Hey love, let me tell you whats been going on with Emily. Shed been the sort of woman whod taken on a lover, but marriage never really clicked for her. Shed hung around with the girlfriends until she hit thirty, then finally thought maybe it was time to look for a proper bloke. She didnt realise at first that Mark was already married, but the moment he saw shed grown attached, he stopped trying to hide it.
Emily never laid a finger on Mark for it. She only blamed herself for getting caught up and feeling weak. She felt a bit like shed missed the boat on a decent husband while the clock kept ticking. Honestly, she wasnt terrible looking not a supermodel, but friendlyfaced, a touch curvy, which just gave her a mature charm.
Their thing with Mark wasnt going anywhere. She didnt want to stay just the other woman, yet she couldnt just dump him either being alone scared her stiff.
One afternoon her cousin Tom popped round. He was in town on a work trip, so he stopped by for a few hours. They made a simple lunch in the kitchen, chatted like we did back in school about everything and nothing. Emily poured her heart out to Tom, even let a few tears slip.
Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Clarke, dropped by for a quick lookover of her latest purchases. Emily stepped out for about twenty minutes. While she was gone, there was a knock. Tom went to answer, thinking Emily would be back, but the front door was left unlocked and standing on the doorstep was Mark, looking a mess in joggers and a tee, munching a ham sandwich.
Tom immediately caught on Mark was Emilys lover. Mark froze when he saw the hulking bloke in a tracksuit at the door, and blurted, Is Emily home?
Shes in the bathroom, Tom guessed.
Mark, a bit flustered, asked, And who are you to her?
Im her boyfriend, unofficially, Tom said, stepping forward and grabbing Marks shoulders. Youre the married fellow Emily told me about, right? Listen, if I see you back here again, Ill have you off the stairs, got it?
Mark broke free and bolted downstairs.
Emily came back soon after. Tom filled her in on the surprise visit.
What have you done? Who sent you? she sobbed. He wont be coming back.
She sank onto the sofa, face buried in her hands.
Tom smiled, He wont be coming back, and thats fine. Stop whining. Ive got a decent bloke in mind a widower from the village of Bramley. The ladies there are still grieving their wives, so hes keeping his distance, but hes looking for someone. After my next work trip Ill swing by again, so be ready. Well go together, introduce you.
Emily protested, What? No, Tom, I cant I dont even know him. It feels wrong.
Tom laughed, Its not about sleeping with some stranger, love. Its about meeting a proper man. Trust me, itll be a good birthday present for my sister.
A few days later Tom, Emily and his wife Olivia were in Bramley, setting a table out by the garden near the village pump. Neighbours, friends and Toms widowed buddy David showed up for a little family shindig. Everyone knew Emily, but shed never met David before.
After some cosy chats, Emily headed back to the city, thinking David seemed quiet and shy. Probably still grieving his wife, she mused. What a sad lad, not many hearts left out there.
A week later, on a Saturday, the doorbell rang. Emily wasnt expecting anyone. She opened it to find David standing there with a bag in his hand.
May I come in, Emily? I was just out on the market and thought Id drop by now that weve met, he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
She invited him in, still a bit startled, and offered tea. Got everything you needed? she asked.
Yeah, the groceries are in the car. And this is for you, he said, pulling out a small bunch of tulips.
Emily took the flowers, and her eyes lit up. They sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea, talking about the weather and market prices. When the tea was finished, David stood to leave, slipping his jacket back on and pulling on his shoes. He paused at the doorway, turned back to her and said, If I walked out now without saying anything, Id never forgive myself. Emily, Ive been thinking about you all week. Thats the honest truth. Ive been waiting for the weekend, so I came straight here. I got the address from Tom
Emily blushed and looked down. We barely know each other, she replied.
Dont worry about that. The main thing is, am I alright with you? Can I call you by name? I know Im no prince, and Ive got an eightyearold daughter whos staying with her grandma at the moment, he added, his hands trembling a little.
Emily smiled, A daughter is wonderful. Ive always wanted one.
Encouraged, David took her hands, pulled her close and kissed her. After the kiss, he looked into her eyes, noticing the tears glistening.
Do you find meunpleasant? he asked, halflaughing.
No, its the opposite. I never expected this, but it feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones love, she said.
From then on they met every weekend. Two months later they got married and settled in Bramley. Emily found a job at the local nursery, and a year later they welcomed a little girl. Their two daughters grew up happy, loved by everyone. Emily and David seemed to get younger with each passing year, their love maturing like a fine wine.
Tom would often wink at Emily at gatherings, So, Gal, hows the bloke I set you up with? Youre looking better every day. Shed laugh, swat his arm, and say, Shut up, Tom, before turning to David with a smile that needed no words. Life had slipped her by once, quietly and without fanfare, but now it sang in the laughter of children, the warmth of a shared blanket on a winter evening, and the steady hand that met hers every morning. She wasnt just foundshe was home.
