Sophie was feeding their youngest when James walked into the kitchen.
«I need to pop out for a bit,» he said.
«All right, could you stop by the shop on your way back? Ill text you a list.»
«Send it over.»
James grabbed his coat and left. Sophie watched him go before calling out, «Tom, have you finished your homework? Dinners ready!»
Their nine-year-old son wandered in and climbed onto his chair.
«Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?»
«Eat first, then finish up. Hell be back soon.»
Tom ate, rocked on his chair, and played with his baby sister. Then he glanced out the window and jumped up.
«Mum, whos Dad with? Theres a girl holding his hand!»
Sophie, mid-sip of tea, stood abruptly. Sure enough, a young girl walked beside James, clinging tightly to him. *Please, not this.* Sophie knew who she washer husbands daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met before, though James usually saw her elsewhere.
When James returned with Lily in tow, Sophie waited in the hall. He gave her an apologetic look.
«Soph, I shouldve warned youjust didnt have time.»
«What happened?»
She wasnt angry. If James brought Lily over unannounced, it had to be urgent. The girl was quiet, no trouble at all.
«Emmas in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and there was no one else to look after Lily.»
«I see.» Sophie exhaled. Lily would be staying a few days. She forced a smile. «Are you hungry, love?»
«Me too!» James grinned, relieved by Sophies calm reaction.
«Wash up, then. Dinners ready.»
Lily relaxed. Shed been nervous coming here, afraid Sophie might resent her.
«Whos that?» Tom gaped from the doorway.
«Im Lily,» she said brightly.
«Im Tom. Why are you here? Are you living with us now?»
Sophie stepped in. «Shes staying a few days. Why dont you show her your toys?»
«Okay. Wheres she sleeping?»
«The sofa bed.»
While Lily and James ate, Tom hovered until Sophie sighed.
«Did you finish your homework?»
«Need help with this sum.» He gave her a hopeful look.
Baby Grace began crying, and Sophie scooped her up. «Later, maybe.»
As she soothed Grace, Tom lingered until Lily spoke.
«Dad, pass the biscuits, please?»
Tom froze. Slowly, he turned.
«Hes *my* dad! Dont call him that!»
Lily flushed. James intervened. «Tom, dont shout. Im her dad too.»
«How? Did you adopt her?»
«You *adopt* girls, not adopt,» James corrected. «No. I was married to Lilys mum before I married yours. Understand?»
«So shes got a different mum?»
«And a different dad,» Lily added. «Ive got two dads.»
James hid his smile. Hed always been there for Lilyweekend outings, child support on time. Though he and Emma split soon after Lilys birth, he adored her, and she adored him back.
«Thats brilliant!» Tom beamed. «You get loved twice as much!»
James chuckled at his sons innocence but didnt correct him. Life would teach Tom soon enough.
«Come see my room!» Tom bounced.
James often wondered where Tom got his energy. He and Sophie were calm; even baby Grace was peaceful. But Tom? A whirlwind.
«Got any Lego?» Lily asked. She loved building things.
«Tons!»
The children vanished into his room. Later, James found Sophie.
«Sorry for springing this on you. Didnt know myself till I saw Emma. Tom seems fine with it, though.»
«Hes easygoing. Likes everyone.»
«Open as a book,» James laughed, scooping up Grace. «How longs Lily staying? Whens her stepdad back?»
«No idea. Emma said hes gone a week. Shes in for who knows how long.»
«So at least a week.» Sophie suppressed her frustrationnone of this was Lilys fault. Then she frowned. «Where are her things? Clothes? School uniform?»
James reddened. «Sorry, it all happened so fast.»
Sophie shot him a look. «Give me Emmas number.»
«Emmas? You wont»
«Just to sort Lilys things. Men never think of everything.»
James handed over his phone, nervous, but Sophie returned ten minutes later, smiling.
«Sorted. Well fetch Lilys things now, visit Emma this weekend.»
«You two got on fast,» James said, surprised.
Sophie murmured something, equally shocked. Emma had been lovelyapologetic, grateful. *No wonder Lilys so sweet,* she thought, heading to Toms room.
«Subtract here, see? Got it?»
Lilys voice drifted out. Peeking in, Sophie saw them bent over homework. A year older, Lily knew the topic well.
«Mum!» Tom looked up. «Lily explains way better than school! Can she visit more?»
«Well see,» Sophie said. «Lily, grab your coat. Were popping to yours for your things.»
«She can borrow my PJs!» Tom offered.
Lily wrinkled her nose. «No thanks!» They giggled.
Sophie noticed Tom behaving better around herless scruffy, more polite.
«Hurry up, love. Its getting late.»
«Can I come?» Tom pleaded, eyes wide.
«If you behave and Lily says yes.» Sophie winked at the girl.
Lily pretended to consider, then laughed. «Course you can.»
Her nerves had vanished. Aunt Sophie was kind, Tom just as cheeky and sweet as shed hoped.
When Emma returned home, Lily realised shed loved staying with Dad and Sophie. Playing with Tom, cuddling Graceshe didnt want to leave, though shed missed Mum.
«Come back soon!» Tom begged. «Mum, please?»
«Any time, Lily,» Sophie agreed. «Just ring us.»
She had no reason to refuse. Quiet, clever Lily had even influenced Tom for the better.
«Thanks,» Lily blurted, hugging Sophiesomething shed never dared before.
Sophie, startled, hugged her back. «Youre always welcome.»
Shed never imagined bonding with Jamess first child. Yet now, she was glad hed brought her home. After all, they were brother and sister. Blood or not, family was family.
