Emily, those extra pounds of yoursarent they a problem? Davids mother persisted.
No, I dont think I have any excess, especially since my future husband finds them perfect. Not everyone needs to be a twig and a reed, Emily retorted, giving a mocking glance at his sister Eleanor and his mother. Eleanor flared at the cheek.
Mother! You bought that slimming tea? And chia seeds? Why did you dump so much butter into my porridge? Its those extra kilos! David, have you bought that sourdough again? Its unhealthy! You must drink three glasses of water every morning, otherwise the weight wont go down Wheres my water?the same admonitions David had heard since childhood.
His mother and elder sister were forever preoccupied with their figures. Eleanor, now thirtyeight, had never married and resembled a gaunt, hunched horse with perpetually hungry eyes. Their mother, Agatha, was as straight as a knitting needle.
It drove David mad, so he gravitated toward cheerful people with hearty appetites. He always dreamed that his future wife would be nothing like his mother and sister. And he found her.
Her name was Olivia. Even her name sounded soft, pleasant, and sweetscented, like a freshly baked scone. Olivia wasnt thin, but at a height of 5ft8in she weighed about 187pounds.
All those pounds radiated health and good humour. She had generous bust, a narrow waist, curvy hips, and dimpled cheeks that begged to be pinched. The sight of her filled David with an indescribable awe the moment he laid eyes on her.
One evening he took his sister to the post office on High Street for some paperwork. She collected a slip and sat in the proper chair while he paced the lobby, waiting.
Suddenly a silvery, belllike laugh drifted to his ears. It was soft but so contagious that David couldnt help but smile. He was instantly eager to see the source of the giggle and followed the sound.
The laughter came from a young woman behind the counter, helping an elderly customer who had just cracked a joke. She giggled again, and David found his eyes glued to her.
Her hair fell in gentle waves, and her lips were curved like a bow. She seemed completely comfortable in her own skinsomething obvious even to an untrained eye.
David rode home with his sister, listening to her monotonous chatter, but his mind was elsewhere, lingering in that bank, with the girl whose laughter had enchanted him.
David, are you listening? his sister asked, irritated.
Of course, Eleanor, Im listening, he replied, straining to recall what shed been saying.
Im telling him I only eat boiled chicken breast, never fried meat, she complained about her latest suitor. David nodded sympathetically, flicking his tongue as if to say, What a scoundrel
The next day, nearer to evening, he rushed back to the post office. The object of his longing was there, and David sighed with relief. After closing, he slipped a bouquet of roses into his car and headed straight to her.
Miss, do you need a husband, or perhaps a son for your mother? he blurted, then handed her the roses.
His face must have looked bewildered and funny, because she burst into a bright laugh and accepted the flowers.
Good heavens Theyre lovely! How they smell! she inhaled the scent, her face buried in the bouquet, while David watched her with admiration.
From then on they were inseparable. Sometimes you meet someone and instantly know theyre the one, and theres no need to keep searching. Thats what happened to David with Olivia. He proposed after just a month of dating, and she gladly accepted. The only thing left was to meet the families.
Olivias parents welcomed him with a table laden with pies, laughter, and chatter. Her mother, Natalie, a striking beauty, planted a kiss on each of Davids cheeks, leaving him thoroughly embarrassed. Her father, Ian, clapped David on the shoulder like an old friend and led them to the kitchen.
Stay away from the women, or theyll wear you out. But dont worry, Natalie, my wife is a gentle soul. Ive loved her for thirty years, and Olivia is a true gem. Take good care of her, lad, Ian said, studying David closely.
They all lingered at the table, eating heartily and swapping funny anecdotes. Later, Ian strummed a guitar while the rest sang along. David felt at home, as if hed known them all his life.
Three days later they visited Davids family. On the way they stopped at a patisserie where Olivia bought handcrafted éclairs for the ladies. By five oclock they arrived at Davids house.
The door opened to his mother, Gillian.
Ah hello, dears, she said, eyes wide as she stared at Olivia, mouth agape, clutching the doorframe.
Mother, I love you too. Shall we not stand in the doorway and go inside? David whispered, and they finally stepped in.
Of course, dear Come in, come in. And you must be Olivia, right? Gillian steadied herself, scanning Olivia from head to toe.
Yes, Im Olivia! Pleased to meet you, she replied, shaking Gillians hand. Davids mother lingered, still looking a little bewildered.
Dad, Eleanor, Mom, this is Olivia, my fiancée. Weve filed the notice; the weddings coming soon. Olivia, meet the familyEleanor, Mom Gillian, and Father Michael. David introduced his bride.
The news of the wedding surprised Davids relatives, who sat in stunned silence. Only the clink of cutlery could be heard.
Wonderful, Olivia! Were thrilled to have you, and welcome to the family. Do you have a bottle of something? Oh, splendid! And some treats for the girls, Michael joked, easing the tension.
No thank you, we dont dessert at night, Gillian brushed away the box of sweets with a huff.
Dont worry, well have a look inside. Im sure Olivia wont bring trouble, Michael laughed.
Soon everyone settled, the table filled with chocolate, light snacks, and a bottle of sparkling wine. They popped the cork, toasted, sipped, and an awkward hush fell again.
Mother, Ive just met Olivias parents. Theyre wonderful people. Youll like them, David said, trying to break the silence. Olivia stared at her glass, while Eleanor fixed her gaze on Olivia. Their father told a joke; everyone laughed, and the tension eased.
Olivia, dont fret, I have a brilliant specialist. Ill introduce you to her and shell sort out your problem, his mother suddenly offered.
A problem? I have none, Olivia replied, surprised.
Then why… Emily, those extra pounds of yoursare they not a problem? his mother pressed again.
I dont think I have any excess, especially since my future husband loves them. Not everyone needs to be as slim as a reed, Olivia said, wryly looking at Eleanor and Gillian. Eleanor flared.
You have twenty extra pounds! Thats unhealthy. When you have a baby, I cant imagine what will happen to you, Gillian warned.
When I have a baby, Ill be even prettier, with my husband and child beside me. And you, Eleanor, are you married? A woman as slender as you should have a handsome husband and at least a couple of children, Olivia retorted, savoring a cake bite.
Eleanor swallowed, ready to reply, but Michael poured another drink and raised his glass.
To the women of this familyso different, yet so beloved!
Later they walked outside, a couple of hours later, glanced at each other, sighed in unison, and burst into laughter.
Who would have thought my future motherinlaw would call me plump? Olivia giggled.
Olivia, dear, youre beautiful and you know it! And your mother and sister? Forgive them generously. You cant choose your relatives, David replied.
The wedding was set for 25August. On that day relatives and friends gathered at the register office to witness the ceremony, then moved to a restaurant for the reception.
The bride shone in a stunning gown that highlighted her elegant figure. The groom could not take his eyes off her. Her mother, Natalie, flaunted her own graceful poise, while the men in the room stared admiringly. Eleanor, Davids sister, was a younger copy of her mother.
Music swelled, and the newlyweds began their first dance, twirling together under the melody. To an untrained eye it seemed they were the only two people in the world. The guests watched, breathless.
A disgruntled voiceDavids mothersnarked, She could stand to lose a few pounds; that dress isnt doing her any favors.
As the old saying goes, A word once spoken cant be taken back. Gillian tried to interject, but it was too late; the comment lingered.
Besides, most men dont throw themselves at a skeleton. They prefer a healthy, lively woman. Your son, by the way, is one of them. And you, dear, watch your tongue; Im softhearted but nervous when my daughters involved, Natalie warned, pushing Gillian gently toward a wall.
For a moment the women stared each other down, tension thick. Ian quickly stepped in.
Ladies! I see youve become fast friends. But I must steal my own wife for a dance, dear Gillian! Natalie, may I have this dance? he declared, grabbing Natalies waist and leading her into a waltz. The room erupted in smiles, the music swelled, and the celebration continued.
May the young couple live long, prosper, and share kindness, for isnt that what truly matters?