Emily is a lover. She never married, staying single until she turns thirty, then she decides she must finally find a man. At first she doesnt realise that Paul is already married, but the moment he sees she has grown attached, he stops hiding the fact.
Emily never blames Paul. Instead she scolds herself for the affair and for being so weak toward him. She feels inadequate because she missed the chance to secure a husband in time, and the years keep slipping by.
She isnt unattractive not a beauty queen, but pleasantlooking, a little curvy, which only adds to her maturity.
Her relationship with Paul leads nowhere. Emily doesnt want to stay a mistress, yet she cant walk away either; the thought of being alone terrifies her.
One afternoon her cousin Simon drops by. Hes in town on a short work trip and has a few hours to spare. They lunch in the kitchen, chatting like children about everything and nothing, about their lives now. Emily tells Simon everything about her love life, even letting a few tears fall.
Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Clarke, pops in to ask Emily to appraise some purchases. Emily steps out for about twenty minutes. While shes gone, a knock sounds at the door. Simon answers, expecting Emily to be back, but the door is unlocked. Paul stands on the doorstep, looking bewildered at the sight of a big man in tracksuit pants and a Tshirt, chewing a ham sandwich.
Is Emily home? Paul asks, suddenly tonguetied.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon guesses.
What do you want from her? Paul stammers.
Im her partner, living together unofficially, Simon says, moving closer and grabbing Paul by the shirt. Arent you the married chap Emily keeps mentioning? Listen, if I see you here again Ill throw you down the stairs, understand?
Paul breaks free and darts downstairs.
Emily returns shortly after. Simon fills her in on the unexpected visit.
What have you done? Who sent you? Emily cries. He wont come back.
She collapses onto the sofa, covering her face.
Simon sighs. He wont be back, and thats for the best. Stop whining. I know a decent widower in our village. After his wife died, the women keep their distance, and hes turned everyone away. He only wants company. After my next work trip Ill swing by again, so be ready. Well drive up together, and Ill introduce you.
Emily protests, I cant, Simon. I dont know this man, and Im embarrassed enough as it is.
Simon replies, Its shameful to sleep with a stranger, not to meet a free man. No one will pull you into his bed. Come on, youre my birthday gift, after all.
A few days later Emily and Simon are in the village. Simons wife, Lucy, has set a table in the garden beside the bathhouse. Neighbours, friends and Simons widowed friend Alex arrive for a family celebration. The locals already know Emily; Alex is a new face to her.
After the warm gathering, Emily returns to the city, thinking how quiet and modest Alex is. He must be worrying about his late wife. What a sad lad, she muses.
A week later, on a Saturday, theres a knock at Emilys door. She isnt expecting anyone. Opening it, she finds Alex standing there with a bag in his hand.
May I come in, Emily? I was in town for the market and thought Id stop by since weve met. he says, a nervous smile on his lips.
Emily invites him in, still puzzled, and offers tea, suspecting his visit isnt random.
Did you get everything you needed? she asks.
Yes, the groceries are in the car. And I have something for you. Alex pulls a small bouquet of tulips from the bag and hands it to her.
Emily takes the flowers, her eyes lighting up. They sit at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting about the weather and market prices. When the tea is finished, Alex thanks her and heads for the door. He slips on his coat and shoes, pauses at the threshold, then turns back to her.
If I left now without saying anything, Id regret it, he says, cheeks flushing. All week Ive only thought about you. Honest truth. I couldnt wait for the weekend, so I came straight after getting the address from Simon.
Emilys face reddens, and she looks down.
We barely know each other, she replies.
Thats fine. The main thing is, do you mind if Im informal? Can I call you Emily? I know Im no perfect catch. I have a little daughter, eight, staying with her grandmother at the moment.
Alexs hands tremble slightly.
A daughter is a blessing, Emily says dreamily. Ive always wanted a child.
Encouraged, Alex takes Emilys hands, pulls her close and kisses her.
After the kiss, Alex watches her, tears glinting in her eyes.
Do you find me unpleasant? he asks. It seems
No, quite the opposite. I didnt expect this, but 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 the village. Emily gets a job at the local preschool. A year later they welcome a daughter. Their two girls grow up happy and loved, with plenty of affection for everyone. Emily and Alex age together, their love deepening like a fine wine.
Simon often winks at Emily during gatherings. Well, Emily, what a husband Ive set you up with, eh? Youre flourishing more each day. Emily smiles back, squeezing Alexs hand under the table. You were right, Simon, she says softly. Sometimes the right person finds you when youve stopped looking.
