I never imagined I would find myself at the altar once more, with my hands trembling and my little girl clinging to my leg.

“Daddy,” she whispered urgently, her blue eyes wide and filled with apprehension. “Please don’t leave me with the new mom… she might not be kind.”

The words were a profound blow.

I knelt down so we were at the same level. Lily was only six—sweet, kind-hearted, and still deeply missing her mother, who had passed away two years prior. This day was already overwhelming for her. The dress, the flowers, and, above all, watching me marry someone who was not her mother.

“Lily,” I said gently, “Claire is not going to cause you any harm. She cares about you. She is trying with all her heart.”

But Lily simply shook her head and buried her face into my suit jacket.

The wedding ceremony proceeded quietly in our backyard—attended by a small group of close friends and family. Claire looked radiant, her voice unwavering as she spoke her vows. I could see she meant them—not only for me but for Lily too. Still, regardless of her sincerity, Lily remained silent and reserved.

Later, after the guests had departed, I found Lily on the porch swing, picking at the lace on her dress.

“Hey, kiddo,” I said, taking a seat next to her. “Tell me—what did you mean earlier?”

She paused. “I don’t want a new mom. I want Mommy.”

My chest tightened. “I know. I miss her as well.”

“She used to sing me to sleep,” Lily said softly. “She performed all the voices in my bedtime stories. She even made my lunch look like animals. Claire doesn’t even know what kind of cereal I prefer.”

“She is still learning,” I said, pulling her close. “It is not an easy task to step into something new. But she wants to do it correctly—for you.”