“Mum said you’re not the right fit,” explained the groom, cancelling the wedding.
“Have you ordered the flowers yet?” asked Margaret Whitmore, scanning her daughters checklist in the notebook. “The florists are all booked upwedding season, you know.”
Katie nodded, her eyes fixed on the wedding dress hanging by the mirror.
“Done. White roses and lilies, like we agreed.”
“Good girl. What about the musicians? Is that DJ from Beckys wedding free?”
“Mum, everythings sorted,” Katie sighed. “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 gave her away.
“Katie, love, why so glum? The weddings in a week, and youre walking about like its a funeral.”
“Im fine, Mum. Just nervous.”
“Thats normal. I was the same before mine.”
Katie turned around. Her face was pale, dark circles under her eyes.
“Did you ever regret marrying Dad?”
Margaret blinked at the question.
“Of course not. Your father was a good man. Why would you ask that?”
“Just wondering if this is the right choice. What if James and I are too different?”
“Dont be daft. James is a lovely lad. Hardworking, doesnt drink, doesnt run about. His mothers respectable, hes got a flat. What more could you want?”
Katie turned back to the mirror. 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 dont want to be left on the shelf.”
The doorbell cut them off. Katie went to answer it, and a minute later, James walked in with a bouquet of carnations.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Afternoon, Mrs. Whitmore.”
“Hello, son,” Margaret smiled. “Ready to be a husband?”
“Absolutely,” James said, slipping an arm around Katies waist. “Right, love?”
Katie forced a smile.
“Of course.”
“Wheres your mother?” Margaret asked. “We were supposed to meet todayfinal arrangements.”
James hesitated.
“Shes not feeling well. Sent her apologies.”
“Again?” Margaret frowned. “Strange. All week its been headaches, then her blood pressure.”
“Shes a worrier. Stresses about the wedding.”
Katie watched him closely. Something was offhis eyes darted, his fingers fidgeted.
“James, maybe we should visit her? Check how she is.”
“No need,” he said quickly. “Shes resting. Best not disturb her.”
“Stay for tea then,” Margaret offered. “I baked biscuitsyour favourite.”
“Thanks, but I cant. Got things to do.”
He kissed Katie again, this time hastily, and made for the door.
“James, wait,” Katie stopped him. “Ill walk with you. Need some air.”
“No, Ive got the car.”
“Then drop me at the shops. Need groceries.”
He clearly didnt want her to come but couldnt refuse.
“Fine, lets go.”
Outside, they climbed into his old car. Katie buckled in and studied him.
“James, whats going on? Youre acting strange.”
“Just tired. Works been mad.”
“Is your mum really ill?”
He didnt answer straight away, starting the engine and pulling out.
“Listen, Katie” he finally said. “We need to talk.”
Her chest tightened.
“About what?”
“The wedding.”
“What about it?”
James pulled over and turned off the engine. He faced her but wouldnt meet her eyes.
“Mum said youre not the right fit,” he blurted out.
Katie felt the ground vanish beneath her.
“What?”
“Mums against the wedding. Says were not suited.”
“James, I dont understand. Why now? Weve been together eighteen monthseverything was fine.”
“Dunno. She just thinks it.”
“And what do you think?”
He paused, then shrugged.
“Suppose shes right. Shes lived longerknows better.”
Katie stared at the man shed planned to spend her life with and didnt recognise him.
“James, we love each other. Isnt that more important than your mums opinion?”
“Love” He waved a hand vaguely. “Pretty words. Real lifes different. Mum says youre too independent. Wont listen to me.”
“Whered she get that?”
“Come off it. 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 please your mum?”
“Not quit. Maybe find something simpler after the wedding. More time for family.”
“For family or waiting on your mum?”
James scowled.
“Dont talk about her like that. She wants whats best.”
“For who? You or her?”
“Katie, you dont get it. Mum raised me aloneDad left when I was five. Shes given everything for me.”
“And now youll give everything for her?”
“Shes my mother. I wont upset her.”
Katie realised she was seeing the real James for the first time. For eighteen months, hed seemed kind, attentive, if a bit soft. Shed thought marriage would toughen him up.
Turns out, he was just a mummys boy who couldnt make a decision on his own.
“James, what exactly does your mum dislike about me?”
“Well” He shifted. “Lots. Says youre too proud. Dont take her advice right.”
Katie remembered the little criticismssoup too salty, shirts not ironed properly, makeup too bold.
“What else?”
“Says you dont want kids. Care more about your career.”
“Whered she get that? I never said that.”
“You were cold when I mentioned kids right after the wedding.”
She recalled the conversation. James had brought up starting a family straight away. Shed said she wanted time just for them first.
“James, I do want kids. Just not yet. Let us be a couple first.”
“Mum says thats excuses. Modern women are selfish, only think of themselves.”
“And what do you think?”
Another shrug.
“Dunno. Mums wise. Knows about life.”
“James, youre thirty-two. Cant you decide what wife you want?”
“I can. But why argue with Mum? She wants me happy.”
Katie leaned back, eyes closed. Memories flashedJames consulting his mum on everything, her picking his clothes, holidays, even the car colour.
Shed thought it sweet. Now she saw it for what it wascontrol.
“So what now?” she asked, eyes still shut.
“Mum says we should postpone.”
“Postpone or cancel?”
“Well cancel. For now.”
“For now?”
“Till you change.”
Katie opened her eyes.
“So I have to become someone else to please your mum?”
“Not someone else. Just more agreeable. Homely.”
“Right. And if I wont change?”
James spread his hands.
“Then were done.”
A strange relief washed over herlike a weight lifted.
“You know, James, your mums right. Were not 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.”
“But 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 gets to choose who you love.”
“She wants whats best.”
“She wants you forever. Thats why she finds fault with every girl you date.”
“Thats not true!”
“Then tell mehow many serious girlfriends before me?”
Silence.
“Four,” he admitted. “But that was different”
“Let me guess,” Katie cut in. “Something wrong with each. Too flighty, too serious, not pretty, pretty but dim.”
James gaped.
“Howd you know?”
“Classic. Mum wont let go, so she picks flaws in every girl.”
“Mums not like that. She wants me happy.”
“Her way. Your feelings dont matter.”
James started the
