Why on earth would a good-looking, successful bloke like me want to get married? I pondered, lounging at my kitchen table. When are we going to get grandchildren? my parents probably sighed over in their house.
After dropping my friend off at her flat, I returned to mine, cooked myself some eggs and ham, sat down to eat, and switched on my phone, off all night. Missed calls appeared instantly.
Mum called, I muttered, shes bound to have a go at me for being such a hopeless case
But hopeless I was not. I had a solid job, a two-bedroom flat in Reading, and a decent car hardly failing. Except here I was, twenty-five, still a bachelor.
Why should I settle down anyway? I thought. What am I missing?
When will we hear the pitter-patter of grandchildren? my parents probably wondered in Slough.
I dialled Mums number:
Hello Mum, how are you feeling?
Oh, cant complain, she replied.
And Dad?
Hes alright too. Pity you cant check for yourself youve got a car, lad, yet we never see you for months on end. Dads about to dig the garden, time to get the potatoes in.
Mum, cant manage today. But I promise Ill be round next weekend.
Youve told us before youd bring your girlfriend over.
This time for real, Mum, Ill visit with my girlfriend next weekend. Promise! The words tumbled out before I realised.
Your fiancée?
Wellnot quite.
Im so pleased, son! Well see you both next Saturday. Ill make all your favourites!
Hanging up, I stared into my tea, troubled.
Why did I say that? Who am I supposed to introduce as my girlfriend now? Emma? Hmm. I might as well call her after a kip. Though Mum and Dad would think shes all wrong for me, and shed hate the quiet of the suburbs. Still, a visits a visit. Ah, time for bed
Leaving a greasy frying pan on the table, I went off to my room.
Later, after a nap, I remembered my promise and called Emma.
Morning, gorgeous! I said when she picked up.
Hello, Andrew, she replied, curt.
You sound tired, Emma. I could pop over?
Andrew, we dont need to see each other anymore. My plans have changed.
What plans? My tone grew sharp.
Im getting married.
Ill come round and have a word with you and your fiancé
The call cut off.
I threw my phone onto the sofa, fuming. It was normally me leaving girls behind, not the other way round.
I wandered to the bathroom, then made coffee in the kitchen. My mind raced:
Where will I find a girlfriend to bring home now? Any of my recent acquaintances? Not ideal theyll think Im deadly serious
I didnt even finish my coffee before my car alarm went off. I bolted to the window. My car, always parked behind the block where it was visible even at night, had a stranger hovering nearby a man of about forty-five, staring right up at my window.
Whos that? I muttered, pulling on trainers and dashing outside.
Mate, what do you think youre doing? I asked.
Listen here, son, the man said haughtily. Stay away from Emma or youll regret it.
Oh, get lost!
Suddenly, a burly lad appeared.
I tried to say something but everything faded to black.
Andrew! Andrew!
A mousey-looking girl bent over me. She seemed familiar.
Can you hear me? Should I call an ambulance?
No need. Ive got a first aid kit in my boot, I managed a weak grin. Can you help?
Yes, I trained as a nurse, she nodded.
Then I realised she lived in the building next to mine, often said hello, though Id pegged her as a schoolgirl. I tried to remember her name. She caught my hesitation:
Im Sarah. I live next door.
Hop in, Sarah, I unlocked the rear door. Theres the first aid kit.
She treated my injuries.
Nothing serious, she assured.
Thanks!
I caught her eyes in the mirror, brimming with quiet concern, as if asking, Is it alright if I go?
Would you fancy grabbing a coffee? I never did get to breakfast.
Like this? She glanced at her hoodie and joggers.
Whats wrong? Im just as scruffy.
Honestly, I shouldnt.
Alright, I smiled, but maybe after weve both changed?
Half an hour later, she met me in a simple dress, light make-up on her face. Suddenly, I didnt fancy driving. A walk felt better.
Sarah, want to walk to the park instead?
Sure, she smiled, taking my arm.
She chatted the whole way. We stopped at a cosy café, sat down. Offering her the menu, I said,
Sarah, order whatever youd like.
She hesitated over the menu, more worried about the prices than the dishes. Realising she wasnt used to such spots, I waved to the waiter.
Something special and a coffee for the lady, please.
And for you, sir?
Just coffee.
Weve a lovely sponge cake.
Thatll do.
Afterwards, we strolled home, parting at her entrance.
The working week flashed by, and come Friday, the thought struck me
Didnt I promise Mum Id come round with a girl? What am I going to do?
I went to the kitchen, put the kettle on, made a sandwich all the while worrying about tomorrows visit.
Ill show up alone. Mum will be disappointed. Got to think of something
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
What if I take Sarah? Granted, I havent seen her since Sunday Ill say work got busy
I quickly ate, shaved, slipped into smart jeans and a shirt, and headed out.
I knew her building but there were fifteen flats, and beyond her name, I knew nothing.
I stood for a few minutes, looking up at the windows, when suddenly the door opened and she came rushing down, dressed as before.
She shot me a hesitant look.
Hello, Sarah!
Hello, Andrew! Her face lit up.
I thought we could go for a stroll.
Im not even dressed up
Ill wait, I grinned. Half an hour be enough?
Yes, and she dashed back inside.
At home, her mum asked,
Whats the rush, love?
Im going out for a walk, Mum.
Why so sudden?
No reply. Sarah flitted about, getting ready. Her mother peered out the window, then rushed over.
Youre meeting that Andrew, arent you?
Yes.
Why do you want that one? Hes good looking, alright, but you know what girls he brings round.
Mum, dont make a fuss!
You and your ideas
But Sarah had already slipped out. She knew the whole building would soon be gossiping everyone knew Andrew and what a quiet mouse she was. The word was would stick, but she couldnt care less.
Holding herself straight, not glancing back, sure her mum was watching from the window, she linked arms with me and asked,
Where are we headed?
Lets try the park, a café, maybe a walk under the moon
We went to the park, lingered at the café, walked for ages, hugged under the crescent moon. Then, as midnight ticked past, her phone rang.
Sarah, its one oclock!
Coming, Mum! she said, eyes downcast. Andrew, Ive got to get home.
Ill walk you.
At her door, a long goodbye hug. Then, without really asking, in a tone that meant business, I said:
Tomorrow youre coming to visit my parents with me
David! my mother called from the lounge, spotting my car pull in the next morning. Our Andrews home!
Thought hed forgotten his old Mum and Dad, my dad said, sliding into his wellies.
Hes brought a girl! Mum cried, dashing outside.
Mum bustled up to us, eyeing Sarah curiously.
Whats your name, dear?
Sarah, she replied shyly.
Im Mrs. Margaret, but call me Maggie! Do come in, love!
Thank you!
Dad came out, smiling broadly, and greeted Sarah,
Finally, our boys found himself a nice girl. Whats your name, darling?
Sarah.
Im David, just call me Dave.
Sarah seemed surprised shed expected frosty faces, not beaming ones. Imagine her surprise: simple house, cheery people, smiles all round. Maybe they were just like her own folks in town.
Lunchtime was a feast, the table laid out like for a VIP.
The grilling soon began. Sarah came from an ordinary family. Shed thought my folks would be stiff, but they were as down-to-earth as hers maybe even more cheerful that she was a regular girl, not some snob.
After lunch, Dad and I went to dig over the garden. Sarah approached Mum:
Mrs. Maggie, let me clear the table and do the washing up.
Well do it together! Mum beamed.
Later we all planted potatoes. When we finished, Sarah said wistfully,
I really should head back. Mum will be worried.
Nonsense, said Mum, stay for supper, stay the night. Weve plenty of space, Ill put you in separate rooms.
Im not sure Sarah clearly wanted to.
Call your mum! Mum insisted.
Sarah dialled, looking nervous.
Mum, can I stay overnight?
You promised youd be home, her mother started, but my mum took the phone,
Is that Pauline? This is Margaret, Andrews mum.
Hello.
Let Sarah stay, Ill make sure alls proper. Weve space, separate rooms, no funny business.
Oh well, if you say so
And so they chatted for ages.
We only headed back to the city the next evening. Mum loaded us with fresh veg, bread, eggs most handed to Sarah.
Now, Andrew, that ones yours, she said, but these are for the both of you.
Mrs. Maggie, this is too much!
You two dont eat properly in the city, look how skinny you are.
Before we left, she pulled me aside, Did you hand in your papers at the registry office yet?
Mum! We havent even talked about it.
Well, you should! Dont you let a good girl slip by and dont bring me anyone else!
As soon as my car crunched down the driveway, Mum was already on the phone.
Pauline, theyre off. I sent them home with some farm stuff.
Oh Maggie, you spoil them!
Not at all! God willing, well soon be in-laws.
Oh come off it! But Pauline sounded pleased.
Hes twenty-five, hes got a flat and a car. What more do you want in a future son-in-law? I just hope Sarah keeps her head.
Sarah? Shes daft in love, thats for certain.
All we can do is guide them more than that, its up to them.
Your Andrew really is a fine lad.
Your Sarahs a hard worker. And she cooks and cleans so well…
Driving home, I was quietly grinning. Sarah broke the silence:
What are you smiling about, Andrew?
My parents liked you.
Oh come off it, thats the least.
Mum says I shouldn’t let such a lovely girl slip away.
And you?
I don’t intend to.
We looked at each other, eyes sparkling clear with the warmth of new loveSarah smiled out the window, cheeks coloured rose. The silence between us was the good kind, soft and full of promise. She turned to me, wordlessly lacing her fingers with mine.
I squeezed her hand, a gentle certainty growing in my chest. Outside, the city lights blinked on as we slipped back into our familiar neighbourhood, but everything felt changedricher, brighter. My so-called bachelor freedom had never tasted as sweet as this new uncertainty, warm with possibility.
When I pulled up outside her building, she didnt open the door straight away. She looked at me with those steady eyes, searching, unafraid.
Andrew? she murmured.
Yes?
Next weekend. Do you want to come meet my dad? Hell want to dig over the tomatoes.
I laugheda real, deep laughand nodded.
I wouldnt miss it.
She leaned over, pressed her lips to my cheek, and stepped out. We exchanged a look: a promise, a question answered, the start of something neither of us needed to rush.
And as she disappeared into the glow of the foyer, I realisedmaybe, just maybe, this was what Id been missing all along.
I drove away grinning, not a hopeless case after all.
