In their household, almost everything seemed to be alright.
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When Emma first saw James, she was struck dumb.
Could a man really be as genuine as he seemed?
She felt James embodied sincerity, loyalty, love and true nobility. She had stopped hoping ever to meet someone like that.
A year earlier Emma had divorced her first husband, Mark, and the two of them still owned a terraced house in a leafy suburb of Manchester that they had been paying off for years.
While the house waited to be sold, Emma moved in with her parents, who were remarkably understanding. Mark stayed in the flat while they searched for two new homes to split up into.
Having nowhere to go, Mark offered to cover the remaining mortgage himself as long as he could linger in the house until they both moved out.
Emma sensed Mark was being evasive, insisting that no flat suited him, but her mother coaxed her gently:
Dont bother with him any longer, darling. Rest at home for a while and let him finish the payments itll make the sale easier.
Her mothers advice felt right, and the calm of her parents house was a balm after such a failed marriage.
But when James entered the picture, love spun them around like a carousel.
James looked ordinary not tall, not as athletic as the handsome Mark had been yet something about him felt different.
Lucy, a colleague, saw Emma with James and asked, almost in disbelief,
What did you see in him? Is he rich, or does he have some hidden charm I missed?
I dont know, Lucy, Emma replied, a shy smile tugging at her lips. It just feels like he loves me, and I love him too. We understand each other without many words.
Lucy laughed, Youve never been taught anything, love! You fell for him, thats all. Do you think marriage is just because youve fallen? Use your head, not just your heart. Live with him a bit and maybe the feeling will pass.
Actually, weve decided to marry. He wants me as his wife, a family, children, Emma blushed deeper.
Do you even know what you want? Lucy smirked.
I like him, and I want a life with him, Emma said, a hint of defiance in her tone.
Lucy teased, You keep stepping on the same rake, dear. Try again, why not?
Emmas heart, however, whispered that James was her person, no matter what anyone muttered. He won over her mother instantly, and her father, though initially skeptical and a bit jealous, would come to see he was a good sort.
When they finally married, the house sale fell into place quickly, and soon Emma and James were living together.
Emma also got along with Jamess mother, Margaret, even though James had warned her that Margaret had raised him alone and could be strict and particular.
Margaret, it seemed, had always imagined her son bringing a wife into the big semidetached home they owned on the edge of a small town near Leeds plenty of room, and a change of pace for a mother who had lived alone for so long.
Surprisingly, Emmas gentle, easygoing nature charmed Margaret. Even James was amazed at how smoothly the two got along.
Do you plan to stay in the city when the children come? Margaret asked, squinting knowingly.
Well visit you all summer with the grandchildren, breathe fresh air, and even drive up here in winter, Emma promised.
Margaret liked her simple, sweet demeanor. James, ever the dutiful son, helped his father repair the garden fence, and his father later confessed that Emma seemed a proper match after all.
Margaret even cracked a smile at Emma, convinced that a daughterinlaw who loved her son would treat her kindly a simple, oldfashioned truth.
Emma and James settled into their flat, feeling enchanted as if caught in a softfocused dream, convinced nothing could disturb their bliss.
Yet, after a while, Emma noticed a pattern: when she became passionately involved in something like belting out a karaoke tune James would first beam with pride, then suddenly spoil the moment.
Midsong he might ask, Emma, did you unpack the bag we got from my mum?
She would joke that shed sort it later, but the comment would dampen her mood.
One day, at work, she slipped to Lucy that James had been grumbling at her for something she hadnt done, and instantly regretted it.
Lucy pounced, I told you hed start hurting you, and you called him an extraordinary man!
Emma decided not to air her grievances about her husband with anyone, but to voice them to him directly.
The next day, James returned from work jubilant, bragging about a successful presentation. Emma asked, Did you buy the dinner ingredients I mentioned? How could you forget?
Jamess eyes flickered with annoyance, then softened, and he laughed, Youre right, love. Mum always snatches the joy out of me, shouting, Youre having fun? Have you finished your work? She never sees Ive grown up. Ive taken it out on you, especially when you were singing. Its a foolish habit, and Im sorry. I love my mum, but Ill stop using her as an excuse. Forgive me.
That evening they reconciled in a tender hush.
Emma realized that every marriage hides hidden corners and skeletons in closets, but as the old saying goes, Dont make a idol of anyone.
If the fundamentals of life together line up love, chemistry, the way a scent, a smile, a touch feels right on a subconscious level, humor laced with selfirony then many obstacles can be crossed together, ignoring the wellmeaning but meddling advice of friends like Lucy, who once warned, Divorce, there are no decent men left. Either marry a rich bloke you can tolerate, or stay single!
Emma chose the ordinary road: she married for love, for a good man.
Forgive me, I understand now, Emma. I love you, James whispered in the dark, and she felt a quiet joy, seeing him strive not to repeat past mistakes.
There are no guarantees they wont quarrel over trivialities again, but as the saying goes, A happy couples spats are just loves little games.
Our ancestors also said, When a husband and wife argue, let the third stay out, or A couple may quarrel but should still share the same blanket.
So Emma stopped listening to anyone but her own heart.
Now she and James are expecting their first child, and despite the small hiccups, they are deeply content.
Lucy, meanwhile, remains unattached a choice shes comfortable with. Finding a wealthy partner without love would only make things harder.
Wishing everyone love, understanding, prosperity and robust health.
