**Diary Entry A Love Like Wildflowers**
I caught myself thinking todayperhaps were not a proper family at all.
“Its so good to have you,” said William, wrapping his arms around his wife.
“And Im happy I have you!” Emily replied.
“Who else would I be with?” William laughed. “Only you. Youre my fate. The best woman in the world.”
Emily didnt answer. She kissed his cheek and hurried to the kitchen to take the pie from the oven.
Today, the Thompsons celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Theyd decided to keep it modestjust the two of them and their children. Their son, James, was in Year 11, and their daughter, Charlotte, had recently graduated from university, found a job, and moved into a flat nearby. Emily had tried to dissuade herthere was plenty of room at homebut Charlotte insisted on independence.
“Why waste money on rent?” Emily had asked. “Youve got your own room here, and we all get along. Why leave? Wait till you marry, then move out.”
“Mum, I love you and Dad dearly, and I know youd never push me out, but I want to try living on my own. Anddont take this the wrong waybut you cook and bake so well, Im terrified of turning into a hippo! Youre slim as a reed, but I didnt get those genes. I need to watch my figure, and living here, how can I resist your treats?”
Emily smiled. Charlotte didnt resemble her at allEmily was petite, almost childlike, with plain features. She rarely wore makeup, tied her hair in a simple ponytail, and dressed modestly. Charlotte, on the other hand, was a beautyshe took after William.
William was striking. Tall, well-built, though hed softened a bit with age (thanks to Emilys pies). In his youth, hed been exceptionally handsome, and even now at 48, he turned heads. Emily knew she faded beside him, but shed long stopped caring about whispers behind her back. To William, she was the most beautiful woman alive.
***
Theyd met when Emily was 20, William 22.
That September afternoon, Emily was on her way to her friend Violets birthday party. Shed already bought a gift but stopped at a florist for a small bouquet. Inside, the only customer was a young man picking out flowers. The shop assistant, a pretty girl, offered suggestions while stealing glances at him. Emily understood whyhe was gorgeous.
*With looks like that, he ought to be in films*, she thought.
Noticing her, the young man turned. “Which bouquet do you preferthe red roses or the peonies?”
Flustered, Emily replied, “Id choose the peonies, though most girls prefer roses.”
The assistant chimed in, “And what does your girlfriend like?”
“My girlfriend?” He laughed. “I dont even know the girl these are for. A mates dragging me to his cousins birthday, and I couldnt show up empty-handed.”
Emily suggested roses”You cant go wrong.”
“Do you like them?” he asked abruptly.
She blushed. “I love wildflowers most, but roses too. Everyone does.”
“FunnyI prefer wildflowers. My mum brings them home from the meadow near our cottage. Theyre humble at first glance, but up close, theyre stunning.”
He bought the roses, smiled at Emily, and left.
“What a charmer,” sighed the assistant. “Like a film star.”
At the party, Emily froze when she saw him again. His name was William, and hed come with Violets cousin, Tom. All evening, he stole glances at her, smiling whenever their eyes met. Violet, however, grew increasingly irritated.
Later, when William asked Emily to dance, Violet snapped. “Tom brought him for *me*! Id seen his photosI fancied him! And youve ruined it, flirting all night!”
Emily was stunned. “I wasnt flirting!”
“Oh, please. What does he even see in you?” Violet stormed off.
Heart heavy, Emily studied herself in the mirror that night. *Whod want me?*
Then the phone rang. William.
They met by the Thames the next evening. He waited with a bouquet of wildflowers. One smile, and she was lost.
Their romance baffled everyone. A man like William? With *her*? “Hell tire of you,” they whispered. But he never looked at another woman.
A year later, they married. A decade in, Emily finally asked, “Why me? You couldve had anyone.”
William frowned. “How do you explain love? But if I mustits your eyes, your voice, your soul. Youre like wildflowers. Your beauty doesnt shout. Not everyone sees it. But I did. And Id never trade my wildflower for the grandest rose.”
***
Their 25th anniversary dinner was warm and quiet. The childrens kind words were the best gift. At the centre of the table stood a vase of wildflowersWilliams tradition for Emilys July birthday and every anniversary.
As they settled into bed, Emily murmured, “William, Ive been thinking we might be a very improper family.”
“Why?”
“In 25 years, weve never once argued. Is that normal?”
He grinned. “Fancy a row?” Tickling her until she shrieked with laughter. “No? Good. Neither do I.”
And he kissed her.
**Lesson:** Love isnt about perfectionits about seeing the wildflower in a field of roses and knowing its the one youd never trade.
