Weddings are assumed to bring families together, not tear them apart. It was perfect… until my mother-in-law decided that money mattered more than love. She tried to kick my parents out because they “didn’t pay for it.” But karma had other plans.
Even when Daniel kissed me and our guests erupted in cheers, she gave a tepid golf clap as if watching a mediocre performance at a county fair.
“If I could have everyone’s attention,” she said.
“I’d like to address something that’s been bothering me all evening.”
“Mom, what are you doing?” he whispered.
“You know, I find it absolutely fascinating that some people think they can just show up to a wedding they haven’t contributed a single penny to.”
“Mom, stop right now,” Daniel’s voice grew harder.
“I mean, really, when you think about it, isn’t it only fair that those who pay for the wedding get to decide who stays?”
“And since our family covered every expense, while others couldn’t manage to chip in anything at all… well, I think it’s time for certain guests to leave.”
“You know what?” he stood up.
“You’re absolutely right, Rosie. We’ll go. But first, if you’ll allow me one small moment?”
Rosie waved her hand magnanimously. “Oh, by all means, Jim. Take your parting shot.
But this was a new story.
I still remember her first words to me: “Oh, how… quaint. A public school teacher? Daniel always did have a soft spot for charity cases. But marrying one…?”
We were good but definitely not in the same tax bracket as the woman who had just publicly humiliated my parents.
When Daniel proposed, Rosie took over everything.
“Darling,” she said.
“Let’s leave this to someone with… experience in elegant affairs.”
She even “charmingly” insisted on paying for everything, refusing my parents’ offers to contribute.