When an ideal honeymoon fails, what happens? One surprise call from my stepdaughter set the setting for a thankfulness lesson she never expected.
Life frequently surprises you when you least expect it. I never envisioned becoming a stepmother at 45, let alone to Brooke. Family was what I loved when I married Gary 10 years ago.
Brooke was thirteen, and while we disagreed, I tried to make her feel loved.
By twenty-three, Brooke was ambitious, bright, and pampered. Gary and I always tried to help her achieve her goals. We covered college tuition and her ideal wedding. But nothing prepared me for her wedding’s aftermath.
Gary and I spared no cost on Brooke and Mason’s wedding. A vast vineyard with fairy lights looked like a bridal magazine cover. Brooke’s beaming expression as she walked down the aisle was worth the wealth.
After the wedding, we wanted to give them a memorable honeymoon. Gary and I spent weeks searching travel sites for the right Dominican Republic villa.
It offered a private pool, ocean views, and boutique resort-like space. We spent more than expected, but we wanted to send Brooke off with love.
The morning after they came, my phone buzzed while I poured coffee. When Brooke’s name appeared, I grinned and said, “Hi, love! How’s paradise?
Her voice was harsh and angry. Dad’s there, right? Put me on speaker.”
I grumbled but agreed. “Sure. What’s up?”
Gary leaned across the table, asking, “What’s wrong?” I shrugged and pressed speaker.
“What’s wrong?” Indignant, Brooke spoke up. I’ll tell Dad what’s wrong. The villa. Very small!”
Gary blinked. “Tiny? The area is over 800 square meters, Brooke.”
She sneered. “Exactly. Barely. Mason and I wanted additional space. And the pool? A joke. No more than three strokes before hitting the edge.”
Gary looked at me, his face turning red. To soothe him, I raised my hand.
“And don’t even get me started on the beach!” Brooke kept speaking, raising her voice. The stroll is five minutes! Who treats newlyweds that way? You couldn’t find beachfront? Dad, you seem indifferent.”
Gary’s jaw tensed, but I gently squeezed his arm. “Brooke,” I replied steadily, “we chose this villa carefully. Excellent reviews. I expected you to like it.”
Your assumption was inaccurate. The sun here? Not even as golden as Instagram showed. Everything is disappointing. Unbelievable how cheap you people are.”
Gary exploded—slamming his hand on the table. “Cheap? How much did we spend on this trip? Besides your wedding! Your ungratefulness, Brooke!”
On the other end, she huffed. “What, Dad? Forget it. Undoubtedly, you don’t comprehend.”
The conversation abruptly terminated, leaving a startled quiet. Gary pace the kitchen, grumbling and clenching his hands. “She’s unbelievable. She treats us this way after her wedding and honeymoon?”
“Hon,” I whispered, touching his shoulder. Not worth losing our cool over. I have an idea.”
He stopped pacing and looked at me. “What are you thinking?”
My smile was faint and knowing. Trust me. Show her that gratitude is mutual.”
That started my planning.
I would demonstrate the “cheap” card if Brooke wants to play it.
I called the villa’s management. When the receptionist answered, I explained. My name is Marianne. My husband and I booked a luxury villa for our honeymoon. Unfortunately, plans have changed. Cancel the rest of the stay and downgrade the reservation.”
Woman on other end sounded bewildered. “Downgrade, madam? Not following. Could you clarify?”
“Yes,” I insisted. “Find the smallest room with no private pool, chef, or ocean view. Do you comprehend?”
It took her a moment to reply “Yes. We have a simple room in the nearby hotel. Would that work?”
“That’s perfect,” I said, grinning. Just one more. I want to know when guests learn about the change.”
Manager hesitated again. “That’s… unusual, but I’ll see what I can do.”
Gary shook his head when I hung up. “You’re ruthless.”
“Just tired of being taken for granted,” I shrugged.
I got my call a few hours later. I put the phone on speaker for Gary.
“This is villa management,” said the voice. “Sorry, your reservation has been changed. You must move to the hotel next door’s ordinary room.”
“What?!” Over the phone, Brooke screamed. “Something went wrong! In the honeymoon suite. Dad and stepmom paid!”
“I’m afraid there’s no mistake,” the manager respectfully remarked. “The new booking reflects their updated request.”
Cold Brooke spoke. “Updated request? You talking about what?”
Stopping my laugh, I covered my mouth. Gary grinned broadly, shaking his head.
Soon after, my phone buzzed and Brooke’s name flashed. I replied calmly. “Hi, Brooke.”
“Marianne!” she yelled. “What’s up? We were just informed that we’re moving from our property to a terrible motel room! Get this fixed now!”
“Oh, that,” I answered to appear surprised. “Dear, it was booked for you, not your villa. Since you thought it was too ‘cheap,’ I thought a smaller apartment could be better. Your dad and I wouldn’t want to shame you with our poor standards, right?
“You can’t be serious!” she lashed out, frustrated. “This place is a dump!”
“Is it?” I replied lightheartedly. I’m sorry. Maybe now you’ll appreciate what you had. Thank you, Brooke. Important lesson.”
Her screams were audible across the seas. Marianne, I can’t believe you’re hurting me! Mason and I are stranded. Where’s Dad?”
Gary, listening attentively, leaned toward the phone. Brooke, stop. Years of support and the best of everything. You repay us this way? By whining about sun brightness and pool size? Grow up.”
Dad, I don’t need a lecture. I’m no longer a child!” Brooke snapped.
“No,” Gary insisted. A reality check is needed. Your stepmom gave you one.”
She groaned in frustration. “You’re ruining my honeymoon!”
“I think you ruined it yourself,” I responded evenly. “When you decide to be grateful for what you have, maybe things will start looking brighter—even that ‘meh’ sun.”
So I hung up. Gary was staring at me in blank amazement.
“What?” I asked, eyebrow raised.
“Remind me never to get on your bad side,” he laughed.
Brooke didn’t call for the rest of the week, which was nice. She called again in a low voice.
“Hi Marianne. Hi, Dad.”
Gary said, “Brooke,” carefully. “How are you?”
She paused before responding. I’m sorry. For my behavior. Despite the terrible hotel room, I realized how much you both put into all you did for me. Maybe I’ve been ungrateful.”
Gary spoke softly yet firmly. “A little?”
“Okay, a lot,” she said quietly. I’ll do better. I guarantee.”
Gary nodded as I grinned. “We appreciate that, Brooke,” I remarked gently. “We just want you to understand the value of what you have—and the people who love you.”
“I do now,” she whispered. I appreciate everything. Really.”
Gary hugged my shoulder after the call, seeming relieved and proud. “Well,” he said, “you did it. I think she understands now.”
I smiled and said, “We did it,” leaning against him. “People sometimes need a wake-up call—a taste of their own medicine. Even our kids.”
Gary laughed lighter. “I’m just glad it didn’t blow up into something worse.”
I whispered, “Me too,” placing my head on his shoulder. I breathed for the first time in days as tension eased.
You think? Was my appreciation lesson wise or too far?
Another story to occupy you while you think about the answer: What happens when grandparents’ unconditional love and giving is faced with entitlement? These three touching tales show how loving grandparents taught their grandchildren thanks, respect, and life’s greater perspective.
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Inspired by true events and people, this work is fictionalized for creativity. To preserve privacy and enrich the story, names, characters, and facts were changed. Any resemblance to real people, events, or places is unintentional.
The author and publisher neither guarantee event authenticity nor character characterization and are not liable for misinterpretation. While this work is presented “as is,” the characters’ viewpoints do not reflect those of the author or publisher.
