We dont want you at the wedding, my own children told me.
Mum, honestly, those plates are clean enoughyouve washed them four times! Emily sighed, watching her mother scrub the same dish yet again.
What if the guests spot watermarks? Margaret squinted at the plate under the light. Its a weddingeverything should be perfect.
No ones going to inspect the crockery, Mum! Theyll be too busy gawking at the bride and groom. Youve been in this kitchen for three hours straight. Emily moved to hug her, but Margaret sidestepped her.
Dont distract me, love. The salads arent done, the cake isnt iced. Theres no time.
Emily shook her head and left. In the living room, her fiancé, James, fiddled nervously with his tie.
Darling, is your mum really managing this? Shouldnt we have booked a restaurant? he whispered.
Too late noweveryones coming here. She insisted on hosting. Says restaurants lack soul… Emily took his hand. Just bear with her. Shes trying her best.
James nodded, but doubt lingered in his eyes. Margaret had spent three months preparingstudying recipes, shopping for ingredients, obsessing over every detail. At first, Emily had admired her enthusiasm. But lately, her mother had become snappish, nitpicking over things no one else noticed.
Emily! Come taste the salad! Margaret called from the kitchen.
The bride found her mother by the stove, spoon in hand.
Does it need more salt? Or is it fine?
Mum, its delicious! Stop fussingyouve asked me ten times already!
Well, pardon me for caring! Margaret turned to the window, sulking. I just want everything to be perfect. So Jamess parents dont think were… inadequate.
Emily rested her hands on her mothers shoulders.
Mum, whats got into you? His parents are lovely, down-to-earth people. They wont care how much mayo youve used.
Wont they? Margaret spun around. Did you hear what his mother said on the phone yesterday? Oh, we always had caviar at home. Caviar! And here I am serving prawn cocktail…
She didnt mean anything by it. Just reminiscing.
Pull the other one! Ive heard them whispering. Margaret lives so modestly. Should I be ashamed I raised you alone? That your father left when you were three?
Emily fell silent. Her mothers old wounds had resurfaced, raw before the wedding.
No ones judging you. Everyone knows you did brilliantly on your own.
Know, do they? Margaret scoffed. Jamess parents have a four-bedroom house in Surrey and a brand-new Jaguar. And what have I got? A semi-detached in Croydon and a homemade buffet.
I dont care about their house! Im marrying James, not his parents!
James appeared in the doorway, drawn by raised voices.
Everything alright?
Fine! Margaret wiped her hands on her apron. Just finalising the menu. Nearly done.
He glanced around. Platters of canapés, salads, and nearly finished hot dishes covered the counters. The aroma was irresistible.
Margaret, this is incredible. Honestly, my parents will be blown away.
Oh, stop… She flushed but couldnt hide her pleasure.
No, really! Id take home cooking over fancy restaurants any day. You can taste the love in it.
For the first time that day, Margaret smiled.
James, love, would you like tea? Coffee? Ill make a fresh pot.
Mum, guests arrive in an hour, Emily reminded her. You still need to get dressed.
Blimey, so I do! Margaret gasped. My dress isnt pressed, my hairs a mess
Calm down, weve got time. Go showerIll finish up here. Emily took the apron.
Dont touch the cake! Margaret called over her shoulder. Ill do the icing!
James wrapped an arm around Emily.
Shes really stressing. Should we help?
She wont let us. Needs to control every detail. Emily leaned into him. I get it. She wants to impress your parents.
Why? Were not marrying them.
Try telling her that. Shes spent her whole life proving shes enough.
James pondered.
You know what? Ill tell Mum and Dad to praise her cooking extra hard. Say its the best home-cooked meal theyve had.
Would you?
Absolutely. Look how much effort shes put in.
Emily kissed his cheek.
Thank you. Shell be over the moon.
Half an hour later, Margaret reappeared in a smart navy dress, hair styled, lipstick perfect.
How do I look? she asked hesitantly.
Stunning! James beamed. Isnt she, Em?
Gorgeous, Mum. Emily hugged her. The picture-perfect mother-in-law!
Margaret adjusted her dress, flustered.
Oh nothe cake! I forgot the finishing touches!
Guests are already ringing the doorbell, Emily said, peering outside. Leave itits beautiful as is.
But the buttercream roses
Margaret, its magnificent, James cut in. Go greet everyonewell set up.
Jamess parents arrived first. His mother, Helena polished woman in a tailored suitscanned the flat. Margaret tensed, awaiting judgment.
How cosy! Helen said. You can tell a family lives here.
Margaret brightened. Please, make yourselves at home!
As guests trickled in, the flat buzzed with laughter. Margaret flitted between kitchen and living room, refilling drinks, replenishing platters.
Margaret, join us! Jamess father, Michael, beckoned. Youre the hostesswe barely see you!
Oh, I cant sittoo much to do
Nonsense! he boomed. Sit right here.
She perched awkwardly.
Did you make this coronation chicken? Helen asked.
Er, yes… Margaret braced for criticism.
Its divine! May I have the recipe?
Margaret pinkened. Oh, its nothing special… Just good mayo and proper seasoning…
And the Victoria sponge! one of Emilys friends exclaimed. Auntie Margaret, its a masterpiece!
Absolutely, Michael agreed. Helen mostly does ready mealsthis is proper home cooking. You can tell its made with heart.
Margaret blossomed, sharing tips, basking in the praise.
Shes a different person, Emily murmured to James.
She just needed to feel valued, he replied. Look how shes glowing.
Later, Helen took Margaret aside.
Youve raised a wonderful daughter. James adores herits clear she grew up loved.
Margarets eyes welled. Thank you. It wasnt easy alone…
You succeeded. Shes kind, capablethe sort of daughter-in-law every mother dreams of.
Oh, go on…
And your cooking! Ive eaten so much, my dress might split! Helen laughed.
Have seconds! I made plentytry the sausage rolls…
By evenings end, Margaret sank into an armchair, kicking off her heels.
Well, Mum? Enjoy yourself? Emily asked.
You know, love, Margaret mused, I was so worried. For nothing. Jamess parents are lovelysalt of the earth.
Told you!
Yes, you did. I worked myself up over nothing. Thought theyd judge our modest life. Turns out, they prefer home comforts over flashy dinners.
James kissed Margarets hand.
Thank you for tonight. Mums already nicked three of your recipes.
Margaret chuckled. Theyre just simple things…
But made with love, he said softly.
She hugged them both.
Be happy, my dears. And if you need meIm here.
We know, Mum. Emily squeezed her. Thank you. For everything.
As Margaret washed up (despite Emilys protests), she reflected. All her fears had been pointless. What mattered wasnt wealth or appearancesbut having people who cherished you. And that, she realised, was worth more than gold.
Tomorrow, Emily would start a new chapter. But their bond wouldnt weakenit might even grow stronger. Because now, Margaret wasnt just a mother. She was a mother-in-law. And that was a title she intended to honour.
