Emily sat at the kitchen table, feeding her youngest daughter when James approached. “Love, Ive got to pop out for an errand,” he said, adjusting his coat.
“Alright,” Emily replied. “On your way back, could you stop at the shop? Theres a few things we need. Ill text you the list.”
“Send it over.”
With that, James hurried out. Emily watched him go before calling out, “Oliver, have you finished your homework? Its nearly supper time!”
The nine-year-old boy wandered in and climbed onto his chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?”
“Eat first, then finish up. Hes just out on businesshell be back soon.”
Oliver ate, fidgeted in his seat, and played with his two-year-old sister. Then he peered out the window and gasped. “Mum, Mum! Whos that with Dad? Some girl”
Emily, mid-sip of tea, stood abruptly. Sure enough, a young girl clung to Jamess hand as they walked. “Not this,” Emily thought, her stomach twisting. She recognised the girlSophie, Jamess daughter from his first marriage. Hed brought her round once before, though they usually met elsewhere.
When James stepped inside, Sophie trailing behind, Emily was waiting in the hall. James met her gaze sheepishly. “Em, I know I shouldve warned youjust didnt have time.”
“Did something happen?”
Emily had no intention of shouting. James wouldnt bring Sophie without reason, and the girl was well-behaved.
“Lydias in hospitaltheyve put her on bed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I didnt know itd get this serious. Sophie couldnt stay aloneshes too young.”
“I see,” Emily said slowly, exhaling. Sophie would be staying for days. She forced a smile. “Are you hungry, Sophie?”
“Starved!” James grinned, relieved.
“Wash up, thensuppers ready.”
Sophie relaxed. Shed been nervous, expecting Aunt Emily to resent her. She missed her mum terribly.
“Whos that?” Oliver gaped from the doorway.
“Im Sophie,” the girl said brightly.
“Im Oliver. Whyre you here? You staying?”
Emily cut in. “Sweetheart, Sophies with us for a few days. Why dont you show her your toys?”
“Okay! Wheres she sleeping?”
“The sofa in the lounge.”
As Sophie and James ate, Oliver hovered until Emily sighed. “Oliverhomework?”
“Nah, Im stuck on this sum,” he admitted, hopeful.
Just then, baby Charlotte wailed, and Emily scooped her up. “Later, maybe.”
She left to soothe the toddler. Oliver turned to follow, but Sophie spoke first. “Dad, pass the biscuits?”
He froze, then spun to face her. “Hes *my* dad! Dont call him that!”
Sophie flushed. James stepped in. “Ollie, dont shout. Im your dadand hers.”
“How? Did you adopt her?”
“*Adopt*no,” James corrected. “I was married to Sophies mum before. Then I married yours. Understand?”
“So Sophies got another mum?”
“And another dad,” Sophie added. “Ive got two dads.”
James hid his smile. Hed always been there for Sophieweekend outings, child supporteven if he and Lydia split soon after her birth.
“Thats brilliant!” Oliver gasped. “You get *double* the love!”
James chuckled at his sons logic but didnt argue. Lifes disappointments could wait.
“Come onIll show you my room!” Oliver bounced.
James often marvelled at his sons boundless energy. He and Emily were calm; even Charlotte was quiet. But Oliver? A whirlwind.
“Got any Lego?” Sophie asked.
“Tons!”
Off they went. Later, James found Emily. “Sorry for the surprise. Didnt know till I saw Lydia. Olivers taken to her, though.”
“Hed befriend a hedgehog,” Emily muttered.
“Heart on his sleeve,” James laughed, reaching for Charlotte. “Up you come, little one.”
“And how longs Sophie staying?” Emily asked.
“Not sure. Lydia said her husbands gone a week. Shes in indefinitely.”
“A week, then.” Emily bit back frustration. Then”Wait. Where are her things? Clothes? School uniform?”
James reddened. “Er didnt think of that.”
Emily shot him a look. “Give me Lydias number.”
“You wont?”
“Just to sort Sophies things. You men never think.”
She returned ten minutes later, smiling. “Sorted. Well fetch her stuff now. Lydias lovelyapologised six times.”
“You two hit it off?” James blinked.
Emily shrugged. Sophie clearly took after her mum.
In Olivers room, Sophies voice floated out. “Subtract here, see? Got it?”
Emily peeked in. The two were bent over homeworkSophie, a year older, explaining maths.
“Mum!” Oliver beamed. “Sophies *way* better than school! Can she come over loads?”
“Well see,” Emily said. “Sophie, love, were off to fetch your things. Cant have you sleeping in your coat.”
“Ill lend her my PJs!” Oliver offered.
“No thanks,” Sophie giggled, wrinkling her nose.
Emily noticed Oliver tidying himselfunheard of.
“Sophie, hurry up,” she urged.
“Can I come?” Oliver begged.
“If you behaveand if Sophie says yes.”
Sophie grinned. “Course.”
Her fears had melted. Aunt Emily was kind; Oliver was exactly as shed hopedcheeky but sweet.
When Lydia returned, Sophie realised shed loved her stay. Playing with Oliver, cuddling Charlotteshe didnt want to leave, though she missed her mum.
“Come back soon!” Oliver pleaded. “Mum, *please*?”
“Anytime, Sophie,” Emily agreed. “Just ring.”
Shed no reason to refuse. Sophie was clever, politea good influence on Oliver.
“Thanks,” Sophie said suddenly, hugging Emily.
Startled, Emily hugged back. “Youre always welcome.”
Shed never imagined bonding with Jamess first child. But now? She was glad. However you spun it, they were family.
