A stranger stands at the door.
Matthews heart has belonged to Emily since their school days. He would write her little notes and do anything he could to catch her eye.
But Emily always preferred Oliverthe tall, fair-haired boy who played on her volleyball team.
The awkward, book-shy Matthew never managed to hold her attention.
Soon enough, Oliver began seeing Sophie, a girl from another class.
After school, Matthew tried once again to win Emily over.
He even proposed to her at their leavers party
But Emily turned him down sharply”No!” She wouldnt even consider the idea.
After university, Emily found a job as an accountant. Her boss, Mr. Jameson, was a charming, dark-haired man, ten years her senior.
She admired his professionalism, intelligence, and striking looks.
Feelings blossomed between them, and Emily didnt mind that her suitor was already married with a young son.
Mr. Jameson promised he would leave his wife and swore he loved only Emily.
Years passed. Emily grew used to spending weekends and holidays alone, waiting for the moment her beloved would keep his promise.
One day, Emily saw Mr. Jameson in the local Waitrose with his wife. She was heavily pregnant, and he gently held her hand. He picked up their shopping bags and they walked to the car together.
Emily watched their harmony through tears.
The next day, she handed in her resignation.
With New Years Eve approaching, Emily had no desire to buy food, decorate the house, or celebrate.
But one evening, she returned home to find the house cold. The boiler had broken downtroublesome timing for someone living alone in a detached house.
Emily tried calling out a professional, but just before the holidays, everyone wanted a hefty feeespecially when they realised she lived on the edge of town.
Desperate, she rang her friend Charlotte. Charlottes husband worked in heatingmaybe he could help.
Charlotte promised to phone her husband straight away.
Two hours later, Emily heard the doorbell.
A stranger stood on the threshold. She looked againand recognised Matthew, her old classmate.
Hi, Emilywhats going on here, then?
Oh how did you know I needed help?
My boss rang me, said to come to this addresssaid its freezing in here. Did you drain your radiators so the pipes wouldnt freeze?
NoI wouldnt know how.
Oh dearcould have lost the heating altogether that way. Lucky its not much below zero outside.
Matthew efficiently drained the water from the system, fiddled with the boiler, then left.
An hour later, he was back, parts in hand.
Before long, warmth returned to Emilys house. Matthew washed his hands and glanced around.
Emily, the taps leaking and youve got a dodgy lightbulb. Doesnt your husband fix these sorts of things?
I dont have a husband
Whys that? Still holding out for Mr Perfect?
No perfect men here nobody at all, actually, Emily admitted quietly.
So why did you turn me down, then? Matthew said, grinning.
Emily didnt answer.
After sorting the tap and replacing the bulb, Matthew headed home.
Left alone, Emily drifted back to memories of childhoodof her round-faced classmate whod loved her so openly.
Matthew had changedtall, lean, with warm brown eyes. But his smile was just the same.
She realised she hadnt even managed to ask whether he was married.
On the 31st of December, the doorbell rang unexpectedly.
Emily, not expecting anyone, opened the door.
There stood Matthew, smart in a new suit, holding a bunch of flowers.
Emily! I have to ask again: will you marry me? Or are you holding out for Prince Charming until retirement?
Emily burst into tears, nodding happily.
The proposal was acceptedsecond time lucky.
