s deeply in love with his girlfriend, Keira. Th

elationship to the next

't stop talking about it. He would bring it up every time t

e the best day

a was becomin

k had a good job, but she also knew that he had some debts

out her concerns, buthe brushed t

rted making plans for a destination wedding in

that she didn't need an extravag

e together. But Welbeck was so caught up in his

point

t the cost. She started to research cheaper options and suggested that the

He wanted the big wedding, wit

tarted to get defensive when Keira brought up th

it however

ions didn't matter. She loved Welbeck, but she didn't w

foot down. She told Welbeck tha

l trouble. She wanted to be with him, but the wedding w

ed how much the cost of the wedding was affecting her. He lov

ney but his presence made them

~~~~~~~~

chirping, and the air smelled fresh and clean. He couldn't wait to get home and change into something more comfo

t met them. It was at a family gathering, and they had all hit it off immediately. Welbeck was gr

. He quickly parked his car in the garage and ran into the house to cha

s station, which was a few blocks away, to fill up his tank. As he was driving down the street, he sudd

y reached for his phone to call for help but realized that he had left

lp. The stranger introduced himself as Jake and he helped Welbeck change the tire. Welbeck

ng. As soon as he walked in the door, he was hit with the delightful aroma of Keira's

swer it. He opened the door to find one of his co

beautiful home and lawn. Welbeck smiled back, relie

the lively conversation. At the end of the night, Anthony thanked him for

, Welbeck thought about how lucky he was to have s

him change his tire. He drifted off to have a nap, looki

ater and refr

ring herself to meet he

eck's

nervous. Meeting the in-laws is always a nerve-wracking experience, bu

were both gracious and welcoming, and I immediately felt at ease. The Smiths were a warm

eer. I told him about my humble beginnings and how I had worked hard to build a successful bus

work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, which was evident in everything they did. I could also see ho

he gallery, I was blown away by the beauty and rarity of the pieces on display. It was clear th

table company. I had provided well for my fiance. However, my mother-

s to comment on my clothes. "Welbeck, aren't you going to change out of tho

rnard Sm

pical critical mother-in-law. But as time went by, her comments began to get

her shoulders and said, "That's just how my mom

ent. I began to wonder if I should invest mo

buy a new suit

self and shook m

ing I do, it seems good with the

impressing my mother-in-law. I loved his old jeans and T-shir

fect him anymore. After all, I was a hardworking man who provided for my family and

nerous people even though Mrs. Smith behaved differently toward me. I also felt a sense of relief

I hope you feel comfortabl

t but I pretended not to

pt ringing in my ears so not

as, she thought they had everyth

way off from the house as I walke

~~~~~~

. He couldn't put his finger on exactly why he felt so drained, but he assumed it

was the light of his life, the woman he had been waiting f

ey were quiet and distant, offering only tepid niceties and never really engaging him in con

of expensive wine, but he made sure to listen attentively to everything they said. All see

ough the rest of his life with these people as his in-laws. He loved Keira more than anything in the world, b

he sound of the front door opening. He sat up and saw Keir

ng!" she said, comi

to muster up some enthusiasm. "Y

at day, but Welbeck found it hard to pay attention. He felt like he was

d on his shoulder. "Hey, are you okay?"

and vulnerable. "I don't know, Meg. I jus

d then, slowly, she smiled. "Well, you know what we should do, then?" she said. "We should

glimmer of hope. "Wha

There's a rink downtown that just opened up.

starting to smile.

ra by his side, he felt like he could conquer anything. And even if her parents ne

winter night, ready to make new memories

ber what her Mom did to him but it

he was still going to do e

on his shoulder as they stan