Gail and Her Newfound Happiness: Love After a Difficult Choice – Couple’s Gifts

Emily had been a lover on the side. Marriage never seemed to work out for her. Shed spent her twenties drifting from one fling to another, and by the time she hit thirty she finally decided shed had enough of the wandering and wanted a proper man. She didnt know at first that Paul was already married, but the moment he realised she was catching feelings, he stopped pretending and let the truth slip out.

Emily never blamed Paul. If anything, she scolded herself for getting tangled up with him and for being so weak. She felt like shed missed her chance at a decent husband and the clock was ticking. She wasnt a knockout not stunning, but pleasantlooking, a little curvy, which, honestly, gave her a bit of a mature vibe.

Their thing with Paul went nowhere. Emily didnt want to stay a kept woman, but she also couldnt just dump Paul the thought of ending up alone terrified her.

One afternoon her cousin Simon popped round. He was in town on a short work trip and thought itd be nice to catch up. They cooked a simple lunch in the kitchen, chatted about the old days and what they were up to now. Emily opened up about her love life, spilling everything and even shedding a few tears.

Just then the neighbour dropped by to show Emily her latest haul of bargains. Emily stepped out for about twenty minutes. While she was gone, the doorbell rang. Simon went to answer, assuming Emily would be back any minute the front door wasnt even locked. Standing on the porch was Paul, looking as surprised as anyone.

Simon instantly got the picture Paul was the bloke Emily had been seeing. Pauls eyes widened when he saw a big, burly fellow in tracksuit bottoms and a Tshirt, chewing on a sausage sandwich.

Is Emily around? Paul asked, trying to sound casual.

Shes in the bathroom, Simon guessed, playing it cool.

Sorry, who are you to her? Paul stammered.

Just her boyfriend, you know, the one shes living with. Im not married, thats all, Simon replied, stepping forward and gripping Pauls shirt. Youre the married fella Emilys been telling me about, right? Listen, if I see you around here again Ill have you taken down the stairs, got it?

Paul wriggled free and bolted downstairs.

Emily came back a few minutes later, and Simon filled her in on the unexpected visitor.

What have you done? Who sent you? she sobbed. Hes not coming back.

She flopped on the sofa, burying her face in her hands.

Simon chuckled, Hes not coming back, which is a good thing. Stop whining. I actually know a great bloke for you a widower down the lane. The towns ladies keep trying to get at him, but hes turned them all away. Hes looking for someone genuine. After my next trip, Ill swing by, and well head out together. Ill introduce you two.

Emilys eyes widened. I cant who is he? Why now? This feels wrong. Im embarrassed enough as it is.

Simon laughed, Its not like youre going to sleep with some random chap. Just meet a decent man, thats all. Think of it as a birthday present for my mate.

A few days later they were in the small village of Littlebrook. Simons wife, Laura, had set up a table in the garden by the woods. Neighbours, friends, and Simons widowed friend, Alex, showed up for a little family gathering. Emilyd never met Alex before.

After some friendly chatter, Emily headed back to the city, thinking Alex seemed quiet and shy. Probably still mourning his wife. Poor guy, not many kind hearts left, she mused.

A week later, on a lazy Sunday, the doorbell rang. Emily wasnt expecting anyone. She opened it to find Alex standing there, a bag in his hands.

Mind if I pop in, Emily? I was just on my way to the market and thought Id drop by now that weve met, he said, a bit embarrassed but earnest.

She invited him in, still a little startled, and offered him tea. Got everything you need?

Yep, the groceries are in the car. And I brought you something, Alex said, pulling out a small bunch of tulips from the bag.

Emilys eyes lit up as she took the flowers. They settled at the kitchen table, chatting about the weather and market prices. When the tea was finished, Alex stood to leave, slipping on his coat and boots. He paused at the doorway, turned back, and said:

If I walked out now without saying anything, Id regret it forever. Emily, Ive been thinking about you all week. Honest truth. Ive been looking forward to the weekend, thats why I came. I got your address from Simon

Emily blushed and looked down.

We barely know each other, she whispered.

Its fine, its fine. The main thing is, Im not a terrible bloke, right? Can I call you you? I know Im not a gift, but I have a little girl, eight, staying with her grandma at the moment, Alex said, his hands slightly shaking.

Emily smiled, A daughter is wonderful. Ive always wanted a little one.

Encouraged, Alex took her hands, pulled her close and kissed her. After the kiss, Emilys eyes glistened with tears.

Do you think Im a bother? he asked softly. It feels

No, the opposite. I didnt expect this at all Its sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones love.

From then on they met every weekend. Two months later they tied the knot and settled in Littlebrook. Emily got a job at the local preschool. A year later they welcomed a baby girl, and soon after, a second daughter. Both girls grew up loved and cared for, and there was plenty of affection to go around. Emily and Alex kept getting younger at heart, their love maturing like a fine wine.

Simon would often wink at Emily over dinner and say, Well, love, look at the husband I set you up with! Youre getting better and better. Id never steer you wrong, thats my brotherly advice!