There was once a time, many years ago, when an unexpected visitor appeared at the door.
Edward had been smitten with Grace since their schooldays. He would write her little notes, try anything to catch her attention.
But Grace had eyes only for Thomasa tall, fair-haired boy who played volleyball alongside her on the school team.
Edward, awkward and struggling with his studies, hardly merited her glance.
It wasnt long before Thomas began courting Lillian, a girl from the neighbouring form.
When their school days came to an end, Edward made one last attempt to win Graces heart.
At the graduation ball, he even mustered the courage to propose to her
But Grace rebuffed him sharplyNo! She didnt wish to think of him as a suitor.
After university, Grace found work as an accountant, her manager a strikingly handsome man ten years her senior.
She admired Mr Patricks expertise, his sharp wits, and charming presence.
Feelings blossomed between them, and Grace was untroubled by the fact that he was married with a young son.
Mr Patrick swore hed leave his wife, vowing that Grace alone captured his devotion.
Several years rolled by. Grace grew accustomed to passing weekends and holidays alone, always hoping her beloved would finally part ways with his family so they could be together.
One day, Grace saw Mr Patrick and his wife at the grocers.
His wife was expecting, and he held her hand tenderly, later gathering their shopping bags before walking her to the car.
Grace, filled with tears, watched this peaceful, joyful scene.
The next day, she resigned from her position.
As New Years approached, Grace found it hard to summon any care for buying food, trimming her house, or marking the occasion at all.
One evening, she arrived home to a budding chill drifting through the rooms. She soon discovered the boiler had given out. Her little cottage was growing colder by the minute.
She tried calling round for a tradesman, but with the holidays looming, every repairman demanded a small fortune for even considering such a trek to the edge of town.
Disheartened, Grace phoned her old friend Margaret, whose husband worked in that line.
Margaret promised shed ring him straight away.
Two hours later, Grace heard knocking at the door.
A stranger stood outside, but on a closer look, she recognised Edward, her old classmate.
Evening, Grace. What trouble have you run into? he asked.
Er… How did you know?
My boss rang. Said someone at this address was freezing and could use a hand. Did you drain the system so the pipes wouldnt burst?
No I don’t know how to do that.
Well then, Edward smiled, lucky its a mild winter or youd have lost the lot.
Edward swiftly emptied the water from the system, tinkered a bit with the old boiler, then headed off, promising to fetch the parts he needed.
Within an hour, he was back with spares.
Soon, the house was warm and welcoming once more. After washing his hands, Edward looked at her and said, Grace, youve got a leaky tap and a flickering bulb in the kitchen cant your husband take care of those?
I dont have a husband, she replied quietly.
Oh? Still searching for Mr Perfect? he teased.
Nothing of the sort Ive simply no one. The confession tumbled out before she knew it.
He grinned at her. Then what did you turn me down for, all those years ago?
She offered no reply.
Edward changed the bulb and mended the tap, then gathered his things to leave.
Grace found herself reminiscing, thinking of childhood, schooldays, and the chubby boy who had once adored her.
Edward had changed, certainlynow tall and trim, his eyes dark and lively. But his smile hadnt changed a bit.
Grace realised she hadnt thought to ask if he was married now.
Then, on the thirty-first of December, just as the old year faded, there was an unexpected knock at her door.
She hadnt planned on any visitors and wondered who it could be.
Standing on the step was Edward. He wore a new suit and held a bouquet of flowers in his hands.
Grace! Ill ask you again. Will you marry meor do you mean to wait for Prince Charming until your pension?
Flooded with tears of happiness, Grace nodded, at last accepting his proposal.
It turned out, the second time around, the answer was yes after all.
