When Emily, freshly divorced, found a baby on her doorstep, she thought the universe had taken a wrong turn. A year later, the village women gathered at the bakery and asked, So, his child didnt turn up? Their curious eyes fell on Emily. She lowered her gaze, unsure how to answer.
No, and why should he come back? Were already out of the picture, she replied, trying to sound confident.
Out of the picture, in or out James isnt exactly a prize either. Its unlikely anyone will fancy a treasure that just drops off the porch, the women chattered on, but Emily avoided the debate, hurriedly packed her groceries and left the shop.
She knew the gossip would spread across Littleford. Divorce was a rarity here; even if a husband drank too much or raised his hand, the locals believed you should soldier on together.
James was differenthe didnt drink, didnt shout, and that made him unpopular. All the other blokes crawl home after payday, but hes as sober as a judge, people would say, half admiring, half envying him. The envy spilled onto Emily too. Rumours whispered that James had a lover on the side, yet none of the chatter altered the couples private battles, which were fought behind closed doors.
When the split finally became obvious, it shocked everyone.
Emily withdrew into herself, sharing nothing, and though neighbours seemed ready to lend a hand, she kept her distance. She trudged home through the squeaking snow, feeling a hollow inside.
Six months passed since James left, and his memory still lingered.
Emily had been the one to file for divorce; James only agreed when life grew unbearable. It all began when she caught his forlorn stare at the children playing outside the nursery.
James, we need to have a serious word, she said one afternoon.
Sure, whats it? Should I start planning dinner? he joked, but Emily was unmoved.
I want a divorce, she announced, as sudden as thunder on a clear day.
Why? he asked, bewildered.
Youre supposed to have children in a full family, and we have none. Probably never will. I think its best we separate. Youll find another woman and start a family, Emily explained, hoping hed understand.
James, genuinely upset, retorted, Did you even ask whether Id want a child if you werent around? Lets not bring that up again.
No, James. Well revisit it. Ive filed for divorce, she said firmly.
He skipped every court date, and they were granted a divorce by default.
When Emily unfolded the decree at home, James fought to keep his composure.
So thats it, he muttered through clenched teeth.
Yes, James. Id like you to go, Emily replied.
She stayed in her bedroom, listening to him pack. She thought of saying a final goodbye, but fear of stopping him held her back. As the door slammed, Emily darted to the window and watched James walk away.
His departure felt like her soul was being pulled out of her body. She struggled to adjust to life without him, often replaying old photographs of evenings when their house overflowed with friends. Now no one visited; Emily had turned everyone away.
One crisp afternoon, returning home, she found an elegant basket on the porchfar fancier than any rural wicker. It could hold three potatoes with room to spare. She looked around; no one was in sight. Who had left it there?
She approached, peered inside, and asked aloud, Whos playing this prank?
Something shifted inside the basket. Emily startled, then leaned in again.
Good heavens! she exclaimed, scooping the basket and rushing inside.
Inside lay a tiny baby girl, no bigger than a loaf of bread. Emily knew nothing about handling infants, but she immediately began caring for the child. She swaddled her in a soft blanket and whispered, What am I to do with you, little one?
Emily named her Ivy. The girls tiny fingers were a delight, though Emily couldnt guess her exact age. Ivy could sit propped on cushions and gobbled down sweet porridge with gusto.
The night was nearly sleepless; Emily watched Ivys little chest rise and fall, feeling a wonder she hadnt known in years.
The next day she decided not to rush to the authorities. She took Ivy out for evening walks, keeping her hidden from nosy neighbours, and even took a leave of absence from her job to nurse her. She knew shed eventually have to decide what to do with Ivy, but she kept postponing the moment.
Three weeks later, a local officer knocked on Emilys door. After a quick look around, he addressed her, Emily Hart, shall we have a chat?
He scribbled a report while Emily, eyes brimming, asked where the child would be taken.
I wont hand her over, Ill just pass the information on. Why are you crying? Dont you want to keep her? If the mother doesnt want the child, who else will? he asked.
Ive heard an unmarried woman might be turned down for adoption, Emily replied.
He might not be turned down. We can write good references and help. Nothing happens without a bit of paperwork, the officer replied.
Emily hadnt imagined the bureaucracy would consume five months of her life, but the effort was nothing compared with the joy of finally having Ivy legally stay with her.
Emily took a oneandahalfyear maternitystyle leave, the kind offered to those who adopt from shelters.
Today Ivy turned one. Emily didnt know Ivys exact birthdate; the doctor had given an approximate range. Determined to make the day special, she filled the house with colourful balloons while Ivy still slept, then presented a massive doll. The shop assistant chuckled, Whats with such a huge doll?
Emily answered, Shell have a guardian right by the cot.
When the village learned Emily had adopted a child, opinions shifted. People speculated who the real parents might be, and many agreed the little cottage by the road was the perfect dropoff spot. Even the officer nodded, noting that now the child was dear to Emily, Ivy should stay.
Emily worried someone might one day knock and demand Ivy back, but each morning Ivys smile lit her world.
Good morning, my little sunshine, Emily laughed.
Ivys joy was contagious as she clambered toward the huge doll, her tiny hands grasping at the plastic arms. Emily nudged the doll closer, cheering Ivy on. Doctors assured her Ivy was healthy, but Emily still held her breath as Ivy took her first unaided steps, clutching the dolls rubber hands. Emily spun her round in delight.
Their merriment was cut short by a sudden knock. Emilys heart raced; she pulled Ivy close as the door creaked open like a scene from a horror film.
There stood James, thinner, his eyes still warm. He glanced around, then at Ivy.
Sorry looks like youre doing well here. Whats the girls name? he asked.
Ivy, Emily replied, noting the confusion flicker across his face. James, she isnt ours. I adopted her. Come in.
James hesitated at the threshold, then stepped in, shedding his coat and boots.
Are you well? Eating anything? Emily asked, curiosity softening her tone.
He smiled wryly. Appetites been on holiday. Thats how it is, he muttered, his grin tugging at Emilys heart. Shed missed him.
Ivy reached for James, her tiny hands pleading. He smiled, took her, and asked, Can I hold her while you make tea?
Emily watched the three of them play with the giant doll, James joking about where the dolls mouth and eyes were. Ivy giggled, pointing confidently. Emily brushed away a tear of happiness.
Later, after Ivy fell asleep postlunch, James asked, Why didnt you try to contact me? It must be hard on your own, right?
Its fine. I thought youd found someone else, maybe even expecting a child, Emily replied.
James looked away, murmuring, I did find love once, but she turned out stubborn.
Evening fell, and James prepared to leave. Two more hours on the road, he said.
Emily crossed her arms, feeling the impending goodbye.
Maybe its for the best, he added, but you have no idea how tough it is without you. No kids, no future. I came hoping to see you and forget, but its only made things worse.
Emily, fighting back tears, whispered, Im in the same boat. I think of you every minute. What should we do, James?
James smiled suddenly. I know what to do.
Whats that? Emily asked, bewildered.
Simple, he said. We split because we had no children. Now we have Ivy. We could be a family again.
You mean marry again? Emily clarified.
James tossed his coat aside, grabbed a tin from the mantelpiece, and knelt before her.
My love, will you marry me? Ill look after you and Ivy.
Emily slipped her hand into his, heart pounding. Yes a thousand times yes.
He slipped a modest ring onto her finger and embraced her tightly.
All this time Ive been dreaming, and now I feel awake, he whispered.
A year later, they welcomed a son, Michael. The hospitals paperwork was a maze, but eventually the boy found his place in the family.
Now weve got a princess and a prince. Hell grow up to protect his sister, James said, holding their children.
They stood together, arms around each other, eyes shining. It was, at last, a truly happy family.
