In the quiet of their small home in London, Emily was feeding their youngest daughter when her husband, Thomas, approached her with a hurried air.
«Emily, I’ve got to run an errand,» he said, adjusting his coat.
«Very well,» she replied, glancing up. «On your way back, could you stop by the market? Ill jot down a few things we need.»
«Just send me a text.»
With a quick kiss to the babys head, Thomas was out the door. Emily watched him go before calling out, «William, have you finished your lessons? Its nearly supper time!»
Their nine-year-old son bounded into the kitchen, swinging onto his chair. «Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?»
«Eat first, then finish your work. Your father will be back soon.»
William ate eagerly, swinging his legs, then entertained his two-year-old sister before peering out the window. His voice rose in excitement. «Mum, Mumwhos that with Dad? Some girl»
Emily, who had been sipping her tea calmly, set her cup down and looked. Beside her husband, a young girl walked, clutching his hand tightly. A knot formed in Emilys stomach. She knew at oncethis was Thomass daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met once before, though Thomas usually saw the child elsewhere.
When Thomas stepped inside, followed by the girlLillianEmily stood waiting in the hall. Her husband met her eyes with a guilty look.
«Emily, I know I shouldve warned you There wasnt time.»
«Has something happened?»
She wouldnt scold him. Thomas wouldnt bring the girl without reason, and Lillian was quiet, well-behaved.
«Claras in hospitalshes on bed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I didnt know what to do with Lillian. Shes too young to be left alone.»
«I see,» Emily murmured.
She exhaled, realising the girl would stay for days, then forced a smile. «Are you hungry?»
«So am I!» Thomas grinned, relieved by her calm.
«Wash your hands, thensuppers ready.»
Lillian relaxed visibly. Shed been afraid of Emilys reaction, afraid of being unwelcome. She missed her mother terribly.
«Whos this?» William gaped from the doorway.
«Im Lillian,» the girl said with a small smile.
«Im William. Why are you here? Are you staying?»
Emily intervened gently. «Lillian will be with us a few days. Why dont you show her your toys?»
«Alright! Wheres she sleeping?»
«In the parlour, on the sofa.»
As Lillian and Thomas ate, William hovered until Emily finally chided, «Have you done your lessons?»
«No, I need help. I dont understand the sums.»
Just then, the baby, little Margaret, began to cry. Emily scooped her up. «Later, perhaps.»
She left to soothe the child. William made to follow, but Lillian spoke. «Dad, pass the biscuits, please?»
William froze, then turned slowly. «Hes *my* dad! Dont call him that!»
Lillian flushed. Thomas stepped in. «William, dont shout. Im your fatherand hers.»
«How?» the boy frowned. «Did you adopt her?»
«Adopt is the word,» Thomas corrected gently. «No, we didnt. I was married to Lillians mother first. Then to yours. Understand?»
«So shes got a different mum?»
«Yes. And a different father,» Lillian added. «Ive two dads.»
Thomas hid his joy at her calling him «Dad.» Hed tried to be presentweekend outings, child support paid faithfully. Though he and Clara had parted soon after Lillians birth, he loved his daughter dearly.
«Thats brilliant!» William declared. «So youre loved twice as much!»
Thomas nearly laughed at the boys innocence but didnt correct him. Life would teach William soon enough.
«Come on, Ill show you my room!» William bounced eagerly.
Thomas often marvelled at his sons endless energy. He and Emily were calm; even little Margaret was placid. William was the whirlwind.
«Have you got building blocks?» Lillian asked. She loved constructing things.
«Loads!»
The children vanished. Moments later, Thomas joined Emily.
«Sorry for the surprise. I didnt know until I saw Clara. William took it well, though.»
«Hes friendly,» Emily waved off. «Welcomes anyone.»
«Open as a book,» Thomas chuckled.
He sat beside their daughter, arms outstretched. «Come here, poppet.»
Margaret toddled over as Emily asked, «How long will Lillian stay? Whens her stepfather back?»
«No idea. Clara said hes away a week. Shes in hospital indefinitely.»
«So, a week at least.»
Emily wasnt pleased, but the child wasnt to blame. Then she frowned. «Where are her things? What will she sleep in? Wear to school?»
Thomas reddened. «Sorryit all happened so fast.»
Emily shot him a look. «Give me her mothers number.»
«Claras?»
«Yes, Claras! Ill ask what Lillian needs. Men never think of these things.»
Worried, Thomas handed over his phone. But Emily returned ten minutes later, smiling.
«Sorted. Well fetch Lillians things now and visit Clara this weekend.»
«You two got on quickly,» Thomas remarked, surprised.
Emily murmured something, equally startled. Clara had apologised repeatedly, sounding pleasant. No wonder Lillian was so sweet.
Peeking into the childrens room, she found them bent over Williams workbook. A year older, Lillian was explaining maths.
«Mum!» William beamed. «Lillian explains better than my teacher! Can she visit more?»
«Well see,» Emily smiled. «Lillian, gather your coat. Well fetch your things.»
«Ive pyjamas she can borrow!» William offered.
«No, thank you,» Lillian giggled, wrinkling her nose.
Emily noticed William tidying himself unconsciously in her presence.
«Lillian, hurrytimes getting on.»
«Can I come?» William pleaded.
«If you behave and Lillian doesnt mind,» Emily winked.
Lillian lifted her chin, then laughed. «Of course!»
Her fears had melted. Aunt Emily was kind; William was exactly as shed imaginedmischievous but good-hearted.
When Clara returned from hospital, Lillian realised shed loved her time with Thomas and Emily. Playing with William, doting on little Margaretshe hadnt wanted to leave, though shed missed her mother.
«Come back soon!» William begged. «Mum, please?»
«Of course, Lillian,» Emily agreed. «Ring your father or me anytime.»
Shed no reason to refuse the bright, well-mannered girl. If anything, William behaved better under her influence.
«Thank you,» Lillian said suddenly, hugging her.
Emily, caught off guard, returned the embrace, smoothing her hair. «Visit whenever you like.»
Shed never expected to grow fond of Thomass first child. Yet now, she was glad hed brought her home. After all, the children were brother and sister. Blood was blood.
