And whos in your bedroom, then?
My wife, the groom replied, perfectly calm.
By the time she was nearly thirty, Emily had quietly accepted her singleton status. She simply hadnt met anyone she fancied walking lifes road with, fingers tightly intertwined, letting nothing and no one pry them apart. Thered been, of course, the odd admirer. Twice, she even gave relationships a proper go, but she always ended up thinking the leading man for her bestselling love story just hadnt appeared yet.
Her evenings were spent in her little flat overlooking the riverfrontjust her, a wide old sill, a mug of steaming cocoa, and a view of couples strolling along Thames Walk. One chilly winter evening, when even the diehards had abandoned the embankment, Emily noticed a man moving unhurriedly through the cold. She couldnt make out his face, cocooned as he was in thick layers, but there was something lonely and terribly sad about his gait.
A few days later she saw him again, and after that, he became a fixturesame spot, every evening, boots scuffing slowly along the pavement. So one Tuesday, at the hour her regular stranger would be passing beneath her window, Emily decided it was high time she herself took some air. She bundled up, headed out, and set off in the opposite direction. From down the way, she watched him approach: slim enough beneath his heavy coat, no hint of an ale belly most men his age seemed to acquire, probably about forty, straight-backed, with a face marked by that very sorrow shed sensed before.
He didnt notice her staring and passed by. Still, Emily felt convinced: Thats the sort of man who ought to be beside me. Even his sadness seemed somehow noble, almost heroic.
Now she began timing her walks to coincide with his. Oh, how she longed for him to look her way, but he seemed oblivious to all but the cobbles beneath his feet. What sorrow, she wondered, had so consumed him? Emily desperately wanted to comfort him, or at least offer help, but had not the faintest idea how to start a conversation. Still, perhaps her yearning had reached the universe, because soon enough fate put things in motion.
One particularly hectic evening, delayed at work, Emily wanted nothing more than a lavender-scented soak. Yet the prospect of missing her encounter made her restless. She grabbed a cab to her usual starting spot, leapt out, turned the cornerand collided straight into the man himself.
Her heels skidded crazily on the icy pavement, but the man caught her just in time, giving her a look so serious it made her knees wobble more than the black ice. Then he spoke, his voice low and slightly roughjust the sort she always fancied. And his eyes! Blue-grey, bottomless and sad, but with a glint of hope.
Are you alright? he asked, steadying her by the elbow.
Seems so, said Emily, mentally scolding herself for not seizing the momentshe couldve feigned injury, as one does in the movies, but outright lying wasnt her style.
Whats the rush? the man enquired, releasing his grip.
Likely he was trying to diffuse the tension, but Emily found her courage.
I was rushing to you!
Youre joking, so you must really be fine. His lips twitched.
Neither moved. Then, before she could lose her nerve, Emily blurted, Its a dreadful night for a walk. If youre not in a hurry, would you like to pop round for a cup of tea? I live just thereits really no trouble, far more cheerful than freezing alone.
He paused, considering. Yes, weathers rather grim. Honestly, Id love a cuppaI havent even noticed the cold until now.
Brilliant! Emily grinned. Otherwise, one might catch a chill.
He nodded and walked beside her, steadying her arm.
Carefulhow do you ladies manage heels on this stuff? Ill never understand the fashion.
Habit, Emily replied with a smile. They continued in contented silence.
At home, Emily put the kettle on, rummaging out her special blend for occasions, and set out the good biscuits. She invited her guest to the table, but wondered how to keep the moment alivesurely she wouldnt get another chance like this.
By the way, whats your name? she ventured first. Im Emily.
He snapped out of his reverie. Ah! Pleased to meet you, Emily. Im Thomas.
Lovely to meet you too. Emily smiled, with dimples her friends forever envied. He took in her face a moment longer.
Youre very beautiful, Emily, he blurted, turning a bit pink beneath his salt-and-pepper stubble. Not the sort of bashfulness you expected from a grown man. Well, I suppose Id best be offthank you for the tea, warmed me right up! Dont want to overstay my welcome, youve probably had a long day.
Emily nodded shyly. Busy at work today, yes.
After Thomas left, she stood at the window wrapped in the handknitted shawl her mum made years ago, watching as he crossed the road, waiting dutifully for the green man even though the street was empty. Just like thatshed brought a stranger into her home, babbled like a teenage fan, and he hadnt even asked for her phone number.
This is what weve come to! Emily declared, scrubbing up mugs with more force than necessary, mortified by her own behaviour. She resolved: never again would she loiter at her window or haunt the riverwalk in the evenings.
But resolutions are easier made than kept, and the very next evening Emily was tucked on her favourite sill, straining to catch his familiar shape. She managed not to go out but glancing? Surely hed never know she watched. Yet Thomas didnt appear. Not that night, nor the next.
Three evenings later, a knock startled her from her sulking. On the doorstep: Thomas, clutching a cake and a doughty bouquet.
Forgive the outrage, Emily, he smiled sheepishly, but I thoughtwhy not drop by? Hope you dont mind.
Not at all! she beamed, and ushered him in.
Pop into the lounge, Ill get the kettle going, Emily called, her cheeks blazing.
She wanted to skip about the flat, shout her happiness from the rooftops, but she forced herself to remain demure.
That evening they chatted into the small hours. Thomas confessed that, after their run-in, her smile lingered in his thoughts and, after a day of gloom, hed finally mustered the courage to visit.
I saw a certain sadness in your eyes too, Emily, he observed gently. You spend your days in solitude, like me. Am I wrong?
Youre rather perceptive, Thomas.
Well, if thats the case, why not keep each other company? Lets make life a bit less lonely, what do you think?
Id like that very much, she replied, blushing like a schoolgirl.
Thank you for not turning me away, he said, with one of his rare smiles. Emily hoped shed see more of those, given time.
Shall we drop the formalities and use first names? Emily suggested. Thomas nodded.
Much easier, I agree. He reached for her hand, gazing into her eyes as though searching for her soul. Her heart thudded so hard she startled herself.
Emily drifted towards the window, entranced by fat, glittering snowflakes clustering on the glass, while Thomas stepped behind and wrapped his arms gently around her. She shivered, spun round, and they truly embraced for the first time. Thomas didnt go home that night. By morning, Emily felt as if shed known him forever.
Are you in a hurry? she asked carefully.
No need to rush. And suddenly she felt elatedthere was no one else, after all. Maybe, just maybe, her luck had changed.
Ill make us lunch, then.
It was like living in a dream, almost frightening in its perfection.
Havent had a proper homecooked meal in ages, Thomas sighed contentedly. Youre quite the hostess, Emily. Most women these days get by with ready mealsbut you well, it takes me right back to when Mum would cook for us lads, and wed gorge ourselves silly.
I was my mums only one, Emily replied, a little sadly. She was a brilliant cook. I learnt from her wed experiment, invent recipes together. I love cooking, really, but lately theres been no one to cook for.
She regretted admitting the last bit.
Well, if youre willing, Id love to come for lunch now and again. Happy to help around the place! Tell me whats broken, and Ill be glad for something to do.
Oh, Ive got a list! Emily laughed. Leaky tap, wobbly wardrobe door, and dont get me started on the temperamental lock.
Any tools in the house?
None worth mentioning.
Ill sort that. Ill bring my own tomorrow. Hope you dont mind?
Of course not!
That evening, Thomas went home. Emily knew full well hed want clean clothes and a sleep before work tomorrow, but she was reluctant to see him go (she didnt say that, of course). She just muttered, Ill be waiting.
True to his word, Thomas reappeared the next evening, toolkit in hand. Emily marvelled at how he seemed to make everything right again, fixing what the estate manager had only ever temporarily repaired. Her flat had never been so orderly.
Ill sort the sockets and chandelier next time, Thomas promised cheerfully. Surprised its not fallen down yet.
Thank you! Emily said, again and again. Thomas, for his part, said she made the best dinners in London.
A month whizzed by unnoticed. Thomas stayed over more often; Emily visited his place a couple of timesan airy three-bed in a modern high-risebut never stayed the night, and was oddly more confident on her own turf. Marriage wasnt yet on the table, but the things Thomas saidYoure the best, you make me happyconvinced Emily it was merely a matter of time.
Everyone remarked on her transformationshe glowed, happier and prettier than ever. But happiness, it seems, is never without expiry.
One evening, Thomas simply didnt appear. Emily waited, dinner ready, meaning to broach the topic of their future. No call, just a text after she rang him: Ill call when I can.
It didnt sound like a breakup, but it gnawed at her. Emily told herself it was just workif hed wanted to end it, hed have said so. Still, the worry grew. She wanted to call again, but restrained herself. Only after a nightmareThomas darting between two burning housesdid Emily, terrified, decide enough was enough.
After work, she went to his flat. No point in vague textsthey needed to talk face to face.
Her heart was in her mouth as she knocked. Thomas opened quickly, almost as if he expected her, his face haunted as the night she first saw him.
One door inside was shuta new developmentin all her visits, every door had always been open. Light shone under the crack, and the gentle sound of a lullaby drifted out.
Would you like some tea? Thomas asked, ushering her into the lounge.
No, Thomas. I came to talk. Pleasewhats happening to us?
He sat on the sofa, motioned for her to join him, and exhaled heavily.
Ive wanted to talk too, he began. Youre the greatest woman Ive ever known, truly. I even believed wed spend our lives together. But, you see
He trailed off, raked a hand through his hair, and glanced at the closed door.
So, whos that in your bedroom? Emily blurted, unable to control her curiosity.
My wife, Thomas answered quietly, after a pause. Shes sleepingI had to give her something to help her rest.
W-wife? Emily stammered. How?
Thomas clasped her hand, urging her gently back onto the sofa.
Im sorry. I should have told you everything, but I couldnt quite… Well, theres no excuse. Ive told my wife about youshe understands, even forgives. But can you?
Emily didnt know how a woman was meant to behave in such moments. Why had he wronged two trusting women at once?
Sensing her confusion, Thomas continued.
Mary and I married twenty years ago. A year on, our son Charlie was born. We were as happy, I suppose, as anyone. But last yearCharlie was gone. He stood up for an old gent on the Undergroundsome thugs were harassing him, and they attacked Charlie with a knife Our world collapsed. If I coped at all, Mary did notshe took to bed, and never really got up again. The doctors eventually said she wouldnt walk againsometimes, when fate deals a heavy blow, an illness lurking quietly gets triggered by shock. So it was with her. At first I took unpaid leave, then my firm let me work from home. I fed her, bathed hershe just lay there, day in, day out, wanting nothing.
Some suggested a carer, so I could recover, but the first lady didnt last: Mr. Jenkins, your wife refuses to eat or take her tablets, Id be liable if anything happenedIm sorry, I cant stay. So back it was to just me. I could handle the physical side, but the sadness was bottomless. The doctor suggested a clinica place where she might have therapy and support. I resisted, but eventually agreedit was that or watch her fade away. Even there, my visits did nothing. I felt so alonethought maybe Id follow our son soon. And then, Emily, quite literally, you fell into my armslike water in a desert. I thought God had sent you to save me.
With you, I found happiness I never expected again. I even considered leaving Maryshed pushed me away, after alland if you accepted me, maybe we could start over. But then I realised what a terrible mess Id madethinking only of myself, and not others feelings. I told Mary everythingat the clinic, face to face. For the first time in ages, she actually spokeapologised, even, and said she wanted to try, to live again. I brought her home. The doctors say her chances are best if shes activeif she fights, theres some hope.
He reached for Emilys hands, his eyes brimming.
All I can do now is ask your forgiveness. Emily, you truly were my ray of sunshine in utter darknessperhaps I even loved you, in my waybut, sadly, we cant be together. I truly want you to be happy, even if it cant be with me. Im so sorry for how its turned out.
He kissed her hands; she stroked his cheek, whispering, You did the right thing. If Id had a husband like you, Id be the luckiest woman alive. I envy your wifehonestly. As for me well, Im strong, Ill manage.
She shot to her feet and hurried out. Wishing you every happiness, she called, darting for the door.
Outside, she gulped cold air, desperate to douse the fire inside. She barely made it home, shuffling on unsteady legs, feeling more wretched than ever. Well, thats that. Doomed to a lifetime of lonely cocoa, I suppose
Half a year passed.
When summer holidays rolled around, Emily had no idea how to fill her days off. Leaving her flat after her last day at the office, as she walked to the bus stop, a car drew up beside her.
Miss, can I give you a lift? called a well-spoken gent, a dash of early grey at his temples.
No, thank you! Emily replied, quickening her pace. The car kept step, the driver insistent.
Dont turn me down nowlooks to me like were headed the same way.
And how would you know that? she snapped, pausing to size him upbut shed have remembered a face like his.
Ive actually noticed you around for a while. Today, I finally decided to say hello. Todays my birthday, and Ive no one to celebrate with.
Your wife travelling, is she? Emily smirked.
I dont have a wife.
Oh? Whys that?
Didnt work out. Truly, Emily, Id love to give you a lift.
She stopped dead. How did he know her name?
How do you know who I am? she asked, uneasily.
Ohsorry, didnt mean to alarm you. Get in and Ill explain.
Not on your life! Emily snapped, striding away faster. But he persisted.
Alright, you winIll confess. Im Head of Security in your building.
Emily laughed. Really? Why havent I ever seen you?
He grinned. Well, have you ever noticed the dark glass on the ground floor? You walk right past our window every morning. We dont get out muchjust the screens, really. Thats how I noticed you.
She stopped abruptly, forcing him to brake.
I dont believe you.
Fair enoughbut see here. He produced an ID from his pocket, and there it was: Alexander Smith, Head of Security, complete with photo. Then he showed her his passport (birthday today, no fibbing). Eight years her senior. So, are we getting to the office together or what? Well both be late otherwise.
So, back to the office together they went. Alexander opened the door for Emily, waving her through: Ill be waiting for you after work, he said, and vanished behind a Private Staff Only sign.
Emily fidgeted all day, then, at lunch, paid a visit to Carol from HR, whom she could trust.
Carol, whos our security chief?
Smith. Tall, bit stern, ex-army. Why?
Alexander?
Thats the one. Why, is something wrong? Carol peered at her over her glasses.
Not at all. Has he been here long?
Three years, at least.
Is he married?
Carol burst out laughing. Emily, is he courting you or what?
Blushing, Emily muttered, Nowell, not really
Dont let him slip away, love. Salt of the earth, is our Alex. Used to be in the forces. His wife leftnot keen on being married to security after life as an officers wife. Tried to come back, but he told her to take a hike. His mums a darling. He asked for your address the other day, you knowhe must be serious about you. Fingers crossed it works outId love to see you settled.
Ill do my best! Emily grinned.
Evening with Alexander flew by. Still, it bothered her to be celebrating his birthday with nothing to give.
Something on your mind? Alexander asked kindly. Emily decided to be honest.
It just feels wrong going to a birthday with no present. Todays the first day weve officially met, yet here I am marking your birthday with nothing for you.
He laughed. You could give me a present right now, you know.
Whats that?
Say yes to joining me on holiday! I go in a few daysyoull have time to pack. Ive already booked two tickets. Sois that a yes?
With that playful glint in his eye, Emily couldnt refuse. She didnt want to.
After a holiday that far surpassed both their expectations, they applied for a marriage licence. Three months later, they were husband and wife. Emily thanked every lucky star that fate hadnt let her slip into loneliness. Another six months passed; Emily discovered she was pregnant. Life only grew brighter; Alexander practically worshipped her. They lived in his house, but often wandered by the riverside arm in arm.
One evening, on such a walk, they bumped into Thomas. He was with a pretty woman, pushing a double buggy in front.
As they drew level, Thomas noticed her baby bump and smiled. Congratulations! This is my wife, Marywe just had twins, though wed given up hope.
And this is my husband, Alexander! Emily beamed, resting her head on Alexs shoulder. The men shook hands.
Pleased to meet you, Thomas said warmly, then, more seriously, Look after her.
And on both couples went, each on their own waylife carrying them forward, into different stories.
