark smiled warmly at the comment.
Poppy threw herself into her parents arms, hugging them tightly.
Thank you! I love you both so much! Well be very happy, I promise.
The wedding took place three months later. Lily and Geoff watched their daughters beaming face, hoping everything would turn out alright.
The newlyweds lived together for six months, and Lily and Geoff had no complaints about their soninlaw. Mark truly carried his wife around, fulfilled every whim, paid for her studies, bought her clothes, even bought a car. Poppy was radiant.
Their first child was born on Marks birthday. Geoff shed tears at the discharge, overwhelmed with joy. By then the parents had completely changed their opinion of Mark; they now saw a reliable man who would move mountains for their daughter.
The second baby arrived three years later. Poppy had finished university and earned her degree. Mark supported her choice to become a fulltime mother, providing everything the family needed. Geoff and his soninlaw became close friends despite the age gap, they had a lot in common. And that, my friend, is how this notsousual story unfolded.
