Desperation drove her to marry the affluent heir who couldn’t walk… Only a month later, she discovered…

You must be joking, Emma Clarke said, eyes wide as she stared at Edward Whitaker.

He shook his head. Im serious. Ill give you a week to think it over, because the offer isnt ordinary. I can guess what youre thinking nowweight it, chew it over properlythen Ill be back in seven days.

Emma watched him leave, bewildered. His words refused to settle in her mind.

Shed known Edward for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and a handful of other ventures. Emma worked parttime as a cleaner at one of his forecourts. He always greeted the staff kindly, his tone warm. In sum, he was a decent man.

The wages at the forecourt were good, so there was never a shortage of applicants. About two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Emma was sitting on the curb while the evening faded, her break stretching out.

The service door swung open and Edward stepped out.

Mind if I sit? he asked.

Emma leapt to her feet. Of coursewhy even ask?

Why are you springing up? Sit, I wont bite. Its a fine day. He smiled, and she eased back down.

Yes, spring always feels like the weather is finally decent.

Thats because everyones tired of winter.

Perhaps youre right.

Ive been meaning to ask you: why are you cleaning? Sarah offered you a forecourt manager role, didnt she? Better pay, easier work.

Id love that, but the schedule wont fitmy little girl falls ill often. When shes well the neighbour can watch her, but when shes not, I have to be there. So Sarah and I swap shifts when we can. Shes always helpful.

I see Whats happening with the girl?

Dont ask The doctors cant make sense of it. She has attackscant breathe, panics, a cascade of symptoms. The thorough tests are private, and they say we should wait, maybe shell outgrow it. I cant just wait

Hang on. Itll be alright.

Emma thanked him. That night Edward slipped a bonus into her pocketno explanation, just a folded note and a crisp £50 note.

She never saw him againuntil the next morning, when he appeared at her front door.

When Emma saw Edward, her heart thudded as if it might stop. His proposal was even more bewildering.

Edwards son, James Whitaker, was almost thirty. Seven years ago a crash had left him confined to a wheelchair. Doctors did everything they could, but he never stood again. Depression, withdrawal, a neartotal silenceespecially around his father.

So Edward had an idea: marry his son, for real, to give James a purpose, a reason to live, a reason to fight. He wasnt sure it would work, but he thought Emma might be the perfect match.

Emma, youll be looked after. Youll have everything. Your daughter will get every test, all the treatment she needs. Im offering a oneyear contract. After a year youre freeno matter what. If James improveswonderful. If notIll pay you handsomely.

Emmas mouth went dry; outrage seized her. As if reading her mind, Edward said softly, Please, Emma, help me. Its mutually beneficial. Im not even sure James will ever touch you. And it will be easier for youyoull be respected, officially married. Imagine marrying not for love but for circumstance. I only ask that you say nothing to anyone about this.

Wait, Edward Does James agree? she asked.

He gave a sad smile. He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him I have problemsbusiness, health The point is hell be married, properly. Hes always trusted me. So its a little lie for the greater good.

Edward left, and Emma sat, numb, for a long while. Inside, indignation boiled, yet his plain, honest words dulled the edge of the proposal.

And if she thought of it what wouldnt she do for little Lucy? Anything.

She hadnt even finished her shift when the phone rang: Emma, quick! Lucys having an attackbad one!

Im on my way! Call an ambulance!

She arrived as the ambulance pulled up to the gate.

Where have you been, mother? the doctor asked sharply.

I was at work Emma stammered. The attack was severe.

Should we go to the hospital? Emma asked timidly.

The doctor, there for the first time, waved a tired hand. Whats the point? They wont help. Itll only rattle the childs nerves. Youd be better off going to London, to a specialist clinic.

Forty minutes later the doctors left. Emma dialed Edward.

I agree. Lucy had another episode.

The next day they were leaving. Edward arrived himself, accompanied by a cleanshaven young man.

Emma, take only the essentials. Well buy everything else, he said.

She nodded. Lucy examined the car with wideeyed curiositybig and shiny.

Edward crouched in front of her. Do you like it?

A lot!

Want to sit up front? Then youll see everything.

Can I? I really want to!

Lucy looked at her mother. If the police see, theyll give us a ticket, Emma warned.

Edward laughed, flinging the door open. Hop in, Lucy! And if anyone tries to fine us, well fine them instead!

The closer they got to the house, the more nervous Emma felt. God, why did I agree? What if hes strange, aggressive?

Edward noticed her anxiety. Relax. Theres a whole week before the wedding. You can change your mind any time. And James is a good lad, smart, though something broke inside him. Youll see.

Emma stepped out, helped Lucy out of the car, and froze before the building. It wasnt just a houseit was a grand manor. Lucy, unable to contain herself, squealed, Mum, are we living a fairytale now?

Edward scooped Lucy into his arms. Do you like it?

A lot!

Until the wedding, Emma and James met only a few timesat dinner. He ate barely, spoke scarcely, sitting at the table like a statue with his mind elsewhere. Emma watched him; he was handsome but pale, as if he hadnt felt sunlight in ages. She sensed that, like her, he lived with pain, and was grateful he never pressed about the upcoming marriage.

On the wedding day, a hundred people buzzed around Emma. Her dress had arrived the day before; when she saw it, she sank into a chair.

How much did this cost? she whispered.

Edward smiled. Emma, youre too impressionable. Better not to know. Look what else I have.

He produced a tiny replica of the wedding gown. Lucy, shall we try it on? Her shriek filled the room, and the fitting beganlittle princess parading with dignified joy.

At one point Emma turned and saw James in the doorway of his room, watching Lucy. In his eyes a faint smile flickered.

Lucy now occupied the room next to the master bedroomEmma could never have imagined shed end up here.

Edward suggested a weekend at a country house, but James shook his head. Thanks, Dad. Well stay home.

The bed was enormous. James kept his distance, made no move. Emma, who had planned to stay awake all night, fell asleep quickly.

A week passed. Evenings turned into conversations. James proved incredibly clever, witty, fond of books and science. He never tried to get closer, but gradually Emma relaxed.

One night she awoke with a start, heart hammering. Somethings wrong

She rushed to Lucys room. The feared scene unfoldedLucy seized in an attack.

James, help! Call an ambulance!

He was at the door in an instant, phone in hand. A sleepy Edward burst in a minute later. Ill call Andrew myself.

The ambulance arrived swiftly. The doctors were sleek, in smart white coats, with modern equipment. The family GP arrived later, and after the episode passed they talked at length. Emma sat with Lucy; James stood nearby, holding the girls hand.

Emma, he asked quietly, has she had this since birth?

Yes Weve been to hospitals countless times, done every test, nothing helped. Thats why my expartner told me not to stand in his way.

Did you love him?

Probably, but that was ages ago

So you accepted your fathers offer

Emmas eyebrows rose. James smiled. Father thinks I know nothing, but Ive always read him like an open book. I was scared of who hed pick for me. When I saw youI was surprised. Youre not the sort of person who would do this for money. And now everything feels right.

He looked at her. Emma, dont cry. Well cure Lucy. Shes a fighter. She didnt breakunlike me.

Why did you break? Youre smart, handsome, kind

He gave a wry grin. Be honest: would you have married me if things were different?

Emma thought a moment, then nodded. Yes. I think loving you would be easier than loving the many men who pretend to be heroes. But it isnt even about that. I just cant explain.

James smiled. You dont need to. For some reason I believe you.

A few days later Emma found James in a cramped workshop, assembling a strange contraption.

Its a trainer, he explained. After the accident I was supposed to use it three hours a day. I stopped, thinking it didnt matter. Now Im ashamedstanding in front of Lucy, in front of you.

A knock sounded. Edwards head appeared in the doorway. May I?

Come in, Dad.

Edward froze at the sight of Jamess device, swallowed, then turned to Emma. Tell me were your labour pains difficult?

Yes, why?

The doctor said they probably pulled Lucys head sharply, damaging the temporal bone. Outside everything looks healed, but inside a nerve is being pressed.

Emma sank into a chair. What do we do now?

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Hush, dont cry, Edward said. The doctor says its not a death sentence. She needs surgery. Theyll remove whats pressing, and Lucy will be healthy.

But its her head Its risky

James reached for her hand. Listen to Dad. Lucy will live without these episodes.

How much will it cost?

Edward stared, astonished. Thats no longer your concern. Youre family now.

Emma stayed in the hospital with Lucy. The operation succeeded. Two weeks later they were due to return home.

Home. Yet Emma could no longer tell where her true home was.

James called daily. They talked for hoursabout Lucy, about themselves, about trivialities. It felt as if theyd known each other forever.

Time slipped by. The oneyear contract neared its end. Emma tried not to think about the next step.

They returned one evening. Edward came to fetch themgrim, tense. Did something happen?

I dont know how to say it James has been drinking for two days.

What? He never drinks!

I thought he was making progressexercise, therapybut then he snapped. Says nothing works.

Emma entered the room. James sat in the dark. She flipped the light on and began clearing bottles from the table.

Where are you taking those?

Youre not drinking anymore.

Why not?

Because Im your wife, and I dont like seeing you drink.

James looked startled. Well, it wont be long Lucys healthy now. So you have no reason to stay with a disabled man.

Emma straightened. You meanwith a fool? James, I thought you were strong and smart, that youd handle it. Was I so wrong?

He bowed his head. Sorry I guess I didnt manage.

Well, Im home now. Maybe we should try again?

The year ended. Edward was nervous: James had just begun standing with a walking frame. Doctors said hed be walking soon, perhaps even running.

And Emma it was time to leave.

Maybe offer her more money? Edward asked his wife, hesitantly.

At dinner Emma appeared with Lucy and James in his wheelchair. Dad, we have news, James said.

Edward tensed, looked at Emma. Youre leaving, arent you?

Emma and James exchanged glances. She shook her head. Not exactly.

Dont torture me!

Youre going to be a grandfather. Lucy will have a little brother or sister.

Edward fell silent, then leapt up, hugging all three, tears spillinghard, as if afraid it were a dream.

He wept from joy, relief, from the fact that his family had finally become a real one.