«Emma, I need to pop out for a bit,» said James, approaching his wife as she fed their youngest daughter.
«Alright, could you stop by the shop on your way back? We need a few things. Ill text you the list.»
«Just send it over.»
James quickly grabbed his coat and left the flat. Emma watched him go, then called out, «Ben, have you finished your homework? Its nearly supper time!»
The nine-year-old boy shuffled into the kitchen and climbed onto a chair. «Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?»
«Eat first, then finish your work. Dads just gone to run an errandhell be back soon.»
Ben ate quickly, rocking on his chair and playing with his two-year-old sister. Then, peering out the window, he suddenly jumped up. «Mum, Mum! Whos Dad with? Some girl»
Emma, who had been sipping her tea calmly, stood and looked outside. There, walking beside James, was indeed a young girl, holding his hand tightly. *Oh no, not this*, Emma thought. She knew exactly who she wasJamess daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met before, though visits usually happened elsewhere.
When James returned with Lily in tow, Emma was waiting in the hallway. He gave her a guilty look. «Emma, I know I shouldve warned you there just wasnt time.»
«Did something happen?» Emma wasnt angryshe knew James wouldnt bring Lily home unless it was urgent. Besides, Lily was a well-behaved girl.
«Helens been admitted to hospitalon bed rest. Her husbands away on business, and she rang in a panic. I didnt realise how bad it was. Had nowhere to leave Lily; shes too young to be on her own.»
«Right,» Emma said with a slow exhale, realising Lily would be staying for days. She forced a smile. «Are you hungry, love?»
«Me too!» James said, relieved at Emmas reaction.
«Wash up, thensuppers ready.»
Lily relaxed. Shed been nervous coming here, afraid Aunt Emma might resent her. And she missed her mum terribly.
«Whos this?» Ben stood in the doorway, staring.
«Im Lily,» the girl said with a shy smile.
«Im Ben. Whatre you doing here? You staying?»
Emma shot James a look before intervening. «Lilys with us for a few days. Why dont you show her your toys?»
«Sure! Wheres she gonna sleep?» Ben wasnt selfishjust curious.
«On the sofa in the lounge.»
As Lily and James ate, Ben hovered until Emma finally said, «Ben, homework done?»
«Nah, I need help. Dont get this sum.» He looked at her hopefully.
Just then, little Sophie started crying, and Emma scooped her up.
«Later, maybe,» she said, stepping out.
Ben turned to follow, but Lily spoke up. «Dad, pass the biscuits, please?»
Ben froze, then slowly turned. «*My* dad! Dont call him that!»
Lily flushed, but James stepped in. «Ben, dont shout. Im your dadand hers too.»
«Hows that work?» Ben frowned. «You adopted her?»
«For girls, its *fostered*,» James corrected. «No, we didnt do that. I was married to Lilys mum before. Then I married yours. Understand?»
«So Lilys got a different mum?»
«Yep, and a different dad,» Lily added. «Ive got two dads.»
James hid his joy at her calling him *Dad*. He tried his best for herweekend outings, steady child support. Though he and Helen had split soon after Lilys birth, he still loved his daughter, and she loved him back.
«Thats *brilliant*!» Ben suddenly grinned. «So you get *twice* the love!»
James chuckled at his sons innocence but didnt argue. Life would teach Ben soon enough.
«Cmon, Ill show you my room!» Ben bounced eagerly.
James often marvelled at his sons endless energy. He and Emma were calm, little Sophie was serenebut Ben was a whirlwind.
«You got Lego?» Lily asked, brightening. She loved building things.
«Tons!»
The kids vanished, and James found Emma. «Sorry for springing this on you. Had no idea till I got to Helens. Bens taking it well, though.»
«Hes friendly,» Emma waved off. «Welcomes anyone.»
«Open as a book,» James laughed, sitting beside Sophie. «Cmere, sweetheart.»
As the toddler toddled over, Emma asked, «How longs Lily staying? Whens her stepdad back?»
«No clue. Helen said hes gone a week, and she doesnt know how long shell be in.»
«So, a week at least.» Emma bit back frustrationnone of this was Lilys fault. Then she frowned. «Where are her things? Pyjamas? School uniform?»
James reddened. «Sorry, it all happened so fast»
Emma sighed. «Give me Helens number.»
«Youre calling her?»
«Yes! Dont worryjust sorting Lilys things. Men never think of this.»
James handed over his phone nervously, but Emma returned ten minutes later, smiling. «Sorted. Well fetch Lilys things now, visit Helen this weekend.»
«You two got on fast,» James said, stunned.
Emma grinned. Helen had been lovelyapologetic, kind. *No wonder Lilys so sweet*, she thought, heading to Bens room.
«See? Subtract here. Got it?»
Lilys voice floated out. Emma peeked inboth kids were bent over Bens workbook. Lily, a year older, was explaining maths.
«Mum!» Ben beamed. «Lily explains *way* better than school! Can she come over more?»
«Well see,» Emma said. «Lily, grab your coat. Were off to get your things.»
«Ill lend you my PJs!» Ben offered.
Lily wrinkled her nose playfully. «No thanks!» They both giggled.
Emma noticed Ben tidying himself around Lilyless of a mess than usual.
«Lily, hurryits getting late.»
«Can I come?» Ben pleaded, eyes wide.
«If you behave and Lily says yes.» Emma winked at the girl.
Lily gave a mock-serious nod, then laughed. «Course you can!»
Her nerves had melted. Aunt Emma was nice, and Ben was exactly as shed imaginedcheeky but kind.
When Helen returned from hospital, Lily realised shed loved staying with Dad and Aunt Emma. Playing with Ben and little Sophie had been funshe didnt want to leave, even though shed missed her mum.
«Come back soon!» Ben begged. «Mum, *please*?»
«Of course, Lily,» Emma agreed. «Ring us anytime.»
She had no reason to refuse. Lily was bright, politea good influence on Ben.
«Thanks,» Lily said suddenly, hugging Emma, who hesitated before hugging back.
«Visit whenever you like.»
Emma had never imagined bonding with Jamess first child. But now? She was glad hed brought her home. After all, they were brother and sister. No changing that.
**Sometimes, family isnt just bloodits the love that holds you together. Lily smiled, her eyes shining. «Youre my other mum now, arent you?»
Emma wiped a sudden tear, nodding. «Yes, love. I suppose I am.»
And as James watched from the doorway, his heart full, he knew their patchwork family was exactly where it needed to be.
