Hey love, let me tell you Emilys story its a proper English yarn, full of that villagelife charm and a few heartbreaks.
One afternoon, as Emily was popping out of the little shop on the high street in a cosy Kent village, James brushed past her, halfinarush, and said, Emily, swing by the local club tonight, Ive got something to chat about. She gave him a quick nod, but he was already darting around the corner before she could even say goodbye.
Emily thought to herself as she walked the winding lane back home, James always looks so serious. Maybe its because hes six years older than me. Shed hear the village gossip about Lily, the girl whos always at Jamess side, never letting anyone else get near him. Everyone knew Lily was practically glued to James, even though hed keep dodging her offers to dance at the club.
Give it a rest, Lily, Emily would hear Lily chuckle, never taking offence. Youll fall for him and marry him, and then youll be mine anyway Lily would tease. If a lad ever said something like that to her, Emily imagined shed turn right around and walk the other way, feeling embarrassed.
When the evening rolled around, Emily got ready with a bit of excitement fluttering in her chest. She was nineteen, with the whole world ahead of her dreaming of a good, kind bloke, a wedding, and two kids. She peered into the mirror, liked the new dress, and thought, James is a decent lad, even if hes older. But theres a chill down my spine every time he looks at me. Hed escorted her home three times already, always polite, never grabbing her hand like the other lads whod try to hug you straight away.
The club was buzzing when she stepped inside. James was waiting, eyes bright, and whisked her to the middle of the floor. Hey, Emily, he said, lets have a dance, and they swayed to My Bright Little Star. She barely had time to look around before they were moving, his serious face softening with an occasional smile. He held her waist firmly, and the closeness sent a little thrill through her. A few more songs later, Lily finally showed up, shooting a sharp stare at the pair, while James kept pulling Emily into the next dance.
Just as the last tune faded, James leaned in, Emily, fancy a walk? She agreed, and they slipped out while Lily kept twirling on the dance floor.
Outside the village, the night was quiet, only crickets chirping and the rivers cool breeze brushing past. Mist rolled in patches, and the scent of wildflowers swirled around them. James stopped, looked at her and said, Emily, Im not one to beat around the bush will you marry me? She froze, honestly didnt see it coming, thinking hed just confess his love.
Why are you so quiet? James asked, a little nervous. Oh James, I didnt expect this but Im in, she whispered, giggling softly. He squeezed her and planted a kiss.
The wedding was a joyful affair, a true love match. They moved into Jamess family home, living with his parents. Emily quickly found a warm welcome from them shed heard the dreadful tales of motherinlaw drama, but theirs was kind and supportive. She trusted Jamess advice, especially since he was older, and he made sure to treat her right, backing her up in tough times.
Soon a son arrived, and the whole household rallied around the baby. Jamess mum helped with night feeds, even staying up to soothe the little one. Three years later a daughter was born, and grandparents gushed over the grandchildren, giving Emily a breather. Her own mum and her motherinlaw were always ready to lend a hand.
One evening James said, Emily, lets build our own house. Every man should have a place of his own. She nodded, and they got to work. Their son was five, their daughter still a toddler, and Emily loved the idea of a home just for them. She imagined a house where she could arrange everything her way, with separate rooms for the kids and a cosy bedroom for the two of them.
At last the new house was finished, and they moved in, thrilled with the fresh start. James played with the kids like a youngster, and they even rescued a stray kitten that soon became a family mascot.
What do you think about a third child? James asked one day, halfjoking. Sure, why not, Emily laughed, weve got plenty of room now.
But fate had other plans. One morning, after breakfast, James clutched his chest. Emily helped him onto the sofa and raced to fetch the paramedic. By the time they arrived, James was gone. It turned out his heart had been failing, something hed never really taken seriously.
Emily was devastated, left a widow with two kids in their brandnew home. Id still love to have another child, she sobbed, but why do good men get taken away? She mourned for weeks, remembering James, but knew she had to keep going for the sake of the children.
She told herself, Im the only one my kids have now; I must stay strong. She took on two jobs, juggling work and home, while her parents helped out where they could. Men started to show interest, even proposing, but Emily wasnt ready to think about anyone else while her children were still growing.
Will a new partner fit into our lives? Will he be a good father? What if he hurts them? she wondered. She decided to wait until the kids were fully grown.
Eventually the son graduated from university, the daughter from college, both started families of their own, and Emily, now fortyeight, became a proud grandmother of two. On weekends, her children and grandchildren would visit. One day her son said, Mum, youre still young and lovely. Dont stay alone find a decent bloke and get married again. Well understand; loneliness isnt good for you.
Emily smiled, Ive thought about it, love, but I doubt Ill ever find a man like James. I keep turning people down because I cant stand the drinking, the arguing, the laziness. I have my house, my work, and enough to keep me busy. Things always seem to fall apart, you know? At least youre handy with a needle.
A neighbour then introduced her to Greg, a widower from the next village. He drove over in his old estate car, even bringing a bottle of wine his son had fetched from the city. Emily set the table, baked a few pies, and poured the wine. Greg drank most of it, praising the taste, and soon the conversation got blurry.
Emily, I think we should live together. My house isnt any smaller than yours, and I dont want to leave the one Ive built. Lets sell yours and move in with me, he suggested, eyes gleaming.
Emily stood up, shook her head. Greg, my children will always have this home. Its their fathers legacy. He snapped, What do you expect to bring me then? Emptyhanded?
She replied firmly, It wont work out. Were too different, well never get along. Greg tried to argue, Weve only known each other two hours, and you already say we wont fit together? She said, Im done, Ive made my choice.
She saw him out, closed the door, and thought, No more men in this house. Ill live alone, garden and all, and thats fine. She laughed at herself, Better not to dream of men when theres no James.
Now Emily spends her days with the garden, her grandchildren, and the occasional chat with neighbours. She knows loneliness doesnt colour life, but she also knows shes happy enough with the family shes built, and the memories of James stay sweet in her heart.
