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“The cheek,” I playfully scold her before leaving out the back door.
The cottage behind the house is a lot smaller than our home, but it will be perfect for us during our short stay here. It used to be my dad’s old workshop, but after he passed, I helped convert it into a guest house. Now my mum doesn’t have to worry about having space when people come to visit.
Mum has already made the bed and placed fresh towels in the small half-bathroom. We won’t be able to shower in here. The plumbing isn’t quite as it should be, but we will be able to get cleaned up after our evening activities.
I drop our bags and head out to the side of the house and grab an armful of wood. All it takes is a few logs to get the fire burning. Once the fire warms the small space, I return to the main house.
Meghan’s laughter mixed with my mum’s is the first thing I hear.
“What’s so funny?”
“Sara was telling me stories about you when you were a boy.”
Mum scowls, giving her a gentle slap on her hand before getting up and heading toward the kitchen. “What did I tell you about calling me Sara? It’s Mum.”
I pull out the chair next to Meghan, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “I told you she would adore you.”
“No funny business at my table. Now, you two eat.”
I can’t help but chuckle at my mother before digging into my food.
Dinner goes by with quiet conversation. Mum asks the general get-to-know-you questions, smothering Meghan in motherly love once she tells her about the loss of her parents.
“Hopefully, I’ll be calling you my daughter sooner rather than later.” Mum shoots me a look before grabbing our plates and taking them to the kitchen.
“We aren’t rushing into anything right now. Meghan is finishing her degree. She has her whole future ahead of her.” I turn and smile at Meghan, who looks stricken. I reach out and run a hand down her arm. “Are you all right?”
Meghan’s face transforms instantly into a smile that seems forced. “I’m fine. Long day is all.”
I don’t buy Meghan’s excuse for a second, but I let it slide for now. I gather up the remaining dishes from the table and take them to the sink. If I know my mother, the next thing she’ll be asking about is children. I don’t want Meghan to think I’m trying to impede her dreams for the future.
“And don’t start asking for grandbabies either. We will get to all these things in time, but not anytime soon.”
Meghan pushes her chair back and stands. “Thank you for the lovely dinner, but I didn’t realize how tired I was. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to head to bed.”
“Of course, child. Just head straight out the back and down the path. You can’t miss it.”
I stand to follow her, but she holds out her hand to stop me.
“You should stay. Catch up with your mom. I’ll be fine.”
I hear a touch of disappointment in her voice. With all the chaos of the semester, we haven’t really talked much about our future together. Without a doubt, Meghan is mine and eventually we will marry, but it’s not important now. I’ve long thought Meghan felt the same way, but from the pained look on her face, I was wrong.
“Well, son. You stuck your foot in it, running your mouth this time. Just how do you plan to rectify the situation?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
My mum nods her head toward the back of the house. “That girl wants to marry you, and you just dashed her dreams.”
“I did no such thing.”
She scoffs. “Son, you might have a bunch of fancy degrees, but clearly, you’ve lost a bit of common sense.”
I lean back in my chair and drum my fingers on the kitchen table.
My mum pats me on the shoulder. “I’ll put on the kettle on, and we’ll have a long chat.”
