She studies me for a long moment, and I realize I have no energy left to argue. If she can’t accept my wife…
—Well, about time, my boy.
I frown, confused. Maggie stands and joins us. I look from my mother to my grandmother—they seem to know something I don’t.
—Your father never intended to force you into marriage, my mother finally admits.
—What?
Maggie takes over.
—He wanted to give you a year to find love—but you’re as stubborn as Hamish. You didn’t even try.
—We thought you were going to give up, my mother adds.
I take a step back, hit by the full weight of it.
—You set me up?
—No, my grandmother says. Not exactly…
A bitter laugh escapes me. All of this… for nothing.
—Callum, you have to understand, your father wanted you to find the right person, my mother says.
I can’t even process it.
—You’ve got to be kidding me.
—Language, young man! Maggie scolds.
I point at both of them, my patience snapping.
—Oh no. You’re not getting off that easily?—
—Do you love her, Callum?
My mother’s question cuts straight through my outrage.
I stare at her, stunned.
—We can’t change what’s already been done, she continues. You’re married to Jane now. If you truly believe this marriagehas a chance of making you happy, then you need to fight for it. So I’ll ask you again—do you really love Jane?
I fall silent. My thoughts collide in my head—but at the center of it all is Jane. And thinking about her sparks something inside me, something I’ve never felt before. I don’t want her to leave. The mere idea of it tears something apart inside me.
—Yes. I love her.
—Then what are you waiting for? my mother says simply. Go find her. And tell her.
I stare at her, stunned by the shift.
—You… approve?
She exhales slowly.
—I haven’t been easy on Jane, she admits. At first, I didn’t think she belonged in our world—in our family. But I’ve seen what she’s done to you, Callum. How she’s opened you up. Made you smile again. I haven’t seen you this alive… ever, if I’m being honest. And if this conversation has taught me anything, it’s how deeply you love your wife. So go, she urges. Go get her. And tell her what you just told us.
—What are you waiting for? Maggie demands impatiently. Go! Go after her, Callum.
