Page 36 of Wherever My Heart Roams

His mother shrugged. "Very well."

After dinner Wade looked over at Beth, "How was it?"

"Almost as good as mine." She smiled brightly.

"You really do cook?" His mother dabbed her lips with a napkin and looked at her. She seemed to let down some of her defenses now and talking came more easily.

"Yes ma'am. I'm rather good at it. I had a good teacher, my mother." She smiled sweetly.

"You mother," His mother's voice seemed to soften. "Then you lived at home?"

"Oh yes ma'am. I have eleven brothers and sisters too and a father who loves to tell tales…" She commented.

His mother's mouth fell open and she twisted her head to look at him. "Eleven?"

"Yes mother, eleven, I've had the pleasure of meeting them all." Wade joined in.

"I come from a big family too." his mother added.

"Really, then you know what it's like, sharing chores and bedrooms and clothes even."

His mother shook her head. "I certainly do."

Beth knew from that moment on that she'd found a way to get along with his mother. She'd cracked the shell and the way she figured it, she was soft on the inside.

"Well looks like we'll have lots to talk about, doesn't it?" Beth encouraged.

His mother stared at her a moment, then nodded, "Yes, I think we will…" She smiled.

Later on the dancefloor, Wade held Beth in his arms and waltzed her around. It was easy to dance with him he led so well.

"I can't believe it." Wade smiled.

"What?" She looked perplexed.

"You and mother, that's what. I was prepared for an all-out war with her, and you come along and sweep her off her feet. Sh

e likes you!" He beamed at her.

"Is that so unbelievable?" Beth asked with a chuckle.

"If only you knew. Mother has never liked anyone that I've brought home. You are the first. And to think all this time…."

"I found that having something in common can help." Beth offered. "I wasn't at all sure what it would be, but I was determined to find some level ground. It's important to me to get along with your mother."

"You are a delight Beth. I'm so glad we married."

"Me too…" She whispered near his ear. "You're a good dancer too."

"It's because I have the most beautiful woman in the room in my arms, right now."

She blushed and he pulled her closer.

"I sure would like to kiss you…" He muttered.

She sighed and pulled away to smile into his face. "I'd like that…maybe later!"

"I'll look forward to it." He waltzed her around the room.

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