– Susan, but shes got baggage! Or does that not bother you? Diane leaned on the garden fence, smirking at her neighbour. Couldnt you find someone better? Youre not crooked or cross-eyed, you know, a decent lad. There are loads of girls around here, but look at you thats who youve found!
Susan sighed. She didnt want to admit, even to herself, that she wasnt fond of her sons choice. It stung doubly to hear it from her old rival.
We love children, Diane! Got it? And whats so wrong with her, may I ask? Shes young, pretty, has a good nature and a decent one too, trust me, I know. And so what if shes got a child? Whats wrong with that? She didnt have him out of wedlock, it was in marriage. If shes a widow at her age, well, none of us knows whats round the corner. Well raise him and care for him hell be another grandson to me. So save your breath for once!
Susan pursed her lips and shooed away the neighbours tabby cat, strolling along the fence towards her.
That cats got into the habit! Hes stolen three of my chicks, Diane. Keep your furry fellow at home, or Ill set Jock on him and you cant complain afterwards.
As if you could scare him! Diane nudged her fat striped cat away from the fence. Well see who chases whom. Ill lock the rascal in, I remember last year he chased my own chicks. If he werent such a good mouser, Id have got rid of him by now. But his instincts, what can you do?
Lock up those instincts indoors!
Sue, nearly forgot! Jars the jam must be ready by now.
All you do is chit-chat and someones stuck with making the jam?
Oh, thats Holly. She came yesterday to help with the veg patch.
Isnt she pregnant?
Thats why the others are in the garden and shes in the kitchen making jam. Cant sit about idle, she says. Not a daughter-in-law, but a real treasure!
Why praise your treasure behind her back but drive her hard to her face?
Keeps order that way! Diane grinned. Take note when you become a mother-in-law. Be too soft and theyll walk all over you!
Well see. Susan waved her off. Are you after the jars or will you manage without? Ive got no time to gossip, theres work to do.
Once Diane had left, Susan got on with the dough. Her son was coming tomorrow to introduce his fiancée. His fiancée Susan paused, resting her hands on the table, gazing out the window. What would happen
She didnt know Emily, really. Only a few tales and two glimpses from afar, over at her sisters in the next village. Nothing remarkable about her a girl like any other. Fair-haired, big-eyed, just tall enough for her James. Though, she was hardly a girl a young woman, really, whod been married and now had a son. The boy was about three now. Fate hadnt been kind to Emily. Shed lost her parents as a child, raised by her gran and grandad, put through school and married off. Just as they welcomed their great-grandson, Emilys husband died in a car accident, leaving her a widow with a little one. How could anyone not pity her? But still Susan would rather sympathise from a distance. She worried so for her son, James, whod been her sole support since her husband died. She was glad James stayed close, but he was getting on and needed a family of his own. Hed always dodged her questions, claiming he was waiting for true love. And now hed announced hed found her Emily. Susan had rushed to her sisters to find out what she could. But Lydia, being the elder, snapped at her.
Why all this fuss, like a headless chicken?
I just want to know whats she like? What if he brings her here and then what?
Hell bring her, but only for a bit.
Hows that? Susan was taken aback.
Didnt James tell you Ive signed over Grandads old place to him? The cottages no good for living now, but the gardens huge. Theyll build their own home.
Susans thoughts ran wild like rabbits. So, her son would move out what about her? It was only a short distance between the villages, and the bus ran, but it wasnt the same as having him close each evening, helping out Hed have his own place shed only see him at holidays.
Whats with the long face? Not happy? Lydia relented, sitting with her. You have to let him go, Sue. James is grown up now. Time he had his own wife and family.
Youre right, I know. I just Im afraid, Lydia. What if it doesnt work out? What if things go wrong? Theres the child to think about
Listen to me. Theres plenty of girls in this village, but I cant speak as highly of any of them as I can of Emily.
And thats what frightens me. Too good to be true.
Nothing pleases you! Lydia huffed. If she was awful, youd be delighted? Get a grip, Sue! The important thing is theyre happy dont make a mistake youll regret.
What mistake? Susan gasped.
If you dont accept her, youll lose your son. Ive seen how James looks at Emily. Thats love.
Susan heard her words and felt a knot twist inside, making it hard to breathe or sleep, growing by the day, though she couldnt say quite why.
She shook out her numb hands, set to work again, and tried to prepare everything for her future daughter-in-laws arrival. Lydia was right no need to show her doubts. Time would tell. For now, she needed to do her best.
Tiny pasties, just the way her late husband loved one mouthful each lined up on a big tray. Susan sighed, remembering him saying:
Like sunflower seeds, you never get enough! Theyre so tasty!
Hed kiss her hand, and shed laugh and pull away, before hugging him. She choked back a sob, missing him dearly. Ivan would have known what to say to calm her.
It was a sleepless night. She tossed and turned, giving it up in the end. Roll on morning, she thought
Emily stood behind James, hardly able to lift her eyes. Little Sam wriggled in her arms, drinking in the new surroundings. So much to see! A big dog sat quietly on a chain; odd, it didnt bark Grandma Valeries always did. A cat strutted past, tail in the air. Sam reached for it, glancing at his mother.
Sit still for a minute.
Let him go, let him have a run. Ill shut Jock away, nothing else to fear here and youll see him. Susan inspected Emily.
Not much to her, poor lass; thin and pale. Hard to believe such a sturdy lad was her son. Something softened in Susans chest, displacing the knot. The boy slid down and stopped at her feet, peering up.
Wheres the cat gone?
What cat? Susan frowned. Ive no cat. Where did you see one?
Sam pointed off towards the porch Susan gasped.
Come quick, lets catch him or hell be after my chicks again!
Sam dashed after this strange woman, not sure what to call her. They caught the cat behind the hen house.
Scoundrel! Off with you! Susan flicked a slipper at the cat.
Hearing Sams giggles, she found herself smiling too. Lovely little boy lively and sweet. She fetched a chick to show him, and he only stroked it, too gentle to hold.
Hes small!
Susan beckoned to him and, a few moments later, Sam was on her knee, wolfing down pastries. She caught Emilys glance at James and smiled:
Youve a lovely lad, Emily! Bright and loves his food. Any grandmas dream.
Seeing Emily relax, Susan felt that knot shrink away somewhere far-off. It wasnt gone, just quiet, leaving her breathing easier.
James joked about wedding plans, while Emily kept quiet, eyes on her plate. When James left the room, Susan asked,
Why so silent? She smoothed Sams hair and pushed a bowl of cherries his way. Eat up, darling, theyre sweet.
What can I say? I told James Id rather not have a big wedding. Just a quiet registry office do.
And hes not listening?
No. He says everyones waiting, cant disappoint them.
Hes got a point. But dont just keep quiet. Why dont you want a wedding?
Emilys grey eyes met Susans, hesitated, then answered:
Im afraid. Happiness likes quiet. My first wedding was all laughter See how that turned out.
Oh, Emily, dont say that. I know youve suffered, its dreadful losing your husband. But listen if he loved you, hed want you to find joy, not spend life in tears. We all get our share of sorrows and blessings, but we dont get to choose. Best to take what comes and be thankful, or not thats up to you. But you cant outrun fate.
I was worried
About what?
That youd judge me.
For what?
For marrying again. For marrying someone like James. I know he could have had anyone. I just got lucky
Sam fidgeted in Susans arms, and she set him down.
Who are you? Grey eyes, just like his mothers, questioned Susan.
Im your granny now, Sam. Call me Granny Sue.
Okay! Sam nodded solemnly.
They had the wedding James wanted, and, though the family couldnt resist some muttered jokes, Susans stern look soon silenced them all.
James and Emily lived nearly a year at Susans. She soon forgot her prickly suspicions and doubts. Watching how tenderly Emily treated James, Susan realised she had to stop hovering. Easier to realise than to do though; she would still bristle at times, but Emily had a remarkable talent for gently smoothing over any annoyance. Shed never take offence, but quietly put things right.
Why keep it all in, Emily? Just say what you need or have a good cry for once. Tell James, and maybe Susan would calm down. Diane drove her cow through the gate, waving a stick.
So we can all fall out, is that it? Have mother and son quarrel? Great advice, really! Emily gave her a wry look.
Youre too proud, Em! Thats not good for life.
Its better to live by your own wits and not listen to too many good advisers, Emily retorted, heading indoors.
Diane would snort, and set a new bit of gossip spreading through the village.
The house James started building after the wedding was finished a year later, and Emily moved in with him. The tasks, the housework Time flew by. When Emily started feeling unwell, she went to see the doctor.
Pregnant? Emily stared in surprise.
Surprised? Or is the baby not wanted?
Of course wanted! But is this bad, then? Things were completely different with my first son.
There are complications, youll stay in hospital a bit. Well do everything so you and baby will be fine.
Susan arrived that very day to help with Sam. When Emily opened the door, she stepped back.
Whats wrong? Susan looked with concern.
Oh, nothing. Emily watched Susan unpack presents for Sam and saw her frown fade.
Thank you, Granny Sue! Sam rolled his new toy car around with delight.
Youre welcome, darling! Emily, why did you jump when I arrived?
Your face was so cross thought you were angry with me.
Susans eyebrows rose. Oh, Diane! What a woman shed put Susan in a foul mood that morning, her heart still aching all the way over.
First, shes got baggage. Now shes an invalid. Whatll she give birth to, Sue? Maybe its not too late
And whats wrong with you, Diane? Didnt your mum give you enough love? Wheres all that bitterness come from? Whats Emily done to you?
She doesnt bother me! Diane flinched at Susans look. Alright, I was teasing! I hope everything turns out well!
Susan turned away, still annoyed. She tried to calm herself on the way but failed, and Emily picked up on it at once.
Dont mind me, Emily! Im just a bit tense two old dears at the bus stop fell out. Cant people just get along?
Emily shook her head, half-smiling. Susan was a poor liar. But if she was fussing, then she wasnt angry with Emily.
Get ready then. Need a hand?
Ive done it all. Just dont want to go in.
Susan frowned:
If it means a healthy baby, theres nothing to think about. As for Sam, I wont let him out of my sight. Everythingll be fine!
James took Emily to hospital and the long days of waiting began. A week, another now the doctors nodded approvingly, whatever their charts said.
Nearly there, well send you home soon. Just keep being looked after. Do you have help?
Yes, my mother-in-law is with me, minding my son.
Mother-in-law? the doctor raised an eyebrow. And you get on?
Oh yes, shes wonderful! Not the butt of any jokes.
Thats good! You dont hear it often.
As Emily prepared to return, Susan was running round the village, almost beside herself.
Lord, what do I tell Emily?
Sam had vanished that morning. He always listened and never went past the garden gate unaccompanied. Susan let him play outside while she got on with the cooking. With Emily due home, she wanted things to be just right. James had taken fresh food daily to hospital, but it was barely warm by the time it arrived. At home, it would be better. As she chopped veg by the window, Susan kept half an eye on Sam playing in his sand pit. He was absorbed, building some structure. She only turned away for a pot of compote, but when she looked again, Sam had disappeared.
Whereve you got to? she turned off the gas, wiping her hands.
Going out on the porch, she scanned the garden but nowhere to hide. No Sam. Her heart pounded as she saw the gate wide open. The street was quiet. How long had it been since shed seen him?
She didnt know Sam had heard a commotion on the road and run to watch. Some older kids were tormenting a tiny black-and-white puppy with a rope.
Let him go! Youre hurting him! Sam yanked at the gate until it gave way.
They laughed and ignored him, kicking the dog, while Sam darted between them, trying to rescue it. He barely noticed as they darted off down other streets, and by the time a strict woman shooed them away, Sam realised he was lost. Hed never been out alone, and their village was big. His mum had said never to leave the gate.
Whats wrong with kids these days? Picking on helpless creatures you ought to have had a good hiding!
The woman shook her fist after them, frowning at Sam as he picked up the whining puppy.
And you? Are you going to hurt him too?
No! Hes little, and hes hurting!
Good.
The woman strode on, and Sam looked around. Where to go? Granny would worry. Mum might scold. He buried his nose in the puppys fur, which quieted.
Mum says if youre lost, stand still. Then theyll find you quickly.
Seeing a bench by a gate, Sam decided to wait there. Granny would find him. Or mum.
What he didnt know was that hed wandered far, and Susan was looking on close streets, never guessing he was so far away.
James arrived to see the garden gate ajar and glanced at his wife.
Wait here, love, Ill open the gates and then come back for you.
Emily, feeling queasy, could only lean back with relief.
James hurried inside, noticed something was wrong, turned off the boiling pot, and dashed to help his wife to bed.
Rest up.
Wheres Sam?
Hes probably at the shop with mum. Ill go after them wont be long.
He found Susan a street or so away.
Mum! she ran to him. Sams gone!
What? James went pale.
He slipped out the gate and vanished!
Calm down. When?
Through tears, Susan explained.
Right! Which streets have you checked?
Nearby. He couldnt have gone far
Who knows. You check the close ones again, Ill cover further afield. Whatever you do, dont go back home yet. Emily mustnt worry.
James found Sam an hour later asleep on a bench, hugging the black-and-white pup, who barked at James.
Youll make a fine watchdog. James scratched his ears, stroked Sams head. Wake up, son.
Dad Sam rubbed his eyes. I sat still, just like you taught me.
Well done! Thats how I found you. Whos this? Nodding to the puppy.
He looks like Jock at Granny Sues.
More like Brutus, the size of him! Want to keep him?
Can we?
Of course! A house isnt a home without a dog. Well see what kind of wolfhound he becomes.
Carrying both, James walked quickly home. Susan, out of breath, scanned the street, not knowing where else to search. Seeing her son, she sank onto a neighbours step.
Mum, hes fine. Ive got him.
Susan took the boy and hugged him.
You frightened me so!
Sorry, Granny, I wont do it again!
Susan wept quietly, clutching the child. Who dared say he wasnt hers now? Diane could say what she liked shed never find anyone dearer.
Emily didnt learn of the drama at once; Sam kept quiet, not wanting to worry his mum just now. Together, they washed their new, flea-ridden pup and, though soaked through, they laughed and clung to each other.
I missed you!
I missed you more!
Sams little sister was born on time a squalling baby, named Susan after her granny. Susan herself bloomed with happiness and visited often. At first, she feared Emily would hold a grudge and keep the children from her but Emily never reproached her.
Sam could as easily have wandered off with me, Mum. Dont beat yourself up. He cares more about living things than himself. He even carries ladybirds off the path so they dont get trodden on.
Hes growing up kind. Thats what matters!
Susan didnt push advice, just helped where she could. Seeing Emilys genuine gratitude, shed have moved mountains to hear her say softly,
Thank you, Mum.
Seeing Sam running to embrace her, seeing Emily glowing as she passed the baby to Susan, it was clear things were as they should be.
Off to your granddaughter again? Diane called from her gate, watching Susan lock hers.
To my grandchildren, Diane. There are two, you know.
But only ones yours!
Two, Diane. Both are mine. Grandson and granddaughter. Though I dont expect you to understand. Susan pushed her keys away. Want to know a secret? Since youre always lecturing me
Alright, surprise me.
Love works two ways. If you want to be loved, you have to make the effort yourself. Im loved by my kids and grandkids are you?
Well, Im respected!
Thats something. But Id say love is better. Wouldnt you, Diane? Susan winked at her and checked her watch with a gasp the bus would be there any minute, and she was being waited for.
