Emily had always been the other woman. She didnt have much luck with marriagestayed single till she was thirty before finally deciding to find herself a man. At first, she didnt know Paul was married, but once she got attached, he didnt bother hiding it anymore.
She never blamed Paul, though. If anything, she blamed herselffor the affair, for falling for him, for not settling down sooner. She felt like a failure, like time was slipping away. Not that she was bad-lookingnot a stunner, but sweet-faced, a little plump, which probably made her seem older.
The thing with Paul was going nowhere. She didnt want to stay the mistress, but she couldnt bring herself to leave him either. The thought of being alone terrified her.
Then one day, her cousin Jake dropped by. He was in town for work and stopped in for a quick visit. They sat in the kitchen, chatting over lunch like old times, and Emily ended up pouring her heart out about Paul. She told Jake everything, even cried a little.
Just then, her neighbor popped in, asking Emily to come over and check out some new things shed bought. Emily was gone for about twenty minutes. Thats when the doorbell rang. Jake went to answer, thinking it was herthey hadnt locked the door. But there stood Paul. Jake took one look at him and knewthis was *the* married bloke. Paul froze, staring at the big, bloke in a vest and joggers, munching a ham sandwich.
«Uh is Emily home?» was all Paul managed.
«Shes in the shower,» Jake lied smoothly.
«Sorry, who are you?» Paul asked, still thrown.
«Her fiancé. For now. And you?» Jake stepped closer, grabbing Paul by the collar. «You wouldnt be the married twit she told me about, would you? Listen here. If I see you near her again, Ill toss you down the stairs. Got it?»
Paul wriggled free and bolted.
When Emily got back, Jake told her about Pauls visit.
«What did you *do*?» she cried. «He wont come back now!» She sank onto the sofa, covering her face.
«Good,» Jake said firmly. «Enough of this nonsense. Ive got a proper bloke in mind for youa widower back home. Women have been after him since his wife passed, but hes been keeping to himself. When I come back after this trip, be ready. Were going to see him.»
Emily balked. «What? No, Jake, I cant justsome stranger? Its embarrassing!»
«More embarrassing than sleeping with a married man? No ones dragging you to his bed. Just come alongits my wifes birthday soon anyway.»
A few days later, they were back in their hometown. Jakes wife, Lucy, had set up a garden party by the shed. Neighbors, friends, and Jakes matethe widower, Alfiewere there. Emily knew most of them, but Alfie was new.
After a lovely evening, Emily headed back to the city. She couldnt stop thinking about how quiet and kind Alfie seemed. *Poor man, still grieving his wife. Not many like him left.*
A week later, her doorbell rang unexpectedly. She opened itand there stood Alfie, holding a bag.
«Hope you dont mind,» he said, shifting awkwardly. «Was in town for errands. Thought Id stop by.»
Emily invited him in, baffled but polite. They had tea, making small talk about the weather and market prices. When he got up to leave, he lingered in the hallway, fumbling with his jacket. Then, just before stepping out, he turned back.
«Emily Ive thought about you all week. Had to see you again.»
She flushed, looking down. «We hardly know each other.»
«Thats alright,» he said quickly. «Just tell meam I unpleasant to you?» His hands trembled slightly. «I know Im not much. Got a little girl, tooeight years old. Shes with her gran now.»
«A daughter?» Emilys voice softened. «Thats lovely. Ive always wanted a little girl.»
Encouraged, Alfie took her hands, pulled her close, and kissed her. When he pulled back, her eyes were glistening.
«Did I upset you?» he asked.
«No,» she whispered. «Its sweet. And peaceful. Not stolen from anyone.»
After that, they met every weekend. Two months later, they married and settled in the countryside. Emily started working at a nursery. A year later, their daughter was born. Now they had two girlsboth cherished, both loved. And as for Alfie and Emily? They only grew happier with time, their love deepening like fine aged wine.
At family gatherings, Jake would nudge Emily with a grin. «See? Told you Id find you a proper bloke. Look at youglowing. Emily would laugh, squeezing Alfies hand under the table, their fingers entwined like roots settled deep in soil. Shed glance at the girls playing in the garden, their voices rising like music on the summer air, and feel a quiet wonderhow close shed come to missing all this. And when Alfie looked at her, steady and sure, she knew she was finally home.
