Emily, my stepdaughter, never thought of me as anything more than an unwanted visitor. Years of effort did not make her accept me.

She offered me an ultimatum about a father-daughter dance that was heartbreaking, only a week before her wedding. Brokenhearted, I made the decision to impart family and love to her.

John, Emily’s father, had financial difficulties, so she felt betrayed by my presence. All she would call me was “Arnold,” and there was a bitterness in our conversations.

Emily came up to Laura, me, and her mother one evening and accused her of betraying her father. Laura attempted to clarify, but Emily bailed, breaking our hearts.

Although Laura reassured me that Emily would change, I wasn’t convinced.

After some time, Emily became engaged to Tom, a fantastic man. She said she would dance for me if I paid for the entire wedding as it got closer to the big day.

I consented despite my hurt, seeing it as a chance to impart some wisdom about love and family to her.

I made arrangements for her father, John, to dance with her on the wedding day. I sent Emily a sincere letter in which I expressed my love and gave my reasons for my decision.

After that, she came to me in tears, realizing that she had finally learned the lesson. Our connection improved when she expressed regret.

Emily regarded me as an extra source of love and support in her life, not as someone to replace her father.