“Natalie, hello. Its Emma, your future daughter-in-law. Id like to meet and talk. When and where would suit you?”
Natalie tensed up, especially at the words “future daughter-in-law.” What was this about? James hadnt mentioned anything about marrying her.
“Hello, Emma. Tonight at 6 at my place. Ill be expecting you.”
*What does she want to talk about? Is she expecting a baby? Of course. Shes probably done this on purpose to trap James into marriagetypical.*
*What is he thinking? Shes not good enough for him. James is an architect with a bright futurehis own flat, a car, handsome, clever. Any girl would be lucky to have him, but no, hes chosen this one*
Natalie tidied the flat and popped to the shop, her mind uneasy.
Shed seen Emma a handful of times and taken an instant dislike to her. James had brought her round to introduce her, then just for tea and a chat. Each time, Natalie had made her opinions clear afterwards.
“Son, arent there any other girls? Why her? Whats so special about her? Plain, skinny, tiny. Men used to go for very different girls in my day! Shes not right for you!”
“Mum, I love her, and to me, shes perfect! And she cooks like a dreamher roast dinners are unbelievable!”
That stung. Hed always praised her cooking before. Now this *wonderful* girl made heavenly roasts.
Emma arrived right on time, bringing cupcakesNatalies favourite. *Sly move, trying to win me over.*
“Natalie, Ill get straight to it. James has proposed, and Ive accepted. Hes waiting for the right moment to tell you. Hes worried you wont take it well.”
“Of course I wont! Why should I be happy?”
“I want to make a deal with you. Hear me out, please.”
“I know you raised James alone. You married because of the baby, but it didnt work out. Your husband left. My mum raised me alone toomy dad died young. So I know what its like growing up without both parents.”
“You poured all your love into your son. Thank you for that. Hes kind, thoughtful, well-manneredthats your doing. You should be proud.”
Natalie nodded slightly. Fair enough. It *was* her effort that made him this way.
Emma went on.
“You dream of him marrying a beautiful, successful, wealthy girl. Then theres me. Small, plain, from an ordinary family. Not a high salary. A poor match, in your eyes. Now youre confusedhow do you talk him out of it, right?”
Natalie shrugged and nodded. Exactly right.
“Heres how it could go. James wont listenhes made up his mind. Youll argue, ruin your relationship. You wont come to the wedding, of course not. He disobeyed you. Right?”
“Right. Thats exactly whatll happen.”
“Youll tell everyone what a terrible son he is, after all youve done for him. Some will pity you, some will laugh. Meanwhile, well be happy. Youll sulk, ignoring us. Ill have a baby, James will tell youbut youll stubbornly refuse to meet your grandchild. You dont accept our marriage, so the baby doesnt exist to you.”
“My mum will dote on her grandson, take him to the park, spoil him rotten. Shell be his favourite grandma in the world.”
“Meanwhile, youll sit alone in your flat, watching telly, bitter at how lifes turned out. Holidays will be the worsteveryone celebrating with family, while youre on your own. Resentment will eat at you. Your health will suffer. In hospital, others will have visitorsyoull just have a neighbour or friend. You wont speak to James or his *awful* wife.”
“In the end, youll die alone, never knowing your grandchild, never called Grandma, no one to wish you happy birthday. And thatll be your choice.”
“Orit could go differently. After I leave, youll think it over. And as a smart, loving mother, youll accept your sons choice. If he loves me, there must be a reason.”
“Truth is, Im not so bad. My colleagues like me. My mum adores me. Im decent, loyal. Ill be a good wife and mother. Most importantly, I love your son, and he loves me.”
“When James tells you were getting married, congratulate him. Say you accept it. You dont have to love mejust be civil. Thats enough.”
“I dont warm to you either, but Im willing to try.”
“At the wedding, youll have the place of honour. Youll watch your sonand mewith pride. When the baby comes, youll always be welcome. Two grandmas are better than one.”
“Ill never speak ill of you, and you wont of me.”
“We have one thing in commonmaking James happy. So lets work together. Think it over, then call me so I know where we stand. Thanks for the tea, Natalie. Goodbye.”
After Emma left, Natalie sat by the window, deep in thought. *Shes right. Thats exactly how itll go.*
So what if she didnt like her future daughter-in-law? James was the one marrying her. If she argued, hed be upsetbut hed marry her anyway. Shed seen how his eyes lit up around Emma. Even her own roast dinners didnt compare anymore
What did she gain by fighting? Nothing. Shed be alone, bitter, while the other grandma spoiled her grandchild. She wanted that too. Unless No. It didnt have to be that way.
“Hello, Emma I accept your deal. I dont want to end up lonely. I want to be part of my sons lifeand yours. And youll let me have my grandson on weekends, yes? And one more thingwhats your secret with the roast? James raves about it.”
Emma laughed.
“Natalie, yours is just as good, I promise. Its all in the seasoning. Im glad you agreedthis is best for everyone. James was rightyou *are* a smart, loving mum.”
Three years later
“James, love, look at little Arthurhes the spitting image of you! What a sweet boy. Im so glad I have a grandson! And Emma thank you for that deal. You were right.”
“What deal? This is the first Ive heard of it!”
“Oh, just a little secret between Emma and me”
Natalie exchanged a knowing glance with her daughter-in-law, who winked back.
