**Diary Entry 18th March**
Emily, Ive got to pop out for a bit, James said, stepping into the kitchen where his wife was feeding their youngest.
Alright, she replied without looking up. Could you stop by the shops on your way back? Ill text you the list.
Nodding, James grabbed his coat and left. Emily watched him go before calling out, Oliver! Have you finished your homework? Its nearly supper time.
Their nine-year-old bounded in and clambered onto a chair. Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?
Eat first, then finish your work. Hes just gone outhell be back soon.
Oliver wolfed down his food, rocked on his chair, and played with his two-year-old sister. Then he glanced out the window and gasped. Mum! Whos that with Dad? Some girl
Emily, mid-sip of tea, stiffened and turned. Sure enough, a girl clung to Jamess hand. Not this, she thought. She knew who it washis daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met before, though James usually saw her elsewhere.
When James returned with Lily in tow, Emily was waiting. He gave her an apologetic look. Sorry, love. Shouldve called. It all happened so fast.
Whats wrong?
She wasnt angryJames wouldnt bring Lily without reason. The girl was quiet, no trouble at all.
Charlottes in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I couldnt leave Lily alone.
Emily exhaled. Right. She forced a smile at Lily. Hungry?
Starved, James chimed in, relieved.
Wash up, then.
Lily relaxed. Shed been nervous, missing her mum, afraid Emily might resent her.
Whos that? Oliver gaped from the doorway.
Im Lily, she said brightly.
Oliver. Whyre you here? Staying with us?
Emily cut in. Shell be here a few days. Show her your toys?
Sure! Wheres she sleeping?
The sofa bed.
As Lily and James ate, Oliver hovered until Emily snapped, Homework done?
No. Need help with this sum.
Then baby Sophie wailed, and Emily scooped her up. Later.
Oliver lingered until Lily spoke. Dad, pass the biscuits?
Oliver froze. Hes *my* dad!
Lily flushed. James intervened. Oliver, dont shout. Im her dad too.
How?
Adopted? No. I was married to her mum first. Then I married yours.
So shes got another mum?
And another dad, Lily added. Two dads.
James hid his joyshed never called him Dad before. Hed always been there, weekends and child support, even after the split.
Brilliant! Oliver beamed. That means double the love!
James chuckled but didnt correct him. Childhood innocence was fleeting.
Come see my room! Oliver bounced.
James marvelled at his sons energy. Him and Emily were calm, even Sophiebut Oliver? A whirlwind.
Got any Lego? Lily asked.
Tons!
They vanished. Later, James found Emily. Sorry for springing this on you. Oliver took it well.
Hed befriend a stray cat, she sighed.
Heart of gold, James laughed, reaching for Sophie. Come to Daddy.
Emily frowned. How longs Lily staying?
No idea. Charlottes husband is gone a week, maybe more.
So, a week *minimum*.
She bit back irritationnone of this was Lilys fault. Then it hit her. Where are her things? Clothes? School uniform?
James winced. Didnt think. It all happened so fast.
Emily glowered. Give me Charlottes number.
Why?
Women talk sense. You lot wouldnt think of pyjamas.
James handed over his phone, braced for drama. But Emily returned smiling ten minutes later.
Sorted. Well fetch Lilys things tonight, visit Charlotte this weekend.
You two hit it off fast.
Emily shrugged. Charlotte had been polite, apologetic even. No wonder Lily was sweet.
In Olivers room, Lilys voice carried. Subtract here. See?
Emily peeked inboth hunched over homework. A year older, Lily knew the topic.
Mum! Oliver grinned. Lily explains better than *teachers*! Can she come more?
Well see. Emily turned to Lily. Grab your coat. Were off to get your things.
Ill lend her my PJs! Oliver offered.
Lily wrinkled her nose. No thanks, and they laughed.
Emily noticed Oliver tidying himselfuncharacteristic.
Ready, Lily?
Can I come? Oliver begged.
If you behave. Lily?
She nodded, giggling. Her nerves had vanished. Aunt Emily was kind, Oliver exactly as shed imaginedmischievous but sweet.
When Charlotte came home, Lily realised shed loved staying with Dad and Aunt Emily. Oliver was fun, baby Sophie adorable. She didnt want to leave.
Visit anytime! Oliver pleaded. Mum, say yes!
Of course, Emily agreed. Ring us.
No reason to refuse. Lily was clever, well-manneredgood influence on Oliver.
Thanks, Lily mumbled, hugging Emily suddenly.
Startled, Emily hugged back. Come again.
Shed never expected to grow fond of Jamess first child. But now? She was glad. After all, they were siblings. Blood or not.
*Lesson learned: Family isnt just bloodits who you choose to love. The house felt quieter after Lily left, but not empty. Oliver sketched pictures of the two of them building Lego towers, and Sophie babbled a tuneless song with Lilys name in it. James found Emily folding Lilys borrowed towel, her fingers lingering on the fabric. Strange, isnt it? she said softly. How quickly someone becomes part of the rhythm. He nodded, slipping an arm around her. That night, as they tucked Oliver in, he whispered, Do you think Lily liked us? Emily kissed his forehead. She loved us, darling. And we loved her back. It wasnt grand, or loud, or dramaticjust simple, steady love, growing quietly like roots under the floorboards, holding everything together.
