Hey love, Ive got a story for you you wont believe how my life turned around at 55. Its been five years since we said I do, and Im 60 now, while George is 65. Nothing strange about marrying at 55 these days, right? Whats wild is that its both of our first marriages.
Honestly, I never imagined Id ever walk down an aisle. Back when I was barely twenty, the bloke I was headoverheels for, Simon, ditched me. He walked out when I was five months pregnant. I was devastated and, for a minute there, I even thought about ending it all. But I pulled myself together and swore Id never get married again I didnt want another scoundrel who would bolt the moment things got tough.
I kept that promise. My daughter grew up, got married, had kids, and I watched my grandchildren arrive while I trudged along like a stubborn mule, convinced Id stay single forever. I even thought men were just a waste of time. My stubborn streak meant that once I set my mind on something, Id see it through, but living solo turned me into a bit of a roughedged, unattractive old lady.
Then fate, that mischievous thing, decided to have a laugh. When I retired I took up gardening, just like everyone else in the village. Mom left me a modest cottage with a little plot of land near the Cotswolds, and Id hop on the train from London each week. The journeys just over an hour, so Id bring along a crossword book and the time would fly.
One morning, at a tiny halt, a couple squeezed in a middleaged woman and a grufflooking man, plus a tiny, spry old chap perched on a walking stick. They were quiet at first, but then I heard the woman whisper, Simon, lets swing by the kids and give them a hand, dear.
Before she could finish, the trains roar swallowed everything, and the man barked, What are you, a fool? You think Ill grovel for these idiots? His voice was so sharp I couldnt help but glance over. My eyes landed on the mans sour, angry face and my heart stopped. It was Simon, the same Simon whod left me pregnant all those years ago. He hadnt changed much; his features were deeper, creased with age and bitterness, but he was still that big, intimidating figure.
He didnt recognise me, but when he saw me staring, he shouted, Whats the staring for? Turn your eyes away before I poke you in the eye! I froze, my limbs refusing to move, either from shock or fear.
Then, out of nowhere, the little old man whod been sitting opposite us stood up, planted himself between me and Simon, and said in a firm, calm voice, If you keep mouthing off to women, youll have me to answer to. I wont tolerate that sort of rubbish. Ill bend you like a twig if you dont stop.
My blood went cold. What on earth did he mean by bend like a twig? I imagined him crushing Simons ego. I was ready to defend myself when Simon suddenly slumped, his shoulders drooping, mumbling something incomprehensible. It hit me then this loudmouth bully only had the gall to bluster in front of women, but the moment a real, brave man stood his ground, he shrank.
Tears welled up, and everything rushed by in a blur, like a movie where thirty years flash by in a single minute. Simon and his wife left at the next stop, and I felt a hollow, bitter emptiness.
Thats when the older gentleman turned to me, a warm smile on his face, and said, Even tears wont mar a pretty face. He wasnt the littlefellow Id imagined he was solid, confident, a real man. His name was Nigel Thomas, a retired army officer.
Thats how I met my lateinlife partner. And for the first time in forever, I felt the urge to be a wife again, to feel loved and cherished.
Now George and I are incredibly happy. Life really does know how to put things in their right place, no matter your age. Even the autumn of our years can be filled with love and joy.
Cant wait to see you soon and share a cuppa over the garden fence. Take care, love.
