You’re not my daughter any longer, she snapped, her voice sharper than a freshly honed kitchen knife. Whos he and where did he come from? Im mortified for you. Move into Grans cottage and start acting like an adult. Own up to your choices.
Emma, did you hear? Sophie grinned, flopping onto the armchair. Theyve sent a crew of volunteers to help out at the centre. Fancy hitting the club tonight?
What about Vlad, though? Do I leave him behind? Or take him with me? Emma giggled, twirling a strand of hair.
And what if I ask Aunt Lucy? Sophie asked cautiously.
Emma waved a hopeless hand. No chance. She still cant forgive me for giving birth to a son. She wanted me to marry Andrew, but I ran off to universitywell, I didnt even get there; I came back with a belly. She brooded for a year, then suddenly started chatting two months ago. So go out with someone. Maybe youll get lucky and find a bloke.
Sophie sighed. Fine, Ill go with Tania. Ill tell you everything tomorrow.
Olivia tucked her baby into the cot, then stepped out onto the front steps. The thrum of a distant DJ set drifted toward the terrace. Wrapped in a shawl, she imagined everyone inside dancing, laughing, and swapping cheeky jokes. Sophie would no doubt be back in her flamboyant tigerprint dress, looking like a spotted caterpillar. Olivia smiled faintly, feeling both amused and a touch sorry for herself, then headed to bed.
At sunrise, Sophie burst in, breathless as ever, just as Mrs. HarperOlivias motherpaid an unexpected visit. Olivia placed a finger to her lips, as if to hush the world, but Sophie was impossible to contain.
Hard to believe you werent here yesterday, the aunt chattered. There were a few lads. One of them, Joe, kept me companytalkative and full of jokes. Im off on a date tonight. She blurted the words in one breath.
Mrs. Harper arched an eyebrow. Hes married, I presume?
Sophie shrugged. I havent checked the passport. If he is, at least Ill have something to reminisce about.
Honestly, girls, what are we doing? Aunt Lucy interjected, eyes twinkling. Andrews a decent chap. I missed my chance at happiness, but you, Sophie, could still spin his head around. She clapped her hands together, delighted with the notion.
Aunt Lucy, really? Who needs him? And his mother, too! Good luck surviving that kind of bliss! Sophie shouted, halflaughing, halfgroaning.
She turned to Olivia. There was a ladcouldnt take my eyes off him. All the girls were bewitched. He hung around with his mates, then left alone, not even asking anyone to dance.
A surprising moment unfolded when Aunt Lucy, pensively, said, Emily, you should hit the club too. Ill keep an eye on Harry. Maybe youll meet someone serious, reliable. Harry needs a dadjust dont pick married men; they sniff out lonely ladies like bloodhounds. Got it?
Emily, still in disbelief, nodded vigorously and planted a quick kiss on her mothers cheek. Off you go, you scoundrel, she muttered, halfteasing.
Dressed in her best frock, Emily strutted with her friends, chattering about the carefree days they missed. Look, here he comes again, the girls whispered.
Emily glanced his way, her legs trembling. She spun away and whispered to Sophie, I think Ill head home. Harrys probably bawling without me.
Sophie blinked. Emily, what on earth? You just left for the first time in ages and youre already running home? You didnt even dance a step.
But Emily was resolute. Im out. And you, dear Emma, youll probably see Joe later. You wont be bored without me, she said, marching toward the exit.
Just as she reached the door, a hand slipped into hers. May I have a dance, miss?
I’m not dancing, Emily snapped, trying to pull away.
The gentleman persisted. One dance, please.
She turned, heart doing a little somersault. It was himthe same lad whod haunted her thoughts. He didnt recognise her at all. A spark of amusement lit her eyes. All right, one dance, then I must dash, she said.
He twirled her, cheeks flushing. Your husband must be nervous, eh?
Im single, she replied dryly.
He winked, his smile so familiar it stole her breath. So, I have a chance? he asked cheekily.
Emily backed away. Dont even think about it, she muttered, bolting out of the club.
She walked home, tears spilling down her cheeks. Shed fallen for him instantly, though hed never know her.
Later, on a commuter train, she found herself beside a young man. She was returning home, dejected after flunking her finals. He was heading to his parents place. Seeing her downcast, he tried to lift her spirits.
Names Max, he said warmly. Mum calls me Max, nephews called Matty. Pick whatever you like.
Emily smiled. Matty sounds better.
He extended his hand. Were almost acquainted. And you are?
Olivia, she replied, blushing.
Max gave a serious nod. Olivia, regal name indeed.
Word for word, she confessed the exam disaster and how her mum would keep reminding her for years to come.
Just prep for the winter and try again, Max advised.
She beamed. Thanks, I hadnt thought of that.
He looked at her thoughtfully. No problem. By the way, has anyone ever told you youre stunning?
Emilys cheeks turned a rosy hue. Just an ordinary girl, dont overstate it. But cheers for the compliment.
Max stepped a little closer. Its true, he murmured, then planted an unexpected kiss on her. Her head spun. The moment was both embarrassing and sweet. Max had to leave early.
Ill find you again, he promised.
Only later did Emily realise he hadnt even asked her address.
Months later, she learned she was expecting. Her mother, with a sour tone, declared, Youre no longer my daughter. Whos the father and where did he come from? Im ashamed of you. Move into Grans cottage and start living like a grownup. Own up to your actions.
Emily, now pregnant, arranged a spot in the local library, working up until maternity leave. When she left the hospital, Sophie was there to greet her; her own mother never showed up. When baby Harry turned five months, Emilys heart finally gave in, and she visited more often, bringing toys for her grandson.
Why so early? her mother asked. Nothing interesting happening there. Hows Harry?
Her mother smiled. Your little ones sleeping. Since youre here, Ill stay too.
Emily shut the door, trying to fall asleep. She managed only a few hours before dawn, nursing her son, who refused his porridge.
Dont skip your mash, boywont grow up like your dad, strong and handsome, she cooed.
A voice from the hallway rang out. Was that about me? Flattered, really. It was Max.
He held a spoon. You? How? From where? he grinned.
I told you Id find you. Didnt expect to have a son in the meantime. I was so dazzled I forgot to ask where you lived. Seems fate decided we belong together, he said, making a goofy face at Harry.
Harry giggled.
The next morning, Emilys mother caught her smiling with a stranger who carried a contented baby on his shoulders.
Is that him? she asked.
Yes, Emily replied, beaming.
Her mother walked over to Max, extending her hand. Im Lucy Harrington. Ill be keeping a close eye on you, husbandtobe and fathertobe.
Max shook her hand firmly. Understood.
And so, with a chuckle, a kiss, and a baby on the way, they all settled into their very English happilyeverafter.