“Mum, why must you dislike him so much? He’s not a bad boy—he’s kind and cares for me. And he loves me!”
“Oh, don’t be naive, Lily! Boys like that only love you when it suits them. Forget about Jake. You should give George a chance—he’d make a proper husband. A solid, dependable man. Trust me, I know what’s best.”
Lily crossed her arms, frustrated that her mother refused to understand. She didn’t *want* to understand.
“Mum, I don’t fancy George. He’s just… not for me.”
“What do you mean *not for you*? So he’s not some rugged tough lad, but he adores you! Give him a chance! Send that scoundrel Jake packing!”
“No, Mum. I’ll marry Jake, and that’s final.”
“Frank, will you talk some sense into your daughter?” Margaret turned to her husband. “Why are you just sitting there?”
Frank sighed, pushed himself off the sofa, and stepped between his wife and daughter. He wasn’t keen on Jake either, but he believed Lily was old enough to make her own choices. After all, it was *her* life, not theirs.
“Ladies, what’s all this fuss about? Margaret, let her date who she wants. And Lily—just be careful. If anything goes wrong, your old dad’s here, yeah?”
Margaret threw her hands up. Lily beamed and wrapped her arms around her father.
“Thanks, Dad! Jake hasn’t even proposed yet, we’re just dating.”
“Good. Let’s hope he never does,” muttered Margaret.
Lily bit her tongue, refusing to reignite the argument.
At twenty, she was confident she knew what was best for herself—her mother simply didn’t get it. To Lily, Jake was everything. They’d been in love for years, and that only grated on Margaret more. George, Lily’s uni mate, was her mother’s dream suitor—just not hers.
With her father’s blessing, Lily stopped hiding her relationship. Jake was thrilled. He might’ve had a rough past, but he truly loved her—enough to change his ways.
“Jake, will we rent a flat after we marry? Can you manage it?”
“Course I can. Worst case, Mum and Dad will help. They’re chuffed about us, y’know? Say you’re good for me.” He grinned.
“Really?” Lily flushed, pleased.
This conversation happened during Lily’s final uni year. Jake was already working, and both saved for the wedding. Margaret still refused to contribute, insisting they’d only get financial help if Lily chose “a proper lad.” Frank secretly helped his daughter despite his wife’s stance.
Lily cried over her mother’s harsh words but couldn’t sway her. Thankfully, Jake’s parents were far more welcoming.
“It’s awful Mum treats you like this. Dad says I can make my own choices. He supports me, at least.”
Jake pulled her close.
“Don’t fret, love. Your mum’s just worried. I’ll cope. Plenty haven’t fancied me, so I’m used to it.”
“Who didn’t fancy you?” She nudged him playfully.
“Well…” He kissed her. “Just means I only ever loved you.”
“Always?”
“Always.”
It was true. He’d loved her since childhood, ever since Lily’s family moved into the neighbourhood. At first, he teased her—until she shut him down. That was the start of a friendship that grew into love.
Still, Jake had his share of scrapes—regretted some, ignored most. But now? He’d straightened out, finished college, and worked as a mechanic, earning decent wages.
They married without Margaret’s help. Jake was well-respected at the garage, his wild youth behind him. Lily was happy, even if her mother still scowled at her son-in-law. Margaret insisted her daughter would regret tying herself to “that rogue.”
“Jake, let’s visit my parents tomorrow.” Lily hugged him.
He stroked her rounded belly.
“Love, you shouldn’t stress. Once little Harry’s here, *then* we’ll go. Show off the grandson. Mum and Dad want to pop round soon, anyway.”
“Brilliant. Ask your mum to bake that amazing pie, yeah?”
Jake chuckled.
“Will do. She spoils you rotten.”
“She’s lovely,” Lily murmured, rubbing her stomach. “Wants Harry healthy. Says I need to eat well.”
“Let her fuss,” Jake laughed.
Money was tight—sometimes they scraped by. Lily hadn’t worked since graduating, so Jake carried them alone. But the once-reckless lad never complained. He gave everything for his family.
Time flew, and baby Harry arrived. Eager to show him off, they visited Lily’s parents on Jake’s next day off. Margaret had cooked a feast; Frank had tidied the house, impatient to see his grandson. Unlike his wife, who still resented Jake.
“Hi, Mum!” Lily breezed in.
Jake followed, cradling Harry and humming. Lily carried a nappy bag.
“Sweetheart! Why are you hauling that alone? What sort of husband—”
“Mum, it’s light! Jake’s got Harry. *Please* stop.”
Jake shook his head—they’d agreed not to rise to it. But Lily couldn’t stomach her mum’s digs.
“Hello, lad.” Frank scooped up Harry. “Lay him on the sofa, love.”
“Since when do you handle babies?” Margaret blinked. “You were terrified holding Lily!”
“I told you I visit her. Play with Harry.” Frank shot her a look.
Margaret huffed. “Fine. Come eat, then—I’ve made your favourite, Lily.”
“Smells amazing,” Jake offered politely.
Margaret ignored him.
At the table, Frank and Jake chatted work while Lily and her mother discussed the baby.
“Harry’ll go into boxing or wrestling when he’s older,” Jake said.
“So he turns out like *you*?” Margaret scoffed.
“*Mum*—”
“Let her talk. What’s wrong with me now?” Jake met her glare. “Bad husband? Bad dad? Don’t earn enough? Don’t love my wife? I’ve changed. Yeah, I was trouble—but that’s done. What’s your issue *now*?”
Silence.
Margaret squared her shoulders. “People don’t change, Jake. Old habits resurface. I just don’t want Lily ruined!”
“*Mum*, I *am* happy—”
“Margaret,” Frank cut in, “how many school windows did I smash? I was *always* at the police station’s juvenile desk.”
“That’s different! *You* changed!”
Jake burst out laughing. Even Lily smirked. Margaret flushed. Just then, Harry wailed, and the quarrel dissolved into soothing him.
Jake knew she’d never fully accept him—but maybe, just maybe, she’d soften. For Lily. For Harry. He didn’t need her approval, but he hated seeing Lily upset.
Maybe, in time… things would mend.
Time healed most things. Eventually.
