LOVING PATIENTLY, ENDURING LOVINGLY
Tom and Alice had a church wedding.
On the day they were getting married, as the wedding party was walking toward the church, out of nowhere a wild summer storm swept in. The wind suddenly tore off Alices veil, spinning it high into the sky like a runaway balloon, before flinging it into a muddy puddle. Everyone gasped as it happened. Just as quickly, the storm was over. Tom went dashing after the veil, but by the time he got there, it was too late.
The dazzling white veil was ruined, lying sodden in the blackish water. Alice, flustered and cross, called to her fiancé:
Tom, leave it! Im not putting that thing on my head now!
The old ladies who always lingered outside the church started muttering amongst themselves. This marriage, they whispered, will always have storms and trouble…
They bought Alice a fake white flower from the nearest shop and fixed it into her hair with hairpins. There was no time to search for a new veilafter all, you cant be late for your own wedding!
So the newlyweds stood together in the church porch, candles in hand, making solemn vows before the altarfor God. But before all this, Tom and Alice had the official registry office ceremony and a beautiful wedding for family and friends. For everyone else…
Three years down the line, Tom and Alice had two childrena daughter called Grace and a son called Oliver. They got on with the usual rhythm of family life, with no real worries.
Then, after ten years of marriage, a young woman turned up at their door.
Alice had always been the type who welcomed visitors, both expected and unexpected. Everyone was met with warm hospitality, good food, plenty of tea, and comforting conversation. But this guest was different. She arrived while Tom was out.
With one glance, Alices instincts flaredthis woman was strikingly beautiful, well put together, and clearly much younger.
Hello, Alice. My name is Millie. Iwell, Im about to be your husbands future wife, the stranger said.
How fascinating! Alice blurted, momentarily lost for words.
So, how long have you and Tom been engaged? Alice pressed on, keeping the odd conversation going.
A while, Millie replied matter-of-factly, but I cant wait any longer. Im pregnant with Toms child.
Well, thats certainly a textbook plot, Alice said dryly. The wife, the mistress, and now an illegitimate baby… Are you aware that Tom and I are married before God? We have children, she tried to reason with Millie.
I know everything. But Tom loves me, too. Forever. You understand? And you *can* get a divorce. Hes not faithful to you. I checkedits allowed, Millie insisted.
Listen here, Alice snapped, losing patience, youd do well to stay out of other peoples marriages. Well sort out our own loyalty and love, thank you. Goodbye.
Millie shrugged, as though saying, Well, I warned you, then quickly left.
Alice slammed the door behind her, fuming. Shes done her homework! Dream on, Millieyoure not getting Tom, she thought.
But that encounter started Alice down a path of memoriesshed noticed Tom had grown more distant from the kids and even from her. Suddenly there were late nights at the office, out-of-the-blue business trips, and a newfound obsession with three-day fishing or hunting tripsactivities hed never shown any interest in before. Every bit of it matched the classic signs. A woman always senses the presence of another; you can practically smell the tension, the half-said truths
Still, Alice tried to chase away dark thoughts. Maybe she was just imagining things, and Tom was innocent after all?
That evening, once Tom had come home, Alice invited him to sit down for supper. She knew: feed your husband well, then tackle the problems. After Tom thanked her for dinner, she decided to go for it.
Tom, are you in love? she asked, not quite knowing how to start the conversation she dreaded.
Yes, I am, Tom replied, stiffening.
Your sweetheart came by today. Is it serious?
Tom buried his head in his hands. Im a terrible man! I cant live without Millie, Alice. I tried to end itI honestly triedbut I cant. Please, let me go.
All right youre free to leave, Alice said quietly. She knew that guilt tripsthink of the children, how could youwould be pointless. The truth would come out one way or another.
So Tom moved in with Millie.
Alice went to the vicar for advice. After hearing all Alices troubles, the priest tried to comfort her:
My dear, true love is patient and endures all things. To love is to persevere. You have every right to divorce him, as hes gone astray. Or, if you choose, forgive and wait for him. Gods ways arent always clear…
Two months later, Alice realised she was expecting a babyToms child. She surprisingly felt a quiet joy. Maybe, she thought, this was a signone day Tom would be sorry and return to them. That hope kept her going throughout the pregnancy.
When her baby boy arrived, Alices mum suggested naming him JackJohn, in old English, the same as Toms real name. Who knows, love, her mum said, maybe Tom will come back. Lifes a funny old thing
Thankfully, Alices mum was there to help. She looked after all the children, fed them, told them bedtime stories, and helped guide them.
Tom didnt forget about Grace and Oliverhe bought them gifts, took them to the seaside, sent Alice money in a crisp envelope.
Alice had told the children not to mention baby Jack to their father, but you know what kids are likethey never listen. Grace spilled the beans during one of her weekends with Tom. Tom assumed Alice had moved on, started a new family. His heart ached with memories of their happier days… It never even crossed his mind that Jack was his own son.
Meanwhile, Millie had troubles of her own. She was in and out of the hospital for weeks. Tom ran errandsbananas one day, pickled onions the next, and then, out of desperation, chalk because she craved it. Her body was starved of calcium and she nibbled chalk to make up for it. Then tragedy struckMillie gave birth to a stillborn little girl. Grief upon grief followeda second miscarriage.
Broken and lost, Millie asked to take some time before trying for another child. But life, as ever, had other plans…
Tom stayed by her side. He blamed himself for all the misfortunes that had come their way. Everyone was tangled up in their own dramas.
…During all these tumultuous years, an old uni friend of Alices began dropping by. Ben had studied with Alice, once even tried to court her, and after graduation had asked her to marry him. Shed always seen Ben as too fussy, humourless, and a mummys boy, though other girls thought he was quite a catch. But after shed met Tom, poor Ben was immediately benchedhe only faded into the background.
One gloomy autumn day, Alice was staring glumly out the bus window, lost in thought, when a man settled down beside her.
Is this seat taken? he asked.
Feel free, Alice answered, scooting over, not turning around.
Are you bored, miss? he pressed on.
She sighed, still not looking at him, silently wishing hed let her be.
But the man persisted.
Alice! Long time, no see. Why so down in the dumps?
She finally turned and recognised him. Ben? My goodness, its been ages! How are you? Where have you been hiding?
What about you, Alice? Everything rosy at home? Ben asked quietly.
Listen, Ben, come round for tea! Hope your wife wont mind if youre late? Alice was already gently pulling him toward the door.
Along the way, Ben bought a bottle of wine, fruit, and some goodies for the kids.
Over a warm supper, Alice poured out her soul to Ben. She needed to talkjust to someone. He was the perfect shoulder to lean on, quietly listening, nodding understandingly. At the end, Alice kissed him on the cheek, out of sheer gratitude. Ben left, hopeful and quietly happy.
Turned out, hed never marriednever had children, either. Just the way things went, for him.
Ben became a regular fixture at Alices house. He always brought treats for the kids and flowers for Alice.
Alice, though, set the ground rules immediately: Youre welcome here, Ben, but Im waiting for my husband. No funny business.
Ben even counted that as a win. Thats fineIll just be your mate, and the kids can be my honorary nieces and nephews!
So he settled comfortably into their lives.
Meanwhile, luck turned for Tom and Millie. Finally, Millie gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. They called her Bonniemeaning blessedhoping the name would bring her closer to God.
Millie threw herself into motherhood, cherishing every moment. But she couldnt help recalling her strange conversation with Alicehow bitterly lonely borrowed happiness truly was… Only after Bonnies birth did Millie realise the pain she had caused Alices family. You never grow wise from someone elses woes. She ached to kneel at Alices feet and beg forgiveness.
Tom doted on little Bonnie, showering her with new toys, tiptoeing to her cot at night, cuddling and bathing her. Millie simply could not get enough of watching her loving husband with their child.
Time rolled on without pausing
Five years passed. The children grew, everyone got a bit older and, one autumn, Millie was struck down by illness. She was only thirty. Tom was beside himself with feardoctors, endless hospital stays, pricey private treatments, pills and hope.
Millie knew her time was short. She was preparing to say goodbye.
Tom did his very best to comfort her, even as she slipped further and further away. Eventually, when doctors could do no more, they sent her home to die in peace. Weakly, she murmured to Tom:
Please take me to your first wife. I need to see Alice.
Tom was startled, but didnt argue.
Alice knew Millie was terminally illGrace had told her, since she still sometimes visited her dad. So when Tom rang and asked, Alice agreed to meet.
Tom carried Millie into his old house, she was so frail. The whole family gathered, quietly wondering what was going on.
Alice, arms folded, nodded to the bed. Tom laid Millie down gently, making her comfortable.
Leave us, please, just for a moment, Millie whispered. The family slipped out.
Alice sat down at the edge of the bed, examining Millie: She looks barely alive, Alice thought.
Then Millie reached out. Tears pouring, she said, Forgive me, Alice, if you can. Maybe this is Gods punishment reaching me at last. I have one request: please, take Bonnie as your own. Besides Tomand you, I have no one. Promise me shell grow up surrounded by love with you both.
Alice gently squeezed her hand. Millie, its not God punishing usits just life, sometimes. I forgave you long ago, honestly. And dont worry about Bonnie, well take care of her. In fact, why dont you and Tom move in with us? You both need support, and the house is big enough. Youll get betterjust you wait. Miracles do happendont give up hope. Ill be here for you.
The house became their own little enchanted cottage: everyone pitched in, especially Ben. From the first day, he was gentle and attentive with Millie, keeping her company, finding the right words, and somehow, rescuing her from the very edge. Theyd talk for hours, often about life itself. Some words break your spiritsome words heal. Soon, Ben realised he was falling for Millie, and she for him. As for Bonnie, Ben adored her, calling her Gods little daisy. She really was a marvel.
Millie wanted to liveand she fought hard. With Alices hope beside her, she clung to those small shreds of confidence, refusing to let go.
Half a year passed with agony, treatments, strugglesyet slowly Millie could step outside, breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on her thin cheeks, smile to herself… Life was trickling slowly back into her tired body. It was as if shed risen from the gravea true miracle.
Millie thought a lot about Ben. Shed never stopped loving Tom, but he was Alices husbanda line she wouldnt cross. That lesson shed learned for life. But Ben was kind and reliable, adored her and Bonnie botha family of a different shape. Sometimes, someones love for two is enough to sustain everyone. Millie was determined to do her best to make Bens love flourish. If only she could just get properly well.
They all watched as Millie slowly but steadily returned to health.
One day, over a family lunch, she announced, Alice, Tom Bonnie, Ben and I are moving out. Thank you for taking us in, for your kindness, your lovemore than I ever hoped for! Ive never known people like you, and probably never will again. Thank youfrom the bottom of my heart.
Tom and Alice exchanged a lookthey already knew love was blossoming between Ben and Millie.
A while earlier, Tom had had a tearful talk with Alice:
Alice, no matter what happens with Millie, I want and need to be with you. Your forgiveness is boundless. Will you take me back? Lets bring our three children up togetherIll crawl on my knees if I have to, Im so sorry.
What do you think, Tom? Of course Ill have you back! Ill probably owe you an apology, tooI must not have been the best wife if you went looking elsewhere! Lifes a strange teacherit makes sure we learn, like it or not! Alice replied, hugging her wayward husband.
What about Bonnie, Tom? Shes your little girlshe loves you, you know, Alice asked, worried for the childs future.
Yes, Bonnie is mine, and Ill never turn my back on her. Our home will always be open to her, come what may, Tom promised.
Ben and Millie began preparing to set up their own home.
Before she left, Millie called Tom over.
Love Alice, Tom. More than life itself. Dont ever hurt her. Ill never forget you.
Be happy, Millie, Tom replied.
And thats how things settled, in the gentle ebb and flow of real lifefull of stormy skies, fierce loyalty, aching patience, and, above all, deep, forgiving love.
