Why Would a Handsome and Successful Young Man Like Me Get Married? – He Wondered. – When Will We Finally Have Grandchildren? – His Parents Wondered

Why on earth would a handsome and successful bloke like me want to get married? pondered Anthony. When are we ever going to have grandchildren? his parents wondered.

Anthony dropped his friend off at her flat and returned to his own. He rustled up a ham omelette, sat at the kitchen table, switched on his phonewhich had been turned off all nightand started scrolling through his missed calls.

Mum called, he muttered, Shell only have a go at me again for being so hopeless.

Hopeless wasnt really the word for Anthony. With a good job, a two-bedroom flat in Manchester, and a carhe wasnt doing half bad for twenty-five. But, according to his parents, there was one glaring omission: he was still single.

Why should a bloke like me get married anyway? he mused.
When will we have grandchildren? his parents sighed.

Anthony rang his mum.

Afternoon, Mum! How are you feeling? he asked cheerily.

All right, nothing new with me.

And Dad?

Hes fine too. You know, you could come round and see for yourself. Its only a half-hour drive and we dont see you for months. Your father wants to start digging the garden and its just about time for planting potatoes.

Mum, I really cant today. Ill come by next weekendpromise.

You keep promising, Anthony. And always say youll bring your girl with you.

Mum, honestly! Next weekend, Ill come, and Ill bring my girlfriend. Promise! He blurted it out before he could think.

Your fiancée?

Not yet.

Oh, Im so pleased for you! Well be waiting for you next Saturday. Ill make all your favourites!

After hanging up, Anthony sat deep in thought.

Why did I say that? Who am I going to bring as a girlfriend? Rachel? Maybe. Ill get some sleep and ring her. Though my folks wont be keen, and shes not the type for a country weekend Still, for a visit, it might do. Anyway, sleep first.

He left the pan on the table and headed to his bedroom. When he woke, he remembered his mothers words and rang his friend.

Hey, gorgeous! he said as she picked up.

Hello, Anthony, replied Rachel, cool as ice.

Whats wrong, Rachel? You sound shattered. Ill swing by.

Anthony, lets not see each other anymore. My plans have changed.

Plans? What plans? Anthony was irritated.

Im getting married.

Ill be over now to give you and your new bloke a piece of my mind

The call abruptly ended.

Anthony tossed his phone onto the sofa in frustration. Usually, he was the one doing the leavingnot the other way around.

He wandered to the kitchen and put the kettle on, trying to think.

Where on earth am I going to find a girlfriend to introduce to my parents? Maybe one of my former dates But theyll think Im finally getting serious.

Before he could finish his coffee, the car alarm went off. He rushed out and spotted a middle-aged man, about fifty, next to his car, staring straight at his window.

Now whos this? Anthony muttered.

He slipped on his trainers and dashed outside.

Mate, what are you doing here? he barked.

Listen, son, the stranger sneered, If I see you hanging around Rachel again, youll regret it!

Get lost, pal!

Suddenly, a burly bloke appeared beside the man. Anthony tried to retortbut everything faded to black.

Anthony, Anthony!

He could vaguely make out the face of an unassuming girl leaning over him. For a moment he thought, Ive seen her somewhere

Can you hear me? Should I call an ambulance?

No, Im all right. Got everything I need in the car, he said with a strained grin. Can you help?

I trained as a nurse.

Anthony looked at her more carefully and remembered she lived in the neighbouring block. She often greeted him but, until now, hed taken her for a schoolgirl. He tried to recall her name. She seemed to sense this.

Im Molly. Im from next door.

Hop in, Molly! he opened the back door. Theres a first aid kit in there.

He sat at the front while she quietly cleaned the cuts.

Nothing serious, she said.

Thank you!

Their eyes met in the mirror, and in hers he saw a silent question

Would you like to grab a coffee? I never did manage breakfast.

Like this? Molly glanced down at her t-shirt and joggers.

Were both hardly dressed for the Ritz.

Id rather not.

All right, Anthony smiled, we could both freshen up and then head out.

Half an hour later, she emerged in a simple dress with cheap makeup. Suddenly all Anthony wanted was a quiet walk.

Molly, fancy going for a stroll instead?

All right, she said, taking his arm.

Molly chatted away as they wandered through the streets. They found a cosy café and sat down. Anthony handed her the menu.

Order whatever you like, Molly!

She scanned the menu, her eyes hovering over the prices more than the dishes. Sensing she wasnt a regular, Anthony waved over the waiter.

Could you bring the lady something tasty and a coffee, please?

For you, sir?

Just a coffee.

Theres a lovely soft sponge cake, if youd like to try it.

Thatll do nicely.

They wandered home together and parted ways at her building

The working week zipped by. Friday evening, Anthony returned from work.

Oh God, I promised Mum Id come round tomorrow with a girlfriend. What now?

He made some tea and sandwiches, his mind racing about tomorrows visit.

Ill have to go alone. Mum will be disappointed again. Think, Anthony, think

An idea struck him.

What if I bring Molly? Mind you, we havent seen each other since last Sunday. Ill just say I’ve been busy with work

He ate, shaved, put on his best clothes and headed over to her block. Trouble was, there were fifteen flats, and all he knew was her first name and her earnest smile.

He lingered outside, scanning the windows, when suddenly the entry door opened, and there she was, still in her jogging bottoms and t-shirt. Clearly, shed seen him from her window and hurried out.

She hesitated.

Hi, Molly!

Hello, Anthony! her face was aglow.

Thought Id ask if you fancied a walk.

Im not dressed right

I can wait, Anthony grinned. Half an hour enough?

Yes! She dashed back inside.

Molly! What are you up to? her mum called, surprised.

Just going out for a bit, Mum!

Isnt this a bit sudden?

But Molly was already racing from room to room. Her mum went to the window, spotted Anthony and rushed back.

Are you going out with that Anthony?

Yes, Mum.

Why do you need a bloke like that? Hes too flashy.

Im twenty now, Mum, Molly replied shyly.

Cant you see the sort of girls who hang around him?

Oh, Mum, honestly!

But Molly was already heading to her room. She knew the whole building would be gossiping in no time. Everyone knew who Anthony was, and everyone knew about quiet Molly. Now, the old ladies on the benches would be saying, here was a quiet onewas.

But she didnt care anymore.

She walked out, refusing to look back, knowing her mum was watching from the window. She firmly took Anthonys arm and smiled:

Where are we going?

Lets go to the park, have a bite at a café, stroll under the moonlight

They wandered through the park, sat in a café, embraced long beneath the moon’s glow. Then her phone rang: her mother again.

Molly, its one oclock!

Coming! she whispered apologetically. Anthony, I need to go home.

Ill walk you

They hugged outside her door. Then Anthony told herno, commanded, in a tone that resisted argument:

Tomorrow, youre coming with me to see my parents.

Brian! Anthonys mum shouted, spotting their sons car the next day. Hes here!

Thought hed forgotten about us, muttered Brian, looking up from the garden.

And hes brought a girl! she gasped, hurrying down the drive.

Valerie rushed to greet her son, barely glancing at him as her eyes fixed on Molly.

Whats your name, love?

Molly, Molly replied, embarrassed.

Im Auntie Val. Come in, come in!

Thank you.

Brian stepped out to greet them. Beaming at Molly, he said cheerfully:

At last, our lad’s got himself a lovely girl. Whats your name, love?

Molly.

Calls me Uncle Brian, if you like.

The warm welcome surprised Molly. She had expected his parentshe, so handsome and confident, she, so plainto be judgemental and stiff. Instead, they were kind and ordinary, much like her own folks.

More than that, she could see true happiness in their faces, maybe because she was down-to-earth and came from a simple background.

Lunch was laid out like a banquet.

The questions began. Molly, unused to such attention, thought Anthonys parents would be grand and imposing, but they were as normal as her own mum and dad.

After the meal, Anthony and his dad went out to dig the plot. Molly approached Mrs. Valerie.

Auntie Val, can I help clear the table and do the dishes?

Of course, love! Lets do it together! Valeries face shone with joy.

Soon, the men returned, and together they all planted potatoes.

With the gardening done, Molly looked at the clock, worried.

I need to head homeMum will be fretting.

Nonsense, Valerie said kindly, Stay for supper, sleep here, then you can go back in the morning.

Im not sure Yet it seemed she wanted to stay.

Ring your mum, Valerie said.

Molly took her phone and called:

Mum, is it all right if I stay the night here?

Are you sure, Molly? You promised youd be back tonight.

Whats your mums name? Valerie asked, gently taking the phone.

Pauline.

Hello, Pauline! Its Valerie, Anthonys mum.

Oh, hello!

Dont worry, Molly can stay here with us. Our house is large, and Ill make sure she and Anthony are in different rooms.

Well, I dont know what to say

Pauline, your daughter is wonderful

They chatted for thirty minutes before saying their goodbyes.

The next afternoon, they finally prepared to leave. Valerie packed loads of homemade food, speaking mostly to Molly:

This bag is for Anthony, but these are for the two of you.

Auntie Val, this is too much, really.

City food is rubbish. No wonder youre so skinny.

Later, Valerie pulled Anthony aside for a word while he was chatting with Brian.

Have you put your names down at the register office yet?

Mum! No, we havent even spoken about that!

Well, start talking.

Well think about it, Mum.

Dont let a good girl slip by, she wagged her finger. And dont bring me any other girls!

As soon as the car turned out of the drive, Valerie whipped out her phone:

Pauline, theyre on their way. Alls well. Ive sent some homemade treats for you.

Valerie, you really shouldnt

Its nothing! Fingers crossed, well be family soon.

You never know, Pauline laughed, a trace of hope in her voice.

My sons twenty-five. Hes got a flat, a carwhat more do you want in a man? Honestly, dont know whats going on in Mollys head.

Shes smitten, lost her head completely.

Well, if we mums dont guide them, who will? Valeries resolve was clear.

Your Anthony is a striking lad.

And your Mollys a good girlreal hard worker.

Shes always so helpful at homecooking, cleaning

Driving back to the city, Anthony wore a mysterious smile. Molly couldnt help but ask:

Anthony, what are you grinning about?

My parents liked you.

Is that so?

Mum told me not to let such a lovely girl get away.

And you?

I wont.

In that moment, their eyes met and gleamed with the same lightof newfound love and unspoken promise.