11/22/2025
I married my schoolteacher — on our wedding night, I felt a little embarrassed and I asked, "YOU REALLY THINK I CAN DO ALL THAT?" after he gave me his gift. When I was in high school, Mr. Harper was the teacher everyone loved — young, energetic, and determined to make history class anything but boring. To me, he was just a kind and supportive teacher, nothing more. After graduation, I moved to the city, earned my degree, and began my career. The challenges of city life soon took their toll, so at 24, I returned home to start over. One morning at the farmers' market, I heard a familiar voice. "Claire? Is that you?" Turning, I recognized him immediately. Mr. Harper. Only now, he was Leo, 32, with a welcoming smile and just the hint of fine lines at the corners of his eyes. He seemed even more at ease than before. We caught up as if no time had passed. That day led to coffee, then dinner, and eventually long walks filled with talks about our lives — his passion for teaching, my goal of starting a small business. The age difference of seven years faded into the background. Once I turned 25, we were nearly inseparable. Within a year, we were married beneath the old oak tree in my parents' backyard. The day overflowed with joy, and my heart knew I'd chosen well. Yet that night, after everyone had left and the house fell silent, he managed to surprise me completely. "YOU REALLY THINK I CAN DO ALL THAT?" I asked, feeling a bit shy. ⬇️