“Emily, what about these extra pounds of yours?”
“Emily, what about these extra pounds? Isnt that a problem?”Dereks mother wouldnt let it go. “In my opinion, I dont have any extra, especially since my future husband likes me just as I am. Not everyone has to be a waif or a stick insect,” Emily retorted, giving Dereks mother and sister, Helen, a pointed once-over. The sheer cheek of it made Helen flush with anger.
“Mum! Did you buy that slimming tea? The chia seeds? Why did you put so much butter in my porridgethis is how you get extra weight! Derek, you bought white bread again? Its full of carbs! And you have to drink three glasses of water in the morning, or the weight wont budge Wheres my water?!” These were the sorts of things Derek had heard since childhood.
His mother and older sister were forever obsessed with their figures. Now, at thirty-eight, Helen had never been married and reminded Derek of a gaunt, hollow-eyed horse, always hungry. His mother, meanwhile, resembled a rigid knitting needle.
It had worn him down so much that he was naturally drawn to cheerful, hearty people with good appetites. He had always dreamed of a wife nothing like his mother or sisterand hed found her.
Her name was Emily. Even her name was soft and pleasant, like the scent of warm pastries. No, Emily wasnt overweight. But at five feet eight, she carried her 13 stone with effortless grace.
And every ounce of her radiated health and happiness. Full curves, a narrow waist, dimpled cheeks you couldnt help but want to pinchDerek was utterly smitten the moment he saw her.
One evening, he gave his sister a lift to the bank on an errand. She took a ticket and sat in the waiting area while he paced.
Then he heard ita bright, bell-like laugh, quiet but infectious enough to make him smile. He couldnt resist following the sound.
The laughter came from a teller helping an elderly customer whod just cracked a joke. Derek couldnt take his eyes off herher wavy hair, her bow-shaped lips, and yes, her lovely, ample figure.
Driving home with Helen, he barely registered her droning complaints, his mind still back at the bank.
“Derek, are you even listening?” his sister snapped.
“Of course, Helen,” he lied, scrambling to recall what shed been moaning about.
“So I told him, I dont eat fried food, only grilled chicken breast,” she whinged about her latest failed suitor. Derek nodded sympathetically, clicking his tongue as if to say, *What a cad.*
The next evening, he rushed back to the bank. His dream girl was still there, and he exhaled in relief. After closing, he fetched a bouquet of roses from his car and strode over.
“Miss Do you happen to need a husband? Or a son-in-law for your mum?” he blurted, thrusting the flowers at her.
He mustve looked so flustered that she burst out laughingbut she took the roses.
“Oh my These are gorgeous! The scent!” She buried her face in the blooms, inhaling deeply, while he just gazed at her, spellbound.
From then on, they were inseparable. Sometimes you meet someone and just *know*this is it, no more searching. Thats how it was for Derek with Emily. He proposed within a month, and she said yes without hesitation. Now, it was time to meet the parents.
Emilys family welcomed him with a feast, laughter, and warmth. Her mother, a striking woman named Natalie, kissed both his cheeks, leaving him beet-red. Her father clapped him on the shoulder like an old mate and steered him to the kitchen.
“Best stay clear of the women or theyll talk you to death. But dont worryNatalies a gentle soul. Thats why Ive loved her thirty years. And our Emily? Absolute diamond. You take care of her, son.” Emilys dad gave him a firm look.
They spent hours at the table, eating heartily, swapping stories, singing along when her father played guitar. Derek felt at home, as if hed known them forever.
Three days later, they visited Dereks parents. Emily stopped at a bakery for handmade eclairs. By five, they arrived.
Dereks mother, Margaret, opened the door.
“Oh Hello, dears,” she stammered, gaping at Emily before catching herself.
“Mum, love you too. Mind if we come in?” Derek nudged her inside.
“Of course, son Do come in. You must be Emily?” Margaret pulled herself togetherbarelyand openly scrutinised Emily head to toe.
“Yes, lovely to meet you!” Emily cheerfully shook Margarets hand and breezed past, leaving his mother staring.
“Dad, Helen, Mumthis is Emily, my fiancée. Weve filed the papersweddings soon. Emily, meet my family: sister Helen, Mum Margaret, and Dad Nigel.”
The news clearly stunned them. Silence fell, broken only by clinking cutlery.
“Right! Emily, welcome to the family. Is that wine? Perfect timing! And treatsthough those are for you ladies,” Nigel said, lightening the mood.
“Oh no, we dont eat sweets, certainly not at night. Really, Emily,” Margaret said, almost recoiling from the pastry box.
“You might not, but we do! Lets see whats in there. I trust Emilys taste.” Nigel winked.
They settled in, tension easing slightly. Chocolate, nibbles, and bubbly appeared. Glasses clinked, sips were takenthen awkward silence again.
“Mum, I met Emilys parents. Lovely peopleyoud like them,” Derek offered lamely. Emily studied her glass while Helen stared. Nigel launched into a joke, and nervous laughter followed.
“Emily, dont worryI know an excellent nutritionist. Ill introduce you,” Margaret said suddenly.
“Worry? I dont have anything to worry about.”
“But darling, those extra poundssurely thats a problem?”
“In my eyes, theres nothing extraespecially since my future husband disagrees. Not all of us are built like twigs,” Emily said sweetly, eyeing Helen and Margaret. Helen bristled.
“Emily, youre at least three stone overweight! Its unhealthy. And when you have childrengoodness, I cant imagine”
“When I have children, Ill be even lovelier, with a devoted husband and a baby. Speaking ofHelen, are you married? Surely a slim woman like you has a dashing bloke and at least a couple of kids?” Emily took a triumphant bite of pastry.
Helen gulped, outrage swellingbut Nigel cut in, refilling glasses.
“A toast! To the women of this familydifferent, but dearly loved!”
They left two hours later. Exchanging glances, they sighed in unisonthen burst out laughing.
“Well Didnt expect my future mother-in-law to call me plump.”
“Em, youre stunning, and you know it. As for Mum and Helen Try to forgive them. Cant choose family, sadly.”
The wedding was set for August 25th. After the registry office, guests gathered at a posh restaurant.
The bride glowed in a dress that flattered her curves. Derek couldnt stop staring. Natalie, equally radiant, drew admiring glancesa stark contrast to gaunt Margaret in her stiff dress, or Helen, her younger carbon copy.
The newlyweds danced, lost in each other. Guests watched, enchanted.
“Honestly, the bride could stand to lose a few. That dress isnt doing her any favours,” Margaret muttered.
Too latethe words were out.
“Funny, most men dont fancy skeletons. Your sons no exception. And Margaretmind that tongue. Im easygoing, but cross my daughter, and I *will* snap,” Natalie said, advancing until Margaret was against the wall.
A silent standoff ensuedMargaret nervous, Natalie furiousuntil Emilys dad intervened.
“Ladies! Getting along splendidly, I see. But I must steal my wife. Natalie, dance with me!”
He whisked her into a waltz. Music swelled, joy returned.
Heres hoping the couple lives happily ever afterbecause really, thats what matters, isnt it?
