David adjusted his dark tuxedo ties while standing on the wide cathedral steps.
The afternoon sun lit up the bright white marble arches behind the happy couple.
A massive American flag hung proudly beside the cathedral entrance, fluttering in the breeze.
Guests were taking pictures and laughing near the flower arrangements.
David held Sarah's hand tight, feeling like the luckiest man in the whole world.
Sarah adjusted her delicate white lace veil with a bright, happy smile.
Their dream wedding was finally coming together after months of hard planning.
David looked down at his leather shoes and smiled at his beautiful bride.
Suddenly, the ambient chatter of the crowd quieted near the walkway.
An elderly woman walked slowly toward them from the public sidewalk.
Her grey hair was tangled, and her old coat was covered in dirt.
David raised his right palm gently to stop her from moving closer.
David: Mdm... please stay back for just a moment.
Elderly Woman: Please, young man, just hear me out before you turn away.
David: We are in the middle of our wedding ceremony photos.
Elderly Woman: I do not want your money, I promise you.
The old woman reached out her shaking dirty hand toward David.
She pressed a small folded piece of paper directly into his open palm.
Sarah: David, what does that ragged piece of paper say?
David: Let me open it up and see what she wrote.
David unfolded the rough white paper carefully with his thumb and forefinger.
Inside, short handwritten words were written in faded black ink.
The note said, Open the photo hidden in your favorites.
David pulled his sleek smartphone from his inner jacket pocket right away.
His fingers tapped the digital screen quickly to open the Photos app.
He scrolled down to his hidden album and opened a black-and-white picture.
The old digital scan showed a younger version of this exact homeless woman.
She was standing beside a smiling little boy wearing blue denim overalls.
David gasped out loud as his throat locked up with sudden emotion.
Sarah: David, what is wrong with you right now?
David: Look at this picture on my screen, Sarah.
Sarah: Oh my goodness, that looks just like you as a kid.
Elderly Woman: You used to call me Mom before they took you.
David: Mom...? Is that really you standing in front of me?
David dropped his arms to his sides as tears welled in his eyes.
Sarah stared at her groom in total shock and disbelief.