3D: The In-Laws

Julio never arranged outings with his family. While Aubrey loved his contentment to spend holidays and such with her family, she feared sending negative messages to the in-laws despite Aaliyah’s successful attempts to dodge the Pruetts. She even gave them space to enjoy their newlywed life without harassing them to visit. But, surely she missed her son. Aubrey respected the distance but sensed a rift forming in their relationship. Not on her watch. After a series of vetoes from Julio, Aubrey successfully scheduled lunch with the Watanabes.

All morning, she fussed over her outfit. Regardless of what she wore, Aaliyah thought the world of her. Still, Aubrey dressed to impress. She reflected her son and would never cast Julio in a bad light.

Fifteen minutes until departure, Julio found her in the closet. “Are you still in here?”

“Do I look ok?” she asked, smoothing the invisible creases in the skirt.

Julio shook his head with that “bless her heart” grin. “It’s just my mom, Aubrey.”

“Just your…” She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Why were men so daft? “She isn’t just your mother. She’s my mother-in-law!”

He sighed. “We both know it isn’t like that between you.”

“Do I look ok or not?”

He continued shaking his head at her, smirking at her stubbornness. “You look amazing. Too amazing for lunch with my mom. So amazing, I think I might cancel so I can stay here and…stare at you all day!”

She laughed. “Is that all?”

“Of course not. Let’s go before I change my mind.”

The sun beamed brightly that afternoon—a stark contrast to the first time she visited the Watanabe residence. Huge, puffy clouds parted and gave way to the brilliant blue sky. A slight breeze chilled the air, but the sun warmed it quickly. Three of the four toddlers played in the driveway when they arrived. The sight widened Aubrey’s smile. Where were their parents?

“Should they be out here?” she asked.

Julio shrugged. “They’re not running into the street,” he said dismissively.

She snorted. “I hope you’ll have more concern with our children.”

“My mom has a lot of kids! I’m sure she wouldn’t let them out here if it weren’t safe.”

The children donned sweaters and boots, so Aaliyah may have planned the outing. Still, Julio’s laissez-faire attitude toward his siblings gave her pause. He always intended to start a family, so why not practice on the toddlers as she had with Oliver? Preparedness for raising children was a pipe dream, they said. So, why not get a head start? He had the perfect opportunity in those energetic ginger boys and towhead girls.

“Hey, Hannah! I like your boots.”

“Hi, Aubrey.”

Hannah blossomed beautifully since the first time they met almost a year ago. Her voice was just above a whisper, but at least she spoke now. Julio’s brothers leaped and shouted his name; she giggled at their excitement. The bewilderment on Julio’s face and stiff posture was too cute to get cross. Perhaps his own children would loosen him. Or, maybe he was uncomfortable because they were strangers. He embraced Oliver—not that the bold little boy allowed shyness.

Aubrey tried to coax the children into the house, but they ignored her.

Aaliyah wrapped her arms around Julio and clung to him like a child holding a balloon. “Hello, my son. My, you’ve been working out!”

She released him and faced Aubrey. “And you, Misses!” Her sweet scent assaulted Aubrey’s nostrils as she embraced her. “Thanks for bringing my son home! Left to him, we’d never see him again.”

Aubrey expected Aaliyah’s understanding, but it was nice to hear it confirmed. “I know! That’s what I keep saying!”

“Uh oh,” Seiji said, “You realize they’re gonna double team you for the rest of your life, right?”

He was such a nice everyman—the complete opposite of Tony. How much did he know?

“Isn’t she fabulous, my love? Oh! I’m so happy to have all my children at home!”

Aaliyah, the woman who ran behind toddlers in light-colored clothing and Red Bottoms, said Aubrey was fabulous. Even with fresh wrinkles and new silver strands she was stunning. If Aubrey possessed just half the sass and elegance at her age, she’d consider her life a success.

“Do you want help bringing the children inside?” Aubrey asked.

“No, they’re ok. But, thank you! They know better than to wander. Everything’s fine if they’re not screaming.”

Julio glanced at her raising one eyebrow as if to say “told you.” She returned a subtle side-eye.

Aaliyah beckoned them to follow her into the dining room. “I hope you’re hungry. I made salmon! Cupcakes too. I know cupcakes aren’t very adult, but they’re easier for the kids to handle. There’s no way I can hide sweets from them.”

“No, I love cupcakes! Everything looks wonderful, Aaliyah.”

Her gray eyes twinkled. “Speaking of kids, are you-“

“Mom! Can we eat before you start snooping?”

Aaliyah feigned shock. “Snooping? Why, Julio!”

If marriage were a meal, Aubrey and Julio were still on the appetizer course. Children were the dessert course. With no intensions of skipping it, why dodge the question? It warranted a simple yes or no answer. Did he change his mind?

Seiji must have noticed the frown she tried to hide. “Don’t worry, little lady. He just wants you to himself a little longer.”

“It’s all good,” Aubrey said with a forced smile.

“Honey, are you ok?” Aaliyah asked.

Loud shrieks from outside startled everyone. Seiji backed away from the table. “And, there goes the screaming. You stay. I got this, dear.”

Julio watched him walk away before sharing. She never considered he may have a problem with Seiji. Surely he appreciated Aaliyah’s new happiness after a near loveless marriage to his father. It wasn’t like Seiji replaced Tony in his life.

“I’m fine. I just wish we could talk about having kids before everyone else does.”

Aubrey frowned. “Why are you looking at me like it’s my fault?”

“I’m not! I’m just-“

“Awww! Look at you two! Is this your first fight? I remember me and Seiji’s first fight. It always seems so serious at the time, but down the line you realize it’s quite silly, actually.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. Can you excuse us for a second?”

Aaliyah giggled. “Oh, certainly. Go have your disagreement in private.”

Julio’s stiff posture returned along with a serious scowl. Whatever bothered him was something he harbored for a while. Why? Did he not trust her? They were supposed to share everything with each other.

She watched him pace the kitchen. “What’s going on, Julio?”

“All anyone ever talks about these days are our children. We don’t even have any!”

“It’s natural! That’s what people do when a couple gets married. It’s not a huge deal.”

He sighed and leaned on the counter next to her. “It’s such a big thing, and I … I know I’m not ready for it. If we discussed it, maybe I’d be more comfortable.”

She rubbed his shoulder. “Of course. You should have told me. I love talking about the future with you.”

“I didn’t think we needed to do it so soon. I mean, we agreed to give it a few years.”

“True. There’s no harm in talking. We don’t have to change our minds.”

“Ok.” His head bobbed like a buoy on the water. “We’ll do that. Thanks for understanding.”