“Marina, I’ve got to dashsomething’s come up,” said Alex, stepping toward his wife as she fed their little girl.
“Alright,” she replied without looking up. “On your way back, could you pop into the shops? We need a few things. Ill text you a list.”
“Just send it over.”
He grabbed his coat and was out the door in moments. Marina watched him go, then called out, “Alex, have you finished your homework? Dinners ready!”
Her nine-year-old bounded into the kitchen and scrambled onto a chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?”
“Eat first, then finish. Your father had errandshell be back soon.”
Alex wolfed down his meal, rocked on his chair, and played with his toddler sister. Then he peered out the window and gasped. “Mum! Whos that with Dad? Some girl”
Marina, mid-sip of tea, stiffened. There, beside her husband, was a girl clutching his hand. *Please, not this.* Her stomach dropped. She knewthis was his daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met before, though usually on neutral ground.
When Alex returned with the girlRitaMarina was already waiting in the hallway. He shot her a guilty look. “Marina, I know I shouldve warned you. There wasnt time.”
“What happened?” Her voice stayed steady. She wouldnt shout. If Alex had brought Rita here, it had to be serious.
“Lenas in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic. I didnt know where else to take Rita.”
“I see.” Marina exhaled slowly. The girl would be staying, then. She forced a smile. “Are you hungry, love?”
“Starving!” Alex grinned, relieved by her calm.
“Wash up, thenboth of you.”
Rita relaxed. Shed been terrified coming here, convinced Marina would resent her.
“Whos *she*?” Alex gaped from the doorway.
“Im Rita,” the girl said brightly.
“Alex. Whyre you here? You staying or what?”
Marina cut in. “Shes with us for a few days. Show her your toys?”
“Sure! Wheres she sleeping?”
“The sofa in the lounge.”
As Rita ate, Alex hovered until Marina snapped, “Homework done?”
“Nah, need help. Dont get this sum.”
Then the baby wailed, and Marina scooped her up. “Later,” she sighed, retreating.
Alex turned to leaveuntil Rita spoke. “Dad, pass the biscuits?”
The boy froze. “*My* dad! Dont call him that!”
Rita flushed. Alex stepped in. “Easy, son. Im his dad, and hers.”
“How?” Alex frowned. “You adopted her?”
“‘Fostered, for girls,” Alex corrected. “No. I was married to Ritas mum first. Then I married yours. Understand?”
“So shes got a different mum?”
“And stepdad,” Rita added. “Ive two dads.”
Alex hid his joyRita calling him “Dad” meant the world. Hed always been there for her, weekends and support payments, even after the split.
“Thats brilliant!” Alex beamed. “You get *double* the love!”
Alex chuckled at the boys innocence but let it slide. Life would teach him soon enough.
“Come see my room!” Alex bounced.
Ritas eyes lit up. “Got Lego?”
“Loads!”
They vanished. Alex found Marina later. “Sorry for the shock. Lenas husbands gone a weekmaybe longer.”
“So, Ritas ours for seven days.” Marina bit back irritation. The girl wasnt to blame. Then “Wait. Wherere her things? Clothes? School uniform?”
Alex reddened. “I didnt think.”
Marina glared. “Give me Lenas number.”
She returned ten minutes later, smiling. “Sorted. Well fetch Ritas things tonight, visit Lena this weekend.”
“You two got on?” Alex blinked.
Marina shrugged. Lena had been lovelyapologetic, even. Like mother, like daughter.
Back in the room, Rita was explaining maths. “Subtract here. See?”
Marina paused in the doorway. Both kids hunched over homework.
“Mum!” Alex grinned. “Ritas *way* better than Mr. Harris! Can she come over more?”
“Well see,” Marina said. “Rita, grab your coat. Were off to yours for your things.”
“Ill lend her my PJs!” Alex offered.
Rita wrinkled her nose. “No thanks!” They laughed.
Marina hid a smile. Alex was *trying*hair neat, less fidgety.
“Can I come?” he begged.
“If you behave, and if Rita says yes.”
Rita giggled. “Course!”
Her fear had melted. Auntie Marina was kind, Alex exactly as shed imaginedcheeky, but sweet.
When Lena finally came home, Rita realised something: she *liked* it here. Playing with Alex, cuddling baby Sophie She didnt want to leave.
“Come back soon!” Alex pleaded. “Mum, *please*?”
Marina nodded. “Whenever you like, love. Just call.”
No reason not to. Rita was bright, politegood influence on Alex.
“Thanks,” Rita whispered, hugging her suddenly.
Marina hesitated, then hugged back. “Anytime.”
Shed never imagined bonding with her husbands first child. But now? She was glad hed brought her home.
After all, they were brother and sister. However you looked at it.
