The Man with the Caravan

Oh, really? Youve picked, I said, halflaughing at my sister. Are there any single blokes left in the world?

Alex isnt married, she replied.

Not that Im worried about! Hes got a little girl, so hes definitely not free. Hes already got a housekeeper and a nannydont you think thats enough?

We love each other, she insisted.

Maybe you love him, but he

I cut her off. Emily, stop it. If you dont like it, thats your business. Dont stick your nose where it doesnt belong.

Thats something Im good atpulling back when a fight with Emma gets too heated. I love her, and she loves me right back, even if we argue like old mates.

Soon enough I realised Alex was a decent blokekind, caring, calm, and genuinely fond of Emma. I didnt expect to grow attached to his daughter, little Annelise, who started calling me Mum straight away. I didnt have any kids of my own, so that tiny bundle became my unofficial niece.

We live in neighbouring blocks in South London, pop over for tea often, and chat on the phone every day. I was there when Alex, four years after the wedding, passed away.

At first I kept quiet. Id seen Emma juggling the house, the job, and clutching Annelise close. Good thing I already adopted her, shed sigh when we were alone. If I still had to fight for legal guardianship, I dont think Id make it.

I know, I said, feeling for her. She deserves the best, why does she have to suffer?

That injustice gnawed at me, and a year after Alexs death I nudged her again to meet someone.

Life goes on. Raising a child alone is hard. You get it, right? And you cant keep hiding forever.

Were fine, just the two of us, Emma brushed off.

Eventually, when I begged her to join me for a friends birthdaywhere thered be a really interesting blokeshe finally gave in.

That interesting bloke turned out to be Paul, a chatty manager a few years older than Emma.

My head hurts from all his babbling, I complained later.

Its just nerves, I laughed. Paul isnt that talkative normally, but hes just inherited a tidy sum. Now hes got a flat, a car, and a decent salary.

Hes still got an exwife and a son, but whos looking for a fresh start at our age, right?

Emma didnt fall headoverheels for Paul, but she agreed to see him. Their dates were scarcehe was always away on work trips. Plus, shed rather look after Annelise than sit in a café with him.

Three months later Emma overheard a call from Paul and broke it off.

Hes not really travelling. He lives with his ex and their kid. When she heard about the inheritance she softened. I cant see why Id matter to him, she told me.

Blast! They split two years ago; I never imagined hed act like that. Well find you someone better.

Can you stop playing matchmaker? Its just trouble.

I promise Ill be pickier next time.

Emma stopped arguing, but she flatout refused any more setupsno coffee dates, no online matching.

Then her kitchen tap burst, flooding the flat and even spilling into the downstairs neighbours flat until she managed to shut the water off. The buildings maintenance crew sent a plumber quick as a flash.

A lean, serious man, a bit older than Emma, showed up. He said the tap needed a full replace and even drove to the store himself. Anthony Tony Brown refused any payment or a thankyou lunch.

Wheres your daughter? he asked, then, a little sheepish, Id like to give her something He fished a chocolate bar from his pocket.

Emma jumped back. Why?

She remembered seeing Tony a few times in the courtyard, always eyeing Annelise a bit too closely.

Please go, she said firmly. I appreciate the work, but thats enough.

Tony sighed, placed the chocolate on the counter and said, Its not poisoned, I swear, before walking out. Annelise kept playing in her room, never seeing him.

The next morning Tony waited at the lift with a modest bouquet.

Sorry, he stammered. I didnt mean to scare you. I just I like you, and your daughter too.

She took the flowers almost automatically. She liked Tony, but she stayed wary of his sudden confessions.

From then on he courted her in his own odd waybringing flowers and sweets for both Emma and Annelise, fixing everything in the flat, and the three of them even went for walks together.

A month later their relationship deepened, though Emma kept it from her sister.

Luckily I was busy with my husbands return from a work trip, so I heard about Tony only when I dropped by Emmas place unannounced.

Whos this? How long have you known him? Where did he come from? I peppered her with questions as Tony left.

Curious you, Vera, Emma teased, using my nickname. Hes my fiancéat least thats what Im hoping.

She explained how theyd met. He worked up north, then came back. He lost his mother two years ago.

And now hes a plumber?

Give it a rest. He spent years in tough conditions; he deserves a break, doesnt he? He treats me and Annelise wonderfullythats what counts.

I still think hes shady, I protested. Are you sure hes not married with a bunch of kids?

Sure enough. Ive seen his passport.

Right

A week later I burst into Emmas flat, eyes wide.

I told you Tony wasnt simple! Hes been in prison!

No why?

What does it matter? Stay away from that bloke!

Emma had already fallen for Tony, and they were planning to marry. She decided to ask his past straight up.

Yes, he sighed. I could never bring myself to tell you. Theres a lot I need to get off my chest

Nows the time.

I worked on a construction site up north, and because of my mistake there was an accident.

Thank God everyone survived and no one was seriously hurt, but I got jailed. I was released on licence after two years.

Emma stared at him, sensing there was more.

And also, he paused, Annelise is my daughter. Her mother was my exgirlfriend. I was drinking and partying hard, and when I found out she was pregnant I ran away to the north.

I kept drinking there, which led to the accident. But it gave me time to think, he said with a grin. Good to have a moment of reflection.

So you came back just to claim my daughter? Emma asked, horrified.

No, well its not that simple, Tony breathed. I realised my daughter is the most important thing in my life, not the booze or the wild nights.

Finding her wasnt hardI knew where her mother lived with her husband. I just didnt expect her to have such a wonderful stepmum.

Leave, Emma said.

Emma, wait! Tonys voice cracked. I really love you. Nobody else matters but you and Annelise. Ill do anything for you both.

That day Emma turned him away, but later she forgave him. They wed three months later, Tony landed a solid job, and two years on they welcomed a baby boy.