text: Theresa and I had been planning the wedding for eight months now and after multiple venue changes, countless hours researching different caterers and entertainment, and $22,000 barrowed from my 401k things where finally perfect. She used to tease me that she felt like she was marrying another woman because at times I was more excited about our big day than she was. Now standing at the altar, gazing at her, I was truly the happiest man alive. The preacher, Father Morris, was nearly through the vows. “Should anyone here know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.” My heart pounded with excitement. Suddenly with a thunderous boom the doors of the church slammed open, “wait!” it was my ex-girlfriend, Tammy. “I can’t let this happen!” She raced up the aisle. The collective gasp of 150 guests plus staff sucked the air out of the room, all eyes focused on Tammy. I looked at Theresa, she looked horrified. “it’s okay” I whispered. I glanced at Father Morris. “Tim I’m sorry” she muttered. I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know what to say. I looked around the church and I don’t think anyone quite knew what to make of the situation. I thought this only happened in movies. Finally, the silence was broken. “Young lady what is the meaning of all this” asked Father Morris. Thank God he spoke because I was at a loss for words. “I can’t let this happen” Tammy looked at me and then shifted her gaze towards Father Morris to answer his question. “I’m... I’m in love.” I could not believe this was happening. Tammy and I had broken up nearly four years ago. The decision to end our relationship was mutual, we had feelings for each other at the time but agreed that we did not want to spend our lives together. We remained good friends until I had told her that Theresa and I were engaged. This explains it. “Tammy, this is not the time or the place. You need to go.” I looked back at Theresa. Her bottom lip was quivering and she had a tear rolling down her cheek. I could imagine she was scared I might back out, but that wasn’t going to happen. I had never been more in love than I was with Theresa. “GO” I yelled. Seeing her upset was starting to anger me and I knew I had to make it very clear that I wasn’t going anywhere. “Tim I’m so sorry” she apologized again. “You need to leave; we can discuss this later” I put my foot down. She looked at Theresa and there was a long pause, almost as if she wanted Theresa to tell her it was okay to continue. She sighed, “I can’t allow these two to get married, I have to come clean”. There was an awkward silence. “we’ve been having an affair”! I was furious. To think that Tammy wanted me back so bad that she was making up lies to break up my wedding. I started down the aisle, not knowing what I would do when I got to Tammy. “Tim, stop” Theresa yelled. I looked back at her, she looked heartbroken. “Theresa” I began, “she is lying, I swear I haven’t...” “Just stop, please just stop” she cut me off. I swelled with fear thinking that she believed her, that only minutes before we were pronounced man and wife I would lose her. Before I could start again she spoke. “she’s right, we can’t do this.” I couldn’t speak. “She’s not talking about you and her... she’s talking about her and I.” There was another collective gasp throughout the church. I couldn’t breathe, my stomach turned and my eyes filled quicker than I had ever thought possible. My heart shattered. I stood there for what felt like an eternity before Marc, my best man, grabbed me and rushed me into the back room. Two weeks later Theresa and Tammy eloped, they adopted a little boy and live just a few miles away. This was nearly two years ago. I am still heartbroken.