Woman Welcomes Her Ex-Husband's Partner Into Their Family & Records Their Proposal

Apr 24, 2023

Navigating your way into a blended family can be tricky business, but one woman is forging an easier path for her ex-husband’s partner – starting by filming their proposal!

In early April 2023, Leah Bourdo posted a heartwarming recording of her ex-husband, Steve Bourdo, getting down on one knee to ask his girlfriend, Shonda Betz, for her hand in marriage. After the visibly emotional Betz said yes, she was gifted a bouquet of flowers from the Bourdo’s daughters, Kennedy, 13, and Harper, 11.

“This weekend I got to be there when my ex-husband proposed to his girlfriend,” Leah explained through captions in the video. “She is the kind of woman I have prayed would come into his life. She is incredible with our daughters, and they love her so much. Not only is she good to our girls, she respects the co-parenting relationship we have for our children. On top of that, she has become my friend, my family even. I love her with all my heart. And to my ex: Thank you for letting me be a part of this moment and sharing her with me. Welcome to the home team Shonda. We love you.”

Prior to their divorce in 2016, Leah and Steve had endured a rocky marriage. According to Today, the college sweethearts wed in 2007, but the relationship quickly deteriorated.

“Our marriage was a living hell,” Steve, 38, said. “We were young and very emotionally immature.”

Leah echoed his sentiments and explained:

“There was a lot of verbal abuse, and I was active in my alcohol addiction. We were two best friends who never should have gotten married in the first place. The romance and connection that you need in a marriage wasn’t there for us.”

The Bourdos’ split was hard on their daughters, as Leah and Steve remained hostile in the years after, communicating solely through email after blocking each other’s numbers on their phones. Steve then remarried, but Leah did not get along with her. When their marriage ended two years later, the Bourdos turned over a new leaf.

Leah said they were “able to forgive each other” after realizing that “the only way we could make it work is to prioritize our children and put aside our feelings for one another.” Steve added:

“Any time you hate somebody, you’re only hurting yourself.”

When Steve introduced Betz into his daughters and Leah’s lives, his ex-wife was smitten.

“I am in love with his fiancée. She is one of the most beautiful people that I’ve ever met in my life. Everything just changed with her,” Leah gushed.

She also recounted the moment her positive impression of Betz was sealed. After she and Steve limited Kennedy’s phone privileges, Betz left Leah in awe with her approach during a family meeting.

“She was able to explain things in a way that I couldn’t and empathized with our daughter. I could tell that she really loves my girls,” Leah recalled.

Leah recorded her ex’s proposal and captioned the video: “I got to video my ex husband propose to his girlfriend…so special ❤️”

It struck a nerve with viewers.

“What a beautiful woman and mother. To find happiness for an ex is the best gift you can give your children,” one user commented. A second user enthused, “This is co-parenting! not a family split apart but two families coming together as one! 👏”

Another user commented: “Y’all be the best conparents (sic) and friends. This shows that love isn’t always lost. Y’all just needed to grow in separate directions.”

How inspiring is Leah and Steve’s beautiful, blended family story? Have you experienced something similar in your own life journey? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to friends and family, too.