When I caught my MIL stealing cash from our wedding envelopes, she denied it and said she was “organizing” everything. So a week later, we invited the whole family to dinner and handed her a special gift that made her scream.Walter and I paid for most of our wedding ourselves. It was beautiful. We’d found a farmhouse B&B with a hall that had enough charm to allow us to skimp on decoration.During the reception, my parents pulled me aside near the gift table.My mother held out a thick envelope.”Elena, sweetheart,” she said softly, “your father and I wanted to give you and Walter something to start your life.”I smiled, already feeling tears press behind my eyes. “You didn’t have to do anything big. You being here is enough.”
My father cleared his throat. “We saved $5000. Use it for a home, a honeymoon, whatever helps you breathe a little easier.”Five thousand dollars! I knew what money meant in my parents’ house. They must’ve saved for over a year to gather that much money.”Dad,” I whispered. “That’s too much.”He squeezed my hand. “You’re our daughter. Nothing we give you is too much.”I hugged them both, then went to place their envelope on the gift table. Beatrice rushed forward as I approached.”Another gift?” She reached for the envelope with a smile. “I’ll take it. I’ve organized all the gifts for you and Walter.”