**Diary Entry**
Emily was feeding our little one when I walked in, keys jingling in my pocket. “Love, I need to pop out on some business,” I said.
“Alright,” she nodded, wiping the babys chin. “Could you grab a few things from the shop on your way back? Ill text you a list.”
“Just send it over,” I replied, shrugging on my coat. With a quick kiss, I was out the door. Emily watched me go before calling out, “Oliver! Have you finished your homework? Dinners ready!”
Our nine-year-old bounded into the kitchen and clambered onto his chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Dad off to?”
“Eat first, then finish your work. Your dads just running an errandhell be back soon.”
Oliver wolfed down his meal, fidgeted in his seat, then played with his two-year-old sister. Peering out the window, he suddenly perked up. “Mum, Mum! Whos Dad with? Theres a girl walking with him!”
Emily, mid-sip of tea, set her cup down and glanced outside. Sure enough, a young girl was holding my hand tightly as we approached. *Oh no,* Emily thought. She recognised hermy daughter from my first marriage. Wed introduced them before, though I usually met her elsewhere.
When I stepped inside, little Sophie trailing behind, Emily was waiting. I winced before speaking. “Em, I know I shouldve warned you It all happened so fast.”
“Did something happen?” Her voice was steadyno anger, just concern. She knew I wouldnt bring Sophie home unless it was urgent, and the girl was well-behaved.
“Charlottes in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and there was no one to look after Sophie. Couldnt leave her alone at this age.”
“I see,” Emily sighed, realising Sophie would stay with us for days. She forced a smile. “Are you hungry, love?”
“Me too!” I grinned, relieved Emily was taking it well.
“Wash up, thendinners ready,” she said, ushering us to the table.
Sophie relaxed. Shed been nervous, expecting Emily to resent her. Truth was, she missed her mum terribly.
Oliver gawked from the doorway. “Whos this?”
“Im Sophie,” the girl said brightly.
“Im Oliver. Why are you here? Are you staying?”
Emily shot me a look and stepped in. “Shes with us for a few days, love. Why dont you show her your toys?”
“Alright Wheres she sleeping?” Oliver wasnt selfishjust curious.
“The sofa in the lounge.”
As Sophie and I ate, Oliver hovered until Emily finally snapped, “Did you finish your maths?”
“Nah, Im stuck. Can you help?”
Just then, little Amelia started crying, and Emily scooped her up. “Maybe later,” she said, disappearing to soothe her.
Oliver, still lingering, froze when Sophie spoke. “Dad, pass the biscuits, please?”
His head whipped around. “*My* dad! Dont call him that!”
Sophie flushed. I stepped in. “Oliver, dont shout. Im your dad *and* hers.”
“How? Did you adopt her?”
“*Adopted* is for girls,” I corrected. “No, I was married to Sophies mum before I married yours. Understand?”
“So shes got a different mum?”
“And a different dad,” Sophie added. “Ive got two dads.”
I hid my joy at her calling me *Dad*. Id always been there for herweekend trips, child supporteven though Charlotte and I split soon after she was born.
“Brilliant!” Oliver exclaimed. “That means youre loved twice as much!”
I chuckled at his innocence but let it be. Life would disappoint him soon enough.
“Come on, Ill show you my room!” Oliver bounced excitedly.
Sophies eyes lit up. “Got any building kits?”
“Loads!”
They dashed off. Later, I found Emily. “Sorry for the surprise. Didnt know myself till I got to Charlottes. Oliver took it well, though.”
“Hes a friendly lad,” she waved off. “Warms to anyone.”
“Open as a book,” I grinned, scooping up Amelia. “How longs Sophie staying?”
“Dunno. Charlotte said her husbands away a week, and shes in hospital indefinitely.”
“So, a week at least.” Emily frowned but knew it wasnt Sophies fault. Then she tensed. “Where are her things? Clothes? School uniform?”
I rubbed my neck. “Er didnt think of that.”
She rolled her eyes. “Give me Charlottes number.”
“Youre not going to”
“Just to sort Sophies things. Men never think ahead.”
She returned ten minutes later, smiling. “Sorted. Well fetch her things now, visit Charlotte this weekend.”
“You two got on?” I gaped.
Emily shrugged. “Shes lovelyapologised for the bother.” *No wonder Sophies so sweet,* she thought, heading to Olivers room.
Inside, Sophie was explaining maths. “See? Subtract here.”
Oliver beamed. “Mum! Sophie explains better than my teacher! Can she visit more?”
“Well see,” Emily said. “Sophie, grab your coat. Were off to fetch your things.”
“Can I come?” Oliver begged.
“If you behave,” Emily winked at Sophie, who giggled.
All Sophies fear had melted. Auntie Emily was kind, Oliver was just as fun as shed hopeda bit cheeky, but good-hearted.
When Charlotte finally came home, Sophie realised shed loved staying with usplaying with Oliver, doting on Amelia. She didnt want to leave, though shed missed her mum.
“Come back soon!” Oliver pleaded. “Mum, say yes!”
“Of course, Sophie,” Emily agreed. “Ring your dad or me anytime.”
She had no reason to refuse. Sophie was bright, politeeven Oliver behaved better around her.
“Thanks,” Sophie whispered, hugging Emily tightly.
Emily, startled, hugged back. “Anytime, love.”
Shed never imagined bonding with my first child. But now? She was glad Id brought her home. After all, theyre siblings. Bloods thicker than water.
*Lesson learned: Family isnt always simple, but kindness makes it work.*
