She evaluates me with a piercing gaze as if sizing me up to see if I’m fit to be her son’s wife. 

I shake it off and square my shoulders, take a deep breath, stretch my hand, and say, “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

Suddenly, her face brightens into a warm smile, and she pulls me into a hug. I’m startled that she accepts me with open arms.

“Logan, are you sure about her being your wife?” she asks, needing to confirm she heard correctly.

“Yes, Mother, she is my wife. We’ve been married for quite some time now,” he explains, looking at me with emotions I can't put...