Are you planning to turn into a baby machine? How many more children are you going to pop out? my husbands mother, Evelyn Parker, asked with a biting tone.
Good afternoon to you as well, Mrs. Parker. Please, theres no need for sarcasm. Did it unsettle you when Oliver mentioned theres another baby on the way? Abigail replied as politely as she could.
Naturally, it did! After your third child, I made it clear enough, didnt I? I even gave you a years supply of contraceptives for Christmasto make a point! But youre not taking any notice! Evelyn huffed.
Abigail remembered all too well how, last Christmas, Evelyn had handed her a massive box of condoms. It happened right after the birthday tea for their eldest, and it was Evelyns subtle way of saying, Enough is enough.
We heard what you said, but these things arent always under our control, Abigail answered, keeping her composure.
Oh, so you think youre being witty now? Then you can look after these children by yourself because Ive had enough. I wont be helping out anymore… Evelyn snapped, but above her voice came the sound of a ringing phone. Abigail never got to finish her reply.
Abigail put her phone aside, smiled softly, and placed a hand on her still-flat stomach. She and Oliver were expecting their fourth child, and this was what had ruffled Evelyn so terribly. Abigail honestly couldnt understand her mother-in-laws agitation.
Evelyn had never been the doting gran, nor had she supported them financially. At best, she showed up for a visit once a month, turning up with gifts only on birthdays or at Christmas. Abigail wasnt fond of the arrangement, but she never breathed a word of complaint to Oliver. The children had clothes on their backs and plenty to eat, and that was what counted most.
Oliver had a good job and brought in a steady salary; Abigail did extra work from home. When her small business had finally begun to prosper, she even took on a part-time nanny so the children could play and go out while she focused on work.
Their home was happy and livelya place anyone would envy, if not for Evelyns bitter jabs. Shed never warmed to Abigail, and each new family addition only seemed to fuel her resentment.
When their third childa little girlwas on the way, Evelyn had been downright cold. She even pressed Abigail to consider an abortion. Over time, shed softened, and the little girl had won her over, but as soon as the dust settled, Abigail was pregnant again.
The fourth child wasnt planned, but theyd welcomed the news with gratitude. As Abigail often said, if fate gives you a child, you find a way to provide.
News of the impending arrival hardly made Evelyns week. Abigail suspected the real issue was Evelyns finances. Oliver sent his mother a generous allowance every month, and with another baby, the familys expenses were sure to rise. Evelyn feared her son would cut back on his support, or close her little shop, which he funded.
Abigail never minded Oliver helping his motheras long as their own children never went without. So far, thered been more than enough to go around. Oliver had paid for her dental work, taken her on holiday to the seaside, and even covered the costs of redecorating her flat.
If Abigail was right, Evelyns worries about her own comfort would only grow. Her nagging and criticism were starting to wear thin, and Abigail knew she couldnt let it get to her.
There was never any question of changing their minds about the pregnancy. Abigail and Oliver had chosen to welcome this baby, and that was final.
In the end, Abigail found herself pondering a question: what gives anyone the right to dictate the shape of anothers family? She realised that the only people with a say in their choices were the ones living under their roof. Lifes happiness comes not from pleasing others, but from loving and supporting those who matter most. And so, despite the meddling and the opinions, Abigail reminded herself that every child is a blessinga reminder that our greatest joys often come from following our own hearts, not someone elses expectations.
