Oh, come on, you really chose Emily said, a hint of annoyance in her voice as she turned to her sister. Have all the decent lads vanished from the world?
Alex isnt single, though.
Thats not the point! Hes got a little one, so hes not exactly free! Hes already got a free housekeeper and a nanny, and youre still flapping your gums!
We love each other.
You might love him, but he
Emily was two years younger than Clara, but she always treated her a bit like a mentor, convinced shed got a better grasp of life and people.
Clara, on the other hand, was calm, responsible and, in Emilys eyes, overly nice. Shed been the first in the family to marry a sailor who earned well and move into his flat. Emily liked to think Clara was the lively, vibrant one.
Clara was the steady, dependable sort. She wasnt in any rush to marry and Emily could only laugh at her attempts to set her up with someone.
Then, at twentyfour, Clara announced she was getting married to widower Alex Morrison, who was juggling a oneyearold daughter, Amelia, in his arms.
Oh, really Emily muttered again, shaking her head. No single men left in England?
Alex isnt married.
Im not talking about that! With a toddler hes far from free! Hes already found a free housekeeper and a nanny, and youre still jabbering!
We love each other.
You might love him, but he
Emily, stop! Clara snapped, suddenly stern. If you dont like it, thats your business. Stay out of it.
Emily knew when to pull back, especially with a sister she adored and that love was mutual.
Soon enough, she saw that Alex was a genuinely good bloke kind, caring, easygoing, and clearly loved Clara. She never expected anything from him, just as she didnt from little Amelia, who quickly started calling her Mum.
Honestly, Emily grew fond of the cheeky little girl and took her under her wing as a niece, especially since Emily didnt have any kids of her own.
The sisters lived in neighbouring blocks in Manchester, often popping over for a cuppa and chatting on the phone every day.
And, of course, Emily was there when, four years after the wedding, Alex suddenly passed away.
At first Emily kept quiet she saw Clara struggling, mechanically running the house, going to work, and cradling Amelia with a tender grip.
Thank goodness I already adopted her, Clara sighed when they were alone. If I still had to fight for guardianship, I dont think Id survive.
I know, Emily replied, her heart aching for her sister. She deserved the best, why should she have to suffer?
That unfairness gnawed at Emily, and a year after Alexs death she started nudging Clara to meet someone again.
Life goes on. Raising a child alone is tough. Youve got to think about that, right? Why keep wallowing?
Amelia and I are fine together, Clara brushed her off.
But when Emily begged her to join a friends birthday party therell be a really interesting bloke Clara finally gave in.
The interesting bloke turned out to be Paul Bennett, a chatty manager a tad older than Clara.
His constant chatter gives me a headache, Clara complained to Emily.
Hes just nervous, Emily laughed. Hes not normally that talkative, but he just inherited a bit of cash, so now he has a flat, a car and a decent income.
Sure, hes got an exwife and a son, but at his age, whos looking for a cleanslate man?
Paul wasnt exactly Claras cup of tea, but she agreed to go out with him.
Their dates were few and far between Paul was often away on business trips. He also didnt love that Clara seemed more focused on Amelia than on spending time with him.
Three months later Clara accidentally overheard Paul on the phone, and that was the end of it.
Turns out he wasnt on a business trip at all; hes been living with his ex and their kid. When she found out about the inheritance, she went from angry to sweet. I just dont get why hed want me, Clara told Emily.
I cant believe it! They split two years ago, I never thought hed act like that! Never mind well find someone better.
Could you stop playing matchmaker? Its just one disaster after another.
Promise, next time Ill be more careful with the candidates.
Clara stopped arguing, but she firmly refused any more pushy invites to meet people online or go to social gatherings.
Then disaster struck the kitchen tap. It burst, flooding the flat and even spilling over to the neighbours before Clara managed to shut the water off. The buildings maintenance man arrived quickly.
A lanky, seriouslooking plumber a little older than Clara named Arthur Hughes announced the tap would need replacing and even fetched a new one himself. He refused any payment or even a snack.
Wheres your little girl? he asked, a little embarrassed, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar. I thought Id give her a treat
Why? Clara jumped back, startled.
She recalled seeing Arthur a few times in the courtyard, always watching Amelia a bit too intently.
Please go, she said firmly. Thanks for the work, but thatll be all.
Dont be scared, love. Your childs adorable, I just wanted to make her happy.
Go away.
Arthur sighed heavily, placed the chocolate on the table and muttered, Its not poisoned, I promise, before leaving.
Amelia stayed in her room, never seeing him.
The next day Arthur waited for Clara in the lift with a modest bouquet.
Im sorry, I didnt mean to frighten you, he said, voice shaking. I just like you, and your daughter too
She took the flowers out of habit. In truth, Arthur had made a decent impression, but she remained wary of his sudden declarations.
From then on he courted her in his own odd way bringing sweets for both Clara and Amelia, fixing everything in the flat, and the three of them often went for walks together.
A month later their relationship grew serious, though Clara never mentioned it to Emily.
Luckily Emily was busy with her husband returning from a delivery route, so most of her contact with Clara was over the phone. Eventually, though, Emily popped round to Claras flat, curiosity getting the better of her.
Whos this? How long have you known him? Where did he even come from? she peppered Clara with questions as Arthur left.
Curious as ever, Emily, Clara teased with a smile. Hes my fiancé, or at least I hope hell be.
She went on to explain how theyd met.
He used to work up north, then decided to come back. No family left his mother died two years ago.
And now hes a plumber? What happened?
Oh, stop it. Hes spent years in rough conditions; he deserves a break, doesnt he? He treats me and Amelia wonderfully thats what matters.
Still a bit dodgy, dont you think? Emily pressed. Are you sure hes not married with a bunch of kids?
Im sure. I saw his passport.
Right
A week later Emily burst into Claras flat, eyes wide.
I told you Arthur wasnt simple! Did you know hes been in prison?
No For what?
Who cares! Stay away from that convict!
But Clara had already fallen for Arthur, and they were planning to marry. She decided to ask him straight up.
Yeah? he sighed. Ive been meaning to tell you something. Theres a lot I need to get off my chest
Nows the time.
I worked up north on a construction site, and because of me a serious accident happened there.
Thank God everyone survived and nobody was seriously hurt, but I was sentenced. I got out on licence after two years, Arthur confessed.
Clara watched him in silence; he clearly had more to say.
And he paused. Amelia is my daughter. Her mother was my exgirlfriend. I was drinking and partying hard back then, and when I found out she was pregnant I ran off north.
I kept drinking up there, which led to the accident. But I had time to think, he added with a grin. Its good to reflect.
So you came back to take my daughter? Clara asked, a mix of anger and disbelief.
No. I mean its not that simple, Arthur took a deep breath. I realised my daughter is the most important thing in my life, not the booze and parties.
Finding her wasnt hard I knew where her mother lived with her husband. I just didnt expect such a good stepmother.
Leave.
Clara, wait! Arthurs voice cracked. I truly love you! I need nothing else but you and Amelia. Ill do anything for you both!
That day Clara turned him away, but later forgave him. They married three months later, Arthur landed a decent job, and two years on they welcomed a son together.
