My father's expression turned to stone.
"We agreed they'd take our name. How could you go back on your word?"
Amelia didn't flinch. "What family lets children take the mother's name? People would laugh at my son and say he's got no backbone."
She stared my parents down and added, "You want the names changed? Fine."
"Transfer the deed of the marital home into my son's name as a surname-change fee. Then maybe we'll consider letting one of the children switch back."
——
My face went white with fury. I turned on my husband and shouted, "Jim Fox! Does your mother even understand? You married into my family!"
"If you want to go back on everything, then let's just end this!"
Three years ago, I'd started going on blind dates. The moment Jim heard, he sent me a confession in the middle of the night.
I was stunned. He'd been my secret crush all through college.
I told him straight: my family required the husband to marry in, and any future children had to carry the Galloway name.
Jim's eyes had lit up. He said he was more than willing.
I pressed him. What about his family? What would they think?
He'd laughed, pulled me into his arms, and explained.