You wont believe what happened to Emma last week. God, after ten years of marriage, she thought shed seen it all with Tom. Their family lifes been great, you know? Two lovely daughtersSophie is nine now, and Lily just turned fivewere sound asleep in their room while Tom dragged himself home from his companys do sometime near dawn. Emma pretended she was fast asleep as he collapsed onto their bed, snoring before you could say cup of tea.
Come morning, as Emma was getting up she noticed the most glaring lipstick mark on Toms shirt. Right then, Toms mobile lit up with a text. Emma couldnt help herselfshe picked it up, and staring at her was: Good morning, darling!
Honestly, Emma nearly dropped the phone, totally floored. She hadnt expected this from Tom at all. Ten years, a comfortable home, two little girls tucked away, and now… this?
Part of Emma wanted to kick off and have a blazing row. But, you know what she did? She bit her tongue and took herself off to the bathroom, falling apart in tears. But after a good cry she dried her eyesand her hairand sorted herself out.
She kept thinking, Arguing with him is easy. But if I kick off, maybe itll push him further away. And if he leaves… am I really up for raising the girls on my own?
So Emma took a shower, blow-dried her hair, put herself together, and went downstairs to make breakfast. Tom didnt show his face until nearly lunchtime, moaning about feeling rough.
Fancy a coffee? Ill make you one, Emma said, her face all smiles. Between us, she wasnt feeling cheery at all. But after the coffee was ready, she got straight to it.
Tom, can you be home on time tomorrow? Im doing the late shift and Ive got to pick Lily up from nursery.
Of course, love, Tom promised.
Emma works as a hairdresser at one of those smart salons in town. The next day, after her shift, she came home holding a box of posh chocolates.
Sweet tooth kicking in? Tom chuckled.
Emma shrugged. Oh, its nothing. One of my clients gave them to me as a thank you. Hes always in for a trim.
Tom eyed the chocolates. Theyre pretty fancy, arent they? Whyd you even accept that?
Tom, come onhe didnt ask me out or anything! Its just a gift.
End of story, so she thought. But a few days later, she came through the door with a gorgeous bouquet.
More gifts from your regular, is it? Tom called out.
Emma stopped him. Tom, you were late yesterday, werent you? I didnt grill you about where you were or who you were with. This is only some flowers.
Then one evening, after a long day, Emma walked out of the salon and found Tom waiting for her outside.
Tom, have you left the girls home alone? Emma panicked.
Nah, dont worry, I tucked them up ages ago. Thought Id pick you up, save you the walk.
Its only a five minute walk! Emma protested, laughing.
When they got home, Tom said, Emma, mind if I meet you after your late shift from now on?
Why? Are you jealous or something?
Tom took a breath. Yeah, I am. Blokes dont give gifts like those for no reason.
Emma smiled. Fair enough, I love a bit of attention from you. Truth is, I get jealous too, especially when youre working those extra hours. Makes me wonder if youve met someone.
Oh, dont start, Tom said. Its only you, I promise! Works sorted anywaynew software on the computers, so Ill be home on time. No more late hours.
Things soon felt much warmer at home again. Every now and then, Emma would put another box of fancy chocolates in the kitchen, and when Tom shot her that look, shed just laugh: You know, my clients give me these just to say thanks. How could I turn them down when its all meant as a kind gesture?One rainy Tuesday, with thunder rumbling outside and the girls giggling as they built a fort with chairs and blankets, Emma found herself just watching Tom put the kettle on. He caught her eye and came over, pressing a mug of tea into her hand.
I know I messed up, he whispered, voice low enough for only her. Im scared of losing you.
Emma looked at him then, properly. Not as the man whod come home with lipstick on his shirt, nor the dad fumbling with bedtime stories, but as Tomthe man shed chosen, flaws and all.
She squeezed his hand. Were both scared sometimes. But maybe thats what keeps us trying.
He grinned, sheepish. Best get used to fancy chocolates, then. I wouldnt mind a haircut myself.
Good, Emma smiled, feeling something inside her soften again, Just promise youll always come homeeven if you get lost sometimes.
Tom nodded, and Sophie called from under her blanket fort, Mummy, Daddy, come play with us!
Emma and Tom dived under the covers with the girls, laughter echoing as lightning flickered outside. For the first time in weeks, Emma realized she wasnt afraid anymore. Their world, with all its mess and muddle, was still full of loveand that, she thought, felt sweeter than any chocolate ever could.
