So you dont like that I want my own family? I left, started building my own life, and now youve come back to drag me back to the old ways.
Dont get so worked up, Emma! I know itll take time to get used to the countryside, especially for a city girl like you. But Ill help! pleaded Daniel. I know what Im doing. I can handle it, really. Just stay by my side!
Emma was torn.
Why on earth did she have to fall for a country lad? And so hard, at thather knees still knocked when she looked at him.
She was already twenty-eight, established in her marketing career in London, and Danielolder by two yearsowned a little house in a village not far from Oxford, surrounded by half his extended family.
Theyd met by pure chance at a funfair, while Daniel waited for his mother finishing her Tesco shop, and Emmas friends pulled her there for some fresh air.
Numbers were swapped, conversations followed. Daniel made every effort to impress her, travelling to the city to see her, attentive and kind; Emma couldnt help but melt. Unlike the blokes she knew, he was refreshingly open, genuine, and so wonderfully good-hearted.
Thenhed proposed, and shed said yes.
Well then, lovegive it a try, her mother sighed, a gentle smile on her lips. Daniels a hard-working country lad. If things go wrong, you can always come back homeLondons not going anywhere.
Emma really had nothing to lose. She could work remotely now; her company encouraged it. She wasnt eighteen anymore and, everyone says, the air in the country does you good! Still…
Daniel, what am I to them when I arrive? Emma asked.
My fiancée. And in a year, well have the big wedding and a nice holiday. By then, Ill have saved enough, so we dont need to worry about money, Daniel flushed.
I know youre used to something better.
Everything seemed right, all lined upyet some unwelcome doubt gnawed at Emma. But she brushed it aside. Why worry before trying?
So, taking a week off work and packing her suitcase, Emma locked up her much-loved two-bedroom flat in Hackneya hard-won prize of her own effortsand drove off towards Daniels village, where he waited for her.
The first evening, she even enjoyed herself.
It was a scorching August; together they watered the garden, cooked dinner. Working side by side, they finished quickly and laughed all the while.
Darling, my parents are coming for the weekend! Daniel burst in on Friday, earlier than usual from work.
Why? Emma blurted, nerves flaring.
To meet you, and lend a hand. Oh, and my brothers coming, with his wife too, he paced around, anxious.
For long? Emmas voice trembled.
I hope not! Daniel shot her a reassuring look. But dont worry. Well manage, together.
Emma tried to keep calm, but by now her nerves were ragged.
Dont stress, sweetheart, her mum texted. Think of it as a test. If its too much, come home. The important thing is: youve always got somewhere to go! And do things your way, theyll have to adjustor not. Their problem, not yours.
Come on, what am I worried about? Emma scolded herself. She wasnt even a wife, yet! Worst comes to worst, itd only be awkward dinners.
Emma had just finished laying the table when she heard a car pull up outside.
Theyre here! Daniel announced, coming into the kitchen.
The couple stepped out to greet the guests.
Well, hello then, future daughter-in-law! boomed Mrs. Mary Hale, a large lady in a bright but shapeless shift dress, with a cropped brown bob and thick dark lashes. She grinned crookedly, squeezing her son tight.
Mr. Peter Hale, just as broad and a tad paunchy, patted his sons shoulder and gave Emma a curt nod.
Daniels brothertall, lean, easy-smilingintroduced himself with a cheerful quip. His wife, however: a flaxen-haired beauty, cheeks pink from the sun, shot Emma a frosty look, then turned pointedly to her own husband.
Well, dont just stand there gawpingcome get the bags! she snapped, marching to the boot.
Hoping dinner would thaw the tension, Emma invited everyone in.
My, youve spoiled us, Mary praised as she eyed the spread.
Peter grunted approval.
Whats this then? Roast chicken? Who even cooks it like that? muttered Elaine, digging at her plate with her fork. Honestly! Next, youll be serving up something straight from the telly. Not real food at all!
Now, dont be like that. This is delicious! Vlad glared at his wife indignantly.
Youd eat anything as long as it fills you up, sniffed Elaine, tossing her fork.
Daniel glanced apologetically at Emma.
Elaine, show some manners! Dont be so obviously jealous. Emma worked hard, he interjected, voice stiff.
Who even names their kids Emma these days? Our old cows called Emma, for goodness sake, shot back Elaine.
Emma stifled a giggle.
What? Daniel whispered.
My friends guinea pigs called Elaine, Emma whispered back. But the others heard and tried (unsuccessfully) not to laugh.
Mary glowered, the men did their best not to snicker, while Elaine looked ready to spit fire.
How dare you? Who do you think you are? she hissed.
Just figured youre used to tough banter, Emma shrugged.
Vlad looked at Emma with undisguised admiration.
Im Vlads wifelegally! Youre just shacked up! Elaine sprang from her seat, while Mary hmmph-ed approvingly.
At least I know how to behave as a guest, Emma retorted coolly.
Im not here for you! Elaines smile was triumphant.
Neither was I inviting you, Daniel replied sharply, displeased with the mess unfolding. So how long are you planning on staying?
An abrupt silence settled; all eyes rounded on the master of the house.
Well leave as soon as your city girl learns proper country ways, Mary finally snapped.
No need, Mum. We were managing on our own just fine, and I think we’ll continue to, Daniel said quietly.
Fine, see how long you last, carrying a freeloader instead of a real wife, Elaine snapped.
The only layabout here isnt Emma, thats for sure, Daniel responded, then firmly: Well, thanks for dinner, guests. Youre welcome to rest.
Daniel took Emmas hand, and togetherunder the glare of shocked staresthey began clearing the table.
Emma decided that having a steadfast partner to rely on was a privilegeand that she wasnt about to let herself be walked all over. And anyway, she had her flather own refugeif things ever went unbearably wrong.
Saturday morning wasnt much friendlier.
Still in bed, are we? Nobody lies in till noon round here! Mary burst in, sharp as vinegar, And breakfast wont cook itself!
Emma, blearily checking her phone, saw it was only eight.
Theres plenty in the fridge for breakfast, Mrs. Hale, she muttered, pulling her covers up. Could I get dressed?
Listen to Lady Muck! Mary huffed, waving her hands about. If its in the fridge, it still needs cooking. Up, young lady!
With an abrupt huff, Mary left, slamming the door. Emma dressed quickly and made her way to the kitchen.
Morning, love. You’re up! Daniel welcomed her over the sizzling stove.
Ha! Only because I woke her. Shed still be dozing otherwise, Mary interjected.
Emma clenched her teeth.
Mum, why did you have to barge into our room? Daniel demanded, incredulous.
Some people are not only clueless but lazy, too, Elaine grinned.
Nobody asked your opinion, Emma snapped back.
This is what country lifes like. Early starts! When you get your own cow, youll be up at six to milk her, Elaine sneered.
We’re not buying a cow, Daniel replied.
Why not? Fresh milk, cream…oh, I get it! Emma doesnt know how to milk. Up before dawnshed never manage! Elaine cackled.
Neither do you, and youre still breathing, somehow, Daniel shot back.
Youve gone bitter and short-tempered since Emma showed up, Mary bristled.
Daniel, Im leaving. Once this circus is gone, call meif you ever find the guts, Emma cut in, too tired to take any more stick.
What? You! Shes turned my son against his own family! He never visits, hardly even picks up the phone! Mary shouted. You really think wed welcome you? Youre tearing us apart!
Enough! Daniel thundered. Silence fell, thick and heavy.
So you dont like that I want my own family? I left, started building my own life, and youve come back just to start up the old routines!
Son! Youve lost all sense! All your money, all your time, you spend on her! She just wants your money! Mary wailed. Shes got you running ragged while were only trying to save youbecause we want you to be happy.
Mum? Emma doesnt need supportingshes got her own job. Im saving up for our wedding, Daniel caught Emma as she made for the door. You want my happiness? Go home! Youre only welcome here by invitationespecially you, Elaine.
While the family struggled to find their tongues, Daniel quietly led Emma back to their room. He returned to the kitchen soon after, to find the rest packing their bags in strained silence.
Choose, son: me or her, Mary demanded.
You accepted Elaine, didnt you? Daniel replied sadly.
Dont compare me to her! Elaine interrupted, indignant.
Peter and Vlad watched all this with mild interest.
Well? Mary pressed.
I choose happiness, Daniel retorted, locking eyes with his mother.
Then I have no son! Mary stormed out, leaving Peter to carry the bags. Elaine flounced out behind her.
Were right behind you, Daniel, Peter gave a conspiratorial wink, understanding what happiness truly meant. Ill handle your mother!
Vlad grinned, pulling Daniel into a hug.
Treasure your happiness! And well have a word or two with the rest of the family!
The relatives departed.
Emma was shaken, but deep down, she knew: Daniel truly wanted her in his life.
Together they got back on with their daily chores, Emma supporting Daniel more than ever, knowing what it all meant to him.
Back at Marys house, life had taken a turn as well.
Mum, Elaine! Weve bought you a cow! Vlad beamed one sunny morning.
Are you mad? Mary looked at her son in disbelief.
Not at all. Elaine will milk her at dawn and lead her to pasture, Vlad replied, utterly deadpan.
Vlad, you cant be serious! Elaine spluttered.
Well, you were so keen to teach Emma country ways. We thought you might as well practise what you preach! Peter added dryly. And Mum, breakfast on the table by seven, no matter whatnothing but a hot, hearty meal, just like you expected from Emma.
Thus began the education of the older women.
And they felt the heat!
Every criticism theyd hurled at Emma came back their way.
Soon enough, Mary realised maybe shed judged Emma too harshlybecause now, folks expected her and Elaine to pull their own weight, to earn a living too. And that, they couldnt quite managethe world had changed, and the work was now too much.
No time!
Mary eventually made peace with Daniel, though she was still wary of visiting. After all, who knew what else Emma might be good at?
At last, Daniel happily proposed to Emmaformally this time.
The whole family danced the night away at their wedding.
Not to say Mary and Elaine ever truly loved their new daughter-in-law, but at least they kept quiet. It was safer that way.
And Emmashe was blissfully happy. As always, they did everything together, helped each other every step, and never again feared unexpected guests at their door.
