I started going on dates quite late in life. My family was strictmy mother rarely let me out, and my father kept a watchful eye, ensuring I never mixed with boys. It all felt perfectly normal, as if there were an unspoken set of rules: school first, university second, and only then would marriage come into the equation. Honestly, boys never paid me any attention; I wasnt the sort to turn heads. I suppose I was just lucky, because at twenty-six, I met a wonderful man at my office in Manchester and eventually married him.
When I discovered I was going to have a daughter, I was thrilled. I wanted us to be close, almost like friends, united by trust and warmth. And for the most part, thats exactly what we had. My husband and I tried not to impose too many restrictions, yet I always told her, especially as she grew into her teens, not to rush into things. There are so many cautionary tales about girls falling pregnant too young. Why would you want that at sixteen?
But then Abigail got herself a boyfriend just after her seventeenth birthday. I was frustrated, but I never dared blame her for falling in loveI simply thought it was a bit early for her to start. And of course, I worried shed feel pressured to marry before she was ready.
I never liked her boyfriend, Thomas. Word was, he was older; my heart sank further when I learned he was twenty-four. The age difference bothered me. I imagined their worlds were miles apartAbigail still so young, and Thomas so much older, surely only after one thing. Yet, he charmed her so effortlessly.
He wooed her with enormous bouquets of English roses, brought her delightful takeaway meals, and sometimes, the whole family would wake up to fresh croissants for breakfast. Thankfully, his presence didnt detract from Abigails studies; she secured her spot at Birmingham University. Thomas would drive her to campus and pick her up afterwards, and after her first year, he asked me if he could take her on a seaside holiday, all paid in pounds sterling.
They married during Abigails second year, and now live a quiet married life, without children just yet. They arent in a hurrywhich is sensible. Both work, they travel, and are welcomed with open arms at our home. In hindsight, all my worries were unfounded. Everything is so personal; some start dating early, others late, some marry young, and life doesnt become any worse for it. Quite the oppositemy daughter and son-in-law are doing brilliantly, and I couldnt be happier.
