Remember the Joy-Anna Duggar-Austin Forsyth shotgun wedding controversy?
Basically, Joy got pregnant, like, the second she said "I do," and the timing prompted a rumor that she got secretly knocked up before she and Austin got hitched.
Obviously, that would not be a big deal in most relationships, but Joy-Anna is a Duggar, which means she’s required to abide by the famously strict Duggar courtship rules.
According to Jim Bob and Michelle’s strictures, Duggar kids aren’t even allowed to hold hands before marriage, much less get pregnant.
So it stands to reason that Austin and Joy would keep it under wraps if she got knocked up before their wedding.
And it seems that’s not the only thing they may have been dishonest about:
It was Joy’s birthday this week, and Austin paid tribute with a heartfelt birthday post.
"Today my sweet wife turned 22 years old, we have been dating since she was 17," Forsyth began, along with the photo below.
"I can say that I have had the best time of my life with you, Joy!" he went on, adding:
"You are my best friend, cheer-leader, the one I go to for advice, adventure partner, comforter when I need encouragement, and the best mother to our son!"
"You always point me to Christ and I love your relationship with our Savior!" Austin continued (you knew he was gonna slip some Jesus stuff in at some point).
"I can’t imagine life without you and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you! I love you with all of my heart Joy Anna!" Austin gushed.
Typical over-the-top, unncessarily public Duggar birthday sentiments – but with one interesting twist:
Joy and Austin have been dating since she was 17 and he was 20?!
That means they kept their relationship under wraps for a full two years before going public in March of 2017!
That means they were together for nearly three years before they got engaged, which is unheard of in the Duggars’ world!
Clearly, Joy and Austin went to great lengths to keep their relationship status a secret, likely at Jim Bob’s behest.
And then Austin just goes and blows up the whole charade, with complete nonchalance, in one Instagram post!
What gives?
Was he feeling guilty about the whole thing and felt the need to speak his truth publicly?
Is Austin the latest Duggar in-law to feud with Jim Bob, and this is his way of taking a shot at the throne?
We may never know, but one thing’s for certain:
This is yet another reminder that the Duggars and their in-laws are frequently less than upfront with their fans.