«Emily, I need to pop out for an errand,» James said as he approached his wife, who was feeding their toddler.
«Alright, could you stop by the shop on your way back? We need a few things. I’ll text you the list.»
«Just message it to me.»
The man hurriedly grabbed his coat and left the flat. Emily watched him go, then called out, «Oliver, have you finished your homework? Dinners ready!»
The nine-year-old shuffled into the kitchen and climbed onto a chair. «Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?»
«Eat first, then finish up. Hes just running an errandhell be back soon.»
Oliver ate, fidgeted in his chair, and played with his two-year-old sister before peering out the window. Suddenly, he jumped up. «Mum, Mumwhos Dad with? Some girl!»
Emily, who had been sipping her tea calmly, stiffened and looked out. Sure enough, a young girl clung tightly to Jamess hand as they walked. *Please, not this*, Emily thought. She knewthis was his daughter from his first marriage. Shed met Lily before; James had brought her over once, though they usually met on neutral ground.
When James stepped inside with Lily trailing behind, Emily was already waiting in the hallway. He gave her a sheepish glance and nodded toward the girl.
«Em, I know I shouldve warned yousorry. There wasnt time.»
«Did something happen?»
Emily wasnt about to shout. She knew James wouldnt bring Lily unless he had to. And the girl was well-behavedhardly trouble.
«Charlottes in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I didnt realise itd turn out like this. Nowhere to leave Lily, and shes too young to stay alone.»
«Right,» Emily said slowly.
She exhaled, steeling herself for days of hosting the girl. Then she forced a smile at Lily. «Are you hungry?»
«Me too!» James grinned, relieved Emily wasnt angry.
«Wash up, thendinners ready,» Emily nodded.
Lily relaxed. Shed been nervous coming here, afraid Emily might resent her. And she missed her mum terribly.
«Mum, whos this?» Oliver froze in the doorway, staring.
«Im Lily,» the girl said brightly, taking charge.
«Im Oliver. Why are you here? Are you staying with us?»
Emily shot James a look and stepped in. «Sweetheart, Lilys staying a few days. Why dont you show her your toys?»
«Okay. Wheres she sleeping?» Oliver wasnt selfishjust curious.
«The sofa in the lounge.»
As Lily and James ate, Oliver hovered until Emily finally snapped. «Oliverhomework?»
«No, I need help. I dont get this sum,» he pleaded.
Just then, baby Sophie started crying, and Emily scooped her up. «Maybe later,» she said, stepping out to soothe her.
Oliver made to follow, but Lily spoke up. «Dad, pass the biscuits?»
The boy froze. Slowly, he turned. «*My* dad! Dont call him that!»
Lily flushed, but James intervened. «Oi, no shouting. Im your dad *and* hers.»
«How? Did you adopt her?»
«You *adopt* boys, *foster* girls,» James corrected. «No, we didnt. I was married to Lilys mum first. Then I married yours. Understand?»
«So Lily has another mum?»
«And another dad,» Lily added. «Ive got two dads.»
James bit back a smileshed called him *Dad*. He made sure to see her weekends, paid child support on time. Even though he and Charlotte split soon after Lilys birth, he loved his daughter, and she adored him.
«Thats *brilliant*!» Oliver gasped. «So youre loved *twice* as much!»
James chuckled at the boys innocence but didnt correct him. Life would disappoint him soon enough.
«Come on, Ill show you my room!» Oliver bounced impatiently.
James often marvelled at his sons endless energyneither he, Emily, nor little Sophie were so restless.
«Got any Lego?» Lily asked. She loved building things.
«Tons!»
The kids dashed off. Minutes later, James found Emily.
«Sorry for springing this on you. Had no clue till I saw Charlotte. At least Olivers taking it well.»
«Hes friendly,» Emily shrugged. «Warms to anyone.»
«Heart on his sleeve,» James laughed, sitting beside Sophie. «Come to Daddy, poppet.»
The toddler waddled over as Emily asked, «How longs Lily staying? Whens her stepdad back?»
«No idea. Charlotte said Olivers away a week, and she doesnt know how long shell be in hospital.»
«So, a week at least.»
Emily wasnt thrilled, but it wasnt Lilys fault. Then she frowned. «Where are her things? Pajamas? School uniform?»
James reddened. «Sorry, it all happened so fastI didnt think.»
Emily glared, then sighed. «Give me her mums number.»
«Charlottes?»
«Yes, *Charlottes*! Relax, Ill just ask what Lily needs. Men never think of these things.»
James handed over his phone, nervous about what Emily might say. But she returned ten minutes later, smiling.
«Sorted. Well fetch Lilys things now, visit Charlotte this weekend.»
«You two got on fast,» James blinked.
Emily smirked. Shed been surprised tooCharlotte had apologised repeatedly, clearly where Lily got her manners.
Peeking into Olivers room, she found both children hunched over homework. A year older, Lily was explaining maths.
«Mum, Lilys *amazing* at sums! Better than my teacher! Can she come over more?»
«Well see,» Emily said. «Lily, grab your coatwere off to fetch your things. Cant have you sleeping in jeans.»
«Ill lend her my PJs!» Oliver cut in.
«No thanks,» Lily wrinkled her nose, and they giggled.
Emily noticed Oliver behaving better around herless scruffy, even.
«Lily, hurry upwere losing time.»
«Can I come?» Oliver begged.
«If you behave, and if Lily says yes,» Emily winked.
Lily pretended to ponder, then laughed. «Course you can.»
Her nerves had vanished. Aunt Emily was kind, and Oliver was just as cheeky and sweet as shed hoped.
When Charlotte returned from hospital, Lily realised she didnt want to leave. Shed loved playing with Oliver and cuddling baby Sophie.
«Come back soon!» Oliver pleaded. «Mum, *please*!»
«Anytime, Lily,» Emily agreed. «Just ring your dad or me.»
She had no reason to refuse. Lily was bright, gentleeven Oliver was calmer around her.
«Thanks,» Lily suddenly hugged her, though shed been shy before.
Emily hesitated, then hugged back, ruffling her hair.
«Come whenever.»
Shed never imagined bonding with Jamess first child. But now? She was glad hed brought her home.
After all, they were brother and sister. No changing that.
