As Dontez Williams, 33, prepared to marry his fiancée, Myshella Burton, 26, last August, he knew he was committing not just to her, but also to her two daughters, Abigail, 9, and Natalie, 8.
In the days leading up to the wedding, Dontez began reflecting on how he could use the special occasion to deepen his bond with his soon-to-be stepdaughters. The idea of writing vows to the girls alongside his vows to Myshella took root in his mind, and the emotional weight of that thought made him realize it was something he had to do.
“When I felt that emotion just thinking about it, I knew it was the right decision. I couldn’t ignore it,” Dontez shared with Yahoo.
As he continued to reflect, Dontez recognized that he had become the primary father figure in the girls’ lives. This realization led him to consider adopting Abigail and Natalie, making him their parent in every sense. Unlike being a stepparent, which comes with limited rights, adoption would grant him full parental rights for life, allowing the girls to inherit from him and ensuring he could seek custody in the event of a divorce.
“Even though they aren’t biologically mine, our bond is as strong as any blood connection. I wanted to make it official, so I wrote vows not only to my wife but to my daughters as well, asking if I could adopt them,” Dontez shared on Instagram.
After exchanging vows with Myshella at the altar, Dontez turned to Abigail and Natalie. The emotional moment was captured on video, which later went viral on Instagram.
“I never realized how much becoming a man involves being a father,” Dontez reflected. “You learn so much by teaching, protecting, providing, and disciplining your children. They've helped me grow into a better person.”
Kneeling before the girls, his voice filled with emotion, Dontez asked, “I know I’m a father figure to you both, but I want to make it official. Can I adopt you?” The auditorium filled with applause as Abigail and Natalie rushed to embrace him.
Michelle was deeply moved by the gesture. “She was truly surprised but incredibly happy,” Dontez told Fox News. “She’s thankful that I’ve stepped up and grateful to have me in their lives.”
Dontez's heartfelt gesture demonstrated what true commitment looks like. He didn't just pledge to love and care for Myshella; he extended that promise to her daughters, vowing to be their father for life, not just their stepdad.