"Are we nearly there yet?" An excited voice asked from the back seat. They were on the way to spend the weekend with Steve's family. It was his mother's birthday and she had rented a deluxe cottage for the family which included a swimming pool, gym and hot tub. As well as a large kitchen there was also an outside BBQ and outside dining area. Josh was excited because Jake and Oscar, his friends from the wedding would be there.
"Nearly," was Steve's reply. He had no idea where he was going as he'd never been to the place before but he hoped the satnav was correct in that it was leading him to the right place and it was only twenty minutes away.
Luckily it was and they were pulling up into the large driveway twenty minutes later as stated. A few other cars were there that Steve recognised so he knew they had the right place. Steve's mum opened the front door as Kate let Josh out the car. "Hello Josh," greeted Sue as Josh made his way to her.
"Hello," he greeted as he hugged Sue's legs. "Are Jake and Oscar here yet?" He enquired.
"Yes," replied Sue as she gave just as an enthusiastic hug back to Josh. "In the kitchen,". Without waiting for instructions, Josh scuttled off in search of his friends.
"Hi Sue," greeted Kate who was next in line. She was dragging two small suitcases behind her. "Happy birthday!" She said as she let go of the luggage and gave Steve's mum a hug.
"Hello, Kate," welcomed Sue. "Good to see you. Josh looks excited to be here,".
"Sorry about that. He's been looking forward to playing with Jake and Oscar again. He's been chattering non stop all the way here," Kate Apologised.
"Don't be silly," replied Sue. "Come in," she gestured. "You can leave your bags here. We haven't decided on rooms yet. Thought we would do it after lunch,". Kate did as requested and waited whilst Steve greeted his mother.
"Hi mum," he said.
"Hello darling," she said as they also had a hug. "You're both looking very well," she observed. It was true. They both looked extremely happy.
"Just finished a big case," Steve replied.
"Well that must be it," Sue said, a little disappointed. She had hoped it was something of a more romantic nature but Mike had warned her not to meddle or ask too many intrusive questions of their son over the weekend and so she kept her promise. "Anyway come through. We are all in the kitchen making a bit of lunch,".
Steve and Kate followed Sue to where the noise was coming from at the back of the house.
"This place is gorgeous, Sue," Kate commented as they made their way through the property.
"A friend of mine recommended it," Sue answered. "She said her family had an amazing time here and I can see why. It is lovely. Look who's here," Sue said as they finally reached the kitchen.
Steve and Kate took turns to greet everyone before the family group made their way to the large dining table to partake of the light lunch including birthday cake. Everyone also took the opportunity to give their presents to the birthday girl.
"This is from me, Kate and Josh," Steve said as he handed a well wrapped box over to his mother when it was his turn.
Sue took the box and carefully unwrapped it, eventually finding a lovely silver photo frame that contained a picture of her with her husband and son that Kate had taken at the wedding.
"Oh it's lovely. Thank you Kate," Sue said as she reached for the woman's hand and gave it a squeeze, genuinely touched by the thoughtful present.
"Err excuse me?" Steve asked, not sure why he wasn't receiving his mother's gratitude
"This present has a woman's touch all over it," Sue explained. "You normally just give me flowers or chocolate, dear!".
Steve didn't know how to reply as his mother had guessed correctly. The picture and frame had all been Kate's idea and he had willingly gone along with it, pleased that he didn't have to do much work at all.
"Ok rooms," Sue announced once she had opened everything and couldn't believe how spoilt she had been. "There's one room with three single beds in it which I thought would be perfect for the boys if everyone is happy with that?"Sue said, getting agreement from everyone, especially the boys. "As for everyone else, help yourself. They're all basically the same. And don't worry darling," Sue said now talking to her son, "I've learnt my lesson from before and you and Kate can have separate rooms,".
"Thanks mum," Steve said, not quite as enthusiastically as Sue had hoped. He wasn't quite sure what to do now. He'd made such a fuss at the wedding about sharing a room with Kate that now, when he really wanted to share a room with her he felt he couldn't make a fuss again.
"Take the room next to mine and I'll pay you a night time visit," Kate whispered to Steve when Sue had moved off and left them alone. Steve's eyes lit up at her suggestion before they were interrupted by Josh.
"Come and have a look at our bedroom!" He announced to his mother as he ran up to her and Steve, very excited. "There's a slide!" He continued before running off again.
Kate and Steve looked bemused at each other before following Josh to the boys' room. The rest of the family had also gathered there following Jake and Oscar's excited summons.
Josh climbed on one bed and started jumping around. "Don't jump on the bed!" Kate scolded. Josh stopped and started to climb down, clearly annoyed at something.
"How come I'm not allowed to jump on the bed but you can, Mummy?" He asked, unhappy at the unfairness of his mothers request.
"I don't jump on beds," Kate retorted.
"Yes you did!" Josh reminded Kate. "The other morning I caught you bouncing on the bed with Steve. Remember?" He said as he followed the other boys out the room, no longer wanting to stay with the boring adults and unaware of the can of worms he had just opened
Kate and Steve wanted to die. They had just been outed by the five year old. The other adults in the room knew exactly what Josh had seen even if he hadn't and all turned with questioning looks on their faces.
Deciding to go with it, Steve took Kate's hand and turned to face his family. "That wasn't quite how we planned telling you that there has been a slight change to our relationship," Steve admitted, embarrassed.
"Oh my word," Sue said. "I'm so happy for the pair of you," she continued as she engulfed them in a massive hug. "You've made my weekend. Do I need to buy myself a hat?". Sue's mind already whirring with things that needed to be organised if that was the case.
"Jeez mum! Give us a chance," Steve retorted.
"Does this mean you'll be sharing a room?".
"Yes, mum," Steve replied and was pleased to see his mum so happy.
"But no bouncing on the bed!" Jackie teased and Steve and Kate both looked embarrassed. "Especially if we are in the room next door,".
"Very funny," retorted Steve. "We better choose a room far away from you then," he continued before grabbing Kate's hand and running off. Jackie and her husband followed, leaving Sue and Mike alone.
"Told you Kate was going to be our daughter in law," Sue told her husband.
"Yes dear," Mike said.
"I think it was down to me and that room share I encouraged at the wedding. Sometimes it's good to meddle," Sue informed her husband gleefully.
"Yes dear," Mike repeated before following his wife out of the room and joining the rest of the group.
