My father-in-law is left speechless when he sees how we live.
James and I first met at a mutual friends wedding. After moving to London, I landed a job and honestly, I was absolutely over the moon to finally leave the countryside behind. Our relationship moved quickly just a year later, our daughter was born.
But everything changed after that.
Why is our daughter blonde with blue eyes when both of us are brunettes? James asked me.
Love, I think she takes after your father. Just look at the resemblance between them, I said.
Dont try to fob me off. A child should take after her mum or dad, not another relative. Even my mum thinks shes not my daughter.
Its worth saying that Linda, my mother-in-law, never took to me from the start. She always thought I didnt love her son, that I just wanted to escape village life. My father-in-law, Michael, however, is a genuinely lovely man. Hes been divorced from Linda for years, has a new family now, but has always stayed close to James. Classic family drama.
Anyway, one day James brought another woman into our house. He told me, bluntly, to pack my bags and leave. I had no choice.
I was stranded. My own parents refused to take me and the baby in. I phoned a mate, who let me stay on her sofa for a few days. It wasnt long before I found a small room in a shared flat for rent and moved in with my daughter. I was nearly out of money.
One afternoon, as I walked into a Tesco for groceries, someone called out to me.
Girls, where have you been? I even went down to the old village looking for you, Michael said, rushing over.
Hello. Its really good to see you, I whispered.
I know what James did and theres no excuse for it. He and his mum are two of a kind Where are you living now?
Were renting a room at the moment.
Thats all right. I have to run now, but Ill be back soon. When I return, well sort the housing issue. Here, take this it should see you through the fortnight, he said, handing me an envelope.
I was so relieved at least now I could get food and milk for my daughter.
Michael popped by sooner than expected to see us, and he was clearly stunned at the cramped, shabby conditions we were in. His wife didnt want to accommodate us, so he found an alternative he bought a flat with his savings and left it to his granddaughter. I tried to turn down such a gift but he wouldnt hear of it. He insisted it was for her, not for me.
Only a month later, my daughter and I were settling into our own little nest. Michael even brought over furniture and all the essentials.
Dont rush getting your daughter into nursery she needs her mum for now. Ill support you, dont worry. Even my wife wants to see her step-granddaughter now, he said, finally at ease with the arrangement.
Thank you so much, I replied, barely holding back tears.
Now, now, no need for tears, my dear. Come to me for help whenever you need I wont let you down. Things will get better, youll see.
Im grateful my daughter has such a wonderful grandfather in her life, even if she didnt get as lucky with her father. He truly went above and beyond to help us get back on our feet.
Years have passed. I remarried, but Ive never forgotten everything Michael did. Hes always welcome at our home, and we visit him regularly.
