2 / On Mother’s Day, My MIL Made Me Pay for Everyone’s Meal Because I Was the Only One

she said sweetly, “you’re the only one here who isn’t a mother. So it doesn’t seem fair to split the bill. Maybe you could treat us this year?” She slid the check toward me — $367. Most of it for their lobster tails, desserts, and prosecco. I had grilled chicken and water. I smiled, opened my purse, and placed $25 on the table. “That covers my meal.” Then I looked her in the eye and said, “Actually, I am celebrating something. Ryan and I are adopting. We were matched this morning — a baby girl. She’s being born tomorrow in Denver.” The entire table went silent. I stood, put on my coat,

and added, “So yes, this is my first Mother’s Day. And no, I won’t be paying for yours.” The next morning, I held my daughter Maya for the first time. She wrapped her tiny hand around my finger, and I felt everything shift. Cheryl never called me. She called Ryan instead — said I embarrassed her. But he told her the truth: “You embarrassed yourself.” We haven’t heard from her since. And honestly? That’s okay. Because I’m finally a mom — and that’s all I ever wanted to be.