Ellen was overjoyed when her daughter Lisa accepted Ric’s proposal. However, trouble brewed when Ric’s parents became difficult to deal with. Amidst this turmoil, will wedding bells still chime?
I was ecstatic when I learned that my daughter Lisa had said yes to her boyfriend’s proposal! Ric had always been a source of comfort and love for her, so I eagerly anticipated their marriage and shared life together.
Then came the encounter with his parents.
Lisa received a house from my husband David and me as a graduation gift. Though modest, she chose to call it home and establish roots there. David and I believed our eldest deserved this after her unwavering dedication to medical school.
A few months after moving in, Lisa called me one evening while preparing dinner.
“Mom,” she said over the phone, “Okay, Ric is moving in with me. I think it’s the right decision given our long-standing relationship.”
Naturally, I was happy for her. While I always thought Lisa had more insight than David, he felt it was too soon for such a significant commitment. Nevertheless, we ultimately helped Ric move in. Despite some reservations about the abundance of his belongings, he seemed determined to make the move.
But brace yourself for the disastrous family dinner that ensued.
Initially, there was excitement. Lisa organized a gathering for Ric, our potential in-laws, and us to foster familiarity before wedding preparations began. I welcomed the idea, considering my limited knowledge of Ric’s family.
The event unfolded outdoors, with Lisa eager for her dad to handle the grill. As David and our younger daughter went inside to fetch the food, I relaxed outside.
Upon their return, however, David and Leah wore expressions of shock, as though they’d seen a ghost.
“Ellen,” David said with urgency, “Let’s leave. Now.”
That single word was enough for me. David wasn’t one to fabricate discomfort. We left, citing Leah’s sudden illness to Lisa.
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