Galia and Her Newfound Happiness: Love Following a Difficult Choice

Emily had been a lover for years. Marriage never seemed to fall into her lap. Shed spent her twenties drifting from one flirt to the next, and when she turned thirty she finally decided she wanted a proper man. At first she didnt know that Peter was already married, but he didnt bother to hide it once he realised shed become attached.

Emily never blamed Peter. She only chided herself for being drawn to him and for her own weakness. She felt inadequate because she hadnt found a husband in time and the years kept slipping by. By all accounts she wasnt a great beauty, but she was pleasantlooking, a little curvy, which gave her a mature air.

Their affair went nowhere. Emily didnt want to stay a mistress, yet she couldnt walk away from Peter. The thought of being alone terrified her.

One afternoon her cousin Simon dropped by while on a work trip through the town. He stayed a few hours they hadnt seen each other for ages. They ate lunch in the kitchen, chatted about childhood memories and the present, and Emily poured out her love life, even shedding a few tears.

Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Clarke, popped in to show Emily some new purchases. Emily stepped out for about twenty minutes. While she was away the front door rang. Simon went to answer, assuming Emily would be back, but the door was unlocked. Standing on the step was Peter, looking flustered, clutching a sandwich.

Simon immediately realised who it was. Peter, seeing a burly man in tracksuit and tee, gulped his sandwich and asked, Is Emily home?

Shes in the bathroom, Simon guessed.

Peter, bewildered, asked, Who are you to her?

Im her commonlaw husband, Simon replied, stepping forward and grabbing Peter by the shoulders. Youre the married bloke Emily told me about, right? Listen, if I see you here again Ill see you out the back door, got it?

Peter broke free and fled downstairs.

Emily returned soon after, and Simon filled her in on the unexpected visitor.

What have you done? Who sent him? she sobbed. He wont be back.

Simon sat her down and said, Hes not coming back, and thats a good thing. Stop moping. I know a decent widower in the village nearby. His late wifes kin wont let him date, so hes turned everyone away. Hes looking for a fresh start. After my next trip Ill swing by, and we can drive there together. Ill introduce you.

Emily shook her head. I cant, Simon. I dont even know who he is. It feels foolish to go off with a stranger.

Simon shrugged. Its not about a stranger, its about a man whos free. Besides, its my sisterinlaws birthday soon.

A few days later they arrived in the village. Simons wife, Laura, laid out a spread in the garden by the sauna. Neighbours, friends and Simons widowed friend, Andrew, came to celebrate. The locals already knew Emily, but shed never met Andrew before.

After the convivial chat, Emily headed back to the city, thinking Andrew seemed quiet and shy. He must be grieving his wife, she mused. Poor lad, not many kind hearts left.

A week later, on a Saturday, there was a knock at her door. She opened it to find Andrew standing there with a bag in his hands.

May I trouble you, Emily? Im just passing through after a market run. Since weve met, I thought Id stop by, he said, a nervous smile on his face.

Emily invited him in, offering tea while wondering why hed turned up unannounced.

Did you get everything you needed? she asked.

Yes, the groceries are in the car. I brought you something as well. He pulled out a modest bouquet of tulips. Emily took it, and her eyes lit up. They sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and swapping small talk about the weather and market prices.

When the tea was finished, Andrew stood to leave, slipping his jacket on and pulling on his shoes. Just as he reached the doorway he turned back to her.

If I walked out now without saying anything, Id regret it, he began, his voice trembling. Ive spent the whole week thinking about you. Honest words. I couldnt wait for the weekend, so I came straight after getting the address from Simon.

Emilys cheeks flushed and she looked down.

We barely know each other, she replied.

It doesnt matter, he said. Do I bother you? Can we be on a firstname basis? Im not a perfect man. I have a little girl, eight, staying with her grandmother at the moment.

Emilys heart softened. A daughter is a blessing. Ive always wanted one.

Encouraged, Andrew reached for her hands, drew her close and kissed her.

After the kiss, tears glistened in Emilys eyes.

Am I a nuisance to you? he asked.

No, quite the opposite. I never expected this, but it feels right and calm. Im not stealing anyones happiness.

From then on they saw each other every weekend. Two months later they married and settled in the village. Emily found work at a local nursery, and a year later they welcomed a baby girl. Their two daughters grew up loved and cared for, and the whole family had plenty of affection to go round.

Andrew and Emily grew younger at heart with each passing year, their love maturing like a fine wine.

At dinner parties Simon would often raise his glass to Emily.

Tell me, love, hows the husband I set you up with treating you? hed tease. Youre glowing more each day. I wont give you bad advice just listen to your brother!