Honestly, you really picked him, didnt you? Emily laughed, shaking her head at her sister. What, have all the decent lads vanished?
James isnt married, Grace replied, trying to look defensive.
Thats not the point! Hes got a little one, so hes definitely not free. Hes already got a housekeeper and a nanny for free, and here you are, getting all worked up!
We love each other, Grace said, a bit flustered.
You might love him, but
Emily was two years older than Grace, but she always talked to her like a younger sibling, assuming she knew better about life and people.
Grace was the lively, bubbly one. The first to settle down, shed married a seaman who earned well and moved into his flat. Grace, on the other hand, was calm, reliable and a touch too kind at least thats how Emily saw her.
Emily kept an eye on Grace, nudging her whenever her love life needed a little boost. Grace never rushed into marriage; shed just chuckle at Emilys attempts to set her up.
Then, at twentyfour, Grace announced she was getting engaged to widower James, whod got a oneyearold daughter, Lily, in his arms.
Honestly, you really picked him, Emily repeated, are there any single blokes left in this world?
James isnt married.
Not what I meant! Hes got a baby, so hes not exactly free. Hes already got a free housekeeper and a nanny, and youre still flapping your gums!
We love each other.
You might love him, but
Emily, knock it off, Grace snapped, a little harsher than usual. If you dont like it, thats your business. Dont stick your nose where it doesnt belong.
Emily was good at knowing when to back off, especially with Grace she loved her sister, and that love was mutual.
Soon enough she realised James was a decent bloke kind, caring, steady, and genuinely fond of Grace. She never expected anything from him or little Lily, who quickly started calling Emily Mum.
Honestly, Emily found herself growing attached to the cheeky little girl, treating her like a niece, especially since she didnt have any kids of her own yet.
The sisters lived on adjoining streets in a leafy suburb of South London and popped over to each others houses all the time, keeping up a daily phone chat.
And, of course, Emily was there when, four years after the wedding, James died unexpectedly.
At first Emily kept quiet shed seen Grace coping, doing the housework mechanically, still going to work, and cradling Lily with a soft tenderness.
Its a relief I already adopted Lily, Grace sighed when the two were alone. If I still had to sort out the legalities, Id have lost it.
Exactly, Emily replied, feeling sorry for her sister. She deserves the best, so why does she have to suffer?
That injustice gnawed at Emily, and a year after Jamess passing she started trying again to set Grace up.
Life goes on, love. Raising a child alone is tough, you know that, right? And why keep wallowing?
Were fine, just the two of us, Grace brushed off.
But when Emily begged her to join a birthday party for a friend, promising an interesting bloke, Grace finally gave in.
That interesting bloke turned out to be Paul Harris, a chatty sales manager a few years older than Grace.
My heads ringing from his endless babbling, Grace complained later.
Probably just nerves, Emily laughed. Paul isnt that much of a chatterbox, but he did inherit a nice flat, a car, and a decent salary.
Sure, hes got an exwife and a teenage son, but who at this age is still looking for a clean slate?
Grace wasnt thrilled with Paul, yet she agreed to go out with him. Their dates were few and far between he was always off on business trips. Plus, Grace was more worried about Lily than spending time with him.
Three months later, Grace overheard a call between Paul and someone else and broke it off on the spot.
Hes not really traveling; he lives with his ex and their son. When his ex found out about the inheritance she went from angry to grateful. I just dont see why I matter to him, she told Emily.
Honestly, they split two years ago I never imagined hed act like that! No worries, well find someone better.
Can you stop matchmaking me? All it brings is trouble.
Promise, next time Ill be more careful with the candidates.
Grace stopped arguing, but she flatout refused any more setups, whether at friends houses or on dating sites.
Then she had a kitchen faucet disaster water gushed out, flooding the flat and even spilling into the neighbours hallway before she managed to shut the main valve. The buildings maintenance crew sent a plumber straight away.
The plumber, a lanky, seriouslooking man a bit older than Grace, introduced himself as Anton Brooks. He said the tap needed replacing and even fetched a new one himself. He refused any payment for the work, even offering to skip lunch.
Wheres your daughter? he asked, a little embarrassed, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar. I just wanted to give her this.
Grace jumped back. Why?
She remembered spotting Anton around the courtyard a few times, always watching Lily a bit too closely.
Please leave, she said firmly. Thanks for the work, but thats all.
Anton sighed heavily, placed the chocolate on the counter and said, Tell her its safe, it isnt poisoned, before walking out.
Lily kept playing in her room, never seeing Anton again.
The next day, though, Anton showed up at the front steps with a modest bouquet.
Sorry to trouble you, he said, a little hesitant. I didnt mean to scare you. I just I like you, and I like your daughter too.
He handed over the flowers and Grace took them almost reflexively. She liked Anton enough to be flattered, but she stayed wary of his sudden confession.
From then on Antons courting became unusual. Hed bring flowers and sweets for both Grace and Lily, fix anything broken in the flat, and the three of them even went for walks together.
A month later, Grace and Antons relationship was pretty serious, though she kept it from Emily.
Luckily Emily was busy with her husband returning from a work trip, so most of her contact with Grace was over the phone. Still, she eventually found out about Anton when she dropped by Graces flat unexpectedly.
Whos this? How long have you known him? Where did he come from? Emily peppered her with questions as Anton left.
Curious as ever, Em, Grace teased, smiling. Thats my fiancé, at least I hope so.
She went on to explain how they met. He used to work up north, then decided to come back. His mum passed away two years ago, so hes on his own now.
And what was he doing up north that now makes him a plumber? Emily asked.
Come off it, Em. After years of slogging in tough conditions, doesnt he deserve a break? He treats Lily and me well thats the main thing.
Still feels dodgy, Emily persisted. Are you sure he isnt married with a bunch of kids?
Im sure. I saw his ID.
Right then.
A week later Emily burst in, eyes bright. I told you Anton wasnt simple! Did you know hes been in prison?
No way why?
Does it matter? Stay away from that bloke!
Grace, however, was already head over heels for Anton and they were planning to marry. She decided to ask him straight out.
Yes, Anton exhaled. Ive been meaning to tell you everything.
Nows the time, Grace encouraged.
I worked on construction sites up north. Because of a mistake on my part, there was a serious accident, he confessed. Luckily no one died, but I was sentenced. I got out on licence after two years.
Grace stared at him, sensing there was more.
And theres something else, Anton hesitated. Lily shes my daughter. Her mother was my well, lets just say she was a bit of a mess. I was drinking and partying, and when I found out she was pregnant I fled north.
He chuckled ruefully. I kept drinking up there, which led to the accident. But Ive had time to think. I realised my daughter is the most important thing in my life, not the booze.
Did you come back just to get her? Grace asked, eyes narrowing.
Its not that simple, he sighed. I knew where her mother lived with her new husband, but I didnt expect such a good stepmum.
Leave, Grace told him firmly.
Grace, wait! he pleaded, eyes brimming. I really love you. No one else matters to me but you and Lily. Ill do anything for you both!
That day Grace turned him away, but later she forgave him. They married three months after, Anton landed a good job, and two years later they welcomed a son together.
