Natalie Peterson, hello. Its Yvonne, your future daughter-in-law. Id like to meet up for a chat. When and where suits you?
Natalie tensed upespecially at the words *future daughter-in-law*. What sort of news was this? William hadnt mentioned any plans to marry her.
*Hello, Yvonne. Today at six oclock, at my place. Ill be expecting you.*
*What on earth does she want to talk about? Is she expecting? Of course she is. Probably did it on purpose to trap Williamseen it all before.*
*What is he thinking? Shes not good enough for him. Not like Williaman architect with a bright future. Own flat, a nice car, handsome, clever. Any girl would be lucky to have him, but no, he had to pick this one*
Natalie tidied the flat and popped to the shops, her stomach in knots.
Shed met Yvonne a few times and taken an instant dislike to her. William had brought her round to introduce her, then just for tea and a natter. And every time, Natalie had made her thoughts perfectly clear afterward.
*Son, arent there any other girls? Why her? Whats so special about her? Plain, skinny, tiny. In my day, men liked proper women! And anyway, shes not your sort!*
*Mum, I love her, and to me, shes perfect! And her cooking is divineher roast dinners are heavenly!*
That stung. Hed always praised *her* cooking before. Now this *perfect* girl made roast dinners fit for the gods.
Yvonne arrived right on time, clutching a box of cream puffsNatalies favourite. *Oh, clever. Buttering me up, are we?*
*Natalie, lets not beat about the bush. Williams proposed, and Ive accepted. Hes waiting for the right moment to tell you. Hes worried you wont take it well.*
*Of course, dear! Why on earth would I be happy?*
*Id like to make a deal with you. Hear me out, please.*
*I know you raised William alone. You married because of the pregnancy, and it didnt work out. Your husband left. My dad died young, so I know what its like growing up without one.*
*You poured your heart into your son. Thank you. Hes kind, thoughtful, well-manneredthats your doing. You should be proud.*
Natalie gave a smug nod. Quite right. All *her* achievement.
Yvonne continued.
*You dream of William marrying someone beautiful, successful, wealthy. Then theres me. Plain, average, ordinary background. Not exactly rolling in it. A poor match, in your eyes. Youre baffled. How do you talk him out of it?*
Natalie shrugged. Spot on.
*Heres how itll go. William wont listen. Hes stubborn. Youll argue. Youll skip the weddingobviously. Ungrateful son, after all youve done. Some will pity you; others will laugh.*
*Meanwhile, well be happy. Youll sulk. Ill have a baby. William will tell you, but youll refuse to see your grandchild. You dont approve of the marriage, so why acknowledge the baby?*
*My mum will dote on her grandchildwalks, bedtime stories, spoiling rotten. Shell be the worlds favourite grandma.*
*Meanwhile, youll sit alone in your flat, watching telly, fuming at lifes unfairness. Holidays will be lonelier still. Everyone else celebrating with family, while you stew. Resentment will gnaw at you. Your health will suffer. Hospital visitsbut no one coming to see you. Just the neighbour, or a friend. Certainly not your son and his dreadful wife.*
*Youll die alone, never knowing your grandchild, never hearing Grandma, no birthday wishes. 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.*
*Im not so bad, you know. People at work like me. My mum adores me. Im decent. Ill be a good wife and mother. And most importantly, I love your son, and he loves me.*
*When William tells you, just say youre happy for him. You dont have to love mejust be civil. I dont exactly warm to you either, but Im willing to try.*
*At the wedding, youll have the best seat. Youll beam at William (and maybe glance at me). When the baby comes, youll be welcome anytime. Two grandmas mean double the love.*
*Ill never badmouth you, and you wont badmouth me.*
*Weve one thing in commonmaking William happy. So lets work together. Think it over, then call me. Thanks for the tea, Natalie. Cheers!*
After Yvonne left, Natalie sank into her armchair, staring out the window. *Shes right. Thats exactly how itll go.*
What good would sulking do? William would marry her anyway. Shed seen the way his eyes lit up around Yvonne. Even her own roast dinners paled in comparison now.
What would she gain? Nothing. Just loneliness while another grandma got all the cuddles. *But I want those too*
She grabbed the phone.
*Yvonne? Ill take your deal. I wont spend my days moping. I want to see my sonand that means seeing you. And youll bring my grandchild round weekends, yes? Oh, andwhat *do* you put in that roast?*
Yvonne laughed.
*Natalie, yours is just as good, I promise. Its all in the seasoning. Im glad you agreedthis is best for everyone. William was rightyoure a smart, loving mum.*
Three years later
*William, look at little Alfie! The spitting image of you! Such a darling boyIm so glad I have a grandson! And Yvonnethank you for that deal. You were right*
*What deal? First Im hearing of it!*
*Oh, just a little secret between us girls*
Natalie and Yvonne exchanged a wink.
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