In-laws could push me around without a problem. But when they ruined my birthday, my hubby stood up for me in the best manner! He made them regret crossing us!
I’ve always tried to be a calm daughter-in-law. My method was to smile, nod, and avoid conflict. Even when they plainly overstepped. My in-laws discovered I’m not a pushover when they pushed me.
When my husband James’s mom, Susan, “accidentally” wore a dazzling, tight white dress to our wedding, I smiled through clinched teeth. I chuckled and remarked, “You look beautiful.”
When they failed to put me in the family Christmas card last year and sent it to over 100 of their closest friends, I blamed holiday turmoil and stated, “They were probably stressed with all the preparations and just forgot me.”
Even when they arrived to our secluded Vermont honeymoon cabin “for a surprise visit just to say hi,” with overnight bags, I smiled and greeted them with hot chocolate and nice conversation.
“Why,” you ask? Really, it’s simple. Because James is everything they’re not! He’s considerate and understands me. I persuaded myself they couldn’t be horrible since my spouse is the finest guy I’ve met. After all, they reared him.
Right?
I was incorrect!
I promised myself that until this year’s birthday meal.
Friday was my 35th birthday. James arranged a relaxing weekend in a log cabin in the mountains with breakfast in pajamas and a hot tub plunge if we were adventurous.
It would be perfect—just what I wanted!
Susan contacted James five days before we went and wrecked everything. She sounded enthusiastic and fake-sweet over the loudspeaker.
“We’re surprising Emma with dinner on Thursday! Do not inform her.
James sought to change his parents’ intentions, but his mother refused.
I returned from errands to find my hubby waiting. He seemed uneasy, like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how.
Come sit with me, love. “I need to tell you something,” he began, sounding nervous.
“What’s wrong, honey? Is anything up? Sitting close to him, I inquired.
“My mom called while you were away. They want to give you a ‘surprise’ supper on Thursday.”
“Ugh! Why? Why not call like regular people? Annoyed, I asked.
James informed me about the plan since he knows I detest surprises, particularly ones involving his family and their unclear dress rules. He said he attempted to advocate for me, but his mother ignored him.
So she said they’re hosting downtown. “She wouldn’t say where,” my spouse said.
I sighed. “You know I hate surprises.”
“I know, honey. I’ll be with you always. Worst scenario, I fake a food allergy and eat fast.”
I laughed. “Fine. I swear, if she uses the karaoke mike again…
I agreed to attend hoping this year would be different.
It was, but not excellent.
Thursday brought anxiety and tension. Susan refused to tell James or us about the restaurant. On dinner day, she provided my husband coordinates and asked him not to check them.
She claimed she wanted to surprise us both.
And that was…
We drove to a nice restaurant on the top floor of a high-rise with skyline views, complete with a velvet rope and a tablet-using waitress! Menus are produced daily, wine pairings are offered, and dessert pricing are not stated.
I leaned toward James. Did you know it was here?
Shaking his head. “No idea. They may have intended to do something kind���
I recognized Susan and Robert as we entered. Brother James’s sister Lily and spouse Mark. I barely recalled a few cousins—was one Tom or Tim?
Twelve of us.
Dinner was underway. Three wine bottles and a half-eaten seafood tower were on the table. They began without us!
Sue air-kissed me. There she is! Birthday girl!
I smiled. “Hello, everyone.”
We seated. Wine and a basic steak were my order. Everyone else? They ate lobster tails, caviar, and champagne like New Year’s Eve! Lily remarked, “Let’s not hold back, it’s a celebration!”
They ordered beverages, snacks, desserts, and more!
Susan ordered the always-market-priced Wagyu steak without looking at the menu. She grinned and clinked glasses with Robert like they won the lotto.
James leaned in. Guess what this bill will be?
I laughed dryly. “Don’t wish to know.”
A leather-bound bill folder was put at the head of the table two hours later after dessert (a tower of profiteroles lighted with a sparkler). Susan opened it, hesitated, and smiled oddly at me.
“So! Happy birthday, love! We thought you’d want to reward us on your big day!”
My fork froze midair. Excuse me?
She slipped the bill across the table with manicured nails.
$3,950!
“You’re doing well at work, right?” She cooed. James stated you want that huge promotion! For someone like you, this is nothing.”
Before I could speak, everyone rose. Lily rubbed my shoulder. “Sis, thanks for dinner! You outdid yourselves!”
One cousin whistled quietly and nodded. “Happy birthday, queen!”
They left, heels clicking, coats swinging, like it was planned!
James used the restroom five minutes earlier. I was alone, gazing at a $4,000 note, wondering if I was dreaming!
He returned, his face dropping at the table. “What happened?”
“They left.”
He blinks. “Left? Where?”
“Out. They said I covered it. For my birthday.”
James remained quiet, teeth tight, attempting to understand.
He responded, “Don’t pay for it.” Give me 20 minutes. I need to call.”
I frowned. “James—”
Just believe me.”
He kissed my forehead and left throughout the night.
I considered giving the waiter my luggage and said, “Take what you need.”
But I waited.
The doors opened 20 minutes later!
Susan and Robert raged inside! Susan’s lipstick was ruined, and Robert seemed to be choked on fury!
Throwing a wad of cash on the table. “Did you want that? To shame us?! You bent so low?
Shocked, I was silent!
James entered behind them calmly, hands in pockets.
“Thank you,” he said. “That covers it.”
He smiled quietly at me. Let’s go.”
I regained my voice outside as we walked to the vehicle. “You did what?”
He exhaled. I phoned Uncle George.
“Your uncle?”
“You know, the one they’ve been begging to fund their eco-glamping business?”
I blinked. “They wanted George to fund them?”
“Yeah. They’ve pitched him for weeks. I phoned to report tonight’s events. Hold on, he said. Call them together. Then he phoned them with me on the line.”
I had to stop walking. What did he say?
James grins. “He responded, ‘If you give your daughter-in-law a four-thousand-dollar note for her birthday, don’t expect a thing from me! “I invest in families, not freeloaders!”
Covered my mouth.
So they rushed back in with cash. James said they probably thought they were preserving the deal.
I glanced at him incredulous. You didn’t have to!”
He answered, “Yes, I did.” “New rule. Family ‘surprises’ are over. Not until we agree.”
Holding back tears, I nodded.
Susan and Robert didn’t spoken to us for three months! The calmest I’ve felt since dating their kid!
It was midday when James received a voicemail. We folded clothes as he played it on speaker.
“We hope you’ve learned not to use family against us over a simple dinner,” Susan stated coldly and sharply.
James was unfazed. Just removed the message.
We sat on the porch, legs entwined on the swing, covered in a blanket, later that night.
He said, “You okay?”
“I am now,” I said. “I spent so long trying to keep peace with people who never respected me.”
Kissed my temple. “Then stop trying.”
“Deal,” I replied. And next year? Only pancakes in pajamas!”
He grinned. “If I can sing you ‘Happy Birthday’ with a kazoo.”
We laughed. I looked forward to my next birthday for the first time in years!
