My father-in-law was speechless when he saw how we were living.
Matthew and I first met at a wedding for some mutual friends. Not long after, I moved to London and landed myself a job. Honestly, I was over the moon finally free of the countryside and its small-town ways. Our relationship took off rather quickly, and within a year, our daughter was born.
But then, everything changed.
Why is our daughter blonde with blue eyes, when you and I are both brunettes? Matthew questioned one day.
Love, Im sure she takes after your father. They really are the spitting image of each other, arent they?
Dont start with that. A childs meant to look like her mum or dad, not a distant relative. And my mum says shes not convinced the girls mine.
To be honest, Sarah, my mother-in-law, never liked me from the beginning. She always thought Id only married Matthew to escape my village roots. His father, though, Jonathan, has always been a lovely man. He and Sarah have long since divorced, and he has a new family now, but hes never forgotten about Matthew.
Before I knew it, Matthew brought another woman into our flat. He told me to pack my bags and get out straightaway. I barely had time to think.
There wasnt anywhere else for me to go. My parents wanted nothing to do with me, not now that I had a child. In desperation, I rang up my friend Emily, who took us in for a few days. Soon after, I found a single room in a shared house and moved in there with my daughter. But my funds had dried up.
One day, while popping into Sainsburys, I heard a voice shout my name.
Girls! Where on earth have you got to? I even drove all the way to your village looking for you, Jonathan called.
Hello… Its really good to see you, I whispered, holding back tears.
I know what Matthews done. Theres absolutely no excuse for him. He and his mother are cut from the same cloth Where are you staying now?
Were renting a little room.
Thats alright. Ive got to dash, but as soon as I get back, well sort out somewhere proper for you to live. Take this, it should last you a fortnight. He handed me an envelope.
Relief washed over me; at least now I could buy milk and some food for my daughter.
Jonathan returned earlier than hed planned, and came round to see us. The look on his face when he saw where we were living said it allshock and disbelief. His wife wasnt having any of it, though. She didnt want us in their home. Even so, Jonathan found another solution: with all the money hed saved, he bought a flat and put it in his granddaughters name. I tried to tell him I couldnt possibly accept, but he wouldnt hear of it. It was for his granddaughter, he said, not for me.
A month later, my daughter and I settled into our new home. Jonathan even brought round furniture and everything we needed.
Dont rush putting your little one into nursery she needs her mum around right now. Ill help you out, dont worry. Even my wifes calmed down she wants to meet her granddaughter.
Thank you so very much!
No tears, love. My doors always open if you need anything, I wont turn my back on you. In time, things will get better, youll see.
Im so grateful my daughter has such a wonderful grandfather, even if she wasnt so lucky with her father. Jonathan gave everything he could to help us through.
Years have gone by since. I eventually remarried, but Ive never forgotten what Jonathan did for us. Hes a cherished guest in our home, and we visit him often.
