**Diary Entry**
*Youre no longer my daughter.*
Those words still sting. She didnt care who he was or where he came fromjust that Id shamed her. Move into Grans cottage and live like an adult, she said. Face the consequences of your choices.
Olive, did you hear? Marnie sprawled across the armchair, grinning. Theyve brought men from the city to help with the harvest. Fancy going to the club tonight?
Marnie, be serious. What about little Alfie? Should I just drag him along? Olive laughed.
What if we ask Aunt Louise? Marnie suggested carefully.
Olive waved a hand dismissively. Dont be daft. She still hasnt forgiven me for having Alfie. She wanted me to marry Andrew, remember? But I went off to university insteadfailed my exams, came home pregnant. She barely spoke to me for a year. Only thawed out two months ago. You go. Maybe youll get lucky.
Marnie sighed. Fine, Ill take Tanya. But Ill tell you everything tomorrow.
Olive tucked Alfie into bed, then stepped onto the porch. The distant thud of music from the club carried on the wind. Wrapping her shawl tighter, she imagined them all insidedancing, laughing. Marnie would be in that ridiculous leopard-print dress, looking like a caterpillar playing dress-up. Olive smiled faintly before sighing and heading back to bed.
At dawn, Marnie burst in. And, of course, Olives mother chose that moment to visit. Olive pressed a finger to her lips, but Marnie was unstoppable.
You shouldve come last night! There were loads of lads. One even walked me homeWilliam, hes called. Chatty, funny. Im seeing him again today.
Olives mother arched a brow. Married, I suppose?
Marnie shrugged. Dunno, didnt check his ring finger. Even if he is, at least Ill have a story.
Honestly, girls, what are you playing at? Andrews a decent bloke. My Olive ruined her chances, but you, Marnie, could still catch his eye, Aunt Louise mused.
Marnie scoffed. Aunt Lou, be serious! Whod want him? And his mothers worse. No thanks!
She turned back to Olive. There was this one blokegorgeous. All the girls were smitten. But he just stood with his mates, then left without even asking anyone to dance.
Then came the shock. Aunt Louise said thoughtfully, You should go too, Olive. Ill watch Alfie. Might meet someone decentsomeone reliable. Alfie needs a father. Just steer clear of married men. They can sniff out a single mum. Understood?
Olive, hardly daring to believe it, nodded eagerly. She kissed her mothers cheek, earning a grumble: Oh, get on with you, you little flirt.
That evening, Olive stood in her best dress, laughing with friends. It felt strange, being carefree again.
Look. Hes here again, someone whispered.
Olive glanced overand her knees nearly buckled. She turned away sharply. I should go. Alfies probably crying.
Marnie gaped. Olive, youre joking! First night out in ages, and youre leaving? You havent even danced!
But Olive was firm. Im going. Looks like your Williams headed this way. Youll manage without me.
As she reached the door, a hand caught hers. Care to dance?
She didnt look up. I dont dance.
Just one. Please.
Reluctantly, she turnedand her heart lurched. *Him.* The one whod changed everything. And he didnt even recognise her. Relief fluttered in her chest as she forced a smile. Fine. One dance. But Im in a hurry.
He spun her lightly. Husband waiting?
Not married, she said flatly.
He winkedthat familiar, heart-stopping wink. So Ive got a chance?
Olive pulled away. Dont count on it, she snapped, fleeing into the night.
She cried all the way home. Shed remembered himhad fallen for him instantlyyet he hadnt known her at all.
Theyd met on a train. Shed been heartbroken after failing her uni exams; hed been visiting family. Noticing her gloom, hed tried to cheer her up.
Names Max. Mum calls me Maxie, my nephew calls me Mazy. Take your pick.
Shed smiled. Mazys funnier.
Hed grinned. Nearly friends, then. And you are?
Olive.
Regal, hed said solemnly.
One thing led to another. Shed confessed her failure, her dread of her mothers disappointment.
Study over winter and try again, hed advised.
Shed brightened. Youre right! Thank you.
Then hed studied her. Has anyone told you youre beautiful?
Shed flushed. Im ordinary. But thanks.
Hed leaned closer. Not ordinary. Then hed kissed her. What followed had been equal parts shame and sweetness. Hed left early, whispering, Ill find you.
Only later did she realisehe hadnt even asked where she lived.
Then shed discovered she was pregnant. Her mothers words still haunted her: *Youre no longer my daughter. Move out. Live with your choices.*
Shed worked at the library until her due date. Marnie had met her at the hospitalher mother hadnt even come. Only when Alfie was five months old did she finally soften, though her verdict was harsh: Not our blood. Still, she visited more often, bringing toys.
Home so early? her mother asked when Olive returned. Club was dull. Hows Alfie?
Asleep. Since youre back, Ill head home.
Olive barely slept that night. At dawn, bleary-eyed, she tried feeding Alfie his porridge. He fussed, giggling when she teased, Eat up, or youll never be big and strong like your dad.
A voice from the doorway froze her. Thats me, I presume? Flattering. And this must be my son.
The spoon clattered from her hand. You? How?
Max smiled. Told you Id find you. Didnt realise Id be a dad though. He pulled a face at Alfie, who squealed with laughter.
When her mother arrived that morning, she found Olive radiantand a stranger bouncing her grandson on his shoulders.
This him? her mother asked.
Olive nodded, beaming.
Her mother extended a hand. Louise Dawson. And Ill be watching what kind of manand fatheryou are.
Max shook her hand firmly. Understood.
