Meet the In-Law
1255 Words
For the first time in days, Ada woke up without the sound of visitors at the gate or her phone buzzing endlessly. She stretched, smiled as she caught sight of the engagement ring on her finger, and whispered to herself,
"It wasn't a dream."
Just then, her phone lit up.
Tobi Calling...
She answered with a smile.
"Good morning, babe."
"Good morning," Tobi replied warmly. "Did I wake you?"
"Not really. I was already awake."
"Good. I wanted to be the first person to hear your voice today."
Ada smiled.
"That's sweet."
"I have my moments."
She laughed.
"So, how are you?"
Tobi let out a dramatic sigh.
"My family is still talking about the engagement."
"Mine too."
"My mum has already started asking when she can meet your parents."
Ada wasn't surprised.
"My aunties asked the same question yesterday."
"I had a feeling they would."
For a moment, they both laughed.
Then Tobi's voice became a little more serious.
"What do you think?"
"About what?"
"Our families meeting."
Ada looked at the ring on her finger before answering.
"I think... it's the right time."
"So do I."
"I'll talk to my parents today."
"And I'll speak with mine."
"If they agree..."
"...then we'll arrange a date."
Ada nodded, even though he couldn't see her.
"I like that plan."
"So do I."
There was a brief silence.
Not the awkward kind.
The comfortable kind.
The kind that reminded them they didn't always have to fill every moment with words.
Finally, Tobi spoke again.
"You know..."
"Hmm?"
"A week ago, we were just planning dates."
"And now?"
"Now we're planning for our families to meet."
Ada laughed softly.
"It's happening so fast."
"It is."
"But I'm glad I'm doing it with you."
His voice softened.
"So am I."
After saying goodbye, Ada walked into the living room, where both of her parents were having breakfast.
Her mother smiled as she walked in.
"Good morning."
"Morning, Mum. Morning, Dad."
Her father looked up from his cup of tea.
"You look happy."
"I am."
She sat down across from them.
"Tobi called."
Her parents exchanged a glance.
"And?" her mother asked.
"He said his parents would like to meet both of you."
A smile slowly spread across her father's face.
"I was expecting that."
Her mother nodded in agreement.
"It's the proper next step."
"So..." Ada said carefully, "is that okay with you?"
Her father didn't hesitate.
"Of course."
Her mother reached across the table and gently squeezed Ada's hand.
"Tell them they're welcome."
Ada smiled, feeling a quiet excitement settle in her heart.
The journey had truly begun.
That evening, Tobi called again.
"They said yes."
Ada smiled.
"So did my parents."
"Looks like it's official."
"They're really going to meet."
Tobi laughed softly.
"I've been looking forward to this."
"When?"
"My dad suggested this Saturday, if that's convenient for your family."
Ada thought for a moment.
"I think it should be. Let me ask."
"I'll wait."
She walked into the living room, where her parents were watching the evening news.
"Dad?"
He muted the television.
"Yes?"
"Tobi's family would like to come over on Saturday afternoon."
Her father glanced at her mother.
She smiled and nodded.
"Saturday works."
He looked back at Ada.
"Tell them we'll be expecting them."
A smile spread across her face.
"I will."
She hurried back to her room and picked up the phone.
"We're free on Saturday."
"Perfect," Tobi replied. "My mum will be happy."
"So... this is really happening."
"It is."
"And suddenly I'm nervous again."
He chuckled.
"You won't be the only one."
"You?"
"Of course. Our parents are about to meet for the first time."
Ada laughed.
"When you put it that way..."
"It sounds serious."
"It is serious."
"But it'll be okay."
There was something reassuring about the confidence in his voice.
"I know," she said softly.
After they ended the call, Ada walked to her window.
The evening breeze drifted gently through the curtains.
She rested her hand on the window frame, her eyes falling to the engagement ring.
In just a few days, the two families who had shaped their lives separately would finally sit together in the same room.
She smiled to herself.
One chapter of their story had ended.
Another was about to begin.
Saturday arrived sooner than anyone expected.
Ada woke before her alarm.
She lay in bed for a few moments, staring at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the house already coming alive. Pots clinked in the kitchen, footsteps echoed through the hallway, and every now and then she heard one of her aunties calling out instructions.
She smiled to herself.
"They're here already?" she murmured.
After getting dressed, she walked downstairs.
The dining table had disappeared beneath bottles of soft drinks, neatly arranged plates, and trays waiting to be carried into the sitting room.
Her mother glanced up as she entered.
"Good, you're awake."
"I've been awake for a while," Ada replied.
Her mother looked her over from head to toe and adjusted the sleeve of her dress.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you, Mum."
"You don't have to be nervous."
"I'm trying not to be."
Her mother smiled knowingly.
"Remember, today isn't an interview."
Ada laughed.
"It feels like one."
Before her mother could reply, the front door opened.
Dara walked in with a cheerful grin.
"I hope I'm not late."
"You?" Ada said, pulling her into a hug. "Never."
"I came to check on the bride-to-be."
"I'm not a bride yet."
"No," Dara teased, "but you're getting there."
The three women laughed together.
A few minutes later, Ada's father stepped into the living room, dressed in a neatly pressed traditional outfit. Her aunties, who had been arranging food in the kitchen, quickly came out and settled themselves on the long sofa in the sitting room.
He checked his wristwatch.
"They should be here soon."
Almost as if on cue, the sound of a car horn echoed from outside.
The room fell silent.
Ada's heart skipped a beat.
Her father smiled warmly.
"I believe our guests have arrived."
He walked toward the door while Ada instinctively took a step back.
Dara gently touched her arm.
"Breathe."
Ada nodded.
"I'm breathing."
"Good."
Together, they watched from the hallway as Ada's father opened the front door.
Standing outside were Tobi, his parents, and two older relatives carrying beautifully wrapped gift baskets.
Tobi looked up.
The moment his eyes met Ada's, he smiled.
Not the nervous smile he wore on the day he proposed.
A calm one.
A reassuring one.
The kind that silently said, We're in this together.
Without saying a word, Ada smiled back.
Somehow...
That was all the reassurance she needed.
The sitting room was soon full of laughter and warm introductions. Ada's mother offered kola and drinks, and Tobi's father presented the gift baskets with a prayer of thanks.
For a while, they talked about everything — work, family, how the two of them met — and Ada felt her nervousness slowly melt away as both families found common ground.
Finally, Ada's father cleared his throat with a smile.
"So, we are happy. Our children have found each other. The next step is to meet with our pastor to begin counseling and to find a suitable wedding date."
Tobi's father nodded.
"We agree. Let the pastor guide us."
After a short closing prayer led by Tobi's uncle, everyone stood with grateful hearts, hugging and taking pictures, the excitement for the journey ahead written clearly on every face.
- Writer
