“Listen, Archie,” said Geoffrey Thompson, placing a pen and a blank sheet of paper on the desk, “write your resignation letter. Right here, right now.”
“Whats this about?” the young man frowned. “Am I underperforming? I closed three deals just this month.”
“Couldve been thirty! Its downsizing or restructuring Either way, youre not the right fit for this company.”
“Or is this about your daughter? About Emily? Well, Ill keep seeing her anyway. Were getting married, even if I end up sweeping streets.”
“Over my dead body. Not. Happening. I wont have a skirt-chasing wastrel like you in my family! Plenty of decent lads would jump at a girl like Emily. You stay the hell away from her!”
When Archie first joined the firm, hed never dreamed of getting involved with the bosss daughter. He didnt even know Emily then. Fresh out of university with top marks, hed planned to build a career in estate salesgood with people, sharp at spotting profitable deals. Ironically, Geoffrey himself had recruited him after his internship. Now here he was, being strong-armed into resignation.
About the accusations of being a ladies’ man? Well, Geoffrey wasnt entirely wrong. Archie kept himself sharpsmart suits, a flashy car, the works. Marriage just wasnt on his mind yet. He wanted to climb the ladder first, settle down later. Plenty of time for that.
His parents, of course, kept introducing him to “nice girls from good families,” as his mum put it. Nice families, maybe, but the girls either lacked looks or brainssometimes both.
Once, his mother invited a colleague overAngelica, supposedly to finish some paperwork. She was stunning, legs like a supermodels. Even Archie was momentarily floored.
Noticing his reaction, his mum pounced.
“Angelicas new in accounting, but already everyone adores her. And her cinnamon buns? Youve no idea.”
“Ill bring some next time,” Angelica crooned, batting her lashes. “And I make the best pickled onions”
That mention of pickled onions killed the mood. Archie suddenly pictured a kitchen cluttered with jars, nappies drying on a line, a pot of stew bubbling away. He made his excuses and bolted.
Then there was Imogen, a checkout girl at the local supermarket. Theyd struck up a casual thing after meeting at a barbecue. Even Geoffrey had approved.
“Proper girl, that one. Looks at you like you hung the moon. Dont mess it up.”
“Not planning to marry her,” Archie had foolishly admitted. “Its just fun.”
“Fun wont keep you warm at seventy,” Geoffrey scoffed.
Eventually, Imogen transferred stores. Rumor had it she married some well-off bloke. Archie shruggedno promises broken.
Then came Emily. They met at a dog show, bonding over their shared love of Dobermans. Neither could own oneArchie was never home, and her dad was allergic. He had no idea her dad was Geoffrey.
Things grew serious quickly. Hed walk her home, but never to the doorshe wasnt ready for her parents to see him. Theyd say goodbye on a bench in the park, stealing kisses in the dark.
Until the night Geoffrey stumbled upon them.
“You know who this is?” he roared, jabbing a finger at Archie.
“My fiancé,” Emily said calmly. “Actually, Ive been meaning to introduce you.”
“Weve met! Dyou know how many girls hes strung along? I know half of them!”
The row that followed was spectacular. Next day, Geoffrey forced Archies resignation. No amount of pleading about true love swayed him.
“Well still see each other!” Archie vowed on his way out.
“Like hell,” Geoffrey spat. “My daughter doesnt need a rake like you. And I dont need a son-in-law who cant keep his trousers on.”
“Frankly, Im not thrilled about you as a father-in-law either.”
After that, Emily vanishedshipped off to her uncles in Manchester, stripped of her phone. But she managed to call Archie once, using a forgotten mobile. They planned an escape, renting a flat where Geoffrey wouldnt find them.
No wedding yethow could they, without her family? Emilys mother knew where they were but stayed away, forbidden by Geoffrey. He eventually tracked them down but never visited. “No daughter of mine,” hed grumbled. “And certainly no son-in-law.”
Then came the news: Emily was pregnant. Joy all aroundexcept, presumably, for Geoffrey. He did relent slightly, letting his wife visit in case Emily needed help.
When the baby arriveda boy, OliverArchie waited outside the hospital, flowers in hand, surrounded by friends and both sets of parents. Even Emilys mother shed happy tears.
Just before Emily appeared with the baby, Geoffrey materialized. He glared at Archie, then muttered,
“Got champagne and a fruit basket in the car. Suppose were celebrating?”
Emily emerged, spotting her father instantly.
“I knew youd come.”
He shuffled awkwardly.
“Not for you. For my grandson. Hand him overweve got introductions to make.”
And somehow, everyone laughed.
A story about love, stubbornness, and second chances.
