The dream unfolded like a scene from an old English filmsoft light filtering through lace curtains, the hum of a kettle on the stove.
“Emily, I’ve got to pop out for a bit,” said James, leaning over his wife as she fed their youngest.
“All right,” she murmured. “On your way back, could you nip to the shops? Ill text you the list.”
With a nod, James grabbed his coat and slipped out. Emily watched him go, then called out, “Oliver! Have you finished your homework? Suppers nearly ready.”
The nine-year-old shuffled into the kitchen and clambered onto a chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Dad gone?”
“Eat first, then finish. Hell be back soon.”
Oliver wolfed down his food, rocked on his chair, played with his toddler sister. Then he peered out the window and gasped.
“Mum! Mum! Whos Dad with? Theres a girl with himwho is she?”
Emily, mid-sip of tea, froze. She rose and looked. Sure enough, her husband walked hand-in-hand with a little girl. *Not this*, she thought. She knewthis was his daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met before, though James usually saw her elsewhere.
When James stepped inside, little Sophie trailing behind, Emily was waiting. He caught her eye and winced.
“Em, I know I shouldve warned yousorry. It all happened so fast.”
“Is something wrong?”
Emily wasnt angry. If James had brought Sophie here, it had to be serious. The girl was quiet, well-behaved.
“Lucys in hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic, and I couldnt leave Sophie alone. Shes too young.”
“I see,” Emily said slowly.
She exhaled, realizing Sophie would stay for days. Then she forced a smile. “Are you hungry, love?”
“Me too!” James grinned, relieved.
“Wash up, thencome eat.”
Sophie relaxed. Shed been nervous, afraid Emily would dislike her. And she missed her mum.
“Mum, whos this?” Oliver gaped from the doorway.
“Im Sophie,” the girl said brightly.
“Im Oliver. Are you *living* here now?”
Emily shot James a look. “Shes staying a few days. Show her your toys?”
“Fine, but wheres she sleeping?” Oliver wasnt selfishjust curious.
“The sofa in the lounge.”
As Sophie and James ate, Oliver hovered until Emily snapped, “Oliverhomework?”
“Need help. Dont get this sum.” He blinked up at her.
Then baby Charlotte wailed, and Emily scooped her up. “Later,” she sighed.
She left to soothe the baby. Oliver turned to follow, but Sophie piped up, “Dad, pass the biscuits?”
Oliver froze. Slowly, he turned. “*My* dad! Dont call him that!”
Sophie flushed. James stepped in. “Oliver, dont shout. Im *both* your dad and hers.”
“How?” The boy frowned. “Did you adopt her?”
“Its *fostered* for girls,” James corrected. “No. I was married to her mum first. Then yours. Understand?”
“So Sophie has a different mum?”
“*And* a different dad,” Sophie added. “Ive got two dads.”
James hid his joySophie calling him *Dad*. Hed always been there for her, paying support, taking her out. Even after the split, he loved her.
“Thats *brilliant*!” Oliver gasped. “You get *twice* the love!”
James smiled at the boys innocence but didnt argue. Life would teach him soon enough.
“Come on, Ill show you my room!” Oliver bounced.
James often marveled at his sons endless energy. He and Emily were calm; even baby Charlotte was quiet. But Oliver? A whirlwind.
“Got any Lego?” Sophie asked. She loved building things.
“*Tons*!”
The children vanished. Later, James found Emily.
“Sorry for the surprise. Didnt know till I saw Lucy. Olivers taken to her, though.”
“Hed befriend a hedgehog,” Emily muttered.
“Open as a book,” James chuckled.
He scooped up Charlotte. “Theres my girl.”
Emily sighed. “How longs Sophie staying? Whens her stepdad back?”
“No idea. Lucy said hes away a week. She might be in longer.”
“Soa week, then.”
Emily wasnt thrilled, but it wasnt Sophies fault. Then she stiffened. “Jameswhere are her *things*? Clothes? School uniform?”
James reddened. “Er didnt think. It all happened so fast.”
Emily glared. “Give me Lucys number.”
“Wha?”
“*Lucys*. Ill ask what Sophie needs. Men never think.”
James handed over his phone, dreading the call. But Emily returned ten minutes later, smiling.
“Sorted. Well fetch Sophies things. Visit Lucy this weekend.”
“You two got on?” James gaped.
Emily shrugged. Lucy had been lovelyapologetic, polite. No wonder Sophie was sweet.
She peeked into Olivers room. Sophies voice drifted out:
“See? Subtract here. Got it?”
Both children hunched over homework. Sophie, a year older, knew the topic.
“Mum!” Oliver beamed. “Sophie explains *way* better than my teacher! Can she come over *all* the time?”
“Well see,” Emily said. “Sophie, lovelets fetch your things. You cant sleep in that.”
“Ill lend her my pyjamas!” Oliver offered.
“No, *thanks*,” Sophie giggled, wrinkling her nose.
Emily noticed Oliver behaving better around Sophieless scruffy, more polite.
“Sophie, hurry up. Times ticking.”
“Can I *come*?” Oliver begged.
“If you behave. And if Sophie says yes.”
Sophie lifted her chin, then laughed. “Course you can.”
Her fear had melted. Aunt Emily was kind. Oliver was exactly as shed imaginedmischievous but sweet.
When Lucy came home, Sophie realised shed loved her stay. Playing with Oliver, cuddling baby Charlotte She didnt *want* to leave, though she missed her mum.
“Come back *soon*!” Oliver pleaded. “Mum, *please*?”
“Of course,” Emily said. “Ring us anytime.”
She had no reason to refuse. Sophie was clever, gentlegood for Oliver.
“Thanks,” Sophie whispered, hugging Emily suddenly.
Startled, Emily hugged back, stroking her hair. “Come whenever you like.”
Shed never thought shed grow fond of Jamess first child. But now? She was glad hed brought her home.
After allthey were brother and sister. No changing that.
