The Groom Who Stayed

"Hannah, you're getting married today? And we had to find out through your cousin's post?"

Mom gripped my arm, looking like I'd slapped her.

Dad clapped Leroy on the shoulder, way too hard. "You're marrying our daughter and didn't even tell us? That's your idea of being responsible?"

Leroy shifted, totally uncomfortable.

We'd agreed—my parents weren't invited.

After four ruined weddings, I couldn't risk it.

The first time, I was 26, marrying Andy, my college boyfriend. We'd been tight since high school.

But the second my parents saw the rented Cadillac, they lost their minds.

"This car's too cheap! Andy clearly doesn't value you!"

"Call it off! Get divorced now!"

It was ridiculous. I didn't want to believe them, but they tore the whole thing apart.

Andy and I broke up not long after.

I figured maybe they just didn't like Andy's background.

So fiancé number two? Charlie—my CEO. Total upgrade. He bent over backwards for them: cash, house, every single thing done their way. Even let them choose the wedding car—a $100K BMW.

Day of the wedding, they saw the car and flipped. Again. Dragged me right out of it.

I asked what was wrong.

They just said, "Something's off. If you marry into that family, you'll never be happy."

But they were the ones who picked the car.

I started thinking maybe they just didn't want me to get married—like all the car drama was just an excuse.

But then, after I gave up on the second wedding, they did a full 180. Begged me to try again. Said they were getting older and all they wanted was to see me walk down the aisle.

I thought about how much they loved me growing up. I got confused.

Maybe Andy and Charlie really were the problem. Maybe that's why my parents fought so hard to stop it.

So for fiancé number three, I picked Edward—their pick. Someone they actually liked.

But guess what? Day of the wedding, they flipped again. Over the car.

I lost it. "There are ten cars here! Are all ten cursed? Do you seriously care about the cars, or do you just not want me to get married?"

They didn't say a word. Just teamed up with the relatives and yanked me away from Edward.

Then came wedding number four. They promised—swore up and down—nothing would go wrong.

But it did. Same chaos, same disaster. By then, I'd seen it four times. I was numb.

I met Leroy when I was thirty.

He spent two years chasing me before I finally said yes.

After we got our marriage license, I didn't want a wedding. But his family? Old money. No ceremony, no acceptance—for me or the baby.

So for Leroy, and the little one growing inside me, I picked the date.

We covered everything. I was sure they'd never find out.

But somehow, they did.

They showed up anyway.

Memories of those four disaster weddings came crashing back. I panicked and ripped my arm from Mom's grip.

"Wrong girl! I don't even know you!"