**The Daughter-in-Law with “Baggage”**
“Emily, has your son gone and got married? Saw him with a woman and a little boy. Took on a ready-made family, has he?” The nosy neighbour leaned over the fence, curiosity dripping from her words.
Emily blinked in surprise. “Not married yetbut Id be thrilled if he did.”
The news caught her off guard. Her son, Daniel, still lived with her and had shown no signs of settling down.
That evening, she cornered him in the kitchen. “Daniel, Mrs. Thompson said she saw you with a woman and a child. Are you seeing someone?”
He groaned. “Bloody busybodies, cant keep their noses out of it. Didnt want to tell you yet. Shes got a kid, so its nothing serious. Charlottes a widowhusband passed two years ago. Met her through work, and well, one thing led to another. Dont worry, I wont be bringing her home.”
Emilys face fell. “And here I was getting my hopes up. Whats wrong with her having a child?”
“Not raising another mans kid, am I? I want my own.”
“Youre 34, Daniel. How much longer are you going to play the bachelor?”
“Im still young! Christ, Mum, whats your problem?”
“Problem? Family isnt a problemits happiness, son.”
Daniel owned a flat but preferred living with his mother, renting his place out to save for a new car. Why not? She cooked, did his laundrydead convenient. And the women he dated, once they found out he lived with Mum, never stuck around. Just how he liked it.
He never mentioned his flat, meeting women on their turf or in hotel rooms. Life suited him fine.
Then, one evening, Emily spotted him with Charlotte. They were strolling along the high street, unhurried, the boy skipping beside them. Petite, with long chestnut hairshe was lovely. Emilys heart tugged. *Id like to meet her.*
Fate obliged. A chance encounter at the grocers.
“Excuse meare you Charlotte? Ive seen you with my son, Daniel. Im Emily.”
The woman flushed but smiled. “Hello. Yes, I know Daniel. Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Turner.”
“Fancy a cuppa? Theres a nice café just round the corner.”
Over coffee, Charlotte spoke softly. “My son, Oliver, is five. My husband died in a car crash. His parents sold our flathis mother owned itkicked us out. Im an orphan. Raised by my gran, God rest her. Sold her cottage to put a deposit on my own place. Work as a sales manager”
Emily listened, enchanted. Green eyes, delicate features, a quiet grace.
“Daniel never mentioned you. Id have loved to meet you sooner.”
“Probably worried youd disapprovea woman with baggage. Or maybe he just isnt ready. But were happy as we are.”
“Bring Daniel and Oliver round for Sunday lunch,” Emily urged. “Id love that.”
That evening, she announced it like a decree.
Daniel scowled. “Mum, stay out of my life! Im not marrying her.”
“Im not forcing you. But I like her. Shes lovely.”
He muttered something dark and stalked off. *Just like his father.*
Her husband, Geoffrey, had left three years ago for a colleague. Emily hadnt fought it. Love couldnt be forced.
Sunday came. Oliver, quiet and sweet, had his mothers eyes. Daniel, for once, seemed content. Laughing, relaxed.
*If only theyd marry,* Emily thought. *Give me a granddaughter.*
After that, Charlotte and Oliver became regularseven without Daniel. Emily adored them.
Then, silence. Days of unanswered calls.
“Daniel, whats happened to Charlotte? I cant reach her.”
“Weve split. Dont ask.”
“What? Why? Everything was fine!”
“Olivers sick. Some rare condition. Needs expensive treatmentthought Id foot the bill, did she? Easier to walk away.”
Emily gaped. “You abandoned her *because* her sons ill? You selfish little”
“Selfish? Why should I pay for some other blokes kid?”
“Youve got savings for a bloody car! Thats more important than a childs life?”
“Not this again.” He stormed out.
Emily sank onto a chair, heart heavy. *How did I raise such a cold man?*
She had savingsemergency money. This was the emergency.
When Charlotte finally called, Emily cut her off. “I know everything. I want to help Oliver.”
“You dont have to”
“Take it. And Daniels a fool. Forgive me for him.”
The next day, she handed over the money.
Then, she evicted her son.
“Pack your things. Go live in your flattenants just left. I wont share a roof with you.”
“Christ, over *her*? Youd choose a stranger over me?”
“Im ashamed of you.”
He left, slamming the door.
A charity helped fund Olivers treatment. Emily visited often, bringing treats. Daniel stayed frosty. Charlotte never mentioned him.
Then, Emily noticedCharlottes waist had thickened.
“Charlotte are you pregnant?”
A shy nod. “Five months. Didnt tell Danielthought hed accuse me of trapping him. I couldnt end it. Its a girl.”
Emily burst into tears. “A granddaughter! My dream! Ill helpI promise!”
The baby came healthy. They named her Lily. Daniel wasnt told.
Years passed. Emily had a stroke. Charlotte and the children moved in to care for her. Oliver read to her. Lily brought her tea.
Daniel visited occasionally, awkward, distant.
One day, she signed the house over to Charlotte. “For Lily, one day.”
Emily smiled through tears. “Whod have thought? My two baggage kidsOliver and Lily. Youve made me happy.”
Lifes surprises were cruel sometimes. The child of her heart had become family. Her own son? A stranger.
