Emily is a lover. She has never married. She remains single until she hits thirty, then decides she must finally find a man. At first she doesnt realize that James is already married, but the moment he sees how attached she has become, he stops trying to hide the fact.
Emily never blames James. Instead she scolds herself for the affair and for her own weakness. She feels inadequate because she has not secured a husband in time, and the years keep slipping by. Though she isnt a stunning beauty, she is pleasantlooking, a little fullfigured, which only adds to her sense of age.
The relationship with James goes nowhere. Emily does not want to stay forever his lover, yet the thought of being alone scares her enough to keep him.
One afternoon her cousin Mark drops by while on a short work assignment in Manchester. He stays for a few hours; they eat lunch in the kitchen and reminisce about childhood, nowday life, and everything in between. Emily opens up about her love life, tells Mark everything as it is, and lets a few tears fall.
Just then their neighbour pops in for a quick look at the groceries. Emily steps out for about twenty minutes. While shes gone, the doorbell rings. Mark answers, assuming Emily has returned, but the door is unlocked. James stands on the doorstep, a burly man in trainers and a Tshirt, chewing a ham sandwich.
Mark instantly recognises him as Emilys lover. James, seeing Marka solidbuilt bloke in tracksuitsstammers, Um is Emily home?
Mark replies, Shes in the bathroom.
James, still nervous, asks, Who are you to her?
Mark, tightening his grip on Jamess shirt, says, Im her brotherinlaw, civilly speaking. And you are the married chap Emily has been telling me about, arent you? Listen, if I see you here again Ill throw you down the stairs, understand?
James shakes free and bolts downstairs.
Emily soon returns, and Mark tells her what happened. She sobs, What have you done? Who asked for this? Hell never come back.
Mark reassures her, He wont be coming back, and thats a good thing. Stop whining. I have a fine widower in our village of Littleton who could be a match. The late wifes family wont let anyone else near him, and hes turned everyone away. He just wants someone to stay with. After my next work trip Ill swing by again, be ready. Well go to the village together and Ill introduce you.
A few days later Emily and Mark drive to Littleton. Marks wife Lucy has set a table in the garden near the spa. Neighbours, friends, and Marks old comrade, the widower Thomas, arrive for a family celebration. The locals already know Emily, but this is her first meeting with Thomas.
After a warm evening, Emily heads back to the city, musing that Thomas is quiet and modest. He probably worries a lot about his late wife. Poor fellow, not many hearts left for him, she thinks.
A week later, on a Saturday, theres a knock at Emilys door. She wasnt expecting anyone. She opens it to find Thomas standing there, a bag in his hand.
May I come in, Emily? I was just out at the market and thought Id drop by now that were acquainted, he says, a little embarrassed.
Emily invites him in, still surprised, and offers tea while trying to guess why his visit isnt random.
Did you get everything you needed? she asks.
Yes, the groceries are in the car. Here, for you, Thomas replies, handing her a small bunch of tulips from the bag.
Emily takes the flowers; her eyes brighten. They sit at the kitchen table, talk about the weather and market prices. When the tea finishes, Thomas thanks her and starts to leave. He slips on his jacket, pulls on his shoes, and just as he reaches the threshold, he turns back.
If I walked out now without saying anything, Id never forgive myself. Emily, Ive spent the whole week thinking about you. Its the honest truth. I couldnt wait for the weekend, so I came straight away. I got your address from Mark.
Emily flushes and looks down.
We barely know each other, she murmurs.
Thomas smiles, It doesnt matter. The main thing is, am I alright with you? Can we be on a firstname basis? Im not perfect, and I have a little girl, eight, whos currently with her grandmother.
Emilys voice softens, A daughter is a blessing. Ive always wanted one.
Encouraged, Thomas takes Emilys hands, pulls her close, and kisses her.
After the kiss, Emilys eyes glisten with tears.
Do you find me unpleasant? he asks, halflaughing.
No, quite the opposite. I never expected this it feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones happiness.
From then on they meet every weekend. Two months later they marry and settle in Littleton. Emily finds a job at a local nursery. A year after that she gives birth to a daughter. Their two girls grow up together, both loved and cared for equally. Emily and Thomas age together, their love maturing like a fine wine.
Mark often winks at Emily during gatherings, Well, love, look at the husband I set you up with. Youre getting better and better. Id never steer you wrong, just listen to your brother.
