**A Mother-in-Law’s Surprising Side**
At last, James and Emily moved into their spacious home—a grand, two-story house perfect for their three children. Each child had their own room, though little Millie, barely eighteen months old, didn’t quite grasp the concept yet.
*”Thank you, darling, for this wonderful home,”* Emily sighed contentedly. *”Though the boys are already tearing through it like a hurricane. But I suppose children need space to grow.”*
She soon realised, however, that maintaining a large house with three children—Oliver, seven, and Charlie, four—was no small feat. One evening, as she washed dishes, the children played, and James lounged on the sofa watching telly, his phone rang.
*”Hello, Mike!”* James answered cheerfully. *”All good here—how about you?”*
Emily knew it was his younger brother, still single at thirty and living with their mother in another city. After hanging up, James grinned. *”Mike’s getting married! We’re invited.”*
*”Really?”* Emily blinked. *”I never thought he’d settle down. He’s got it too easy—handsome, women fawning over him, Mum doing his laundry. Though I can’t say his DJ job is exactly ‘serious’ work, even with his degree. A bit of a slacker, really.”*
James stayed quiet, lost in thought.
*”You’re the opposite,”* Emily continued. *”Driven, ambitious—nothing like your brother. Still, he’s happy, isn’t he?”*
*”Yeah, still at the club,”* James muttered.
*”Who’s the bride?”*
*”Didn’t say much. Just that her name’s Sophie, primary school teacher.”*
Emily sat beside him, sensing hesitation. *”Where will they live? Does she have a flat?”*
James met her eyes. *”That’s the thing. What if Mum moved in with us? Her one-bed flat’s too small for them. And we’ve got the space.”*
Emily fell silent, weighing the idea of sharing a home with her mother-in-law. James waited, tense. Finally, she sighed. *”Alright. Extra help with the kids won’t hurt.”*
*”You’re amazing,”* James kissed her cheek, relieved.
Emily barely knew Margaret—James’s mother—who’d only visited briefly before. Polite, tidy, and sweet with the children, she seemed flawless. *Too flawless,* Emily thought. *No one’s that perfect. Well, time will tell.*
For two months, doubts nagged at her—until James left for Mike’s wedding alone (Millie had fallen ill). When he returned, Margaret was with him.
*”No turning back now,”* Emily realised.
Margaret arrived bearing gifts: a doll for Millie, toy cars for the boys. Over dinner, James recounted the wedding. *”Sophie’s lovely—got Mike wrapped around her finger, believe it or not.”*
Margaret nodded approvingly. Emily, pleased, noted no criticism of the new bride.
The first week was idyllic—Margaret read to the children, helped with chores, even cooked.
*”Mum, Gran taught me to tie my laces!”* Charlie beamed.
*”And I’m reading proper now!”* Oliver added proudly.
Emily was impressed. *Maybe a mother-in-law isn’t so bad.*
Then Margaret offered to take over cooking. *”You’re run ragged, love. Let me handle meals.”*
*”Thank you!”* Emily nearly hugged her. *”The kitchen’s a time-sink.”*
Dinner that night—roast chicken with roast potatoes—was a hit. Even the boys, who usually turned up their noses, cleaned their plates.
*”James,”* Emily whispered later, *”let’s go out. We haven’t in ages.”*
Margaret encouraged them. *”Go on! I’ve got the little ones.”*
They enjoyed a rare evening—strolling through the park, dancing at a cosy pub.
*”This is brilliant,”* Emily laughed. *”Having your mum here might just be the best thing.”*
Returning home at eleven, they froze at Margaret’s voice: *”Die! And you—you’re next!”*
She was hunched over the computer, playing a shooter game.
*”Mum?!”* James gaped.
*”Oh, you’re back!”* Margaret didn’t look up. *”Kids are asleep. Help yourselves to food—can’t pause, I’m online.”*
Upstairs, James muttered, *”My mum’s a gamer?”*
*”Everyone has quirks,”* Emily shrugged. *”Better than whisky or worse.”*
Two days later, Margaret announced, *”I’m off out tonight.”*
*”Where?”* James frowned.
*”Just into town. Don’t wait up.”*
By midnight, she wasn’t back. Panicked, James finally reached her.
*”She’s at a nightclub,”* he muttered, baffled. *”Said Mike invited her.”*
Margaret breezed in at 2 AM, grinning. *”Your brother’s a cracking DJ!”*
*”How’d you even find the place?!”* James spluttered.
*”Internet, dear. Met some lovely people, too.”* With a wink, she vanished upstairs.
James rubbed his temples. *”I thought pensioners baked scones.”*
Emily grinned. *”Every woman’s got a bit of mischief in her. Ours just fancied a night out.”*
