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“Violet, don’t interrupt your father,” Brad scolds. “It’s rude. Listen to what he has to say.”
“I… I’m sorry.” I stare at my hands. “I don’t want you to think that my education isn’t important to me just because I’m getting married.”
I make a mental note to talk to Brad about this more in private. I’m not my mom, while I think she did what she felt she needed to do with her life, I can’t see myself not working. I believe that you can still stand beside your husband and be a good mother without having to give up your career.
“It’s okay,” Brad whispers. He pulls my hand into his and lightly squeezes. “Listen to what he’s saying, and then we can talk about anything you disagree with.”
“As I was saying,” Dad continues. “You will finish your education, first and foremost. However, whether you use that degree will be between you and your husband. As you know, your mother has her degree but decided that being a wife and mother were more important.”
I take a deep breath while my dad continues. “Second, you are not allowed to move in with each other prior to the wedding. This will help ensure that you’ll remain virtuous. Sexual relations are meant to be between a husband and a wife, and Brad has already assured me that nothing has happened between the two of you.”
My face heats, and I shake my head quickly. I can’t believe he just said that out loud. My parents have always droned on about how virginity is a gift that is only meant to be given to your spouse, and I’ve always lived by that rule.
“Third, you will both attend marriage counseling for a minimum of three months. I can’t facilitate those sessions since I am the father of the bride.” Dad smiles. “But another assistant Pastor at the church can. Most importantly, while divorce is common, it isn’t something we want for our daughter. Marriage is for life. Both of you need to understand the commitment you are undertaking. That being said, we both think Brad is an upstanding man and will take good care of you and any children that you have together.” He pauses for a second. “You have our blessing.”
I can’t stop the tears that slip down my cheeks. My mom and dad are my world, and I know they approve of my relationship with Brad, but hearing my dad say we have their blessing makes my heart soar.
“Thank you, Dad.”
I untangle my hand from Brad’s, jump up from the couch, and hurry over to my dad. He stands and wraps me up in a hug.
“I’m going to excuse myself and get back to preparing for Sunday’s sermon. Brad, why don’t you join me while the ladies talk about the upcoming nuptials?” Dad suggests.
“Yes, Sir, Pastor Simpson.” Brad stands to follow Dad to his office.
“Son, we’re practically family now. Call us Mom and Dad,” Dad insists.
“Thank you… Dad.” Brad’s tone is thick with emotion.
Mom and I head to the kitchen to make some tea and talk about the wedding. As soon as the men are out of earshot, Mom pulls a binder out of the kitchen drawer. I giggle when I see it’s full of wedding ideas. Based on its thickness, she’s been planning this for a while.
We spend an hour oohing and aahing over all the possibilities. Mom really put in a lot of time and effort to put together ideas. She even has a wedding theme for each season.
“It’s January now,” she comments. “How do you feel about a spring wedding?” Mom asks, flipping through the pages.
“Mom, I don’t graduate until May,” I remind her. “I’d like to wait until after that. Besides, you heard Dad, I have to finish my education.”
“I know, but I bet I could persuade him if you wanted to have a spring wedding.”
“How about fall?” I tap my chin thoughtfully. “It would be cooler than spring, so we could have an outdoor wedding.”
“What does Brad want?”
“I honestly don’t know. We haven’t had much of a chance to discuss it.”
“Hmm, maybe you should discuss it first.”
“Discuss what?” Dad asks, coming into the kitchen with Brad hot on his heels.
“A wedding date,” I respond. “We haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk about it.”
“I think the weekend after you graduate would be nice,” Brad inserts.
“After I graduate?” I ask incredulously.
“Why not?” Brad’s eyes narrow, and his eyebrows pinch together. “I thought you wanted to get married?”
“I do, but wouldn’t you rather have a fall wedding? We could have it outside because it will be cooler.” I point at the binder my mom made. “Look at these beautiful colors we could incorporate.”
