Another Child
Emily trudged back to her flat after work, stepping into those empty rooms. She immediately turned on the telly, cranking up the volume to pretend someone else was home. Her daughter, Sophie, had already married and moved out. And her husband Daniel had left her for a younger woman.
Emily still couldnt believe Daniel had betrayed her. Theyd spent twenty-four happy years togetherno major fights, no bitterness. Theyd even dreamed of celebrating their silver wedding anniversary at a nice restaurant. But fate had other plans, shattering all their hopes.
“Mum, I never thought Dad could do something like this,” Sophie sobbed. “Im furious at himI wont speak to him again.”
“Sweetheart, dont cut him off like that. He left *me*, not you. Youre his daughter, and he still loves you just as much,” Emily urged, not wanting to turn her daughter against her father. Deep down, she blamed herself.
“Maybe I didnt love him enough, didnt pay attention. I shouldve focused more on family instead of my career.”
Daniel had fallen for a younger woman hed met at a café while having a pint with mates after work. Their eyes lockedhers were warm brown, sparkling with mischief. Something about that gaze lodged itself in his heart. He introduced himself, and Rachel didnt object. Before he knew it, he was at her rented flat. Then everything spiralledhe was head over heels.
He couldnt keep lying to Emily for long; shed already sensed it. The confrontation was painful.
“Em, Ive fallen for someone else. I know Ive hurt you, but I dont want to lie,” he admitted.
It was devastating, but she forced herself to stay composed.
One evening, Emily had just changed out of her work clothes when her phone rang. It was her sister, Sarah.
“Hey, Em, you home? I need to see youIll be right over.”
“Come on, then,” Emily said, relieved she wouldnt be alone tonight.
Sarah arrived, loud and bustling as ever, arms full of shopping bags. She pulled out gourmet treats and a bottle of wine while Emily watched, baffled.
“Sarah, whats all this? What are we celebrating?”
“Celebrating? More like drowning my sorrows. My Lilys pregnant. The silly girls not even eighteen yet.”
“Seriously?” Emily blinked. “But she turns eighteen in three months, doesnt she?”
“Exactlythree months too late. Shes too far along to terminate. Ive spent years worrying over her, and now she cant even marry properlythat boy she was seeing dumped her when he found out. She doesnt want this baby, and neither do I,” Sarah snapped, pouring the wine.
Emily listened, uneasy.
“How far along is she? Has she had a scan?”
“Yeah, its a girl. Probably just as wild as her mother,” Sarah muttered, lighting a cigarette.
“Sarah, give the baby to me when shes born. Please, dont leave her at the hospital. Ive got a good job, a nice flatI can raise her.”
Sarah scoffed. “And when she grows up, youll tell her everything.”
“No, I swear I wont. Shell be *my* daughter. Shell never know if you dont say anything.”
It took hours of pleading, but Sarah finally agreed. Then another problem arose: adopting the baby required a two-parent household, and Daniel had leftthough they hadnt divorced yet. Emily didnt want to ask him for help, doubting hed agree now that he had a new family.
Lily gave birth to a healthy girl and signed the adoption papers without even looking at her. Emily began the guardianship process, helped by an old friend who worked in social services. They named the baby Ruby.
Once Ruby was home, Emily took leave but decided against quitting her well-paying job as department head. She called her mum, Margaret, who lived nearbywidowed two years ago after losing her husband, Emily and Sarahs father. Shed been a nurse.
“Mum, I need to talk to you urgently.”
“Alright, love, Ill be right over.”
Margaret was speechless when she saw the newborn in the cot.
“Emily, who is this? When did this happen? Whats going on?”
Sarah had never told her about Lilys pregnancy, and Emily had stayed quiet, assuming Sarah would explain. But she hadntrarely even spoke to their mother.
“Sit down, Mum,” Emily said, handing her a cup of tea. “Let me explain.”
Margaret was horrified by Sarah and Lilys actions.
“How could this happen? We raised you both the sameif anything, Sarah got *more* love as the youngest!”
Once Margaret calmed down, Emily made her request.
“Mum, I need your help. Rubys your great-granddaughter. Youre in good healthcould you look after her while I work? I could hire a nanny, but why pay a stranger?”
“Love, you dont even need to ask. Of course Ill help. Youll be a wonderful mother, and Ill be happy to be part of her life.”
“Thank you, Mum. I knew I could count on you.”
They avoided mentioning Sarah, who never called about the baby or visited Margaret. But when Sophie rushed over, she was overjoyed.
“Rubys going to be my little sister! Shes absolutely gorgeous,” she said, loving her instantly.
Ruby grew into a bright, kind girl. Margaret and Emily poured all their love into her, and by four, she could already play chessat least, she knew all the pieces.
**His New Life Fell Apart**
On Rubys fifth birthday, Emily threw a party at a nearby café, hiring an entertainer and inviting her nursery friends. Everyone had fun, especially Ruby. When they got home, the doorbell rang.
Daniel stood on the doorstep, looking utterly miserable. Emily knew instantly: his new life had crumbled.
“Hi. Can I come in?”
“Sure,” she said. Ruby darted into the hallway.
“Its my birthday today! Who are you?”
“Rubys five,” Emily added. “This is my daughter, in case you didnt know.”
“Sophie told me.” He stepped out briefly, returning with a huge box containing an elaborate doll.
“Wow! Thank you!” Ruby grabbed it and ran off.
Emily made tea and sliced the leftover cake.
“Em, youre even more beautiful now. Your eyes theyre shining. Can I visit you both?” he asked hesitantly. “I left Rachel a year ago. It wasnt right. Ive been alone since.”
“But I have a daughter now, and shes not yours,” Emily said. “Shes my whole world.”
“Em, thats why I love you even more. If youd let Sarah abandon Ruby at the hospital I wouldnt feel the same. I *want* her to call me Dad.”
After a moment, Emily agreed. From then on, Daniel visited often, helping financially and emotionally. He took Ruby to swimming lessons and dance classes. Emily was amazed he balanced it all with his job.
One day, after watching Ruby perform, they sat at home with tea and cake. Laughing together, Ruby suddenly said,
“Dad, I really wanted you and Mum to come see me today.”
Daniel nearly choked on his teashed called him *Dad* for the first time. He lifted her into his arms, spinning her gently.
“Youre my girl. Were a family now, arent we, Em?” he asked hopefully.
“Hooray! And youre never leaving again, right?” Ruby giggled.
“Never. You two are my world.”
Daniel and Emily formalised Rubys adoptiontheyd never actually divorced. They wanted to be sure Sarah or Lily wouldnt change their minds later, though it seemed unlikely.
