Emily glanced up from feeding their youngest daughter as her husband, James, approached.
“James, I need to pop out for a bit,” he said, adjusting his coat.
“Alright,” Emily replied. “On your way back, can you stop by the shop? Ill text you the list.”
James gave a quick nod before heading out. Emily watched him leave, then called out, “Tom, have you finished your homework? Dinners ready!”
Their nine-year-old son, Thomas, wandered into the kitchen and climbed onto his chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?”
“Eat first, then finish your work. Dads just running an errandhell be back soon.”
Tom ate quickly, fidgeting in his seat before playing with his two-year-old sister. Then, peering out the window, he suddenly jumped up. “Mum! Whos that with Dad? Some girl”
Emily, whod been sipping her tea calmly, stood abruptly to look. Sure enough, a young girl walked beside James, gripping his hand tightly. “Not this,” Emily thought, her stomach dropping. She recognised the girlSophie, Jamess daughter from his first marriage. Shed met her before, though James usually arranged their visits elsewhere.
When James returned with Sophie in tow, Emily was already waiting in the hallway. He met her gaze apologetically.
“Em, I know I shouldve warned yousorry. It all happened so fast.”
“Is something wrong?” Emily kept her voice steady. She wasnt about to shoutJames wouldnt bring Sophie home without good reason. Besides, the girl was well-behaved.
“Sarahs in hospitalshes been put on bed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I didnt realise how serious it was. Sophie couldnt stay alone, and there was no one else.”
“Right,” Emily said slowly, exhaling. Sophie would be staying for a few days. She forced a smile. “Are you hungry, love?”
“I am too!” James added, relieved by Emilys reaction.
“Wash your hands, then,” Emily said, gesturing to the table.
Sophie relaxed. Shed been nervous coming here, afraid Emily might dislike her. And she missed her mum terribly.
“Mum, whos that?” Tom froze in the doorway, staring.
“Im Sophie,” the girl said brightly, taking charge.
“Im Tom. What are you doing here? Are you staying with us?”
Emily shot James a look before stepping in. “Sophies staying a few days, Tom. Why dont you show her your toys?”
“Okay. Wheres she sleeping?” Tom wasnt possessivejust curious.
“In the lounge, on the sofa.”
As Sophie and James ate, Tom hovered until Emily finally sighed. “Tom, have you done your homework?”
“No, I need help. I dont get this sum,” he admitted, hopeful.
Just then, little Lily began crying, and Emily scooped her up. “Maybe later,” she said, heading out to soothe her.
Tom turned to follow, but Sophie piped up, “Dad, pass the biscuits, please?”
Tom froze, then slowly turned. “Hes *my* dad! Dont call him that!”
Sophie flushed, and James intervened. “Tom, dont shout. Im your dadand hers too.”
“How?” Tom frowned. “Did you adopt her?”
“With girls, its adopt as well,” James corrected. “But no. I was married to Sophies mum before. Then I married your mum. Understand?”
“So Sophie has a different mum?”
“Yeah, and a different dad,” Sophie added. “Ive got two dads.”
James hid his delight at being called “Dad”hed always been involved, paying maintenance and taking her out on weekends. Though he and Sarah had split soon after Sophies birth, he loved her dearly.
“Thats brilliant!” Tom suddenly grinned. “So you get *double* the love!”
James chuckled at his sons innocence but didnt correct him. Life would teach Tom soon enough.
“Come on, Ill show you my room!” Tom bounced excitedly.
James often marvelled at his sons boundless energyso unlike him, Emily, or quiet little Lily.
“Got any Lego?” Sophie asked, eyes lighting up. She loved building things.
“Tons!”
As the children disappeared, James found Emily. “Sorry for the surprise. Didnt know till I got to Sarahs. Tom seems okay with it.”
“Hes friendly with everyone,” Emily shrugged.
“Open as a book,” James laughed, sitting beside Lily. “Come here, sweetheart.”
The toddler toddled over as Emily asked, “How longs Sophie staying? Whens her stepdad back?”
“No idea. Sarah said hes away a week, and shes in for who knows how long.”
“So, a week at least.” Emily bit back her frustrationSophie wasnt to blame. Then she frowned. “Where are her things? She cant sleep in her school uniform.”
James reddened. “Sorry, I didnt thinkit all happened so fast.”
Emily shot him a look. “Give me Sarahs number.”
“Sarahs?”
“Yes, Sarahs! Dont worry, Ill just ask what Sophie needs. You men never think of these things.”
James handed over his phone, nervous about what Emily might say. But she returned ten minutes later, smiling.
“Sorted. Well fetch Sophies things now, and visit Sarah this weekend.”
“You two got on fast,” James said, stunned.
Emily smirked. Shed been surprised tooSarah had apologised repeatedly, clearly a decent woman. No wonder Sophie was so sweet.
She peeked into Toms room, where Sophie was explaining maths. A year older, she knew the topic well.
“Mum!” Tom beamed. “Sophie explains way better than my teacher! Can she come over more?”
“Well see,” Emily said. “Sophie, love, grab your coat. Were going to fetch your things.”
“I can lend her my pyjamas!” Tom offered.
“No thanks,” Sophie giggled, wrinkling her nose.
Emily noticed Tom tidying himself up around Sophieuncharacteristically neat.
“Sophie, hurry upits getting late.”
“Can I come?” Tom pleaded, eyes wide.
“If you behave, and if Sophie doesnt mind,” Emily winked at the girl.
Sophie lifted her chin playfully. “Course you can.”
Her fears had vanishedAunt Emily was kind, and Tom was exactly as shed imagined: cheeky but sweet.
When Sarah returned from hospital, Sophie realised shed grown fond of her time here. Playing with Tom and Lily had been fun, and shed miss them.
“Come back soon!” Tom begged. “Mum, please?”
“Of course, Sophie,” Emily agreed. “Ring us anytime.”
She had no reason to refuseSophie was bright and polite, and Tom behaved better around her.
“Thanks,” Sophie said suddenly, hugging Emily, who hesitated before hugging her back.
“Visit whenever you like.”
Emily never thought shed grow attached to Jamess daughter. But now? She was glad hed brought her home. After all, they were brother and sister. No changing that.
