A bonus mum's wedding day toast

Hi, everyone. I'm [Your name], also known as [Bride's name]'s bonus mum, a title she gave me when she was sixteen and I've been clinging to ever since. It's better than "stepmum," and it comes with fewer fairy tale associations.

Joining a family that already has its own rhythms and inside jokes is a bit like starting a book at chapter five. You have to catch up fast. But [Bride's name] was patient with me, most of the time, and gradually I learned the language of this family.

I learned that [Bride's name] can't function before her first cup of tea. I learned that she cries at every nature documentary. I learned that when she says "I'm fine," she absolutely is not fine and you should bring chocolate immediately.

These details might seem small, but they're the building blocks of knowing someone. And knowing [Bride's name], truly knowing her, is one of the great privileges of my life.

[Groom's name], you've clearly done your homework too. You know when to make her laugh, when to give her space, and when to just sit with her quietly. That tells me everything I need to know about you.

To [Bride's name] and [Groom's name], may your marriage be full of small, wonderful moments that add up to an extraordinary life together. Cheers!