Page 32 of Marry Me, Right Now

Mia explained the numerology, and how we just felt that it was right.

“How long have you been dating?” mother asked.

“Three months,” I said smoothly.

Then Mia gave her an absolutely winning smile. “At first I wasn’t sure about him, because he seemed so focused on work that I wasn’t sure he was well balanced. Then he helped me finish a crossword puzzle, and seemed to have a very wide range of knowledge. So I gave him another chance,” she said with a giggle.

“He really is a good boy,” mother said proudly. Then she grinned. “I hope that you two are planning children in a few years.”

I turned to see Mia looking positively horrified, and I took her hand, giving it a little shake. Turning back to mother, I said, “We have slightly different opinions about how many children we should have eventually, but since we’re so young, we’ve decided to put a pin in that discussion and not bring it up again for three years. We can set up our home, do some traveling, and get our lives straight before we bring kids into the picture. Right, honey?”

She nodded, gratefully. “One step at a time.”

Mother nodded. “That’s very smart. Also, you’ll be getting your inheritance, and that will be some work for you. Such a brilliant investor, but you’ll also have to spoil your new wife with some gifts, exotic trips, the whole nine yards.” Although her voice was almost sugary sweet, the way she was looking at the two of us was odd.

Mia’s hand gave mine a little squeeze. “That isn’t exactly cocktail chat, mother,” I said cautiously.

She laughed merrily again. Turning to Mia, she said, “Don’t you worry, sweetie, I certainly am not implying that I think you’re one of those money grubbing little twits he used to date. I can see that you two are genuinely in love. But for a while there, Jacob was certainly a target. All women love a man who is tall, dark and handsome, but when you add probable billionaire someday to the mix, that can bring out shameless, unscrupulous people.”

She laughed, sipping her sparkling drink, and I followed suit, while Mia stared awkwardly at her hands.

“Don’t forget,” mother said, “It’s a tradition to choose your favorite charities around the time of your inheritance.” Turning to Mia, she said, “When one is handed a great deal of money, it’s good form to immediately donate a healthy portion to a beloved charity, you see.”

“That seems like the perfect thing to do,” Mia said, trying to keep things light. “Sharing the wealth is important for the communities we live in.”

“Exactly, darling.” Her eyes lit up as she thought of an important question. “Tell me, Mia, what are your favorite charities?”

I tried to smile warmly, as Mia glanced at me as if she were almost worried about her answer. “Well, if I were suddenly handing money around, the Children’s Hospital would obviously be my first choice.”

Rosalind nodded, seeming to agree with her selection. “Absolutely dear. That’s perfect.”

“The research they’re doing for children all across North America, and globally is just astounding. But they desperately need to fund some new construction projects right now as they grow, and their technology is advancing.”

Mother looked impressed that Mia actually had a clue about it. “What else dear?”

“Well,” Mia said, mixing a bit of honesty into the show, “I really enjoy supporting local artists at the grassroots level. If people don’t support them while they are just starting, they will never become well-established parts of the city’s culture.”

Mother nodded, thinking. “Darling, that’s a lovely way to look at it.”

“That’s why,” I said gently, realizing that now was the time to bring it up, “We’ve decided to choose most of the wedding vendors from smaller, local independent businesses.”

Mother blinked a few times, then cocked her head. “Why, that’s interesting. Instead of well-established experts, you are giving new people their first shot?”

“Well, not quite their very first,” Mia said quickly. “These are people who have been working for years. Just perhaps not for weddings or huge events.”

“So there might be a few untraditional elements, Mother. For example, we’re looking at a local blues-rock band for the reception.”

“Oh.” She looked surprised, but not exactly upset. “Well, that sounds different.”

“I’ve heard them several times, they’re fabulous,” Mia said quickly. “

And I’ve checked that it won’t be overly loud. I’ve also found a local indie DJ, a woman, for the actual dinner, and the end of the reception.”

Mother looked curious, but not quite concerned yet. “Well, of course I like that you’ve hired a woman.”

“Good.” I was relieved. “We decided to go with a slightly country theme, so the greenery for the centrepieces will be from a local farm, the wine from one of our favorite vineyards in Niagara, and the take-home gifts from local artisans. It’s all still being figured out, but Mia is in planning mode already.”

Mother pressed her lips together firmly as if she were either thinking hard or holding back saying something nasty.

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