What if...? Happily Ever After

Billy Andrews walked up to the entrance of his family's house and knocked twice.

He couldn't recall the last time he made an effort to visit his old family home. Since taking over the family business in Charlottetown, he hadn't visited his mother or sisters. It also worked out since, while Florence was finishing her schooling at Queens College, he was being groomed as Andrews Corporation's eventual heir. As a result, there was never a moment when the two were completely apart; they would strive to spend their free time together. He realized that the last time he saw his mother was at Prissy's wedding over three years ago.

For long years, Prissy avoided marriage. She claimed it was because she preferred to devote her time to her studies. This did not sit well with their mother, which was ironic given that it was Mrs Andrews who had taught her daughter to believe that she should never settle for less than perfection and that her education was extremely important. Mrs Andrews finally ceased caring about what her daughter was going to accomplish with her life. So when an unfamiliar man walked upon their house, alleging to be courting their eldest daughter and here to request for her hand in marriage, everyone was caught off guard. When the opportunity arose, they were even more startled to find that Prissy had accepted all the man had said.

Billy heard the familiar sound of the door unlocking and saw his mother appear a minute later. She had greeted him with open arms when he came back home, and the mother and son were soon sitting on the living room sofas, teacups and biscuits on the console table across from them.

Mrs Andrews sipped her tea and commented, "It's about time you chose to come home. And what a pity. Look at how thin you've become."

He gave her a reassuring smile. "Rest assured, Mother. I am doing perfectly alright."

Mrs Andrews chastised, "That's exactly what your father used to say to me, and see where his 'alright' has gotten him. Six feed under, that's where."

He didn't say anything about it. Instead, Billy's comforting smile didn't waver as he sipped his tea and tinkered with the teacup's glass. True, his father passed away not long ago, but he wasn't here to spread sorrow.

"You appear as if you wish to say something."

"I do," he replied simply, "and I come bearing good news."

"News? Are you⸺are you possibly thinking of finally settling down?"

Billy nodded. "Indeed."

Mrs Andrews' soft smile had widened significantly, and she was beaming from head to toe. She had been wondering when her only and most cherished son would eventually settle down and marry for quite some time. It had been so long, and she was becoming so elderly, that she would occasionally wonder if it would ever happen in her lifetime.

"Oh, that's absolutely perfect!" she exclaimed. "Have you already found someone or should I pull out my list of potential matches? I've heard that the Pye's are currently looking for a husband for their daughter, Josie! Or even the Gillis' for their daughter, Ruby. Or perhaps⸺"

"Mother," Billy cut in, "I've already found someone."

"Well? Who is the lucky lady?"

"Her name is Florence," he revealed, "Florence Robinson."

Mrs Andrews cocked her head, trying to remember where she'd heard that name before because it seemed so familiar. "Florence . . . Robinson?"

"You know . . . Prissy's friend?"

The elder woman's face revealed a look of recognition as she made no attempt to hide her apparent dislike for the girl.

"Oh." She frowned bitterly. "That Florence."

Billy studied his mother's expression curiously. "Yes . . . that Florence."

"This is most certainly an unsuitable match!" Mrs Andrews abruptly chastised. "Orphaned, poor in social standing, and⸺"

"The one I want to marry," Billy cut in with a heavy sigh. He didn't wish to argue with his mother regarding something as private as his love life. "We are in love and wish to spend the rest of our lives together. That is all there is to that."

"Well, that's no worry." More than anything, Mrs Andrews attempted to convince herself. She tapped the side of the teacup nervously, a fever developing in her. Her son couldn't possibly consider such an absurd thing, could he? "After all, it's not like you've yet proposed to her, right?"

She felt slightly relieved at the revelation that she was likely correct and that her son had not yet proposed to the girl. She could still find a way to end this courtship that the two had assumed with one another against her better judgment as long as he hadn't proposed. Maybe she wouldn't be dealing with what she was right now if she maintained a more close eye on her son.

The thing she dreaded the most came back to haunt her.

"I have, actually. And she has accepted. I am to go to her home tomorrow and formally ask her grandparents for her hand in marriage."

Mrs Andrews appeared to be furious. "What audacity! William, how could you? Do you have no respect for our socioeconomic status in relation to hers? I have no intention of telling the rest of our family about this. No, they'll find out for themselves, that too on the wedding day that you so desperately want. God, what do you suppose they'll say?"

"They'll say congratulations," Billy replied bluntly, "And if they don't want to say that, they'll simply eat some cake and be on their way."

"This is preposterous, William. I do not agree to this marriage."

"And I don't ever remember asking for your permission," he argued, voice remaining steady. "I'm simply stopping by to inform you and ask for your blessing."

"Well, you can forget about that. Pay close attention, son. I will not be attending your wedding when the time comes, and you will be left wondering where you went wrong. And what's the answer? You went wrong the very day when you decided on marrying Florence Robinson, an inconsequential girl, without considering the rest of your family, including your deceased father."

"That's quite enough now, Mother," Billy cut in, ears fuming scarlet. He'd managed to hold his composure for the most part, but this was getting out of hand. "Anything you say will be handled my way, but any insults directed towards Florence will not be tolerated. As for father⸺ I'm confident that my father would understand. He always did, more than you ever have."

He quickly rose to his feet, grabbing his overcoat and tossing it over his shoulder. "Thank you for reminding me why I don't come to see you as often as I should. I should be ready to go now. Good bye."

"William⸺"

He has, however, already left.

***

It has been a year since that fateful day, and Florence and Billy did end up marrying each other, against Mrs Andrews' wishes. Despite the fact that Billy's mother despised her, Florence made every effort to treat her with respect. It was the least she could do because, at the end of the day, she was still her mother-in-law, and despite what her husband might say, Billy secretly cared for his mother. In a perfect world, there would be no family tension between the two women, and they would be living prosperously.

The wedding was small and intimate, with only Florence's grandparents and a few close school friends in attendance. On Billy's side, it was Prissy and her family who were brought along, as well as Jane Andrews, who had first sided with her mother's decision to not attend. Mrs Andrews kept her word and didn't show up at the wedding. But it wasn't like she'd completely forgotten about the two. She came by every now and then, but never for more than a few hours. And she never failed to say something hurtful to her daughter-in-law in the process.

In the Andrews household, today was a momentous day. Billy's mother came to see them today at their lovely acreage residence. Prissy, her husband, and their two adorable twin children were also present (a girl and a boy named Kate and Tate). They weren't just passing by; they were staying the night and departing the next morning. It was their family's first official sleepover. Florence's grandmother was also invited, but due to her declining health, she had been unable to accept.

It was well into the afternoon. While the children were amongst the carpeted floor, various toys and playthings keeping their attention, the adults were seated on the sofas and chairs of the living room. Prissy's husband, Frank, had stepped out for a moment, so he wasn't present, but his wife was. Mrs Andrews was seated on one sofa beside her daughter while Florence and Billy were on another seated right next to each other.

The young couple was preparing to make an important announcement that afternoon, and with the light atmosphere in the room, they decided there was no better moment than now.

Billy's hand grasped his wife's, nodding to her before clearing his throat. "While we had intended to inform the family at one time, Frank has stepped out, so this will have to suffice. Mother, Prissy . . . Florence and I have an announcement to make."

Prissy raised her eyebrows, silently asking Florence with her eyes just what this announcement was. Florence remained calm and collected, not revealing what they had to say.

Mrs Andrews was growing impatient. "Well, get on with it."

Florence glanced at her husband and then to the others with a soft grin. "I'm pregnant."

Suddenly, the room was filled with commotion. Prissy had risen to her feet and hugged her dearest friend. Mrs Andrews, who had been nothing but resentful towards her daughter-in-law up until this point, was pleasantly surprised.

Mrs Andrews was the first to react. "That's⸺that's wonderful! I am to become a grandmother."

"You already are," Prissy reminded her.

"Well, yes, but to my son's child. That's an entirely different thing altogether."

Prissy sighed with mild annoyance. She wasn't going to argue with her mother again and ruin the mood, that too at such a lovely moment. If only she had Frank with her right now ⸺ he always had a way of calming her down. This time, however, she met Florence's gentle gaze halfway, and they both smiled to each other. If not for her husband, it was always her best friend who knew her better than anybody else.

Billy breathed out a sigh of relief. He turned his attention to his mother, secretly scanning her face for any signs of approval. "So, you're happy then?"

"Happy? I'm absolutely thrilled!" Mrs Andrews confessed with a laugh. She glanced at her daughter-in-law and Florence prepared to hear words of encouragement or something alike. But she was met with the opposite. "It explains why you've put on so much weight, dear."

The ball had been dropped. Prissy's eyes widened, covering her mouth with her hands. Florence tightened her hold on her husband's hand, knuckles growing white with fury. She was about to retort, to say something that would make her mother-in-law eat her own words, but Billy gently squeezed her leg, silently insisting that she calm down and not accidentally make a scene. She did calm down . . . for now. But later that day, she'd be giving a mouthful to her husband for telling her to remain quiet despite the rude comment.

Florence excused herself to her bedroom earlier than usual that day ⸺ claiming that she was feeling unwell. Mrs Andrews didn't object, reasoning to the rest of the family that the more rest a woman in her delicate condition got, the better. And everyone else followed suit.

When most of everyone was already off to their bedrooms for the night, Prissy had made her way over to Florence's bedroom. She knew that her best friend was still feeling upset about what had went on earlier that day, and so she wanted to be there for her. To settle her down.

"I just don't understand, Prissy. It's like she's happy one moment, and then she says something completely unnecessary almost always directed at me the next," Florence admitted to Prissy while the two girls sat across one another on the bed. Her back was resting against the frame of the bed, legs pulled up to her chest.

"I know Mother can be unreasonable at times⸺"

Florence gave her a look and Prissy rephrased her words. "Okay. I know she can be very unreasonable at times. Particularly when it concerns you. But believe me when I say that she means no real harm. She's simply a woman with a unique perspective on life. Everything she's been taught entails opposing those who are similar to you. Suddenly, you entered her one and only son's life, and everything she had been taught growing up has come crumbling down. She must learn to accept her daughter-in-law, which she finds the most challenging."

Florence bit her bottom lip, contemplating her best friend's words. With a sigh, she nodded. "I know what you're saying is right, but I can't help it sometimes. I just get upset."

Prissy assured quietly, "And it's entirely normal to feel that way. We might as well be labeled heartless morons if we were all the same and expected to not feel anything at all."

The brunette couldn't help but laugh at this and the blonde felt proud with herself for being the reason that her best friend's smile had returned. She opened her mouth to say something else, but a soft knocking was heard on the bedroom door. It opened up a second later, revealing Billy. Although his usual tidy appearance had given way for a more dishevelled look, he still looked absolutely breathtaking to Florence. But she was still mad at him.

The twins were bawling, smothering out to explain just why they were crying but were making little to no sense. Kate and Tate were clinging to each of his legs with everything they had. How did he manage to get all the way here with all that commotion?

Billy sighed. "Your minions that you call children are very insistent on seeing their mother."

"Don't call my children minions," Prissy scolded and rose to her feet from off the bed. She approached the trio, crouching down and offering out her hands to her children. One by one, each of the twins jumped off their uncle's legs and rushed into their mother's arms. She shushed each of them who were randomly babbling against her chest. Once she had a firm grasp on them, she rose to her feet and added, "Or I'll call your children the exact same."

"No, you won't." Billy seemed so sure for some reason.

"How do you know?"

"Because the mother of my children will be Florence. And just about the entire ton knows how dear she is to you." Billy peeked over his sister's shoulder and gave his wife a cheeky smirk. Florence huffed and narrowed her eyes.

"Okay, okay. There's not much I can do to punish you." Prissy went past him to the bedroom door. "Not yet, at least. I'll think of something. And when I do⸺ oh, how you'll regret it."

She skipped away and Billy rose an eyebrow before shaking his head. He shut the door behind Prissy, then slowly approached his clearly annoyed wife on the bed. Taking a seat across from her, he cleared his throat pointedly, trying to grasp her attention. But she didn't even bother to acknowledge him, sharply looking away.

He reached for her hand and cooed, but she swiftly drew it away. He sighed and lowered his head, as if given up. "My love . . . I know you're upset with me."

She rolled her eyes. "Gee, is it that obvious?"

"Sort of." He made a hand gesture to her nose. "When you're angry, that little scrunch on your nose . . . I'm all too familiar with it. I'm all too familiar with you."

"Then you must also know what it is that is making me so angry."

"It's mother," he answered without another thought. "And what she said to you."

"Will, I⸺" Florence looked away with a sigh. "I don't know what it's going to take for her to be nice to me. I thought I saw it⸺a little appreciation when we revealed the news of my pregnancy to her, but . . . but even that wasn't enough."

Billy's deep blue eyes glistened with a confused and troubled glimmer as he glanced aside for a moment, as if carefully considering something.

"What are you thinking?"

Shaking his head, he snapped out of his reverie. "Nothing, just . . . was this pregnancy merely a means of gaining my mother's approval?"

"Certainly not!" she swiftly denied, gripping his hands and trying not to be too concerned about his unusual distant look in his eyes. She reached out to his face, tucking a strand of his dirty blond hair away from his eyes. "Darling . . . I am happy about the pregnancy. I'm so happy. This is what we'd been planning for a while, right? It happened because I love you, and you love me. There's no reason for me to even begin to think that this could be a way to your mother's heart. It might help, surely, but this was never my main intention. Trust me on this. Please."

Billy thought over her words for a moment before nodding and smiling a little. He buried his face in the palm of her hand. "I trust you. My mother, on the other hand, will have to learn to appreciate you for who you are when the time comes. And I apologize for . . . for all that happened today. This was meant to be a happy moment."

"It is happy, Will," she assured softly. "You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because you and I are together."

And together meant forever.

Billy wore an affectionate smile before he cleared his throat, tugging on Florence's hands to inch her a little closer to him. Faces so close, he could count the freckles that kissed her cheeks.

"Are you sure it isn't because all these hours later and we're only now getting some alone time?" There was a suggestive tone in his voice, glancing down at her peachy lips which he'd memorized the taste of.

She playfully rolled her eyes. "We had some alone time last night and then this morning . . . have you not enough?"

"Nope!" he said, "What can I say? You're just so irresistible."

"Or maybe . . ." She lowered her voice down to a whisper. "You're just very stimulated."

He grinned. "Take your pick."

Billy went in for a kiss, but it was cut short when their bedroom door opened again, this time without a knock. The couple stood there watching as two twin children rushed in the doorway one after the other. Kate jumped into Billy's arms, while Tate rushed for Florence's.

"Children," Florence asked pointedly, "Shouldn't you both be in bed?"

"Mommy said that since we leave tomorrow, we can have a sleepover here!" Tate explained, grinning widely and displaying each of his crooked teeth, some of which were missing.

"She didn't . . ." Billy let out a low growl. When Prissy threatened him that she'd think of some way to punish him, he didn't think she meant it literally. Or right now, for that matter.

"She did!" Kate confirmed.

"How thoughtful of her," Florence mused, giving her husband a knowing look. "All right, then, let's get you both in bed."

And they did as told. Not long after, both of the twins were tucked comfortably between Billy and Florence on the queen-sized bed, covered in many blankets.

"Can you tell us a bedtime story?" Tate asked, "Daddy always reads to us."

"Why don't you go to Daddy then?" Billy asked the little boy, forcing a smile. Florence lightly smacked the back of his head out of the view of the younglings.

"He says that whatever Mommy says goes. And mommy says that you should read us a bedtime story."

Florence hid back a laugh as Billy rolled his eyes. She was sure that if it weren't for the kids being