“I love Alice and she loves me, why can’t you accept that and be happy for me?”

“But you could easily find a man who loves you just as much Dana. Alice is a nice girl as a friend but you could do so much better.” Sharon Fairbank’s words hurt me. The fact was I was not good enough for her daughter and although I had told myself this many times before I was not going to let it stop me loving Dana. At first I felt hurt and upset but then the anger began to rise and I paced over to where the two women were fighting.

“Look Sharon, I’m sorry I’m not good enough for your daughter, I’m aware of that fact, but I love her so much and she loves me. We’re happy together, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my entire life. I know you don’t approve and I may never be good enough in your eyes but please just give me a chance”. I didn’t know where all of the words had come from; they just came out in all of my anger. I waited in preparation for Sharon’s response.

“Okay Alice, I’ll give you a chance but don’t you do dare hurt my daughter”

“Mum” Dana said in a firm tone, obviously unappreciative of her mother’s warning words.

“It’s ok Dane” I looked from Sharon to Dana and back again. “Sharon, I don’t intend to ever hurt your daughter, I would not be able to forgive myself if I ever did. You have my word that I love Dana and I will do everything I can to protect her and make her happy”.

Sharon stood in silence for a few moments, working out what to say. “Good.” Was all she said. She then walked over to Dana and reached in to peck her cheek “congratulations again honey”. With that, she walked out of the door.

Dana

Alice’s little speech to my mother had left me thinking. Later that evening we were sitting on the couch and most of our guests has left, leaving only Shane, Tina and Bette in the kitchen.

“Alice, what were you talking about when you said you’re not good enough for me? You know that’s not true”.