Just Now It Hit Me—Maybe We’re the Odd One Out in This Family, Don’t You Think?

I was just thinking, Emily murmured, that we might be the wrong sort of family.

Im so glad I have you, said William, wrapping his arms around his wife.

And Im happy to have you! she replied.

Well, who else would I be with? he laughed. Only you. Youre my fate. The best woman in the world.

Emily didnt answershe kissed his cheek and hurried to the kitchen to take the pie out of the oven.

Today, the Wilsons were celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. They had decided to keep it simple, just the familythe two of them and their children. They had two: a son, Oliver, in Year Eleven, and a daughter, Charlotte.

Charlotte had recently graduated from university, started a job, and moved into her own flat near work. Though Emily had tried to dissuade herthere was plenty of room at homeCharlotte had insisted.

Why waste money on rent? Emily had protested. Youve got your own room here, and we all get along. Why move out now? Wait till youre married!

Mum, I love you and Dad, and I know youd never push me out. But I want to try living on my own. Anddont take this the wrong waybut your cooking is too good. Ill turn into a whale if I stay! Youre tinyyou eat and never gain a pound. But I didnt get your genes. I have to watch my figure, and I cant do that living here. Your baking is impossible to resist!

Emily smiled, studying her daughter. Charlotte looked nothing like her. Emily was petite and slim, even a little frailpeople sometimes mistook her for a teenager from behind. She had plain features, never wore much makeup, and usually tied her hair in a simple ponytail. Charlotte, on the other hand, was stunningshe took after her father.

William was strikingtall, broad-shouldered, though age had softened his frame a little (no surprise, given Emilys pies). In his youth, he had been extraordinarily handsome, and even now, at forty-eight, he still turned heads.

Emily knew she didnt stand out beside him. She had long grown used to whispers behind her back, but she ignored thembecause to her husband, she was the most beautiful woman alive.

***

When Emily first met William, she was twenty, and he was twenty-two.

It was a September afternoon. Emily, a university student, was on her way to her friend Sophias birthday party. She had already bought a gift but decided to stop for a small bouquet.

At the florists, the only other customer was a young man, browsing the bouquets. The shop assistant, a pretty girl, was helping him with clear interest. Emily glanced at him and understood why. He was gorgeous.

*With looks like that, he should be in films*, she thought.

Then, to her surprise, he turned to her.

What do you think? he asked. Roses or peonies?

Flustered, she stammered, Id pick peonies, though most girls prefer roses.

And your girlfriend? the assistant asked him.

My girlfriend? Oh, no, these arent for her. I dont even know the girl Im buying them for.

The assistant and Emily exchanged confused looks.

A mates dragging me to his cousins birthday, he explained, grinning. Cant show up empty-handed.

Roses are always safe, Emily said.

Do you like them? he asked suddenly.

She blushed. I love wildflowers best, but roses are nice too.

Funny, he said. I love wildflowers. My mother always brings them back from the countryside. Theres something special about themquietly beautiful.

He bought the roses, flashed Emily a smile, and left.

Handsome, isnt he? the assistant sighed. Like an actor.

Emily nodded, bought a bunch of chrysanthemums, and headed to the party.

Her surprise was immense when she saw the same young man at Sophias. His name was Will, and he had come with his friend James, the birthday girls cousin.

Will seemed just as startled to see her. He kept smiling at her, and she shyly smiled back. Later, he struck up a conversation.

She couldnt remember now, decades later, what they had talked about. Him asking, her answering, him telling stories, her listening.

She couldnt understand why he was paying her attention. Sophia kept shooting her sharp glancesand when music started, she whisked Will away to dance.

Yet he returned to Emily. And when she left, he insisted on walking her home.

The next day, Sophia ignored her at university.

Whats wrong? Emily finally asked.

James brought Will for *me*, Sophia snapped. Id seen his photos. James was introducing us. And you ruined it! Flirting with him all night. And then he followed you home!

I wasnt flirting, Emily protested. I dont even know how. He just walked me back. I didnt ask.

Sophia scoffed. Right. And what does he see in *you*?

Emily felt sick. Had she really stolen him?

She wasnt the sort men noticed. She was ordinary. Willgorgeous, charmingwould never choose her over someone like Sophia.

At home, she stared in the mirror.

Whod want me? she whispered.

The phone rang. It was Will.

They met that evening by the river. He was waiting with wildflowers. And when he smiled, she knewshe was in love.

Their romance began. No one believed it would last. A man like Will? With someone like Emily? People whispered it was doomed.

But Will never looked at anyone else.

A year later, they married. And not a day passed without him telling her she was the most beautiful woman alive.

Once, a decade into their marriage, she asked why hed chosen her.

How do you explain falling in love? he said. But if I had toyour eyes, your voice, your soul. Youre like wildflowers. Your beautys quietnot everyone sees it. But I did. And Id never trade you for any rose.

***

Their anniversary dinner was warm and full of laughter. The childrens kind words were the best gift.

And in the centre of the table sat a vase of wildflowersWills tradition for every birthday and anniversary.

That night, as they lay in bed, Emily sighed.

Will we must be the wrong sort of family.

Why?

In twenty-five years, weve never had a single fight. Is that normal?

He grinned. Do you *want* to fight? He tickled her.

No! she shrieked, squirming.

Good, he said, kissing her. Neither do I.

And so, love endurednot in grand gestures, but in quiet, steadfast devotion.