My Family
Oh, my goodness, Emma! You look absolutely stunning! Margaret gasped in delight as she stepped into her daughters bedroom.
Emma stood beside the full-length mirror while Sophie, her best friend and part-time hairdresser, deftly finished securing the last pins in her veil. Emma turned to her mother, eyes wide with anticipation.
Mum, do you really think its alright?
Margaret pressed her hands to her chest, tears of joy in her eyes. Darling, you look perfect! Youre the most beautiful bride Ive ever seen. The words slipped out with a warm, involuntary smile. Her own mother had said those very words to her onceshe supposed every mother did, seeing her daughter in a wedding dress.
Theyd chosen the dress with care. Emma had always been particular about her clothesshe followed neither fashion nor opinion, only her own taste. And she had impeccable taste, a figure that made anything look well, so no one would ever dare criticise her. The wedding dress, too, was chosen not by the latest trendsit wasnt revealing or flamboyant. Emma wanted something different, unique. The shop assistants were at their wits end: how to please such a bride? Only Caroline, the boutiques owner, came to the rescue.
I think I have exactly what you need.
Caroline left the showroom for a minute and returned with a dress bag. When she revealed the gown, Emmas eyes sparkled. That was it.
Sleek, simple lines, without any excessive trimming. A costly fabric, elegant in its restraint. Emma twirled in front of the mirror. It fit her as if it had been made for herno alterations needed.
So, what do you think?
Ill take it!
Carolines smile was tinged with something wistful, a memory flashing in her eyes before it vanished. Emma didnt need to know that dress had been meant for Caroline herself, back when she still believed in love and marriage. But love without trust is nothing at all, and when trust is gone, whats left? Caroline gave herself a little shakewhat use is regret? Life must go on.
Theres a gorgeous veil to go with that dress. Ill fetch it now.
Emma shot her mother a knowing wink. Didnt I say Id find exactly what I wanted?
Margaret nodded, a luminous happiness lighting her face. Shed remember these moments as the happiest of her life. Thoughts of her own youthful pre-wedding nerves crept back to herback then, it was impossible to just walk into a shop and buy any dress you fancied. It was what the local shops had or what friends and family could cobble together. Her dress had been sewn by a family friend from the haberdashery; getting fabric was a minor miracle, and the finished dress magnificent. But happiness had eluded her. She and her husband parted ways before Emma was much older than two. New loves, new passions and she became unnecessary, as did the child she brought into the world. Emma grew up without a father. He sent the maintenance money, of coursecouldnt have anyone doubting his decency, not in their town. That was all. Just new chapters, new families. It happened. But keeping in touch with Emma, Greg refused outright.
I dont need the hassle.
Margaret had learned not to press. Better no father at all than one who didnt care.
Shed tried to fill that gap, to give Emma a father figure, but her partner had never wanted children. He adored Margaret, loved her in his own way, but as for raising her daughterno chance. And when one day in a spat he suggested Emma might be better off with her real dad, Margaret packed his bags and showed him the door.
Well do just fine, petal. We dont need anyone else.
At the time, Emma understood little except that her mother had chosen her. She never forgot it, perhaps which is why there were never the classic teenage rows or distance between them as years passed. For Emma, her mother was her world.
Em, youd better hurry. Youll be late, Margaret murmured, smoothing Emmas veil, planting a kiss on her daughters brow. Be happy, my girl.
Emma clapped her hands with a laugh. Mum! Ill start crying and Sophie will kill meshe spent an hour making me look like Im not even wearing make-up. If I ruin it
Hugging Margaret, she added in a whisper, Ill try
The day of the wedding passed in a heartbeat. Later, Margaret found herself alone in the quiet of her flat, closing the front door and sitting heavily on the hallway bench. Emma and her new husband would live in Margarets mothers old house, a place Margaret insisted they take. Daniel, Emmas husband, didnt have his own flat, and when Emma suggested they might move in with his parents, Margaret said nothing, but, after Daniel had gone one evening, handed her daughter the keys.
No, love. You make your own start. Just the two of you.
Mum, what about the tenants?
Ive spoken to them. Theyll be moved out by the wedding.
But, Mummoney! We budgeted for renting for a while.
I dont need much, darling. I manage. Im still working and can get by. You have your own placeno need to rent if the family homes there for you.
Emma twirled with the keys, joy glowing from her. Mum, thank you! That brings my dream of our own home so much closer.
Our own house?
Yes! Spacious, full of light, plenty of room for everyone. And three childrens rooms, at least! Emma blushed and tucked against her mother. Is that too many?
Oh, my love, as many as fate brings, so long as you and the little ones are healthy.
Im so glad you understand
And Im glad your children will have a young grandmother, Margaret joked, kissing Emmas hair. A house means a home. Live how you want to live!
Margaret didnt tell Emma about the chat with Daniels parents the day before, when the traditional meet-the-in-laws was hosted at her flat. Shed spent all day in the kitchen. She could cook, but it had mainly been just her and Emma, so a chance to show off was rare.
At first, Daniels parents seemed friendly enough, but Daniels mother, Mrs. Elaine Wright, after poking at her food, pursed her lips.
Strangeeverythings just a bitunusual for us
Margaret lifted her eyebrows. The fish, baked using her grans recipe, was always a winner. The slow-roast beef had taken her the better part of a day. Daniels father ate in silence, helping himself to secondsMargaret could tell he was enjoying it.
Does Emma cook? Elaine inquired, nudging aside her plate. Shell have heaps to learn. Well, its good theyll be living with us. Shell get used to how Daniel likes everything. Hes our only boy, you see. And Emmas your only too, isnt she?
Yes.
And you raised her alone?
Thats how it happened.
A full family is so important, you know. How can a girl learn how to run a household without a man around? We like Emma very much, dont misunderstand, but I see how hard it is for a girl raised by just her mother
Margaret forced a polite smile. Emma pressed her mums leg under the table with her footnot to react. Shed warned Margaret already that Daniel was nothing like his parents.
Hes lovely, Mum. Youll see. Just, whatever they say, dont take it to heart. Its not easy for him, either.
Only now did Margaret really grasp what Emma meant. She wanted to stand up, shout at them to leave, but Emma had good sense, and had clearly weighed her decision to be with Daniel carefully.
Clearing up, Margaret lingered in the kitchen, startled when Elaine appeared.
Now we can talk without the children, she began. Daniels father, Richard, stood behind her, silent, an apologetic look in his eyes. He clearly didnt like what was happening but wouldnt challenge his wife.
Margaret, Elaine began, Lets not stand on ceremony between us. Im a motherlike youand I worry for my only child. Hes making the biggest decision of his life, and I want to be sure its the right one. This might not be his last chance, but I hope he wont have to go through all this again
Margaret remained quiet, knowing from years of working as a GPs practice manager that if you didnt interrupt, people said more than they intended.
Dont get me wrongwe like Emma a lot. But I have questions only you can answer.
Margaret braced herself. Go ahead.
Now, I know you and Emmas father divorced long ago and dont keep in touch, but you must know something about his family? Were there any hereditary illnesses? Why did you split? Was he a drinker? Difficult?
Nothing of the sort.
Details are important. It mattersGenetics, you knowwill it affect the children? Should Daniel have them with Emma? As a doctor, surely you see my point. I can overlook Emmas upbringing, a working mother do her best alone, but stilla girl joining my family, I need to know what were letting in.
Margaret felt her patience break; her heart achedfor Emma, and for the cost of this womans rudeness. She drew breath to respond but, at that moment, Emma appeared in the doorway, shaking her head slightly. She hadnt heard the conversation, but one look at Margaret warned heran explosion was brewing.
Mum?
Yes, love. Im almost finished. Can you get out Grans best china for tea?
Margaret steadied herself, then turned to Elaine. Emmas family history is perfect. If you want proof, Ill get you anything you need. No need to worry. And I wont be asking about yours; I trust the young ones to decide whats best for them. I understand your fears. But I hope they wont make your son question the choice hes made.
Margaret picked up the homemade Victoria sponge, nodded to the doorway, and handed it to Elaine. Lets not keep the children waiting. Will you help?
That evening she caught Richards glancerelieved, grateful even. For the rest of the visit, it was clear: no more talk was needed.
They didnt meet again before the wedding. Emma and Daniel were both working full-time, paid for everything, and werent looking for parental help.
Emma and Daniel started building their own house two years later, using the money from selling the family flat. Pregnant Emma had gathered information for years and now played site manager with such conviction, the builders began following her instructions with affectionate deference. The house wasnt finished before the baby came, so Daniel took Emma and the newborn home to Margaretsdespite Elaines complaints.
I hope you dont mind our imposing, Margaret, Daniel said, laying his newborn daughter on the spare room bed. But Emma and Iwere both calmer here for now.
You did exactly right, Daniel. Dont look so worried. Go on, unbundle your daughtershes too warm.
Im scared, he murmured.
Dont be. Trust yourselfyou cant do her any harm. Instinct, Daniel. Try.
Margaret caught Emmas arm as she crept in. Let him learn.
Daniel managed the first bath and walk perfectly. When Elaine came to visit the next day, she tutted.
Its not a mans job, all that baby business.
Thats an old stereotype, Margaret replied, giving Daniel a warm nod as he held his daughter.
She kept quiet about wanting to hold small Sophia all to herselfevery grandmother knows best, but remembers, once, being just as clumsy and frightened.
Sophiethats what they called the babygrew strong and healthy. When they finally moved into their new house, and a year later, Emma hinted at another child, disaster struck.
Mum, Sophies got a temperature. Margarets fingers tightened on the receiver; Emmas voice was panicked, unlike Margaret had ever heard.
High?
Very. And its not budging.
Ring 999. Im on my way.
Margaret drove through the night, praying it wasnt serious.
Her prayer wasnt answered swiftly, or was put on hold by heaven for another day.
An ambulance, hospital, intensive care, and then two days of waiting, after the doctors dry, Were doing all we can
Emma stayed rooted by the doors of intensive care; Margaret didnt try to move her, merely brought tea, coffee, made her eat.
You need your strength. When they bring Sophie back to the ward, shell need you tough.
Daniel dashed from work to hospital and back again. Margaret hugged him on the verge of breaking:
Hold it together, or Emma will lose her mind.
Elaine arrived soon after Sophia was admitted.
What happened? Why did she fall ill? Could it be genetic? An infection?
Elaine, hush. Margaret, for once, lost her composure. Does it matter now?
Of course it does Elaine saw Emma huddled, Daniel holding her hand, and Margaret shooting her an uncharacteristically fierce glare. She paused and then, quietly, Sorry
Sophie, frightening everyone, rallied after two days and immediately asked for her mum. The crisis over, Margaret gave a sigh of relief as Emma and Daniel coped with the rest.
A few days later, Margaret visited, played with Sophie, made sure Emma had eaten and prepared to leave, but Emma interrupted.
Mum, wait. Daniel and I we wanted to ask you something.
Learning what it was, Margaret closed her eyes, letting out a breathsuch happiness!
Mum, will you help us?
Of coursedont even ask!
Thank you. Emma looked relieved. With two little ones, and Sophie needing so much care, I cant do it alone.
Oh, youd managelook at your Daniel!
Daniel poked his head out from under a blanket, playing hide and seek with Sophie. You dont mind?
Moving in with you? Its not my first choice, but needs must, Margaret joked, not asking why Daniel hadnt asked his own mother. Just for a while, thoughuntil Sophies better. Think of me as a temp worker.
Mum!
What? Im not moving in forever. Thats wrong. Ill help, but you need your own space.
Id love you with us always
Margaret hugged Sophie and got up. Im always here, love. Always. Even when Im not right next door. But Im an old singleton now. Youve got your family. Thats how it should be. Now, lets not discuss ittemp worker, right, Sophie? She kissed her granddaughter, waved goodbye, and left.
At home, packing, her phone rang.
Margaret? Dont you think its odd youre helping, not me? Elaine, as ever, got to the point. Id be more usefulI dont work, I know children better
It wasnt my decision, Elaine. Maybe you should speak to Daniel? Im just helping where Im asked.
Daniel wont even listen! I dont know what hold you have, but Im the real grandmother, and he couldnt care less!
No idea. Ask him?
Youre impossible! Elaines voice was fraying. You should turn them downsay youre too busy.
Elaine, are you listening to yourself? Why? When did you last visit Sophie, anyway?
Whats the point? Youre always there. I cant even bring food because youve done it all.
There you go. Sorry, must go now. Bye.
Margaret put her phone aside, thoughtful. Family harmony is easily broken but hard to rebuild. Elaine might never understand, but Margaret did. She picked up the phone, determined.
Daniel, we need a chat
Three years later.
Gran, are you taking me to dance class today, or is Gran Elaine?
I am, love. Gran Elaines taking Patrick for a walk. Mummys working late.
So youll give me lunch?
Yes.
Hooray! Will you make those cinnamon buns again?
Did you like them? Then yes. Margaret checked her granddaughter in the rear-view mirror as she drove.
Gran
Yes, sweetheart?
Are we going to the zoo at the weekend with you or with Gran Elaine?
All of us! And Granddad toohe needs some fresh air.
And will you buy me balloons?
And ice cream. And candyfloss.
Brilliant! Sophie cheered. Patrick should get balloons too, right?
Of course. Margaret smiled.
Gran
Yes?
Can I tell you a secret? My *biggest* secret?
You can!
Im going to have another brother or sister soon.
Margaret raised her eyebrows in surprise. So thats why Emma was glowing lately. Ever since Margaret refused to move in, insisting shed help from a distanceand ensuring both grandmothers were hands-onEmma respected her more, though now Daniel was the first to hear her news.
Things hadnt been smooth at first, but theyd all muddled through together. Some people had to adapt, some had to learn when to keep quiet, but Sophie and Patrick ended up with two grandmothers and a wonderful grandfather.
How do you know? Margaret lowered the radio volume.
Mummy and Daddy were talking last night. They thought I was asleep. Gran can I hope for a sister?
Why are you asking?
Well, if its a brother, that might not be fair on him, if I dont want him
Margaret chuckled. Do you love Patrick?
Loads!
Then youll love a new brother too, if thats who it is. And hell love you. Shall we wait and see, and when Mummy knows, shell tell you?
Alright. Gran, do you know what? I always wished I had two brothers myself.
Really?
Promise.
Well, then, well see. Sophie rearranged her toys in her seata rabbit from Gran Margaret, a bear from Gran Elaine. Ill wait for a brother too.
And another thing! Margaret turned onto Daniel and Emmas street. Its like a present at Christmas. You dont know whats inside til you open the box.
Gran, have you bought my present yet? Sophie peered at her as Margaret unbuckled her seat.
For Christmas? Not yet. Too early. But for your birthdayyes, I have. Want to know a secret?
Yes!
Gran Elaines got you one, too. But what it isthat, I wont tell!
Oh! Sophie pouted.
Im not telling! Your birthdays soonyoull see.
Alright, then! Sophie grabbed her rabbit and dashed to the gate.
Margaret hoisted her swimming kit from the boot as Elaine came along, Patrick on her hip.
Hello, Gran!
Hello, you! Elaine smiled. Patrick and I are off for a stroll.
Were off to dance. Just got to get changed.
Margaret watched as Sophie pressed up to Elaine with excited conversation, words tumbling into the air, and thought how complicated and how simple it all was. To love those near you, to listen, to see and to know that you are needed, and need in return To be a family.
