You know, I was just thinking about everything thats happened over the last few years, and its honestly been a bit of a rollercoaster. So, I split up with my ex-husband, Paul, three years ago. It was quite civil, reallyno heated arguments, just accepted that our personalities clashed and that was that, as we put it in the statement. Our daughter, Sophie, was so little at the time, she thought it was just a big argument and that her dad was away for a bit.
On the weekends, Sophie and Paul had a blast. When they came back in the evenings, the three of us would have dinner together, and after that, Paul would head off. Sophie would say her long goodbyes and stay at the window, watching her dad leave
Last week, Sophie turned six. In the last year, she didnt see her dad as often as beforemainly for two reasons. Paul met a new woman and couldnt spend every weekend with Sophie, and Id met someone too. His names Edward; we met on a guided walk through Epping Forest. Sophie and I fell behind the group, and it turned out Edward was wandering off as well. We eventually caught up and started chatting. After that, we swapped numbers and kept in touch.
Edward is quite different from Paulquiet, but theres something really sincere about him. He doesnt make promises he cant keep. Through all the time Ive known him, hes never forgotten a thing. Never late, never an excuse. If Edward says hell do something, you know itll be done. With Paul, things were always a bit chaoticwe had loads of misunderstandings. If Im honest, thats why we split.
Anyway, both Paul and Edward were supposed to come to Sophies birthday party. I was a bit anxious about how that would go, whether itd be awkward or tense. Sophie was obviously excited to see her dad, although she gets on really well with Edward too.
Everyone arrived on the dotexcept Paul, of course. Sophie kept asking if we could wait for him before starting the party, so I had to fill the time with stories and gossip from the family.
Eventually, Paul turned uponly about half an hour late! He came in with this huge gift for Sophie and a lovely bunch of flowers for me. I felt a bit put on the spot, if Im honest. Edward introduced himself, but Paul, as if nothing had changed in three years, just slipped back into his old host roleorganising seats, pouring drinks, chatting with everyone like the day-to-day dad.
Sophie didnt leave her dads side all evening, and you could tell Edward felt out of place, even though I made sure to give him plenty of attention. But after a while, Edward said he had some work to finish, excused himself politely and went home.
After Edward left, Paul relaxed even more. When we popped into the kitchen for some birthday cake, I asked him to maybe tone things down a bit. Thats when he suddenly said to me, You dont really love him, do you? Things were good between us onceshould we try again?
I was honestly thrown for a moment, but then I said, No, Paul. We didnt work as a couple. The only thing that binds us now is Sophie, and thats where it should end. Im grateful youre still there for her, that she looks forward to seeing youbut I dont look forward to seeing you, especially after you started seeing someone else.
He replied, Thats different, just a fling, nothing serious. I dont see myself with her for life
So I said, All the more reason to find someone you actually want a future with, not just
By then, people were getting their coats and saying goodbyes. Paul lingered, helped me with the washing up and tucked Sophie into bed. I could tell he was hoping Id invite him to stay the night, but when it didnt happen, he was decent about it. He thanked me for the evening, kissed me on the cheek, and left.
Later, I rang Edward and asked if hed fancy a picnic with me and Sophie the next day. He was as excited as a schoolboytold me hed rearrange everything and pick us up at nine.
The next morning, right on the dot, Edward rang the bell and Sophie squealed Yay! The birthday celebrations live on! The three of us spent a brilliant day out in the country, just refreshing and lovely.
When we got back, I asked Sophie, Would you mind if Edward moved in with us? She turned to me with this serious look and said, Youre always waiting for him, and this way, youll see him every day
Honestly, I melted. Kids really see things as they are.
