Hey love, Ive got a story I need to get off my chest, so imagine Im sitting on the couch, talking straight to you.
Summers just around the corner and Rosie never really liked that time of year. It wasnt the heat it was because Jack barely ever came home in the heat.
Rosie and Jack had been married for seven years, living a fairly quiet life, hardly ever arguing. She was grateful to Jack for stepping up when she was expecting, even though their little boy, Ollie, was only about a year old back then. When Jacks brother Tom found out his mate was pregnant, he vanished, stopped answering calls, and wouldnt even open the front door. So Rosie went to his work just to look him in the eye. When Tom saw her, he shook so hard she burst out laughing. Dont worry, Tom, Im not after anything from you its not your kid.
Thats right! Tom shouted, relieved, turning to his colleagues and bragging, You cant hang a foreign child on me!
Rosie calmly replied, Its not yours, its mine. People like you never have a real child, everything feels like somebody elses.
Tom could only gasp for breath, not knowing how to answer, while the onlookers turned away in disgust. Rosie left, vowing never to see that loving man again.
When Ollie hit six months, Rosie asked her mother whos retired on a disability pension to look after the boy while she went back to work. Shed been in a furniture shop before maternity, and they welcomed her back with open arms. Good, reliable staff are hard to find, you know. Thats where she met Jack Brown, who hauled furniture from the factory to the shop.
She told Jack straight away about Ollie, and he didnt miss a beat. So well get married, youll have another boy, then a girl. I love kids.
Rosie hadnt expected such a quick proposal and wasnt even thinking about remarrying, but Jack was goodlooking, steady, and earned well driving his own truck. With a sick mother and a baby to look after, she figured shed better say yes. Three months later she was Mrs. Brown.
Surprisingly, marriage suited her. Jack was hardworking, never caused drama, and wasnt jealous. Rosie made sure she gave him no reason to be. When she once asked if he was seeing anyone, he laughed and said, If you ever turn into a big, flabby woman in a tatty nightgown, then I might think about it. She promised herself shed never be that.
Seven years flew by. Jack bought a newer lorry and was now hauling all over the country, earning good money but hardly ever home. Rosie opened her own furniture store and kept busy. Ollie, now eight, was a kind, athletic lad with a few medals to his name. He loved Jack, even though he knew Jack wasnt his biological dad, and always tried to make him proud.
They never managed to have another child together. Five years ago doctors told them it was simply a matter of incompatibility. Rosie took the news with a shrug she already had Ollie but she felt a huge guilt toward Jack. She promised him a baby. He waited, hopeful, then fell into a slump when they learned it wouldnt happen. A couple of years later he shook it off, became cheerier, and started caring more about the shop and Ollies successes. Rosie was thrilled to see him so invested again.
Jacks parents lived about sixty miles away in the tiny village of Hollington. Hed often stay the night with them, sometimes for several nights in a row. Rosie sometimes felt a sting that Jack seemed to spend more time there than at home, but she reminded herself they were both in their sixties and needed help around the old house. She never argued about it, fearing to trigger another bout of Jacks gloom. After all those years, she loved him truly, with her whole heart, and couldnt imagine life without him.
One May evening, Rosie felt an odd unease. Maybe it was the summer heat making Jacks absences feel heavier. She dialed his number. Hey Jack, where are you? At your folks? Why does your voice sound so strange? Did something happen? Sorry if Im nagging. Bye.
She stared at the dead screen, eyes brimming, because Jack had never spoken to her like that before. She paced the house, finally loading Ollie into the car and driving him to his grandmother, then set off to Hollington herself.
She arrived late, the lorry gone, and knocked on the door. Maggie, Jacks mother, looked surprised but opened warmly, ushering Rosie in for tea. Her father, George, was already asleep, so they kept their voices low. Rosie began to explain her worry when a little, sleepy threeyearold girl shuffled out of the bedroom, rubbing her eyes, calling for Mum. Maggie scooped her up, humming a simple lullaby.
Rosie, confused, asked where the child came from. Thats our cousin Lilys daughter, Maggie hurriedly said. Lily passed away a few days ago. She had no one else, so we took little Kate in.
Are you planning to keep her? Rosie asked gently. Itll be a lot for you, shes still tiny. And wheres her father?
Before Maggie could answer, George rose from his bed, looking startled. Rosie kissed his cheek apologetically. Sorry to wake you, Lilys little one was crying. Shes such a sweet thing, it hurts my heart to think of her mother alone. Youve got a lot on your plate already, old folks as you are.
George gave a vague nod, Maggie tried to explain again, but the conversation fizzled. Rosie, sensing Georges grief, asked, May I stay the night? Could I look after Kate?
Maggie hesitated, then agreed. All night Rosie stared at the sleeping child, gently stroking her golden curls, already forming a plan for the morning.
When dawn broke, she woke to find Jack standing beside the bed, his eyes darting between her and Kate, tension clear on his face. Jack, she whispered pleadingly, lets take her in, please. Ill raise her as my own.
Jack turned away sharply, fled the room. Rosie chased him outside, found him on a bench beneath an old birch, tears spilling. Im sorry, he whispered, voice breaking. I didnt want to take her. I was angry that we never had a child of our own. I thought maybe maybe I could have one with Lily. She was pregnant, I promised to help, but I never meant to marry her. When she told me she was carrying, I said Id help, but I never intended to leave you. He swallowed, shaking his head. My parents frowned on the whole thing, but its done. Lily brought Kate here with papers, saying shed give her to me. I didnt know what to do.
Rosie stayed silent, heart pounding. She slipped into the house, sat beside Kate, and let herself cry. The little girl looked up with big blue eyes and smiled, Dont worry, I wont mess it up. Let me braid your hair.
The tears softened. Alright, love, Ill try my best with your braids, Rosie whispered, wiping her cheeks.
A few weeks later the court granted them guardianship of Kate. Ollie was thrilled to have a little sister, calling himself her protector. Jack gave up long hauls, and together they expanded the shop, opening a second branch.
Rosie never fully forgot Jacks past mistake, but she forgave him, seeing the genuine remorse in his eyes.
Come December, Rosie and Kate came home from the schools Christmas concert. Kate was beaming, clutching a massive box of sweets Santa had left for her. She ran to Jack, wrapped him in a hug, and whispered, Dad, can I have a brother or a sister?
Jack looked startled. Sweetheart, thats not something I can promise.
Rosie grinned, Why not? Can we say no to a lovely little girl?
Jack froze, eyes wide, as Rosie laughed. Later, Ollie returned from gymnastics, finding Jack twirling Rosie around the living room while Kate, covered in chocolate, giggled on the sofa. Ollie plopped down beside Kate, grabbed a candy, and said, Weve got the best parents, dont we, sis?
