Hey Love, What Brings You Here? And Whose Little One Are You Carrying?

I never spoiled my son, not one bit. He was a genuinely good ladclever, polite, and never gave me a spot of bother. So, when Matthew announced he was off to work in London, I thought Id develop a stress-related twitch from sheer worry. The idea of rattling around the house on my own was not my cup of tea.

And what about Emily? I asked, as delicately as a mother can pry about her sons girlfriend.

Weve split up, he replied.

Blimey, that came as a shockI was all but dusting off my hat for the wedding. They seemed such a perfect pair, but I kept my nose out of their business and simply mourned what might have been.

Matthew packed his bags and set off for the city. We kept in touch, naturally. He settled into his new job, made mates, and apparently stumbled across love again. He teased me about meeting the one, but never quite got around to showing her off. To distract myself, I adopted a kitten, which lived in luxurious comfort and tolerated my constant nattering.

One evening, as I was traipsing home from work, someone whispered a timid Hello! I squinted in the half-light and, to my astonishment, made out Emilys face, looking quite frazzled and holding a baby.

Emily! What on earth are you doing out here? And whose little one have you got with you?

She looked completely rundown. Well, you can judge me if you like, but shes your granddaughter. I couldnt tell Matthew I was pregnantwed parted on awful terms. I went back to my mums, had the baby, but Mum passed away last month. Ive got no one left, so I came here.

I put a hand on her shoulder. Whats your plan now?

Ive nowhere to go. I suppose Ill have to give her up to the council Maybe youd visit her if I cant look after her?

Dont be daft, I said. Well manage together. Lets get you both warmed up inside.

So, Emily and her daughter moved in. The little girl was the very image of Matthew, so I never doubted her word for a second. Emily pitched in around the house, I worked at the office, and we muddled along quite nicely.

A few months passed and then, out of the blue, Matthew rang. Mum, Ill be home soon! he saidfull of surprises, as usual. He carefully avoided telling me whether hed be bringing anyone with him.

When Matthew finally arrived, I was spooning mashed banana into the little onealways a treat for the furniture. Well, I said, look whos here your daughter.

He stared, gobsmacked. I say! You kept that quiet. He hesitated, then wheeled in a pram. By the way, Im not on my own, either.

And who do we have here? I asked.

He smiled a bit sadly. Thats my son. His mum died during childbirth, so I had to bring him home.

Emily came out into the hallway, and the pair of them stood there, looking at each other a good long while. They spent the evening talkingstrictly no meddling from me.

And, would you believe it, a year later, they married and the children grew up together in a proper family.

These days, Matthews overseeing builders as they put up a big house so they can leave their tiny flat behind. And between you and me, theres a third grandchild on the waydidnt I tell you? Honestly, lifes about as unpredictable (and as splendid) as a British summer!