Ill never forget Emilys story. Shed spent her twenties drifting from one fling to another, never quite catching the wave of marriage. When she finally decided she wanted a proper man, she didnt even know that Paul was already hitched. He kept his ring hidden at first, but once he realised she was falling for him, the truth slipped out.
Emily never blamed Paul. She only berated herself for the affair and for the weakness she felt toward him. She saw herself as a failure for not landing a husband earlier, watching the years slip by. By all accounts she wasnt a stunner, but she was pleasantlooking, a little rounded, the sort of look that suggested a touch of age.
Their romance went nowhere. Emily didnt want to stay a secret lover, yet she couldnt walk away; the thought of being alone terrified her. One afternoon her cousin Simon dropped by, on a brief work trip through the town. We hadnt seen each other in ages, so we chatted over tea in the kitchen, catching up on everything from childhood gossip to the present day. Emily opened up to Simon about her tangled love life, tears spilling over as she spoke.
Just then the neighbour popped in to show off her latest purchases, and Emily stepped out for a quick twentyminute errand. While she was away the front door rang. Simon answered, assuming Emily would be back any second. But the door wasnt locked, and standing there was Paul, looking dishevelled in gym shorts and a Tshirt, chewing on a sausage sandwich.
Is Emily home? Paul asked, unable to hide his surprise.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon guessed, trying to keep his voice steady.
Sorry, who are you to her? Paul stammered.
Im her boyfriend, unofficially, Simon said, moving close enough to grab Pauls shoulders. Arent you the married bloke Emilys been telling me about? Listen, if I see you here again Ill see to it youre off the stairs, understand?
Paul scrambled free and fled down the hallway. Emily returned moments later, and Simon filled her in on the unexpected visitor.
What have you done? Who invited him? she sobbed. Hell never come back.
I watched her collapse onto the sofa, face buried in her hands.
Right, hes gone for good, and thats a relief, Simon said, trying to sound calm. Stop whining. I know a decent widower in the nearby villagehes a good sort, no ones bothering him after his late wife passed. Hes looking for company. Ill swing back after my next work trip, well head up together, and Ill introduce you.
Emily flinched. I cant, Simon. I dont know who he is, and Im not keen on jumping into anything It feels wrong.
Simon shrugged. Its not wrong to meet someone new, especially when youre tired of being alone. Its my birthday, after all, and Id rather you be happy.
A few days later we were in the Cotswold village. Simons wife, Lucy, had set a table in the garden by the little wash house. Neighbours, friends and Simons old war mate, widower Alex, came over for a celebration. Most of the locals already knew Emily, but shed never met Alex before.
After the warm chatter, Emily drifted back to town. She thought to herself that Alex seemed quiet and modest. He must be grieving his wife. Poor chap, she mused.
A week later, on a Saturday, there was a knock at Emilys door. She wasnt expecting anyone. When she opened it, Alex stood there, a bag in hand.
May I come in, Emily? I was just passing through to the market and thought Id drop by now that weve met, he said, his voice a little shy.
She invited him in, still puzzled but offering tea. Got everything you needed?
Yes, the shoppings done. Here, for you. Alex pulled a modest bouquet of tulips from the bag and handed it to her.
Emilys eyes lit up. We sat at the kitchen table, talking about the weather and the price of tomatoes at the market. When the tea was finished, Alex rose to leave, slipping his coat on and tying his shoes. Just as he reached the doorway he turned back.
If I walked out now without saying something, Id never forgive myself. Emily, Ive spent the whole week thinking about you. Thats the honest truth. I only got your address from Simon. He looked earnest, his cheeks flushing.
Emilys face turned pink, and she looked down.
We barely know each other, she whispered.
Its fine. Am I being a bother? Can we be on a firstname basis? Im not perfect. I have a little girl, eight, staying with her grandmother at the moment.
Emily smiled, A daughter is a blessing. Ive always wanted one.
Encouraged, Alex took her hands, drew her close and kissed her. After the kiss, tears glistened in Emilys eyes.
Do you find me repulsive? he asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.
No, quite the opposite. I didnt expect this It feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones happiness.
From then on they met every weekend. Two months later they married in the village, settled into a small house, and Emily found a job at the local nursery. A year after that she gave birth to a daughter, and soon another followed. Both girls grew up cherished and loved, the familys affection spreading evenly.
Alex and Emily seemed to grow younger with each passing year, their love maturing like a fine wine. Simon would often raise a glass at dinner and grin, Well, Emily, look at the husband I set you up with! Youve a glow about you. Ill never steer you wrong, brother.
