“How is my baby girl?” he asked.
“I’m good, Daddy. I was hoping I could speak to both you and Mommy.”
“Sure thing. Minerva, pick up Hannah is on the phone.” Her dad bellowed. Hannah pulled the phone from her ear for a moment and smiled. It took some more summoning before both of her parents were on the call. While Mrs. Wilson wasn’t as loud as her husband, he could still hear her. Her mother had barely finished her greeting when Hannah cleared her throat. Unlike her parents, he had a front seat to her nervousness. He squeezed her knee.
“I have something to share with you both.” The seriousness of her tone seemed to place her parents on alert.
“Go ahead.” They both instructed.
“Earlier… Earlier…” She stopped and tried again. “Earlier today I got married.”
Silence. Hannah seemed to be holding her breath.
“Congratulations dear,” Ms. Wilson finally spoke. Mr. Wilson joined his wife in wishing her well.
His wife looked shocked at her parents’ declarations. He wasn’t sure why she dropped the volume of her voice. After all, he was sitting right beside her, but she did. “You aren’t upset?”
“You are a grown woman, dear. Why would your father and I be upset you married Samuel?” Interesting. Hannah hadn’t said it was him. However, he was pleased that her parents came to the correct conclusion. “It would have been nice to have been invited, but that is alright we can have a get together later.”
“Where is Samuel?” Her father asked.
“Right here,” she squeaked. He took the phone from his wife and placed it on speaker.
“Hello, Pastor Wilson.”
“Pastor Wilson. None of that. It’s Dad. Congratulations, son.” Samuel could barely acknowledge his statement and the older man continued. “You take care of my baby girl. Baby girl, you take care of your husband. Oh, and stop caring what other people think. Like your Momma said, you are grown. Be happy! Now go on and enjoy your honeymoon. My woodworking competition is coming on in five minutes. Minerva, you have anything else to add?”
“Welcome to the family, Samuel. Tell me when you two will be back and you all can come over for a celebration dinner.”
Once the call was done, Hannah sat there looking shell-shocked. “Why do you look like that didn’t go as well as it did?” He asked her.
“I guess, I had a whole rebuttal prepared about how this was what was best for me. They just accepted it. Correct me if I’m wrong, I didn’t tell them I married you, did I?”
“Well, I am glad I was the forgone conclusion. Why? Were there other contenders?” He hoped he was successful at keeping his tone playful.
“No, of course not!”
“Good. Then we are one down. One more, to go.” He pulled out his cellphone. Taking a hold of Hannah’s hand, he squeezed it reassuringly. Of course, his Omma was the one to pick up the phone, his Abeoji avoided the communication device. He was more of a face-to-face man. Samuel was certain he wouldn’t appreciate hearing the news by phone, but given the circumstances, it left them with little choice. The newly married couple couldn’t wait to let their board know. Samuel had no intention of cutting their time together short, by returning to tell everyone in person. So here they were.
The moment his mom picked up, he asked for his father to pick up. Once his father was on. He advised they were not alone on the call, and he would speak in English. Unlike Hannah, he had no nerves in announcing his news. In fact, he did so with a great deal of pride. “Omma and Abeoji, with great joy I have called to inform you that Hannah Wilson and I have gotten married.”
“Cong—” His Omma began but was cut off by his Abeoji speaking in Korean. Hannah turned worried eyes in his direction. Her body stiffened. While she didn’t understand the words being uttered, he most certainly did. His Abeoji was lighting into him about his discontent over the situation. Samuel was furious. He’d never admonished his father previously. However, he felt the man’s behaviour warranted his ire.
“Abeoji, as you are aware my new wife doesn’t speak Korean. You switching to a language she doesn’t speak is impolite.” Samuel scolded in Korean.
“My apologies, Hannah,” His father immediately switched to English. “The news of Han-uel making another rash decision caused me to forget my manners.” Beside Samuel, Hannah listened aptly. He squeezed her hand. She gave a barely formed smile, which didn’t reach her eyes. “Please note, this is not a reflection of you as a choice. Rather, this reflects my concern as a father for a son who does not think through his actions.” As his father continued to speak, sadness crept into Hannah’s eyes.
“My decision to marry Hannah was not rash. In fact, my actions were made with a great deal of thought. I can confidently say it is a decision I am most pleased with.” Samuel barely kept his tone respectful.
“In that case,” His father paused, “your mother and I welcome you into the family, Hannah. We are certain you will be an excellent addition.” Samuel felt his father’s about turn had more to do with his Omma. Although she had remained silent, Samuel was certain she wasn’t pleased with his Abejoi’s reaction. She was probably staring daggers at him. Hence his quick turn about.
“Yes welcome, Hannah. It is nice to have a new daughter.” Like Hannah’s mother, Samuel’s mother mentioned having a dinner for them when they returned.
When the call was done. Hannah pulled her hand from his. “Ready for some cake?” She sighed.
Samuel followed her to the kitchen. “Sure.” He stood beside her as she plated the cake. Only when she had finished, did she address what was on her mind. “Will your father be okay with us?”
“Yes. He has questioned my decisions since I walked away from the church to become a singer. That wasn’t what he wanted for me. So naturally, it bothered him. Our family doesn’t believe in the concept of ‘in-laws’. For them, you are their daughter now. I promise as they get to know you better, they will adore you as I do.” The worry which creased her brow did not completely disappear. However, she seemed to relax a bit.
