I never spoiled my son. He was an excellent student, well-behaved, and always willing to lend a handa real model chap. So, when William announced he was moving away for work, I started positively fretting. The thought of rattling around the house on my own filled me with dread.
And what about Lucy? I asked, referring to his girlfriend.
Weve split up, he replied casually.
This took me by surprise, as Id been quietly expecting an invite to a wedding any day. They seemed such a lovely pair. Though disappointed things ended so glumly, I kept my nose well out of their affairs.
Off my son went. We kept in touch, of course. He landed a job, made new mates, and pretty soon found himself smitten again. All I could do was await the mysterious new girlfriends introduction, though William didnt seem in any rush. Meanwhile, I entertained myself with a rather mischievous ginger kitten, who kept me suitably occupied.
One evening, coming home from work, I heard a tentative, Hello! in the dusk.
Looking up, I saw Lucy standing in the shadows, cradling a baby. Lucy, my dear, what brings you hereand whose tot is that?
She looked sheepish. You can judge me if you want, but shes your granddaughter. I was too nervous to tell William about the pregnancy since we had such an awful row when we broke up. After that, I moved back in with Mum and had the baby there. But my mother passed away last month, and theres no one else. So I came here. She stared at the ground. Honestly, I dont know what to do. I suppose Ill have to put her up for adoption. Ive nowhere to live. I thought if anything happened to me, at least youd know you had a granddaughter.
Oh, dont be so daft, I said. Well manage together. Lets get you both inside.
So Lucy and her little girl came to stay. The baby had Williams eyesno question whose she was. Lucy helped around the house while I juggled work, and truth be told, we managed pretty well. Then, out of the blue, William rang to say he was dropping by. He was quite vague about whether hed be alone.
The day he arrived, I was in the middle of giving the little one her lunch.
Well, whos this little charmer? William grinned.
Son, meet your daughter.
He blinked in shock. Blimey. Well, Ive not come alone, either. He disappeared and returned with a carrycot. This is my son. His mother passed away after he was born, and I couldnt just leave him.
Lucy emerged from the hallway, her face a picture when she saw William. The two of them talked all evening in private, and I gave them space. The best part? A year later, they tied the knot, and the two little ones got to have a proper family.
Nowadays, Williams drawn up plans for a big new househes keen to get out of that shoebox of a flat. And between you and me, Im expecting my third grandchild any day now. Honestly, lifes full of surpriseswhat a lovely, messy, splendid blessing!
