The Rags-To-Riches Wife. Metsy Hingle

      “I’m so sorry, dear. I didn’t know. Jack.” She said his name sharply. “You should have said something to us. Now I’ve gone and embarrassed this dear girl.”

      “I’m not embarrassed, Mrs. Cartwright, and please don’t feel you need to apologize or feel sorry for me. The truth is, I’ve always believed I was pretty lucky because I’ve never had to worry about living up to anyone’s expectations but my own.”

      “She’s right,” Courtney said. “Is it too late for me to be an orphan?”

      Everyone laughed and Jack was relieved to have some of the tension ebb.

      “Well, once you and Jack are married, you’ll be a Cartwright and we’ll be your family,” his mother said.

      “Are you going to take the name Cartwright or keep your maiden name?” his sister Elizabeth asked.

      “Actually, I haven’t really thought about it,” Lily replied.

      “I think when I get married I’ll keep my own name,” Courtney declared.

      “In my day, a woman took her husband’s name,” his mother said.

      “Whatever Lily decides will be fine with me,” Jack told them, wanting to end the discussion.

      “So, Lily, have you and Jack decided on a date and place for the wedding yet?” Courtney asked.