Emily had been the other woman for years. Shed never managed to get married, staying single well into her thirties before finally deciding shed try to find a proper bloke. At first she didnt know Mark was already hitched, but he didnt try to hide it either once he realised Emily had grown attached and was falling for him.
Emily never said a word of reproach to Mark. Instead she berated herself for getting involved and for being so softhearted. She felt like a failure for not having snagged a husband sooner, especially as time kept slipping away.
She wasnt plain, just pleasantly ordinary a bit roundbodied, which gave her a touch of maturity. Their fling with Mark went nowhere. Emily didnt want to stay forever as a lover, but she also couldnt simply dump Mark. The thought of ending up alone terrified her.
One afternoon her cousin James popped round. He was in town on a short work trip and hadnt seen his sister for ages. They nibbled on sandwiches in the kitchen, chatting like kids about everything under the sun. Emily poured her heart out to James about her love life, even let a few tears fall.
Just then the neighbour knocked, asking Emily to swing by and judge some purchases. Emily stepped out for about twenty minutes. While she was gone, the front door rang. James went to answer, assuming Emily was back, but the door was unlocked standing on the threshold was Mark. James instantly got the picture this was Emilys lover.
Mark looked a bit flustered, seeing a hulking bloke in trackies and a tshirt, chewing on a ham sandwich.
Is Emily home? Mark asked, stumbling over his words.
Shes in the bathroom, James guessed.
Excuse me, who are you to her? Mark stammered.
Im her… partner. Not married, just… together. And you? Whats your business here? James pushed Mark forward, grabbing his shoulders. Arent you that married fella Emily keeps talking about? Listen, if I see you here again Ill throw you down the stairs, got it?
Mark broke free and bolted downstairs.
Emily soon returned, and James filled her in on the surprise visit.
What have you done? Who sent you? she cried, horrified. He wont be coming back.
She sank onto the sofa, covering her face.
James chuckled, Hes gone for good, and thats a blessing. Stop whining. Ive got a decent bloke in mind for you a widower from our village. The ladies there arent giving him a chance after his wife died, and hes been shying away from anyone. Hes looking for a fresh start. After my next work trip Ill swing by again, be ready. Well drive up to the village together. Ill introduce you.
Emilys eyes widened. What? No, James, I cant I dont even know him. It feels wrong. I cant just jump into someone elses life.
James laughed, Its not like youd be sleeping with some strangers husband. Nobodys forcing you. Come on, think of it as a birthday present for my own love, Lyla.
A few days later Emily and James were in the village. Jamess wife, Lyla, had set a garden table near the outbuilding. Neighbours, friends and Jamess old pal, the widower David, turned up for a small family gathering. Most of the villagers already knew Emily, but she was meeting David for the first time.
After the chat, Emily headed back to the city, thinking David seemed quiet and shy. He must be still mourning his wife, she mused, what a sad lad.
A week later, on a Saturday, the doorbell rang. Emily wasnt expecting anyone. She opened the door to find David standing there, a grocery bag in his hand.
Mind if I pop in, Emily? I was just out at the market and thought Id drop by since weve met, he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
She invited him in, still a bit taken aback, but offered him tea. Got everything you needed? she asked.
Yes, the shoppings in the car. Here, for you. He pulled out a modest bunch of tulips and handed them over.
Emilys eyes lit up as she took the flowers. They settled at the kitchen table, sipped tea and talked about the weather and the price of fresh produce. When the tea was finished, David got ready to leave, slipping on his coat and shoes. He paused at the doorstep, turned back to Emily and said,
If I walked out now without saying anything, Id regret it. Ive been thinking about you all week, honestly. I even got your address from James
Emily blushed and looked down.
We barely know each other, she replied.
Doesnt matter. Can I call you by your first name? Im not exactly a perfect catch. Ive got a little girl, eight, staying with her grandma at the moment, he added, his hands trembling slightly.
Having a daughter is wonderful, Emily said softly, a dreamy smile forming. Ive always wanted a little girl.
Encouraged, David took Emilys hands, pulled her close and kissed her. After the kiss, tears glistened in Emilys eyes.
Am I too much for you? he asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.
No, quite the opposite. I never expected this it feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones happiness, she whispered.
From then on they met every weekend. Two months later they tied the knot and settled in the village. Emily got a job at the local preschool. A year after that, she gave birth to a little girl. They soon had a second daughter, both cherished and adored. Love and attention seemed to flow freely in their home, and as the years went by their bond grew richer, like a fine wine ageing to perfection.
James would often grin at Emily over dinner and say, Look at you, love, the husband I set you up with turned out to be a great one. Youve become even brighter. I wouldnt have steered you wrong, sister!
