– Emily! Mark is such a well-respected and, more importantly, well-settled bloke! And above allhes not strapped for cash. Youll have that lovely three-bedroom flat in Central London, a brand-new car, and the most gorgeous coat, mink if you want. You could fill an entire wardrobe with furry numbers! Hes the perfect man, love. You wont find better, not at your age. And for the life of me, I cant understand why you wont take his proposal?
– I dont know Emily replied softly, tracing the window with her gaze.
And she really didnt know.
When Mark, after almost six months of solid courting, suddenly popped the question, she was, to be honest, fairly flummoxed.
Shed got a bit used to men in her life never quite following through on things.
You see, Emily was something to look at.
People would say: Shes got the whole package. Good looks and sharp as a tackEmily had both. Men would send her glances in the street or at the caféthe sort you could feel right in your spine.
What they were thinking well, one could only guess.
So Emily had been in the spotlight since she could remember. Preschool, school days, and at uni.
Even at her new job, which shed started only months ago, she was never short of admirers.
All the lads in the office looked at her as if she were some sort of goddess.
Although, if youre honest, most of them looked at her with more longing than admiration.
Youd think, with so much male attention, shed never have to be single for long.
There was always someone inviting her out to a nice dinner, a late film, or even suggesting a cheeky trip to the seaside.
A few blokes even tried to whisk her off to Spain for a week.
And yet, hitting her thirtieth, this so-called Goddess, as the guys called her behind her back, still hadnt married.
Her mum, Margaret, could not believe it.
– Emily, darling, Margaret tutted. Why are you dragging your heels? How long are you going to wait? Just remember, beauty doesnt last forever, love. You dont want to miss the last train and get stuck on the shelf. Youre thirty. No husband, no children. Its not right!
Emily knew and even agreed with her. But what could she do if…
…if the men around her just never seemed eager to settle down.
More to the point, they didnt want to settle at all.
Some valued their freedom, some already had a ring on their finger (and obviously a wife at home), while others just wanted to chalk up another conquest.
Emily was popular, sure, but all these fellas only wanted a no-strings-attached arrangement.
Dinner, hand-holding for show, maybe a weekend awaythey were always up for that.
But as soon as talk of commitment stirred, these knights in shining armour would just vanish.
So Emily, beautiful and clever as she was, still hadnt been asked to marry by anyone who really meant it.
And honestly? She couldnt be bothered with all these meaningless dates anymore.
Shed wizened up, perhaps.
– Maybe we could just see each other once a week? one of her admirers suggested, not too confidently.
– No, thanks, Emily smiled. Id rather spend that time at the gym. At least Ill see a result.
Then, just as six months rolled by, Emily got herself a new admirer at the new job. Mark Andrews.
He, like all the other men at work, was crazy about Emily. Difference was, Mark had the upper hand.
Mark was high up at the office (deputy to the top dog), so naturally…
…no one would dare cross him.
If someone tried, theyd be out the door, CV in hand.
Hed invite Emily for lunch at the café across the road, and rather than business, theyd mostly chat about her and her hopes for the future. Hed bring her flowers and chocolates daily.
And she alone got a fat monthly bonus for being, in theory, such a brilliant worker, although she did no more than the rest.
– Emily, wouldnt you consider inviting me over some evening? Mark would coo in that syrupy voice.
– To my place? Emily would ask, pretending to be deep in thought.
– Yes, your place. We havent known each other just a day. Time to take things up a level, dont you think?
– Are we even at that stage?
– Of course!
– Thanks for letting me know, Mark. Because I hadnt realised, personally. As for inviting you over… Well, I live with my mum. If thats not a problem, then youre welcome to come.
Emily was convinced that the mention of her mum would put Mark right off. But to her surprise, it didnt.
He even promised to come by on Friday evening.
What a persistent man, she thought.
He really was. Almost too much.
Other blokes crumbled way sooner, especially at the mention of her mum waiting for them at home.
As for Emilys feelings about Mark? Well, it was all a bit hazy. Complicated.
On the one hand, she liked that such a distinguished man was after her, unafraid even to meet her mum, clearly serious about her.
On the other, Mark just didnt make her heart flutter.
Still, you couldnt say he wasnt respectable.
A fine figure of a man, if you know what I mean.
Even his slightly plump stomach suited him, honestly.
Men in their forties (he claimed thirty-five, but whos counting) often have that.
Mark gave off the aging superman vibes: always in a sharp suit, jackets bottom button undone, a cool stare.
Young women looking for stability usually go for men like that: standing next to them, you feel sorted. Safe.
Emily, though, hung back, wanting to see how long Marks patience would last.
And she had a hunch the Friday visit would be interesting, especially when her mum realised Mark was ten years her senior.
She thought that would be grounds to turn him down.
But instead, Margaret was absolutely charmed.
The moment Mark crossed their threshold, she nearly gasped, What a man! Wish I could have someone like that myself!
He came bearing proper giftsa cake in one hand, a huge bouquet of roses in the other.
He kissed her mums hand and complimented her looks.
Margaret was practically speechless.
Hope shes not falling for him, Emily chuckled inwardly, watching her mum beam all evening.
Mark knew hed made a stellar impression and kept it going, gushing about Emilys beauty and telling moving stories of his own terrible loneliness.
Hed say, Ive got the flat, the car, the money, but nobody to share it with.
– What a pity, Margaret would sigh, eyeing her daughter (as if to say, Emily, do something!).
Mark started coming round more and more.
And before long, he got down on one knee and proposed. To Emily, obviously.
For a moment, Margaret probably wouldnt have minded it being to her.
Emily was speechless and confusedshe hadnt expected things to go this far. But her mum clung to that proposal with a death grip.
– If I were you, Id say yes, she told Emily, eyes full of determination.
– I Ill think about it was all Emily could say.
She thought about it for weeks, honestly.
It was about time to settle down, but was it right to marry someone youre not sure you love?
– Emily! Marks a respected and, importantly, established man! He has loads of money, Margaret was relentless. Youll get a three-bed in the middle of town, a new car, and all the lovely coats a girl could want. Hes the best youll get! I just dont get whats holding you back.
– Well, hes older than me Emily tried.
– So? Margaret cocked an eyebrow. Thats a good thing. He wont be off chasing others.
Emily went quiet.
– Men like Mark know what they want. Hes not wasting your time, Margaret pressed on. Hes only a little older! Your dad was twelve years ahead of me, and we had a fabulous marriage. Stop being so picky.
Emily felt squeezed from both sides.
Mark and her mum, both pushing.
So, in the end, she caved.
And after all, Mark really wasnt the worst.
Caring, loving, generous.
Plus, he was the only one whod actually proposed.
He took a real step.
So she said yes, slipped on the diamond ring, and now just had to say I do at the registry office next month.
Well, less than a month now.
Margaret was full steam ahead: choosing the dress, planning the menu, sending invitesit was all happening.
Mark said the venue could fit a hundred guests; plenty of space, so mum could go wild.
Everything seemed sorted, but for Emily
she just didnt feel happy.
She didnt feel right at all.
No big smile, no sparkle in her eyes, no thrill inside. Only doubts.
Am I really doing the right thing?
– What is wrong with you, Em? her friend Sarah blurted out, when Emily shared her worries. A bright future with a loving, wealthy man awaits. He may not be Mr Right in your dreams, but its better than always searching. Real love? Thats rare, love. Nowadays, people just muddle through. But everyone wants their holidays abroad, a lush flat, and a great wardrobe. Youve got a shot at all that. Plus, did you see that ring? Its worth a fortune, Em! Stop overthinking.
Margaret noticed her daughters unease too.
And would again insist that Mark was the best Emily would ever find, telling her to just grab her chance, and so on and so on
*****
Sitting in a sleek white limo dressed with ribbons, Emily, looking stunning in white herself, tried her hardest to look happy…
…and not think about Marks eyes, which suddenly reminded her of shiny cherry stones.
She tried, instead, to do as her mum advised: swallow her pride, stop staring at Marks face (since you dont drink water from a face), and attempt to see his soul.
Mum always says everyones got a beautiful soul, in their own way, she reminded herself.
But try as she might, she couldnt see Marks.
His inner world just wasnt reaching her.
So, they’re off to the registry office. Half an hour till showtime. About as long as it takes to get there.
They set off late, Emily dragging her feet, nerves and doubts all tangled.
But once again, Mark and her mum teamed up. Hard to withstand.
– Oi, mate, Mark called over his shoulder to the limo driver, any chance you can put your foot down? Were running late.
Mark, you see, was dead keen not to miss his own wedding.
But, really, he couldnt wait to properly hug his bride and finally kiss her.
Hed kept it all proper till now, but
soon, nobody could stop him. Shed be his wife.
He was thinking all this as he urged the driver to hurry. Emily wished, with all her heart, the driver would slow down.
She glanced up at the roof, half-praying the engine would conk out. Right in the middle of the busy road.
Suddenly, getting married was the last thing she wanted.
Shed already noticed little changes in Mark.
No matter where they went latelyand thered been loads of events with his mateshe acted like she was his trophy.
Making it very clear to everyone that Emily was his.
Kind of like, Look here! This stunning woman is mine and mine alone, screamed his eyes.
And if I werent this pretty? And what if, tomorrow, someone prettier came along? Emily worried.
She had too many questions swirling in her head, and she hated that feeling.
She didnt feel secure at all.
The driver caught Marks eye in the mirror and nodded.
The car picked up speed, and Emily fought hard not to cry.
What am I going to do? Thoughts raced around her.
She needed a reason, a good excuse to get out of the limo and avoid the wedding.
But nothing suitable came to mind.
Thenjust minutes laterthe limo screeched to a stop, so abruptly Mark tumbled off the seat and ended up on all fours like a lost puppy.
Emily just managed to grab hold of the seat, barely staying put.
– Are you mad, mate? Mark barked at the driver. Where did you get your licence, a cereal box?
– Sorry Theres a kitten on the road. Tiny one.
– Cant you just drive round it?
– Keeps darting about, left and right.
– So what? If it gets hit, that’s its own fault. We havent time to wait. Lets go! My mums waiting. So are the guests.
– We have to help it! Emily protested.
– No, we have to get you married, insisted Mark.
Emily frowned, pressed her face to the glass and tried to spot the kitten amongst the tyres.
But she couldnt see it.
When the driver went to pull off, Emily suddenly yelled andwithout thinkingflailed for the door and jumped out, nearly snapping a heel.
– Emily! Where are you going? Stop! Mark thundered after her Dont you dare!
But Emily wasnt listening. Well, she was, but she didnt care about his words.
Mark tried to grab her arm, but she shook him off and dashed among the cars, trying to catch the kitten.
When she finally did, she hugged him close, feeling his heart thumping like mad.
– Emily! Look what youve done! Mark huffed. Youve ruined your wedding dress! What will people say?
– Big deal. Saved the kitten, though, she shot back. He could have been killed. Dont you care?
– Care? About a stray? Not really.
Emilys eyebrows shot up.
– But your dress cost a fortune! How could you not think?
Now hes going on about money, Emily thought, glancing down at the little ball of fluff. Maybe my doubts werent unfounded after all.
– Emily love, we need to go. Leave the cat. Someonell take it. Our weddings waiting!
– No. I wont. Hes been through enough. Ill take him. And if you want, you can carry on to the registry alone. Shame I couldnt see into your heart before. Its pretty rotten, turns out.
– What do you mean, alone? Are you mad? Ill call Margaret. Shell set you straight!
– Too late. Im not marrying you, Mark. Here, have your ring back, she said, yanking it off her finger and tossing it into the road.
As Mark and the limo driver scrambled about trying to retrieve it, Emily, kitten clutched to her chest, walked confidently to the pavement.
Her phone started buzzing in her handbag.
Probably Mark. Or Mum. Or both, she guessed.
She ignored it.
Emily understood thered only be pressure, begging her not to do anything reckless.
Shed had enough of being a puppet for born manipulators. Enough was enough.
Shed taken far too much already, just like that kitten.
Now she just wanted a life for herself.
Imagine! Not allowed a kitten as a girl, now they tried to make her abandon one on her wedding day.
Or worsesee it run over.
No, this really was her cue to get away.
– Emily, wait! she heard Mark yell. She turned and saw him running after her, clearly intent on dragging her back if necessary.
She sped up, then broke into a run.
Its not easy to run in a wedding dress and heels, but she had little choice.
Just as Mark nearly caught up, a car pulled up beside her, and the driver flung open the passenger door.
– Jump in if you dont want to be caught! grinned a friendly man.
With one last look at Mark, puffing and grunting, she dived in.
Suddenly, Mark was far behind.
– Got cold feet? the driver asked. I happened to see your row out there. Im Sam, by the way.
– Emily. Yeah, I changed my mind. No idea what I was thinking. If not for the kitten, well… I dread to think.
– Hes a cutie, your kitten.
– He is! I liked him instantly. Shame I cant keep himI live with my mum, she hates pets Especially after all this. And I dont have anywhere else to go yet.
– I could take him temporarily, if you want? Ive got room, living alone and all.
– Really? Emilys face lit up. You wouldnt just toss him outside, would you?
– Of course not. Who could do that? And you can check in on him anytime, after work if you like.
For some reason, Emily trusted him.
Maybe because hed helped her escape Mark.
Or maybe because he looked at her not like she was something to be shown off, but just a normal person.
They chatted the whole way. Sam was sound.
He drove her home, then took the kitten with him, leaving his number and telling her to call any time.
She did. That very night. She even visited, bringing kitten food, toys, and a litter tray.
– Thought youd need these.
– Thanks, Sam smiled. Didnt think ahead myself. Now theres two puddles under my bed.
– Tea?
– Love one.
Emily and Sam struck up a friendship quickly.
It wasnt just that they clicked on most things; they were united by their new small, furry responsibility.
Emily popped by in the evenings, and Sam would recount the days kitten adventuresripping up the curtains or whatnot.
Hed laugh; never cross.
Emily would listen, look at him, then the kitten, and smile. She felt peaceful with him. Herself.
– What do you reckon about calling him Whiskers? Emily asked Sam one night.
– I was thinking that too! So, little chap, ready to be Whiskers?
– Meow! the kitten cheered, darting out and staring up at them.
I wonder when these two will just move in together? thought Whiskers, chasing his first toy.
Sam thought about it too. A month and a half on, Emily still hadnt found a flat thatd take pets.
So one day, Sam plucked up the courage and asked if she wanted to move in.
Emily said yes. Living with her mum, unforgiving about her reckless escape, was just impossible by now.
Mark was still popping up, but Emily would just shut herself in.
Shed quit her jobunderstandablysince facing Mark every day was unbearable.
– I accept! Emily beamed at Sam.
Only this time, she was saying yes to his proposal.
Half a year after they started living together, he finally asked for real.
The wedding was small, with only close friends and Whiskers, naturally.
Margaret didnt come. She never even called. That, Emily accepted.
But Emily, Sam, and Whiskers were genuinely, ridiculously happy at having found one another in this big old world.
And thats how it happened.
