Lily took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself enough to speak.
"Jacob," she began, "when we got married, I was scared. Of you, of this family, of a future I couldn't control. I didn't know if I could be the wife you needed or if I'd ever feel like I belonged here."
She met his eyes. "But you were patient with me. When I made mistakes, you helped me learn. When I was struggling, you supported me. When the whole world turned against me, you stood by my side."
"You taught me that family isn't about obligation—it's about choice. It's about choosing to show up, choosing to fight for each other, choosing love even when it's hard."
Jacob's eyes were bright with emotion.
"I promise to be honest with you. I promise to fight for us. I promise to give our child the love and stability that every family should have. I promise that when things get difficult—and they will—I won't run. I'll stay and work through it with you."
