«Marina, I’ve got to pop out for a bitwork thing,» said Alex, leaning over the kitchen table where his wife was feeding their toddler.
«Alright,» Marina replied, barely looking up. «Could you nip into the shops on your way back? I’ll text you a list.»
«Just send it over.»
With that, Alex grabbed his keys and dashed out. Marina watched him go, then called out, «Jake! Have you finished your homework? Dinner’s ready!»
Nine-year-old Jake slouched into the kitchen and flopped onto a chair. «Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?»
«Eat first, then finish up. Your dads just sorting something outhell be back soon.»
Jake wolfed down his food, rocked back on his chair, and messed about with his little sister. Then he glanced out the window and suddenly perked up. «Mum, Mumwhos Dad with? Theres a girl holding his hand!»
Marina, mid-sip of tea, nearly choked. She craned her neck and saw ita little girl clinging to Alexs arm. *Oh, please not this*, she thought. She knew exactly who it was: Emma, Alexs daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met beforeAlex had brought her round once or twice, though usually they stuck to neutral ground.
When Alex walked in with Emma trailing behind, Marina was already waiting in the hallway. He shot her an apologetic look and nodded at the girl.
«Marina, I know I shouldve warned you, sorry It all happened so fast.»
«Is everything alright?»
She wasnt about to shoutAlex wouldnt bring Emma over unless he had to. And honestly, the girl was quiet as a mouse. No trouble at all.
«Claires in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away for work. She rang in a panic, and I didnt realise itd turn into this. Nowhere to leave Emma, and she cant stay alone at her age.»
«Right,» Marina said slowly.
She exhaled, already calculating how many days Emma would be staying. Then she forced a smile. «Are you hungry, love?»
«Starving!» Alex grinned, sensing Marinas mood lifting.
«Wash up, then. All of you.»
Emma relaxed. Shed been terrified coming here, expecting Marina to glare at her. And she missed her mumbadly.
«Mum, whos *that*?» Jake gaped from the doorway.
«Im Emma,» the girl said brightly, taking charge.
«Jake. Whatre you doing here? Are you *living* with us now?»
Marina shot Alex a look and stepped in. «Emmas staying a few days. Why dont you show her your toys?»
«Okay, but wheres she sleeping?» Jake wasnt stingyjust wildly curious about this new playmate.
«On the sofa in the lounge.»
While Emma and Alex ate, Jake hovered until Marina finally snapped. «Jake! Homework!»
«Nah, I need help. Dont get this sum,» he said, giving her his best pleading eyes.
Then the baby started wailing, and Marina had to scoop her up. «Maybe later.»
She disappeared to settle the little one. Jake turned to leaveuntil Emma piped up.
«Dad, pass the biscuits?»
Jake froze. Then, slowly, he turned. «*My* dad. Dont call him that!»
Emma flushed. Alex stepped in. «Jake, dont shout. Im your dad *and* hers.»
«How? Did you *adopt* her?»
«Adopt is for boys. For girls, its *adopt* too, actuallynever mind,» Alex fumbled. «Look, I was married to Emmas mum first. Then I married yours. Got it?»
«So Emmas got a different mum?»
«Yep. And a different dad,» Emma added. «Ive got two dads.»
Alex bit back a grin. Emma calling him «Dad» was newand nice. Hed always tried to be there: weekends out, child support on time. Even though he and Claire split when Emma was tiny, he loved her, and she adored him back.
«Thats *brilliant*!» Jake gasped. «You get *twice* the love!»
Alex smirked at the kids logic but didnt argue. Jake had plenty of lifes disappointments aheadno need to rush them.
«Come on, Ill show you my room!» Jake bounced like a puppy.
Alex often marvelled at his sons endless energy. He and Marina were calm; even the baby was chill. But Jake? A tornado in human form.
«You got Lego?» Emma asked. She loved building things.
«Tons!»
They vanished down the hall. Later, Alex found Marina.
«Sorry for the ambush. Had no idea till I saw Claire. But Jake took it well?»
«Hed befriend a brick,» Marina sighed.
«Open book, that one,» Alex chuckled.
He scooped up the baby, cooing, «Come to Daddy, sweetheart.»
Marina frowned. «How longs Emma staying? Whens her stepdad back?»
«No idea. Claire said hes away all week. Shes stuck in hospital indefinitely.»
«So, a week. Minimum.»
Marina wasnt thrilledbut it wasnt Emmas fault. Then she gasped. «Waitwhere are her *things*? Pyjamas? School uniform?»
Alex went scarlet. «Er didnt think that far.»
Marina glared. «Give me Claires number.»
«Claires?»
«Yes, *Claires*. Relax, Im just asking what Emma needs. Men.»
Alex handed over his phone, bracing for fireworks. But Marina returned ten minutes later, smiling.
«Sorted. Well fetch Emmas stuff now, visit Claire this weekend.»
«You two bonded *fast*,» Alex said, stunned.
Marina just hummed, equally surprised. Claire had been lovelyapologetic, even. *No wonder Emmas so sweet*, she thought, heading to Jakes room.
«So, subtract here. See?»
Emmas voice floated out. Marina peeked inboth kids were bent over homework. Emma, a year older, was explaining maths.
«Mum!» Jake beamed. «Emmas *way* better than my teacher! Can she come over *all* the time?»
«Well see,» Marina said. «Emma, love, grab your coat. Were off to fetch your things.»
«Ive got spare PJs!» Jake offered.
Emma wrinkled her nose. «No thanks.» They giggled.
Marina noticed Jake tidying himself up*miraculous*.
«Emma, hurry up or well be late.»
«Can I come?» Jake begged, as if this were a grand expedition.
«If you behave. And if Emma says yes.» Marina winked at the girl.
Emma nodded solemnly, then burst out laughing. «Course!»
Her nerves had vanished. Auntie Marina was nice, and Jake? Exactly as shed imaginedcheeky, but kind.
When Claire finally came home, Emma realised something: she *liked* it here. Jake was hilarious, the baby was cute, and even Auntie Marina had grown on her.
«Come back soon!» Jake whined as Emma left. «Mum, *please*?»
«Any time, love,» Marina said. «Just ring your dador me.»
No reason to say no. Emma was polite, clever, and weirdly, Jake was *better* around her.
«Thanks,» Emma blurted, hugging Marina.
Marina stiffenedthen hugged back, ruffling her hair. «Youre always welcome.»
Never in a million years did she think shed warm to Alexs first daughter. But now? She was almost *glad* hed brought her home. After all, they were brother and sister. Like it or not.
