You know, Emma never really had much luck with relationships. By the time she was thirty, shed never been married always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as they say. So she finally decided to try and find herself a bloke. At first, she didnt realise that James was already married. Later, he stopped hiding it, once he caught on that Emma had fallen for him. But, you know, Emma never blamed James. On the contrary, she only ever scolded herself for letting it happen, for being so drawn to him. She felt she was missing something, like shed failed somehow because she hadnt found a husband in time and time was slipping away.
But you wouldnt call Emma unattractive. Not the classic beauty, but a kind face, a bit on the curvy side, which did make her look a little older. Things with James went nowhere. Emma hated being the other woman, but she just couldnt walk away the thought of ending up alone was too much.
Well, one afternoon, her cousin Tom popped by. He was in London on business and, since they hadnt seen each other in ages, decided to drop in for a few hours. They made themselves some lunch in the kitchen, chatting like they used to when they were kids, just catching up on life. Emma ended up spilling everything about her love life, had a little cry, you know how it goes.
Just then, the neighbour from downstairs knocked and invited Emma over to help her look at some shopping shed done. Emma said shed only be twenty minutes. While she was out, the doorbell rang again. Tom answered it, thinking Emma was back after all, the door wasnt locked. Standing there was James. Instantly, Tom realised this was Emmas married boyfriend. James was clearly thrown by the sight of this big bloke in joggers and a t-shirt, nonchalantly munching a cheese and ham sandwich.
Is Emma in? James managed to ask.
Shes just in the bath, Tom replied, keeping his cool.
And you are? James stammered.
Im her partner. Living together for now Tom moved closer, putting on a bit of a show. And whats your business? Are you that married lad Emma told me about? Listen here if I catch you round here again, youll be out the door and down the stairs quicker than you like, got it?
James wriggled away and made a run for it.
When Emma came back, Tom told her whatd happened.
Oh, what have you done? Emma burst into tears. Hell never come back now.
She flopped onto the sofa, covering her face.
Exactly, and thats a good thing, Tom said. Enough is enough, Em. Look, I know just the man for you. Theres a widower in our village, lovely bloke. Women are always after him since his wife passed, but he keeps to himself says he wants more time alone. Anyway, next time Im over, Ill take you down to the village and introduce you.
Oh, come off it! Emma spluttered. I cant just turn up and meet some random chap. I dont even know him. Its mortifying, Tom!
Whats embarrassing is being with someone elses husband, not meeting a single man. Im not asking you to marry him. Just come along its Lucys birthday anyway.
A few days later, Emma went with Tom down to the village. His wife Lucy set up a table in the garden by the shed, loads of food and a few friends and neighbours, including Toms mate the widower, Alex. Everyone in the village knew Emma, but shed never met Alex before.
After a lovely afternoon, Emma went back to London. She thought about Alex, about how quiet and gentle he was. He must still be grieving for his wife. Poor chap. There arent many with such a good heart, she mused.
A week later, Emma was at home on a Saturday when the doorbell rang. She wasnt expecting anyone, so she opened the door and surprise! there stood Alex, holding a shopping bag.
Hope you dont mind, Emma. I was just passing through, went to the market and the shops. Thought, well, seeing as we know each other now, maybe I could pop in, Alex said, a bit sheepishly.
Emma, a bit taken aback, invited him in for tea, figuring maybe this wasnt just a coincidence.
So, did you get everything you needed from the shops? she asked.
Yeah, the rests in the car. But these are for you. Alex pulled out a little bunch of tulips from the bag and handed them to Emma.
Her eyes lit up as she took the flowers. They sat together in the kitchen, chatting about the weather and the food prices in the shops. After their tea, Alex thanked her and got ready to go. In the hall, he slowly put on his jacket, struggling with his shoes. Then, right at the door, he turned around and looked at Emma.
If I leave now without saying this, Ill regret it, he said nervously. Ive thought about you all week, Emma, honestly. I couldnt wait for the weekend. Thats why I turned up. Got your address from Tom
Emma blushed and looked away.
Weve only just met she tried to protest.
Thats alright, isnt it? You dont dislike me, do you? Can I call you Emma? I know Im not perfect. And Ive got an eight-year-old daughter shes with her gran at the moment.
Alex was all nerves, hands shaking.
A daughter is lovely. Thats a blessing, Emma said, her voice dreamy. I always wanted a little girl.
Encouraged by her response, Alex took Emmas hands and gently pulled her closer for a kiss.
Afterwards, Alex searched her face. Her eyes were shining with tears.
Do I make you uncomfortable? he asked uncertainly.
No, not at all, Emma whispered. I honestly didnt expect to feel this way. I feel safe. Im not taking anybody elses happiness.
From then on, they saw each other every weekend. And after two months, Emma and Alex married and moved to the village together. Emma got a job at the local nursery. A year later, she gave birth to a daughter. So, in their home, there were two little girls growing up both equally loved as if they were born to both parents. There was enough care and love to go round, and Alex and Emma only seemed to get younger and happier with every year, their love deepening like a good wine.
At family gatherings, Tom would often wink at Emma across the table and say, See, I told you I wouldnt set you up with a bad one, eh? Youre looking better every time I see you. Trust your brother I know what Im talking about!And Emma, catching Toms eye, would laugh, her cheeks flushing with contentment, and think back on all those lonely yearshow brittle shed felt, how afraid that happiness was reserved for other people. Now, when she watched Alex chasing the girls through the wild garden behind their cottage, she felt a quiet gratitude blooming at the core of her chest.
No, she hadnt been the first to marry or to fall in love, but, as she realized on a soft summer evening, standing at her kitchen window while her daughters laughter spilled in through the open door, happiness seemed to come not on schedule, but exactly when you dared to believe you deserved it.
Emma had learned at last that there are second chances for everyoneespecially for those patient enough to wait for the kind of love that doesnt need to be stolen, or hidden, or rushed. Just the kind that fits, gently, into the shape of your life, making you glad for every twist and tangle that led you there.
And so she smiled and set out two mugs for tea, waiting for Alex to come in from the dusk, not once looking back.
