The Final Addendum

The Add-On

“Emma, but she comes with extra baggage! Or are you alright with that?” Martha leaned against the garden fence and smirked at her neighbour. “Couldnt you find anyone better? Youre a good lad, not bad-looking, not a fool. There are plenty of girls here, and you end up with her!”

Emma sighed. She didnt want to admit to herself that she wasnt thrilled with her sons choiceand hearing it from her old frenemy hurt twice as much.

“Children are a joy, Martha. Dyou hear me? Whats so wrong with her? Shes young, pretty, well-mannered, and honest, I know that for certain. And yes, shes got a child, but so what? She had her boy within marriage. And the poor things a widow already, at her agewell, were all at Gods mercy. Well raise and look after the little one, and Ill have another grandchild. So stop flapping your gums!”

Emma pursed her lips and shooed Marthas cat, who was strutting along the fence towards her.

“Thats the fourth time hes tried it! Hes nicked three of my chicks already, Martha. Keep your tom in check, or Ill let Duke outand dont whinge at me then!”

“Ooh, Im so frightened!” Martha nudged her chubby tabby away from the fence. “Well see who chases whom. Ill lock the rascal up. He harried my chicks last year. But hes such a good mouser. If he werent, Id have gotten rid long ago. What am I meant to do against his instincts?”

“He can indulge his instincts indoors!”

“Oh, EmmaI almost forgot! Jars! The jams probably done by now.”

“So here you are gossiping, but whos stirring the pot?”

“Olivia. She came yesterday to help with the veg.”

“But shes almost ready to pop, isnt she?”

“Which is why shes in the kitchen making jam while the rest of us are in the gardencant sit still, that one. Not a daughter-in-law, but a solid gold gem!”

“Why do you praise your gold only behind her back but boss her about to her face?”

“For disciplines sake!” Martha grinned again. “Youll be a mother-in-law soon yourselftake notes. If youre too soft, theyll be dancing on your head!”

“Well see!” Emma flicked her hand at her. “So, do you want these jars or not? Ive no time for chit-chat, theres work to be done.”

Once Martha had gone, Emma got back to kneading the dough. Tomorrow her son was bringing his fiancée to meet the family. His fiancée Emma paused and leaned on the table, gazing out the window. She had no idea what would happen.

She didnt really know Aliceshed only heard a little and glimpsed her from afar when visiting her sister in the next village. Nothing remarkablejust a tall, fair-haired young woman, big-eyed, much like her Mark. Though, not so much a girl as a young womana widow with a child, a little boy of about three. Fate hadnt been kind to Alice: she lost her parents when she was small, her grandparents raised her, saw her through school, married her off. Theyd barely welcomed a great-grandson when Alices husband died in a car accident. And there she was, a young widow with a toddler.

Emma felt for her, but shed have rather pitied her from a distance. She ached for her sonsince her husband had died, Mark was her one support. She was glad he stayed nearby, but worried too. He was a grown man, time to have a family, but he dawdled, always joking that he was waiting for real love. Then not long ago, out of the blue, hed announced hed found her: Alice. Emma rushed straight to her sister to find out more, but Linda snapped at hershe was the eldest, so she could.

“Why are you flapping like a startled hen?”

“Well, what sort is she? Hell bring her round soonthen what?”

“Hes bringing her to youbut only for a while.”

“What do you mean?” Emma frowned.

“Didnt Mark tell you? Ive given him Granddads old house. Needs rebuilding really, but the lands good. Theyll build a new place.”

Emmas thoughts scattered. Did that mean her son would be gone? Sure, the next village was close, there was a bus, but it wasnt the same as seeing him every evening, helping out with chores. Shed only see him on holidays.

“You look upset. Not happy?” Lindas tone softened and she sat beside her. “You have to let him go, Emma. Marks grown up. He needs his own home and family.”

“Youre right. Im just scared. What if things dont work out? What if the childs too much?”

“Listen. There are plenty of girls in our village, but I cant say as good a word about any of them as I can about Alice.”

“Thats what frightens me. Shes almost too perfect.”

“You cant be pleased! If she were awful, would you be happy then? Emma, stop it! The main thing is theyre happy. If you make a mistake, you might lose your son.”

“What mistake?” Emmas voice was a whisper.

“If you dont accept her, youll lose him. Ive seen how he looks at Alicehe loves her.”

Emma had listened, feeling a brambly knot tighten inside. It kept her up at nights, growing bigger, and she couldnt even say why.

She straightened, shook her numb hands out, and set to kneading again. She had to make Alice feel welcome. Linda was righther feelings had to stay hidden from Mark, at least for now. Time would tell; for now, shed do her best.

Tiny pasties, just the right size for a single bite, lined the main platter. Emma remembered how much her late husband had loved them. “Like seeds, they are! Eat a dozen and want a dozen more.” Hed squeeze her hand and kiss her fingers; Emma would laugh and hug him. She sniffed. Oh, how she missed John nowhed have known just what to say to put her mind at rest.

Night dragged sleeplessly by. She tossed and turned, finally giving up and waiting for morning.

Alice stood behind Mark, too shy to lift her eyes to her future mother-in-law. Little Sam twisted in her arms, taking in the new surroundings. So much to see! A big dog sat chained nearbydidnt bark, which was odd, because Gran Vals dogs always barked. Sam watched the village cat stalk off with its tail high. He reached towards it and looked to his mum.

“Let him go,” Emma said. “Hell be fine. Ill tie Duke up. Theres nothing to worry about. Youll see him from here.” Emma studied Alice.

What sort of girl was she? So thin and palehard to believe shed produced such a sturdy little lad. Something shifted in Emma, soothing the knot a little. When Alice set Sam down, he toddled straight to Emma and peered up at her.

“Wheres the cat gone?”

“What cat?” Emma tensed. “I havent got a catwhere did you see him?”

Sam pointed down the path, and Emma gasped.

“Quick, catch it! Or itll be after the chicks again!”

Sam chased after the strange woman he hadnt yet figured out how to name. They cornered the cat near the chicken pen.

“You menace! Off with you!” Emma waved her slipper at the animal.

Sams laughter made Emma smile despite herself. He was a lovely boylively, affectionate, a little cautious. When Emma held a chick out to him, he only stroked it.

“Hes so tiny!”

Before long, Sam was on Emmas lap, gobbling pasties. Noting the look Alice shot at Mark, Emma smiled.

“Youve got a good boy, Alice. Clever and loves his fooda grans dream.”

Alice seemed to relax at last, and Emma again felt something untwist in her chest. This girl was always nervy, always worried for her sona good mother, then. The knot was still there but less sharp, fading into the distance.

Mark joked about wedding plans, while Alice stared into her plate. When Mark left the room, Emma leaned in.

“Why so quiet?” She shifted the bowl of cherries closer to Sam. “Help yourself, love. They’re sweet.”

“What can I say? Ive told Mark I dont want a huge wedding. Just a simple registry, thats all.”

“Hes not having it?”

“No. He says its not right. All the family want to see him marry, cant disappoint them.”

“Hes got a point. But you shouldnt sit in silence either. Why not a big do?”

Alice met Emmas gaze. “Im afraid. Happiness likes peace and quiet. My first wedding was a big fuss, andwell”

“You shouldnt think like that. I know you lost your husbandits awful. But if he loved you, hed want you happy, not mourning forever. Were all dealt our share of joy and heartbreak. You cant dodge fate.”

“I was afraid”

“Of what?”

“That youd disapprove. For marrying again, and for marrying someone like Mark. I know he could have anyone. Yet somehow, it was me”

Sam wriggled off Emmas lap, and she gently set him down.

“And what about me?” Sams grey eyes searched Emmas.

“Im your grandma now, Sam. Call me Granny Emma.”

“Alright!” He nodded solemnly.

They had the wedding Mark wanted in the end. Of course, the relatives couldnt resist gossiping, but Emmas stern look soon put a stop to it.

Mark and Alice lived with Emma for nearly a year, and she came to forget the brambly knot and her doubts. Watching how tender Alice was with Mark, Emma knew she needed to step back for his sake. It wasnt easy, thoughold habits die hardand sometimes she snapped, but Alice had a way of smoothing over any friction, never taking offence, quietly making peace.

“Why do you always bottle things up, Alice? You should stand up for yourself sometimes, have a cry! Tell Mark whats wronggive Emma a piece of your mind, shed settle down then,” Martha said one morning, chasing a cow through the gate with a swishing twig.

“Then theyd all end up rowing! Mother and son fightingwhat good would come from that? Wonderful advice, Martha!” Alice answered with a wry smile.

“Youre too proud, Alice! Not good for life, you know.”

“Id rather think for myself than listen to busybodies.” And with that, Alice disappeared inside.

Martha scoffed, and soon another rumour was making the rounds.

After their wedding, Mark started building their house. A year later, it was ready, and the young couple moved in. Time seemed to flynew garden, new animals, new routines. When Alice started feeling unwell, she went to the doctor.

“Pregnant?” She stared, astonished at the woman in the white coat.

“Whats so shocking? Isnt it a wanted child?”

“Of course it is! Its just well With my first it was all so different.”

“There are a few problems, so youll need some rest, but well do everything we can for you and the baby.”

Emma came that same day to help with Sam. When Alice opened the door, she took a step back.

“What is it?” Emma asked in surprise.

“Its nothingjust the look on your face. I thought you were annoyed at me.”

Emma raised her eyebrows. Oh, Martha, you vicious old gossip. It was her, and no one else, whod got under Emmas skin that very morning and soured her mood for half the day.

“What, your son took on a woman with baggageand shes ill, too? Whats she likely to produce, Emma? Still time to…”

“What is wrong with you, Martha? Did nobody hug you as a child? Why all this bile? What did Alice ever do to earn your spite?”

“Oh, shes nothing to me!” Martha backed off, glancing at Emmas darkening expression. “Alright, alright, I was only joking! Hope everything works out!”

Emma stalked away, fuming. She tried all the way back to calm herself, but it was no useAlice saw something was off straight away.

“Pay her no mind, Alice. Im just tired. There were women arguing on the bus, and it set me off. Why cant people just live in peace?”

Alice shook her head but smiled. Lies never suited Emma; if she bothered to reassure you, it meant you werent to blame.

“Come on, get packing. Need a hand?”

“Its all done. I just dont want to go in.”

Emma frowned. “Has to be done if its best for the baby, Alice. Dont worry about Sam. Hell be fine with me. Hell be just fine!”

Mark took Alice to the hospital, and the days dragged by in worry. A week, two Then the doctors started nodding in approval at their mysterious charts.

“Not much longer, and well let you go home. Not for long, though, and youll need care. Anyone about to help?”

“My mother-in-laws at the house. Shes looking after my son.”

“Your mother-in-law?” the doctor said, raising her eyebrows.

“Dont startyou too?” Alice laughed softly. “My mother-in-laws wonderfulnothing like the horror stories!”

“Well, thats good. Doesnt often happen.”

While Alice was packing to return home, Emma was tearing through the village, pulling her hair out.

“Dear Lord, what now? What am I going to say to Alice?”

Sam had disappeared that morning. He was always well-behaved, never went out the front gate without permission. Emma let him play while she got stuck into the cookingshe wanted everything fresh for Alices return. Mark took her food to hospital of course, but nothing like home cooking. The kitchen table stood by the window, and she watched Sam playing in the sandpit. He was lost in his own world, building something. Emma got distracted for a moment by the boiling pan; when she looked up again, Sam was gone.

“Whereve you got to?” She turned off the gas and wiped her hands on her apron.

She stepped outside; no sign of Sam. She hurried to the gate in her slippersit was wide open. The lane was empty. How long had he been gone? Not long, surely. But where could he have gone?

What she didnt know was that Sam, hearing a commotion over the fence, had dashed off to investigate. Some older boys were tormenting a black-and-white puppy, twisting a rope round its neck.

“Let him go! That hurts him!” Sam jiggled the gate, and eventually it opened.

The boys just laughed and kept kicking the pup. Sam dashed in, begging them to stop. He followed as they led the pup away, turned up another street and then another. When a sharp-tongued woman yelled at the boys, they dropped the rope and ran. Thats when Sam realised he didnt know where he was. The village was big, and Mum had always said he must never leave the gate without a grown-up.

“Children these days! How could youhurting an animal! Someone shouldve tanned your hides when you were young!” the woman shouted after them. She shot Sam a stern look.

“And you? Are you here to torment him, too?”

“No! Hes only little. Hes hurt!”

“Good.”

She hurried on, and Sam cuddled the puppy. Where to go? Granny would worry, Mum would tell him off. Mum had said, if you get lost, stay put. Someone will find you. So Sam spotted a bench by a gate and sat to wait. Granny would come.

Sam didnt know hed wandered quite a long way; Emma looked and called, but never guessed he could go so far.

Mark pulled up by the house and saw the open gate. He glanced at his weary wife.

“Wait hereIll open up, then come and get you.”

Nauseated, Alice just slumped back in the seat.

Mark ran inside, flicked off the boiling soup, then hurried back. After getting Alice into bed, he asked, “Wheres Sam?”

Emma, near tears, explained it all.

“Right. Where have you looked?”

“All the close streets. He cant have gone far!”

“You never know. Go around the neighbours again. I’ll look further afield. Whatever happens, dont say a thing to Aliceshe mustnt worry!”

Mark found Sam an hour later, fast asleep on a bench, arms around the little puppy, who barked at Mark.

“Youll make a good watchdog.” Mark ruffled the pups ears, then stroked Sams head. “Come on, lad, wake up!”

“Dad” Sam rubbed his eyes and smiled. “I stayed put, just as you taught me.”

“Good lad. Thats why I found you. And whos your friend?” He nodded at the puppy.

“He looks like Duke, Granny Emmas dog.”

“Oh, more like Bertiebit of a barrel, this one! Shall we keep him?”

“Really?” Sams eyes shone.

“Of course! Whats a home without a dog? Lets see what sort of beast he turns out to be.”

They made their way home, Sam and the puppy in Marks arms. Emma spotted them from the end of the lane and collapsed onto a bench.

“Its alright, Mum. Hes fine. I found him.”

Emma hugged Sam tightly. “You frightened me, darling.”

“Sorry Granny, I wont do that again!”

Emma wept quietly, holding him. Who says he isnt mine? Martha can poke offwhere would I find a dearer grandson?

Alice didnt hear the whole story immediately. Sam didnt mention wandering off, realising his mum didnt need more stress. They laughed together, cleaning the puppyriddled with fleasas they hugged, even soaked through.

“I missed you!”

“And I missed you more!”

A little sister came along right on timea noisy baby girl, named Emma after her grandmother. Emma bloomed with pride and visited as much as she could. At first, she worried Alice might hold a grudge for losing Sam. But Alice never reproached her.

“He could have wandered off with me, too, Mum. Dont blame yourself. He loves all creaturesrescues ladybirds from footpaths so nobody steps on them.”

“Kind boygood thing!”

Emma never forced unwanted advice, just chipped in wherever hands were needed. Seeing Alices quiet gratitude, she felt she could move mountains for that soft “Thank you, Mum!”

Every time Sam raced up to hug her or Alice smiled, passing the baby into her arms, Emma knew shed done the right thingeverything was as it should be.

“Off to the granddaughters again?” Martha called by the gate as Emma was locking up. “You spoil them!”

“Gone to the grandchildren, Martha. Ive got two now.”

“But only ones really yours!”

“Theyre both mine, Martha. Both. Grandson and granddaughter. Not that youd understand” Emma dropped her keys into her bag. “Want a secret, since youre always telling people how to live?”

“Go on then, surprise me.”

“Love works both ways. If you want to be loved, you have to try. Thats why my children love meand my grandchildren too. What about you?”

“Me? Im respected!”

“Maybe. But I reckon loves better, Martha. Wouldnt you?” Emma winked at her and gasped, checking her watchtime was running short, and her family was waiting.