Emily was sipping tea in the kitchen while feeding baby Charlotte when James approached. “I need to pop out for a bitwork stuff,” he said.
“Alright,” Emily replied. “Could you stop by the shop on your way back? I’ll text you the list.”
Nodding, James grabbed his coat and left. Emily watched him go, then called out, “Oliver! Have you finished your homework? Dinners ready!”
Their nine-year-old bounded into the kitchen and clambered onto a chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?”
“Eat first, then finish. Hell be back soon.”
Oliver wolfed down his food, rocked back on his chair, and played with his toddler sister. Then he glanced outside and gasped. “Mum! Whos that with Dad? Some girl…”
Emily, mid-sip, nearly choked. She peered out. Sure enough, a young girl clung to Jamess hand. “Oh no,” Emily thought, heart sinking. She knew who it wasSophie, Jamess daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met before, though visits were usually on neutral ground.
When James returned with Sophie in tow, Emily stood waiting in the hallway. He looked sheepish. “Em, I know I shouldve warned youjust… it all happened so fast.”
“Something wrong?” Emily kept her voice steady. She knew James wouldnt bring Sophie without reason.
“Claires in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I couldnt leave Sophie alone.”
Emily exhaled, steeling herself. “Right.” She forced a smile at Sophie. “Hungry, love?”
“Starved!” James grinned, relieved.
“Wash up, then,” Emily said, nodding toward the table.
Sophie relaxed. Shed been terrified of Emilys reaction. And she missed her mum.
“Whos that?” Oliver gaped from the doorway.
“Im Sophie,” the girl said brightly.
“Whyre you here? You staying?”
“Oliver,” Emily cut in, “Sophies with us a few days. Show her your toys?”
“Alright. Wheres she sleeping?”
“The sofa bed.”
As Sophie and James ate, Oliver hovered until Emily snapped, “Homework done?”
“Nah, Im stuck,” he admitted, hoping for help.
Just then, Charlotte wailed. Emily scooped her up. “Later,” she sighed.
Oliver turned to follow, but Sophie piped up, “Dad, pass the biscuits?”
Oliver froze. “Hes *my* dad!”
Sophie flushed. James intervened. “Im his dad *and* yours, mate.”
“How?” Oliver frowned. “You adopted her?”
“Fostered for girls,” James corrected. “No. I was married to Sophies mum first. Then your mum.”
“So… shes got another mum? And another dad?” Sophie added. “Two dads.”
James hid his delightshed never called him “Dad” before. He paid his dues, visited weekends, loved her fiercely despite the split.
“Brilliant!” Oliver beamed. “You get *double* love!”
James chuckled but didnt argue. Childhood innocence was fleeting.
“Come see my room!” Oliver bounced.
James marveled at his sons energy. Emily and Charlotte were calm; Oliver was a whirlwind.
“You got Lego?” Sophie asked.
“Loads!”
As the kids vanished, James found Emily. “Sorry for the ambush. Oliver took it well.”
“Hes a social butterfly,” Emily said wryly.
James scooped up Charlotte. “How longs Sophie staying?”
“Dunno. Claire said her husbands away a week. Shes in hospital indefinitely.”
“So, a week *minimum*.” Emily suppressed a groan. “Waitwhere are her things?”
James reddened. “Er… forgot.”
Emily glared. “Give me Claires number.”
Worried, he handed over his phone. But Emily returned smiling. “Sorted. Well fetch Sophies things tonight, visit Claire this weekend.”
“You two *bonded*?” James blinked.
Emily shrugged. Claire had been apologetic, polite. No wonder Sophie was sweet.
In Olivers room, Sophies voice carried: “Subtract here. See?”
Emily peeked in. The pair huddled over maths. Sophie, a year older, guided him.
“Mum!” Oliver gasped. “Sophie explains *way* better than school! Can she visit more?”
“Well see,” Emily said. “Sophie, love, lets fetch your things.”
“Ill lend her my PJs!” Oliver offered.
Sophie giggled. “No thanks.”
Emily noted Oliver tidying himselfuncharacteristic.
“Can I come?” Oliver begged.
“If you behave,” Emily said, winking at Sophie.
The girl grinned. Her fears had melted. Auntie Emily was kind; Oliver was cheeky but good-hearted.
When Claire recovered, Sophie didnt want to leave. Shed loved playing with Oliver and baby Charlotte.
“Come back soon!” Oliver pleaded.
“Anytime, Sophie,” Emily agreed warmly. No reason to refuse. The girl was clever, gentlea good influence.
“Thanks,” Sophie whispered, hugging Emily suddenly.
Startled, Emily hugged back. “Youre always welcome.”
Shed never imagined growing fond of Jamess first child. But now? She was glad. After all, they were siblings. Like it or not.
