Mum said youre not right for us, explained the groom, cancelling the wedding.
Have you ordered the flowers yet? asked Margaret Harris, scanning her daughters checklist in the notebook. Florists are all booked up nowwedding season and all.
Katie nodded, not lifting her eyes from the wedding dress hanging on the mirror.
I ordered them. White roses and lilies, like we decided.
Good. What about the band? Is that DJ from Beckys wedding free?
Mum, everythings sorted, Katie replied wearily. I told you yesterday.
Margaret set the notebook aside and studied her daughter. Katie stood with her back turned, adjusting the folds of the dress, but the tension in her shoulders was unmistakable.
Katie, love, why so glum? The weddings in a week, and you look like youre at a funeral.
Im fine, Mum. Just nerves.
Thats normal. I was the same before my wedding.
Katie turned. Her face was pale, dark circles under her eyes.
Did you ever regret marrying Dad?
Margaret blinked at the question.
Of course not. He was a good man. Wheres this coming from?
I just wonder sometimes if this is the right choice. What if James and I are too different?
Dont be silly. James is a lovely lad. Hardworking, doesnt drink, doesnt mess about. His mums respectable, hes got a flat. What more could you want?
Katie turned back to the mirror, and in the reflection, her mother saw the sadness in her eyes.
Mum how do you know if you really love someone?
Katie! Margaret threw up her hands. Asking that a week before the wedding! Of course you love him. Why else would you say yes?
I dont know. Maybe because its expected. Im twenty-eightall my friends are married.
Exactly. Time to settle down, have children. You cant stay single forever.
The doorbell interrupted them. Katie went to answer, and a minute later, James walked in, clutching a bouquet of carnations.
Hello, beautiful, he said, kissing her cheek. Hello, Margaret.
Afternoon, son, Margaret smiled. Ready to be a married man?
Absolutely. James wrapped an arm around Katies waist. Right, love?
Katie forced a smile.
Right.
Wheres your mum? Margaret asked. We were supposed to meet today, go over the last details.
James hesitated.
Shes not feeling well. Sends her apologies.
Again? Margaret frowned. Odd. All week its been headaches, then her blood pressure.
Shes just anxious about the wedding.
Katie watched him closely. Something was offhis gaze shifted, his fingers fidgeted.
James, maybe we should visit her? Check how shes doing.
No need, he said quickly. Shes resting. Best not disturb her.
Stay for tea, then, Margaret offered. I made biscuitsyour favourite.
Thanks, but I cant. Got things to sort.
He kissed Katie again, hurriedly, and headed for the door.
James, wait. Katie stopped him. Ill walk with you. Need some air.
No point. Ive got the car.
Then drop me at the shops. I need groceries.
He clearly didnt want her to come but couldnt refuse.
Fine, lets go.
Outside, they climbed into his old car. Katie buckled up and studied him.
James, whats going on? Youve been acting strange.
Its nothing. Just tired from work.
Is your mum really ill?
He didnt answer immediately, starting the engine and pulling away.
Listen, Katie he finally said. We need to talk.
Her chest tightened.
About what?
The wedding.
Whats wrong?
He pulled over and turned off the engine, avoiding her eyes.
Mum said youre not right for us, he blurted out.
Katies stomach dropped.
What?
Shes against the wedding. Says were not suited.
James, I dont understand. Why now? Weve been together a year and a halfeverything was fine.
I dont know. Thats how she feels.
And what do you think?
He shrugged.
Shes probably right. Shes got more life experience.
Katie stared at the man shed planned to spend her life with and barely recognised him.
But we love each other. Isnt that more important than your mums opinion?
Love He waved a hand dismissively. Nice words, but real lifes different. Mum says youre too independent. Wont listen to me.
Whered she get that?
Youve got a career, earn more than me. Mum says wives like that dont respect their husbands.
Anger flared inside her.
So I should quit my job to win her approval?
Not quit. But after the wedding, maybe find something simpler. More time for family.
Familyor waiting on your mum?
James scowled.
Dont talk about her like that. She wants whats best.
For who? You or her?
You dont get it. Mum raised me aloneDad left when I was five. Shes sacrificed everything for me.
And now you have to sacrifice for her?
Shes my mother. I wont upset her.
Katie realised she was seeing the real James for the first time. For a year and a half, hed seemed kind, attentive, if a bit passive. Shed assumed hed grow more decisive after marriage.
Instead, he was a mummys boy who couldnt make a decision alone.
James, what exactly does your mum dislike about me?
Well He shifted. Lots of things. Says youre too proud. Dont take her advice properly.
Katie remembered the constant nitpickingher cooking, how she ironed his shirts, her makeup.
What else?
Says you dont want kids. Care more about your career.
I never said that!
You brushed me off when I mentioned kids after the wedding.
She recalled the conversationJames had pushed for starting a family straight away, and shed said she wanted time to enjoy being married first.
I do want children. Just not immediately.
Mum says thats excuses. Modern women are selfish.
And what do you think?
Another shrug.
Mum knows best.
Youre thirty-two. Cant you decide what wife you want?
I can. But why argue with Mum? She only wants me happy.
Katie leaned back, eyes closed. Memories flashedJames consulting his mother on everything, from clothes to holidays to the colour of his car.
Shed thought it sweet. Now she saw it was control.
So whats your plan? she asked quietly.
Mum says we should postpone.
Postpone or cancel?
Well cancel. For now.
Until what?
Until you change.
Katie opened her eyes.
So I have to become someone else to please your mum?
Not someone else. Just more compliant. Homely.
Right. And if I wont?
James spread his hands.
Then were not right for each other.
Oddly, relief washed over herlike a weight lifted.
You know, James, maybe your mums right. We really arent suited.
Really? He looked surprised. So you agree?
Completely. You need a wife wholl obey your mum. I need a man who thinks for himself.
I do think for myself!
Sure. After checking with Mummy.
Dont say that. I respect my elders.
James, your mums three years younger than mine. Yet she thinks she can decide who you love.
She wants whats best.
She wants you to stay hers forever. Thats why she finds fault with every girl you date.
Thats not true!
Then tell mehow many serious relationships have you had before me?
Silence.
Four, he admitted. But those were different.
Let me guess, Katie cut in. Something wrong with each one. Too flighty, too serious, not pretty enough, pretty but dim.
James stared.
How did you know?
Because its textbook. A mum who wont let go, picking holes in every girlfriend.
Mums not like that. She wants me happy.
On her terms. Your feelings dont matter.
