We dont want you at the wedding, my children told me.
Mum, why are you washing those plates again? Theyre already spotless! Emily sighed, watching her mother wipe the same dish for the fourth time.
What if the guests notice smudges? Margaret held the plate up to the light, squinting. Its a weddingeverything has to be perfect.
Honestly, Mum, no ones going to inspect the plates! Theyll be too busy staring at the bride and groom. Youve been in the kitchen for hours. Emily stepped closer, about to hug her, but Margaret shifted away.
Please dont distract me. The salads arent ready, the cake still needs decorating. Theres no time.
Emily shook her head and left. In the living room, her fiancé, Thomas, fiddled nervously with his tie.
Love, is your mum really handling this? Maybe we shouldve booked a restaurant, he whispered.
Too late noweveryones coming here. She insisted on hosting. Said restaurants lack warmth. Emily sat beside him, taking his hand. Bear with her, darling. Shes trying her best.
Thomas nodded, but doubt lingered in his eyes. Margaret had spent three months preparingresearching recipes, shopping, planning every detail. At first, Emily had welcomed her enthusiasm, but lately, her mother had grown snappy, obsessing over trivialities.
Emily! Margaret called from the kitchen. Come taste the salad!
The bride sighed and walked in. Her mother stood by the stove, spoon in hand.
Does it need more salt? Or is it fine as is?
Mum, its perfect! Youve asked ten times already!
Sorry for caring! Margaret turned away, hurt. I just want everything to be nice. Proper. I dont want Thomass parents thinking were that we dont know how to
Emily rested her hands on her mothers shoulders.
Whats gotten into you? His parents are lovely. They wont judge how much mayo youve used.
Wont they? Margaret spun around. Did you hear what his mother said yesterday? We always had smoked salmon at home. Smoked salmon! And here Ive only got prawn cocktail!
She didnt mean anything by it. Just reminiscing.
Oh, please! I hear their whispers. Margaret lives modestly, doesnt she? Should I be ashamed I raised you alone? That your father left when you were three?
Emily fell silent. The old wound still pained her mother, and now, with the wedding, every insecurity had resurfaced.
No one judges you, Mum. Everyone knows how hard youve worked.
Do they? Margaret scoffed. Thomass parents have a four-bedroom house, a new car. And what do I have? A semi-detached and a homemade buffet?
I dont care about their house! Im marrying Thomas, not his parents!
Just then, Thomas walked in, drawn by the raised voices.
Everything alright?
Fine, just fine! Margaret wiped her hands on her apron. Finalising the menu. Almost done.
Thomas surveyed the kitchenplatters of food, salads, mains still cooking. It smelled delicious, looked inviting.
Margaret, this is incredible. My parents will love it.
Oh, stop She flushed, pleased despite herself.
No, really. Restaurant food tastes bland compared to this. You can tell its made with heart.
For the first time all day, Margaret smiled.
Thomas, love, would you like tea? Or coffee? Ill make a fresh pot.
Mum, guests arrive in an hour, Emily reminded her. You still need to change.
Oh, goodnessI forgot! Margaret gasped. My dress isnt pressed, my hairs a mess
Relax, weve got time. Go showerIll finish up here. Emily took the apron.
Dont touch the cake! Margaret called from the hallway. Ill decorate it myself!
Thomas wrapped an arm around Emily.
Your mums really stressed. How can we help?
She wont let us. Shell double-check every fork. Emily leaned into him. I get it, though. She wants to impress your parents.
Why? Were not marrying them.
Try telling her that. Shes spent her life proving shes enough.
Thomas thought for a moment.
What if I ask my parents to compliment her cooking? Say nothing beats home-cooked meals?
Would you?
Of course. Look how much effort shes put in.
Emily kissed his cheek. Thank you. Itll mean the world to her.
Half an hour later, Margaret emerged in a navy-blue dress, hair styled, lips painted.
Do I look alright? she asked hesitantly.
Stunning! Thomas said.
Gorgeous, Mum. Emily hugged her. A proper mother-of-the-bride.
Margaret adjusted her dress, flustered. Ohthe cake! I forgot the icing roses!
Mum, guests are already at the door, Emily said, peering out. Leave itits beautiful as is.
Margaret, trust me, its perfect, Thomas added. Go greet everyonewell handle the rest.
Thomass parents arrived first. Eleanor, elegant in a tailored suit, glanced around the flat. Margaret tensed, bracing for criticism.
How cosy! Eleanor said. You can feel the love in this home.
Margaret relaxed. Please, make yourselves at home.
As guests trickled inEmilys friends, neighbours, relativesthe flat buzzed with laughter. Margaret darted between rooms, refilling drinks, ensuring no plate went empty.
Margaret, join us! Thomass father, Richard, beckoned. Youre the hostwe barely see you!
I cant sittheres too much to do
Nonsense! Sit right here.
Margaret perched on the edge of her seat.
Did you make this potato salad yourself? Eleanor asked, taking a bite.
Yes, just a simple recipe Margaret braced for critique.
Its divine! You must share the secret.
Margaret blushed. Boil the potatoes just right, use good ham
And the prawn cocktail! one of Emilys friends exclaimed. Its restaurant-quality!
Absolutely, Richard agreed. My wife mostly reheats ready mealsthis is proper cooking. You can taste the care.
Margaret lit up, forgetting her nerves. She shared tips, laughed at stories. The guests listened, engaged.
Shes like a different person, Emily murmured to Thomas.
She just needed to feel valued, he replied. Look at her now.
After toasts and well-wishes, the guests mingled. Margaret finally relaxed, even sipping wine.
Eleanor approached her. Margaret, I wanted to say youve raised a wonderful daughter. Thomas adores herits clear she grew up loved.
Thank you, Margaret said, tearing up. It wasnt easy, but I wanted her to want for nothing.
And she hasnt. Shes kind, capable. Any mother-in-law would be lucky.
Margaret flushed. Youre too kind.
And this food! Ive eaten nonstopmy dress might burst! Eleanor laughed.
Have more! I made plenty. Try the roast beefslow-cooked for hours
Late that night, as the last guests left, the three of them sat together. Margaret, exhausted but content, slipped off her heels.
Well, Mum? Happy? Emily asked.
Margaret sighed. I worried for nothing. Your in-laws are lovelydown-to-earth, kind.
Told you!
Yes, you did. I let my pride get the better of me. Thought theyd judge me for not having more. But they value warmth over wealth.
Thomas kissed her hand. Thank you, Margaret. Mums already stolen three of your recipes.
Oh, stop! She laughed. Theyre nothing special.
They arebecause theyre made with love.
Margaret hugged them both.
Be happy, my dears. And if you ever need me, Im here.
We know, Mum. Emily squeezed her. Thank youfor everything.
As Margaret washed the dishes, she reflected on the day. All her fears had been pointless. Happiness wasnt in grand gestures or wealthit was in sincerity, in love. And judging by the warmth around her, shed succeeded.
Tomorrow, Emily would start a new chapter. But their bond wouldnt fadeif anything, it would grow. Margaret wasnt just a mother anymore. She was a mother-in-law. And she intended to be the best one she could be.
