I married my best friend’s dad — and now I’m her stepmom

In 2018, a 23-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, Taylor Lehman, married her best friend’s father, Kern Lehman, who was 47. This unexpected relationship made Taylor the stepmother of her own best friend, Amanda, who was also 23.

Taylor wrote about how it all happened and how it changed her friendship with Amanda.

Taylor and Amanda met in high school and became inseparable. They hung out all the time, shared secrets, and even got into trouble together. Amanda’s dad, Kern, was around a lot since he was a single parent. Back then, Taylor saw him as just Amanda’s dad—nothing more.

Things changed in 2016 when Taylor, then 21, ran into Kern at a bar.

They started talking, and Taylor saw a different side of him. He was charming, easy to talk to, and made her feel comfortable. They exchanged numbers and began texting. Soon, they started dating, but they kept it a secret because of Amanda and the big age gap.

Their relationship became serious quickly.

A few months later, Taylor and Kern told Amanda the truth. She was shocked and upset. Feeling betrayed, she stopped talking to Taylor. The friendship they had built over years fell apart instantly.

Despite the tension, Taylor and Kern moved forward.

In 2017, Kern proposed, and they had a small wedding with 30 guests. Amanda did not attend. Becoming Kern’s wife meant Taylor was now Amanda’s stepmother, which felt strange given they were the same age.

People had mixed reactions.

Some found the relationship unusual, especially because of Amanda’s feelings. Others believed love doesn’t always follow normal expectations. Taylor admitted the situation was awkward, even laughing at the idea of being her best friend’s stepmom.

Kern had two younger kids from his first marriage, so Taylor also took on a role in their lives.

Even though she and Kern were happy, the fallout with Amanda remained unresolved. Taylor hoped that one day, her best friend would come around, but she knew things might never be the same.