A Wedding in December

“And when will that be?”

“They don’t know. Hopefully soon.”

“I’m more worried about the presents I packed. They were only small things, but I chose them carefully. We don’t need clothes.” Her mother rested her head on his shoulder, unconcerned. “It will be like our first Christmas together. Remember that? It snowed, and we didn’t bother leaving the bed. We couldn’t afford heating, so we relied on body warmth. We didn’t get dressed for days.”

Rosie wanted to cover her mother’s mouth with her hand. “Too much information, Mum.” Had neither of them noticed Dan standing behind her? How much had he heard?

This was a nightmare. The first time she was introducing her parents to her fiancé and her mother was nothing like herself.

Her father didn’t seem like himself either. Usually he was the most laid-back person she knew, but today he looked tense. Perhaps that wasn’t surprising given the stressful flight he’d had with her mother.

“I want you to meet Dan.” Hardly the best timing, but what choice did she have? She grabbed him by the arm and tugged him forward.

“Great to finally meet you in person.” Dan stepped toward them, a smile on his face and hand outstretched, enviably comfortable with people. He’d told her it came from being an only child and having to look outside the family for playmates, but she suspected it was part of his personality.

He shook her mother’s hand, then her father’s and he was so warm and welcoming that Rosie relaxed a little.

>

Maybe he hadn’t noticed that her mother appeared to have consumed a little too much alcohol on the plane.

And then her mother let go of her dad’s arm and teetered toward him.

“Oh, Rosie, he’s gorgeous. No wonder you want to marry him quickly.” She closed her hands over Dan’s biceps and squeezed. “So strong. Yummy. And those eyes and that smile.”

“Mum, please—”

Sadly her mother wasn’t done. “You obviously work out, Dan.”

Kill me now. “Dan is a personal trainer. That’s how we met, remember? I decided I had to stop being a couch potato, so I joined a gym. I’m sure I told you.”

Why had she been worrying about the future of their relationship? After this, their relationship probably had no future. She should give the ring back right now and save Dan the trouble of asking for it.

She sent him an agonized look and was relieved when he winked at her.

The fact that he was struggling not to laugh made her feel a little better. Somehow, he always managed to find humor in situations she found stressful.

She loved him. She really did love him.

And she was so grateful she managed a weak smile in return. “I think my mother likes you.”

“Which is good news all around as I’m soon to be joining the family. It’s been a long journey for your parents,” he said calmly. “Let’s get them home.”

His kindness was another thing she loved about him. Katie was right that most of Rosie’s past boyfriends had treated her carelessly. Dan was always thoughtful.

Oh what was wrong with her? She should be dancing with joy that she was marrying him. She should be relieved they were doing it quickly before he had a chance to discover what a flaky person she was.

Already he was chatting comfortably with her parents. “The weather can be pretty changeable at this time of year, so we’re pleased to have blue skies to welcome you today. And don’t worry about the luggage. I’m sure my mother will be able to help you out with some emergency clothing.”

“I doubt it,” Maggie said. “Unless she went through a seriously fat stage at some point. Did she keep her pregnancy clothes?”

“Mum! You’re not fat and you don’t need anyone’s pregnancy clothes.” Since when had her mother been insecure? She’d never been one of those women who had obsessed over appearance. She took care of herself and liked to look her best, but that was as far as it went. “I think we should get out of here so that we can do most of the journey while it’s light.”

Dan seemed to agree because he scooped the luggage that hadn’t been lost and they all trooped to the car.

“Do you want to sit in the front with Dan, Dad?” At least that way she could silence her mother if necessary. Rosie opened the door for her father, but her mother grabbed his hand.

“This is our first trip together in a long time. We want to sit together, don’t we, Nick?”