“Natalie, hello. Its Emily, 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? Oliver hadnt mentioned he was planning to marry her.
“Hello, Emily. Come round to mine today at six. Ill be expecting you.”
*What on earth does she want to talk about? Is she expecting a baby? Of course she is. Shes done it on purpose to trap Olivertypical, seen it all before. Whats he thinking? Shes not good enough for him. Not like Oliver. An architect with a bright future. His own flat, a car, handsome, clever. Any girl would be lucky to have him, but no, hes gone and picked this one*
Natalie tidied the flat and popped to the shops, but her mind was uneasy. Shed met Emily a handful of times and taken an instant dislike to her. Oliver had brought her round to introduce her, then just for tea and a chat. Each time, Natalie made her feelings clear afterward.
“Son, arent there any other girls? Why her? Whats so special about her? Plain, skinny, nothing to look at. Men used to go for proper girls in my day! And honestly, shes not in your league!”
“Mum, I love her, and to me, shes perfect. And her cookingabsolutely divine! Her roast dinners are incredible!”
That stung. He used to praise *her* cooking, but now this girls roast dinners were “divine.”
Emily arrived right on time, bringing shortbread biscuitsNatalies favourite. *Clever, trying to butter me up.*
“Natalie, Ill get straight to the point. Olivers proposed, and Ive accepted. Hes waiting for the right moment to tell you. Hes worried you wont take it well.”
“Of course I wont, dear! Why on earth would I be happy?”
“Id like to make a deal with you. Hear me out, please.”
“I know you raised Oliver alone. You married because of a pregnancy, and it didnt work out. Your husband left. My dad passed young, so I know what its like growing up without a father.”
“You poured everythinglove, careinto your son. And I cant thank you enough. Hes kind, thoughtful, well-mannered. Thats your doing. You should be proud.”
Natalie gave a satisfied nod. Exactly. It was *her* hard work that made him the man he was.
Emily continued.
“You dream of him marrying someone beautiful, successful, wealthy. And then theres me. Plain, ordinary, from a modest background. Not the highest salary. Not what youd pick. So youre wondering how to talk him out of it, arent you?”
Natalie shrugged and nodded. Spot on.
“Heres how this plays out. Oliver wont listen. Hes made up his mind. Youll argue. Youll refuse to come to the wedding. Of course you willhes disobeyed you.”
“Exactly.”
“Youll tell everyone what an ungrateful son he is, after all youve done. Some will pity you, others will laugh. Meanwhile, well be happy. Youll sulk, ignore us. Ill have a babyOliver will tell you, but youll stubbornly refuse to see your grandchild. You dont approve of the marriage, so why should you acknowledge the baby?”
“My mum will dote on her grandchildwalks, stories, treats. Shell be the favourite grandma. Meanwhile, youll sit alone in your flat, watching telly, stewing over how unfair life is. Holidays will be the worsteveryone celebrating with family, while youre by yourself. The bitterness will eat at you. Your health will suffer. Hospital visitsno one but a neighbour or friend will come. You wont speak to your son or his awful wife.”
“In the end, youll die alone, never knowing your grandchild, never hearing Grandma, never getting birthday wishes. And thatll be *your* choice.”
“Orit could go differently. After I leave, youll think it over. And, as a loving, sensible mother, youll accept your sons choice. If he loves me, there must be a reason.”
“Im not so bad, really. Well-liked at work, adored by my mum. Im decent, loyal. Ill be a good wife and mother. Most importantly, I love your son, and he loves me.”
“When Oliver tells you were engaged, praise him. Say you accept it. You dont have to love mejust be civil. Thats all I ask.”
“I dont exactly adore you either, but Im willing to try.”
“At the wedding, youll have the place of honour. Youll watch your son with prideand maybe even smile at me. When the baby comes, youll be welcome anytime. Two loving grandmaswhat could be better?”
“Ill never badmouth you, and Id ask the same in return.”
“Weve got one thing in commonmaking Oliver happy. So lets work together. Think it over, then call me so I know where we stand. Thanks for the tea, Natalie. Take care.”
After Emily left, Natalie sank into her armchair by the window and thought hard. The girl was right. That *was* how it would go.
So what if she didnt like her? Oliver was the one marrying her. She could argue, guilt-trip himbut hed marry her anyway. Shed seen how his eyes lit up around Emily. Even her own roast dinners didnt compare anymore
What would she gain? Nothing. Just years of bitterness while another woman got to be Grandma. But she wanted that too. Unless No. It didnt have to be that way.
“Emily? Ill take your deal. I dont want to end up alone. I want to be part of my sons lifeand yours, if I must. And you *will* let me have the grandchildren on weekends, understand? And one more thingwhats your secret with those roast dinners?”
Emily laughed.
“Yours are just as good, Natalie. Its all in the seasoning. Im glad you agreedthis is best for everyone. Oliver was rightyou *are* a clever, loving mum.”
Three years later
“Oliver, love, look at little Arthur! The way he frownsjust like you! What a darling boy. Im so glad Ive got a grandson! And Emilythank you for that deal. You were right”
“What deal? First Ive heard of it!”
“Oh, just a little secret between me and Emily”
Natalie exchanged a knowing glance with her daughter-in-law, who winked back.
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