Preparing for the dance night went smoothly. Anton and Sjaak carried the tables to the walls, and made seats there.

Anton walked over to Margreet. "How are you doing, Margreet? Are you pulling it together a bit with your parents around?"

Margreets gave him a brief account of the things that had happened, honestly letting him know that she had found it grim, but also telling him that she had been able to deal with it much better than before. "And tonight, I did dread that, but before tonight they have already let it be known that they would not get involved in something so ridiculous. That was a great relief to me. I was afraid they were going to ruin the dance night. But so we can just quietly go about our business and enjoy!"

"I'm glad to hear that. And you're right, it gives peace of mind that they won't be there tonight. We've heard from the other guests, that they were disgusted that your parents spoke so ugly about you, about you together, and about the food. Somehow it seems that nothing can be right for them. It's a great pity, because with such an attitude they can't really enjoy themselves. Yesterday they went for a long bike ride. When they came home they were suddenly positive ... about the number of kilometers they had ridden! And oh yes, the surroundings had been beautiful too. But I really got the impression that the number of kilometers was more important."

Margreet chuckled: "That's right, very recognizable. I do not know any different from them. I've never seen them relax in it, in bike rides or walks. It was always about the performance. But let's talk about something else Anton. To you, my adoptive father... hihi how great that sounds!... I want to tell you that Huib and I are expecting a baby. It all goes so fast, but I am just happy. It feels like I finally get to live. Joke! Come here!" She didn't give Joke a chance to leave the room again.

Joke came rushing up. "Is something wrong? No, it can't be, because you're beaming. But what is?"

"I'm pregnant! We're expecting the baby in August. And you know what was so beautiful?" She started to tell them enthusiastically how Huib and she separately had found out about what was going on. And about the nursery. Anton and Joke hung on her every word, laughing along, nodding and shaking their heads. They were totally into her story.

"When we are here again, I think in April or May, can we see the little room?" Joke asked eagerly.

"Of course! You can always come by, that's fun!"

At that moment she saw in the corner of her eye Annerieke disappear in the direction of the kitchen. She was shocked, she had completely forgotten that she should actually help Annerieke with the snacks. "Oh how stupid, I'm leaving Annerieke all alone with the work. I'm going to help her quickly again!"

Joke grabbed her by the arm for a second. "Annerieke will let you have this, she doesn't want you as her servant." She nodded at her and released her.

Margreet smiled, then quickly went to the kitchen. As Joke had said, it was absolutely right. Annerieke had actually enjoyed it for her, standing so excitedly telling Anton and Joke all about her happy news. She had not worried for a moment, and she had not been angry at all because of the work that still had to be done and Margreet wasn’t helping her anymore.

Huib had already made his music choices. He had his list present on the bar. Sjaak picked it up, as he did almost every week, and read the titles. His finger lingered on number four, "You are so beautiful to me" by Joe Cocker. He smiled. At least at that song he wanted to dance with Lisa. He didn't think he knew the complete lyrics, but those few lines he would sing along, for her.

Huib looked over his shoulder. He laughed: "It's easy to guess what you're up to! Me too, by the way, I'm going to dance that song with Margreet, and sing it for her."

"That's exactly what I was planning. I don't know the lyrics very well, but I'm definitely going to sing that line from the title. Besides, when we do it together, I'll dare a little harder than I had in mind."

Huib grinned, "We're just going to roar it from the depths of our hearts! That lyric isn't hard by the way, wait..." He tapped in the title on his mobile: "Look, I have the lyrics here, in fact he sings pretty much the same thing a couple of times, although it does vary from version to version. But the version we're playing tonight is this one, deep feelings in simple words. I'm looking forward to it man!"

Sjaak looked at the lyrics with him and laughed, "Me too, more than ever!"

To chapter 86. You are so beautiful to me

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