So we had to be smarter.
I arranged a ‘harmless’ lunch for Kira with my colleague’s son, a polite young man with a stable career and good family values.
Meanwhile, Betty arranged for Marcus to meet a woman from their church who she thought was a ‘better match.’
Of course, we never called them dates. That would have aroused suspicion. We just needed them to show up.
That evening, we gathered at Betty and Rod’s house. Bradley and I arrived early, and while Betty and I whispered about our plan, I noticed something strange — Bradley and Rod were sitting in front of the TV, laughing over a few beers.
When Bradley was alone, I shouted, ‘What’s going on?’
He shrugged. ‘What? We’re rooting for the same team. Rod’s a good bloke.’
I narrowed my eyes. ‘You should be on my side!’
‘Yes,’ he said, taking another sip.
I heard the front door open and slam shut. Heavy footsteps echoed through the house.
My heart pounded. I rushed into the living room, where Betty was already standing with her arms crossed and a tense expression on her face.
Kira and Marcus stood in front of us, their eyes burning with anger.
‘Are you out of your minds?!’ Marcus shouted, his voice trembling.
Kira turned to me, her face red. ‘Our wedding is in a week, and you’re asking me out on a date?’
I opened my mouth to speak, but Betty spoke first. ‘We just wanted what was best for you.’
Kira laughed bitterly. ‘Best for me? You think lying to me, deceiving me, humiliating me is what’s best?’
I took a deep breath. ‘You could both find someone more… suitable,’ I said, keeping my voice calm.
Kira tensed up. ‘I don’t care what colour his skin is! I love Marcus. I want to be with him.’
Marcus stepped forward. ‘And I love Kira. I don’t want to be with anyone else.’
I looked at Betty. She looked at me. We both stood silently.
‘We only did what we thought was right,’ I said finally.
‘That’s right,’ Betty agreed, nodding.
Kira shook her head, a hollow laugh escaping her lips. ‘You keep saying how different we are, that we can’t be together. But look at yourselves! You’re exactly the same. Stubborn, manipulative, always scheming.’ She turned to me, her voice sharp. ‘Mum, you spend more time with Betty than with your friends.’
I opened my mouth to reply. ‘You don’t understand…’
Kira cut me off. “No, you don’t understand! I’m marrying Marcus. Whether you like it or not. Accept it.‘ She turned, glancing at the sofa where Dad was sitting with Rod, watching the game and laughing as if nothing had happened. ’Even Dad is sitting here drinking beer with Rod. If he can accept it, why can’t you?”
I swallowed hard.
‘If you can’t deal with it, don’t come to the wedding,’ Kira said.
‘That goes for you too,’ Marcus said to Betty, his voice firm.
Then, without another word, they turned and walked out the door.
The silence that followed was thick. No one spoke. No one moved. After a minute, Bradley sighed deeply, turned off the television, and stood up. ‘It’s time to go,’ he muttered.
I saw the look in his eyes. Disappointment. Not in Kira. In me.
That week, I called Kira. I sent her a text message. No response. The silence dragged on.
On the night of the dinner rehearsal, I walked into the bedroom and saw Bradley tying his tie.
‘Where are you going?’ I asked.
‘To dinner rehearsal,’ he said, adjusting his collar.
‘You can’t go!’ I snapped.
He turned to me. His voice was calm, but his gaze was firm. ‘My only daughter is getting married, and I won’t miss it.’
Then he walked out the door.
I stood there staring at the empty space he left behind. My chest tightened.
Finally, I gave in. I found myself outside the restaurant, watching through the window. Kira and Marcus were moving among the guests, beaming, smiling, happy.
A familiar voice spoke beside me. ‘You couldn’t stay home either, could you?’
I turned around. Betty was standing next to me with her arms crossed.
‘I tried to catch them to apologise,’ she admitted. ‘But they’re too busy.’
I sighed. ‘We have to wait. We shouldn’t ruin their evening now.’
Betty exhaled sharply. ‘But we have to apologise. I want to be allowed to see my future grandson.’
I crossed my arms. ‘Granddaughter. In our family, girls are always born first.’
Betty snorted derisively. ‘Not in ours. We always have boys.’
For the first time in weeks, I laughed. We were already arguing about grandchildren who weren’t even here yet.
I looked at her. She looked at me.
‘Oh, we’re going to have our work cut out for us, mother-in-law,’ I said, shaking my head.
‘Tell me about it,’ Betty muttered.
Then she sighed as she looked at Kira and Marcus. ‘But as long as they’re happy, that’s what matters.’
I nodded, keeping my eyes on my daughter. She looked happier than ever.
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