Is it such a problem that I want my own family? I left you behind, Mum, started my own life, and now youre here again, same as ever.
Sophie, dont get yourself in a state, pleaded James. I know it wont be easy, being a city girl in the countryside. But Ill help, I promise! I know what Im doing. Ill manage, just stay with me.
Sophie was torn. Why had she fallen for a country lad? And yetwhat a way shed fallen! Her knees still felt weak just thinking about him.
Shes twenty-eight, with a thriving career in London, while thirty-year-old James has a load of family and his own house in a village not far from the city.
Theyd met at a funfair, which James had wandered into while his mum shopped, and Sophies friends had dragged her along for a laugh.
They swapped numbers and kept in touch. James went out of his way to surprise her, visiting her in London, always thoughtful and kind, and Sophie couldnt help but melt. He was open, honest and good-heartedso unlike the lads shed known before.
Before long, he asked her to marry himand she agreed.
Well then, love? Give it a go, her mother advised. James is a country lad, hard-working and kind. She shrugged. If it doesnt work, you can always come home to the city.
Sophie had nothing to lose. She could work remotely; her job had been encouraging it lately. And she wasnt eighteen anymoreand they say the airs meant to be cleaner in the countryside. Still…
James, what, exactly, am I coming there as? Sophie asked, narrowing her eyes.
As my fiancée, of course. And in a year, well have a proper wedding and go away somewhere special. Ill have saved enough by then, so we dont have to worry about money. James looked a bit sheepish. I get youve got used to the finer things.
Everything seemed perfectbut Sophie couldnt shake a sense of doubt. What, she couldnt quite say. In the end, she decided to take the plunge and see what happened.
Taking a week off work, she packed her suitcase and, locking up the two-bed flat shed grafted for all these years, drove her car out to the village, where James waited.
That first evening in the countryside was delightful. The summer was sweltering, so they set about watering the veg patch together, finishing all the chores as a team, then making dinner. It was easy, funeverything felt right.
Love, my parents are coming to visit! James announced on Friday as he arrived homea little earlier than usual.
Why? Sophie blurted out, taken aback.
To meet you, help us out a bit. My brother and his wife are coming too, he added, pacing nervously around the kitchen.
For long? Sophie ventured, a bit worried.
Lets hope not! James gave her a reassuring glance. Well get through it together, dont worry.
His words only made her more nervous.
Dont fret, darling, her mother joked over the phone that evening. Just treat it like an exam. If you fail, you can always come home. The main thing is, youve got somewhere to go back to! Do what suits youlet them get used to it, or not. Thats Jamess problem.
True, I suppose. Why am I worrying? Besides, Im not actually married yet! Sophie calmed herselfsurely, they wouldnt eat her alive.
She was just setting the table when she heard a car pulling up outside.
Theyre here! called James, popping his head round the kitchen door. They went out to greet the visitors together.
Well, hello, my dear! boomed a large woman in a flowery frock, her short, dark hair framing large brown eyes, as she hugged James with gusto.
A big man with a slight paunch slapped his son on the back and nodded at Sophie.
Jamess tall younger brother greeted her with a wink and a smile, but his wifea young, rosy-cheeked blondeeyed Sophies bright, curvy figure with poorly concealed envy before turning away.
Stop gawping, and give us a hand! the blondeEmmasnapped at her husband, then stomped to the car for the luggage.
Hoping good food might ease any tension, Sophie invited everyone to the tableshed always been a dab hand in the kitchen.
My, youve pulled out all the stops! Jamess mum, Margaret, clucked approvingly.
Jamess father, Peter, grunted his assent.
Whats this supposed to be? Roast chicken? Who makes it like that? Emma complained, picking at her plate. People think of the daftest recipesthen expect everyone to eat them.
Nonsense, its delicious! retorted Jamess brother, Ed, giving his wife a look.
Youd eat anything, so long as it fills you up! Emma shot back, ostentatiously putting down her fork.
James glanced apologetically at Sophie. Emma, show some respect! And try not to be so obviously jealous. Sophie worked hard on the meal.
And what sort of name is Sophie, anyway? Our cow was called Sophie, Emma said with a toxic smile.
Sophie snorted with laughter.
Whats so funny? James whispered.
My friends guinea pig is called Emma, she whispered back, but everyone overheard.
Margaret gave Sophie a sour stare; the men struggled not to laugh; but Emma turned bright red.
How dare you? Who do you think you are? she hissed at Sophie.
Well, you started it. I figured this is how you like to talk, Sophie replied with a shrug.
Ed grinned admiringly at Sophie.
Im Eds actual wife. Youre just… living together! Emma sneered, jumping to her feet. Margaret nodded, clearly approving.
At least Ive got mannerswhen Im a guest, I try not to be rude, Sophie responded coolly.
Well, I didnt come to see you! Emma declared, triumphant.
And I didnt invite you, James finally barked, his patience gone. So, how long are you all staying?
A stunned silence fell. Everyone stared at James.
Well teach your city-girl a thing or two about village life, then well go, Margaret said, finding her voice.
Mum, thats enough. We were managing perfectly wellstill will.
All right, but when will you get tired of having a layabout foisted on you? Emma kept at it.
Theres only one layabout in this family, and its not Sophie, retorted James. Now then, dear gueststhanks for dinner, time to relax.
He took Sophies hand, and under the curious, disgruntled gazes of his relatives, they cleared the table together.
Sophie thought how good it was to have someone in her corner for onceand she certainly wouldnt take any nonsense from them. And if it all became too much, she could always go back home.
Saturday morning did not begin on a pleasant note.
Havent you finished snoozing? Around here, nobody lies in past noon! Margaret burst into their room. You should be making breakfast by now!
Sophie blinked at her phone. Eight oclock.
Margaret, theres plenty for breakfast in the fridge, Sophie muttered, pulling the cover up. Mind if I get dressed?
Oh, listen to Madam! Honestly. Well, you still need to cook it. Come on, get up! Margaret waved her arms impatiently and slammed the door behind her.
Sophie dressed quickly and went down to the kitchen.
My love, youre up? James greeted her warmly, busy at the cooker.
Shed still be in bed if I hadnt woken her, Margaret sniffed.
Sophie gritted her teeth.
Mum, why did you come into our room at all? James was clearly annoyed.
Not just feckless, but lazy too? Emma snickered.
Nobody asked you, Emma! Sophie shot back.
Whats wrong? Thats village life. Easy doesnt cut itwait till you get a cow. Needs milking at six in the morning! Emma remarked in her most annoying tone.
We dont plan on getting a cow, James answered coolly.
Why not? Fresh milk and all that. Oh, I see, Sophie doesnt know how to milk it! Shes not cut out for early mornings! Emma laughed cruelly.
You cant do it either, and you manage, James retorted, grinning.
Since Sophie arrived, youve got so grumpy! Margaret complained.
Im going back to London. Call when this circus leaves if you want, Sophie decided, unable to take any more.
What? Since you turned up, my sons forgotten about his family! Never visits, never helps! Margaret exploded. Youre destroying us!
Enough! James thundered. A heavy silence settled across the kitchen.
Is it such a problem me wanting my own family? I left, started my own lifeand here you all are again, carrying on as before!
Son, youve lost your mindwasting all your time and money on this woman! Shes after your money, thats all! Margaret lamented. Shes got her claws in you, and were trying to save you! For your own good!
Mum? Sophies got her own incomeIm saving for the wedding, James said quietly, holding Sophie back as she tried to leave. If you care about my happiness, go home! From now on, you come here by invitation only! Especially you, Emma.
As the others struggled for words, James guided Sophie to their room, then returned as his relatives hurriedly packed up.
Choose, sonher or me! Margaret demanded.
You accepted Emma into the family, James said, disillusioned.
Hardly the same thing! Emma scoffed.
Peter and Ed watched the row unfold with raised eyebrows.
Well? Margaret pressed.
Im choosing to be happy, James replied, looking his mother straight in the eye.
In that case, youre not my son any more! she declared, storming out and leaving her bags for Peter. Emma soon followed.
If you need us, were always here for you, Peter said softly, understanding his son in a way his wife could not. Ill take care of your mum.
Ed hugged James. Look after your own happiness. We clearly need to make a few changes in this family!
And with that, they were off.
Sophie felt awkward but also realised how serious James was about her.
Together they fell straight back into their routines, Sophie supporting James, knowing how hard it was for him.
Meanwhile, at Margaret and Emmas… life had changed.
Mother, Emma! We bought you a cow! Ed announced, looking mischievous.
What? Are you mad? Margaret stared.
No. Emma can milk her at dawn and lead her to pasture, Ed replied solemnly.
Ed, this isnt funny! Emma was losing her cool.
You both were keen on Sophie learning country life, so we thought youd want to! By the way, Mumbreakfast should be ready every morning by seven, hot and hearty. None of your jam on toast. Villagers are early birds! Peter added.
So began the great re-education! All their nagging at Sophie came back to bite them.
Margaret soon realised how harsh shed beenespecially now she was expected to work as hard as Sophie. They simply couldntwrong skills, too much to do!
There just wasnt enough time!
Margaret eventually made up with James, but she remained wary of visiting, worried Sophie might show her up again.
As for Jameshe finally asked Sophie to marry him properly. The whole family showed up to the wedding.
While Margaret and Emma never grew to love Sophie, they learned their lesson: best to keep their mouths shut. It was safer that way.
And Sophie was happy. She and James did everything together, supported one another, and never worried about uninvited guests again!
