Gail had been the other woman for a long while. She never quite managed to get married, so she spent her twenties drifting from one fling to another. When she finally hit thirty, she decided shed had enough and wanted to settle down. At first she didnt realise that Paul was already married, but he didnt bother to hide it once he saw she was getting attached.
Gail never blamed Paul. She only scolded herself for letting herself fall for him, feeling like a failure for not finding a husband sooner while the years slipped by. She wasnt a knockout not stunning, but pleasantlooking, a touch curvy, the kind of look that hinted she was a bit older.
Their affair went nowhere. Gail didnt want to stay a mistress, yet she couldnt bring herself to walk away; the thought of being alone terrified her.
One afternoon Simon, Pauls cousin, dropped by. He was in town on a short work trip and wanted to catch up with his sister. They ate in the kitchen, chatted about old times and the everyday stuff, and Gail opened up about her love life, even shedding a few tears.
Just then the neighbour knocked, asking Gail to pop over and weigh up her latest online orders. Gail stepped out for about twenty minutes. While she was gone the doorbell rang. Simon went to answer, assuming Gail would be back any second, but the front door was unlocked. Standing on the threshold was Paul, looking like a big bloke in tracksuit pants and a tee, chewing on a ham sandwich.
Simon immediately figured out Paul was Gails lover. Paul froze, surprised to see a burly man in his doorway.
Is Gail home? Paul asked, a little hesitant.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon replied, guessing what to say.
Excuse me, who are you to her? Paul stammered.
Im her husband, sort of. Were not legally married yet. Whats it to you? Simon stepped closer, gripping Paul by the shirt. Arent you the married chap Gails been talking about? Listen, if I catch you two together again, Ill see you down the stairs, got it?
Paul wrenched free and bolted downstairs.
Gail came back shortly after, and Simon filled her in on the unexpected visitor.
What have you done? Who sent him? Hell never come back, she sobbed, sinking onto the sofa and covering her face.
Simon shook his head. Hes not coming back, and thats a good thing. Stop whining. I actually know a decent bloke for you. A widower in our village no ones bothering his late wifes memory, and hes been turning everyone down. Hes looking for someone. After my next work trip Ill swing by again, be ready. Well drive up together, Ill introduce you.
Gail stared at him, stunned. You cant be serious. I dont know this man, and I dont want to end up in a mess. It feels wrong.
Its not wrong to meet a free man, not to sleep with a stranger. Nobodys pushing you into bed. Come on, think of it as a birthday present for my wife, Lucy.
A few days later Gail and Simon were in the village. Lucy, Simons wife, had set a garden table near the woodburning stove. Neighbours, friends and Simons old mate, widower Alex, gathered for a small celebration. Most of the locals already knew Gail, but shed never met Alex before.
After the drinks and chat, Gail headed back to the city. She noted how quiet and modest Alex seemed. He must be missing his wife, she mused, what a sad lad, hardly any kind hearts left around.
A week later, on a Saturday, there was a knock at Gails door. She wasnt expecting anyone. When she opened it, Alex stood there with a bag in his hands.
Mind if I pop in, Gail? I was just on my way to the market, thought Id drop by since weve met, he said, a little nervous.
She invited him in, still surprised but offering him a cup of tea, sensing his visit wasnt random.
Did you manage to get everything you needed? Gail asked.
All in the van. And this is for you. Alex pulled out a modest bunch of tulips.
Gail took the flowers and her eyes lit up. They chatted over tea about the weather and the price of apples at the market. When the tea was finished, Alex stood to leave, slipping his coat on and tying his boots. Just as he reached the hallway he turned back, looking a bit shaky.
If I walked out now without saying anything, Id regret it forever. Gail, Ive been thinking about you all week. I swore Id wait for the weekend, and here I am. I got your address from Simon
Gail flushed and looked down.
We barely know each other, she replied.
It doesnt matter. Is it okay if Im a bit forward? Can I call you by your first name? Im not perfect, and Ive got a little girl, eight, staying with her grandma at the moment, Alex said, his hands trembling.
Having a daughter is a blessing, Gail said, smiling. Ive always wanted a little girl myself.
Encouraged, Alex took her hands, pulled her close and kissed her. After the kiss, he saw a glisten of tears in her eyes.
Am I being a bother to you? he asked softly.
No, quite the opposite. I didnt expect this it feels warm and right. Im not stealing anyones happiness.
From then on they met every weekend. Two months later they were married in the village chapel, and Gail found a job at the local nursery. A year after that she gave birth to a daughter, and later a second little girl. Both children grew up loved and cared for, and there was never a shortage of affection in the house. Gail and Alex grew older together, their love deepening like a fine wine maturing with time.
Simon would often wink at Gail during family meals and say, Look at you, love, what a husband I set you up with! Youre getting better and better. And Gail would laugh, squeezing Alexs hand under the table, thinking how life had surprised her in the kindest wayhow love, when it finally came, wasnt loud or dramatic, but steady, true, and full of second chances.
