Summer is almost here, and Emma doesnt like this time of year. It isnt the heat that bothers her; its that during the warmer months Tom hardly ever comes home.
Emma and Tom have been married for seven years. Their life together is comfortable, and they argue only rarely. Emma feels grateful to Tom for taking her on when she was pregnant with their little boy, Oliver, who is now about a year old. When Olivers father, Andy, learns that his friends girlfriend is expecting, he disappears, stops answering calls and refuses to open his front door. One day Emma decides to visit him at work, hoping just to look him in the eye. When Andy sees her, he shakes so hard that Emma cant help but laugh and say, Dont worry, Andy, I dont need anything from you this isnt your child. Andy sighs with relief and boasts to his coworkers, I knew it! I wasnt going to raise someone elses child. Emma calmly replies, It isnt your child, its mine. Men like you never have a real bond with children they all feel like strangers. Andy cant find words, and the onlookers turn away, leaving Emma to walk out, determined never to see the man she once thought she loved.
When Oliver is six months old, Emma asks her retired mother, Margaret, to look after him while she returns to work. Emma had been employed at a furniture shop before her maternity leave, and the owner gladly takes her back. Reliable, friendly staff are hard to find, and its there that she meets Tom Wilkinson, who delivers furniture from the factory. Emma tells Tom about Oliver straight away; he doesnt look shocked, just says seriously, Well get married, youll have another boy and then a girl. I love kids. Emma is taken aback by the speed of his proposal. She isnt ready for marriage, but Tom is attractive, responsible, and earns well driving his own van. With a sick mother who cant look after Oliver indefinitely, Emma agrees, and three months later she becomes Mrs. Wilkinson.
Surprisingly, she enjoys married life. Tom is hardworking, never causes drama, and isnt jealous though Emma never gives him a reason to be. She remains a faithful wife, hoping Tom wont look elsewhere. When she once asks if hes cheating, he jokes that hell think about it only if she gains weight and starts wandering around the house in an old, tattered dressing gown. Emma breathes a sigh of relief; shell never be that.
Seven years pass. Tom buys a larger lorry and now hauls goods across the whole country, earning a good salary but spending little time at home. Emma opens her own furniture shop and keeps busy to avoid loneliness. Oliver is now eight, a kind-hearted boy who does sports and has a few medals. He loves Tom even though he knows Tom isnt his biological father, and he always tries to make his dad proud.
Emma and Tom never have a second child. Five years ago they undergo tests and doctors tell them theyre probably just biologically incompatible. Emma takes the news calmly she already has Oliver but she feels a deep guilt toward Tom and promises him another child. When Tom realizes they wont have a shared child, he falls into a gloomy spell, then a few years later regains his spirit, becomes even more caring, and shows interest in Emmas shop and Olivers achievements, which makes her happy. She feels grateful that Tom can accept their childfree future and return to his usual self.
Toms parents live about a hundred miles away in a small Yorkshire village. Tom often stops at their farmhouse for the night, and Emma sometimes feels a pang of jealousy, thinking he spends more time with his parents than with her. She comforts herself by remembering that Margaret and Edward are already in their sixties, living in an old cottage that often needs Olivers help. Emma avoids arguing with Tom about it, fearing to upset him again after his earlier melancholy.
One May evening Emma feels an uneasy knot in her stomach. Perhaps its the summer heat making Toms absence feel heavier. She calls his mobile, Tom, where are you? At your parents? Why does your voice sound so flat? Did something happen? Sorry if Im being a bother, love. She watches the dead screen, eyes welling up. Tom never talks to her like this. Unsure what to do, she drives Oliver to his grandmothers house, then hops in her own car and heads to the village where Toms parents live.
She arrives late; Toms lorry is no longer parked outside. Disappointed, she still knocks on the door. Margaret answers, a little startled, but warmly invites her in, sets the table, and they sit for tea while Edward sleeps in the next room, keeping the house quiet. Emma is about to explain her worry when a sleepy threeyearold girl waddles out of a bedroom, rubbing her eyes and calling for Mum. Margaret immediately scoops her up, humming a simple lullaby.
Emma, puzzled, asks, Where did this child come from? Margaret hurriedly replies, Shes the daughter of our cousin, Lucy. Lucy died a few days ago; she had no one else, so we brought little Kate here. Emma asks gently, Are you keeping her? Isnt it hard? Shes still so tiny. Wheres her father? Before Margaret can answer, Edward appears, looking startled. Emma kisses his cheek and says, Sorry we woke you, dear. Little Kate was crying. Shes a sweet little thing; thank you for not abandoning her. I know itll be a strain for you both at your age. Edward watches his wife, then nods silently and retreats.
Emma tells Margaret, Ill stay the night. May I share my room with Kate? Ill look after her. Margaret hesitates but agrees. The whole night Emma watches the sleeping girl, gently stroking her golden curls, already forming the words shell say to Tom and his parents in the morning.
At dawn, Emma wakes to find Tom standing by the bed, staring at her and the child with a tense, frightened expression. Tom, she whispers, pleading, Can we take her in? Ill raise her, I promise. Tom turns away sharply and leaves the bedroom. Emma runs after him, finds him sitting on a bench under an old birch in the garden, tears glistening. Im sorry, he whispers, voice breaking, Im sorry. Emma, surprised, asks, Sorry for what? He explains, You want to adopt her, but I feel tangled. I never expected this. Lucy was a friend of mines sister; she fell pregnant and insisted Id be the father. I agreed to help, but I never loved her. She died and left the baby to us. My parents disapproved, saying I should stay with you. I didnt know what to do. Theyre old, and I cant abandon them. If youre willing to adopt Kate, Ill support it, but my heart is still confused. Emma is stunned and says nothing, moving slowly to the childs room, sitting beside Kate. She feels a surge of anger toward the baby, trying to find a flaw that matches Toms, but sees only his familiar blue eyes. She weeps quietly, covering her face with her hands, feeling the tears slip through.
Suddenly Kate looks up, eyes bright, and says, Dont cry, I wont get you in trouble. Let me braid your hair. Emma smiles through her tears and replies, Alright, Ill try my best, even if Im still learning.
A few weeks later a court grants Emma and Tom legal guardianship of Kate. Oliver is thrilled to have a little sister, promising to protect her as the older brother. Tom quits longhaul routes, and he and Emma run the two furniture shops together, expanding their business.
Emma never forgets Toms earlier betrayal, but she forgives him, seeing the genuine remorse in his eyes. In December, Emma and Kate return home from a school Christmas concert. Kate beams because Father Christmas gave her a huge box of sweets. She runs to Tom, wraps him in a hug, and whispers, Dad, can I ask Santa for a brother or a sister? Tom looks startled and answers, Sweetheart, he cant grant that, maybe ask for something else. Emma, with a mischievous smile, says, Why not? You cant say no to a lovely little girl. Tom freezes, watching his wife laugh. When Oliver arrives from his football practice, he finds Tom spinning Emma around the living room, both laughing, while Kate, her face smeared with chocolate, sits on the sofa, giggling. Oliver sits beside Kate, offers her a sweet, and says, Weve got the best parents, havent we, sister?
