Coming back from the army, William looked even stronger than when he’d left. The youngest in a big family—four brothers in total—he seemed to have taken the best traits from all of them. Tall, broad-shouldered, with fair hair and kind blue eyes, he was always ready to lend a hand, and strength? Well, he had plenty of that.
Three days after returning to his hometown of Greenfield, catching up with relatives and old mates, he was walking back from the shops when he spotted Emily. He froze—there she was, a proper beauty, though a bit on the petite side.
“Blimey, didn’t know we had such stunners around here,” he said, grinning. “Either I wasn’t paying attention, or you’ve grown up while I was away.”
“Hello,” she laughed, “I’m Emily—Emily Thompson. And no, you wouldn’t remember me. I’m not from around here.”
“William,” he introduced himself. “So, what brings you to Greenfield?”
“I’m a primary school teacher. Moved here a year ago.”
“Ah! Just got back from service myself.”
They stood there chatting like old friends. Soon, the whole village was sneaking glances, probably already matchmaking in their heads. But William and Emily? They clicked straight away. Didn’t want to say goodbye.
That evening, William couldn’t stop thinking about her.
“Mum, where’s that new teacher Emily staying?”
His mum raised an eyebrow. “Old Mrs. Wilkins’ cottage—small but sturdy. Why? Taken a liking to her?”
“Suppose I have,” he admitted before heading out.
They started seeing each other, and before long, William proposed. Emily said yes. The wedding was the talk of the village. Some local girls weren’t happy.
“Why’d he go and marry an outsider? Plenty of nice girls right here!”
But over time, everyone warmed to her—especially since she was brilliant with the kids at school. The parents respected her, the children adored her.
William moved into Emily’s cottage—his family home was packed with one of his brothers and his lot. Handy with his hands, William got to work.
“Em, we’ll need an extension. Not enough room for us, let alone kids.”
Over the next few years, he built a house that turned heads—solid as he was. Emily couldn’t have been prouder. Life was good… except for one thing. No children.
Emily loved kids—poured everything into her pupils—but it just wasn’t happening for them.
*Why can’t I get pregnant?* she’d wonder. *What if William leaves? He wants kids so badly.*
William had the same fears. *What if it’s me? What if Emily walks away?*
Neither dared get checked. Too scared of the answer, maybe.
Then one night, watching telly, Emily saw a documentary about adoption. An idea struck her.
“Will… what if we adopted? A little boy, maybe?”
William nearly choked on his tea. Then he laughed. “You’re reading my mind. Been thinking the same but didn’t know how to bring it up.”
“Oh, Will!” She flung her arms around him.
After researching, they visited a children’s home in Manchester. The director, Mrs. Harriet Brooks, welcomed them warmly.
“You’ll want to meet the children,” she said, leading them to a playroom.
Their eyes landed on seven-year-old Oliver—stocky, blue-eyed, like a younger William. Then Mrs. Brooks whispered, “He’s got a little brother, Noah. We can’t separate them.”
Emily’s heart swelled. She glanced at William, who gave her a tiny nod.
Back in the office, Mrs. Brooks smiled. “I take it you’d like both?”
“Yes,” they said in unison.
“Children need love, patience—but you know that, being a teacher.”
Oliver and Noah came home soon after. Oliver, already in Year 2, marched proudly beside Emily to school.
“Mum,” Noah would say, beaming.
William’s eyes misted the first time he heard it.
The boys thrived. Oliver was steady, Noah top of his class. One day, Emily overheard Noah ask Oliver, “Is it true we’re not theirs?”
Oliver didn’t miss a beat. “Doesn’t matter. They’re the best parents we could’ve got.”
Emily cried happy tears.
Years flew by. The boys shadowed William—fishing, fixing things. Then, when Oliver was in sixth form, Mrs. Brooks called.
“Would you consider taking in a little girl?”
They exchanged glances.
“Two-year-old Lily. No family. And—well, she looks like you, Emily.”
The moment they saw her, they knew.
“Will,” Emily whispered, “I’ve always wanted a daughter.”
Lily fit right in. Noah showed off his old toys. Oliver lifted her up. “Welcome, sis.”
Now, the house echoed with Lily’s giggles. Oliver joined the army, signed up properly. William swelled with pride.
And that’s how it was—William and Emily, their three kids, a home full of love. Happier than they’d ever dreamed.
