Young Lady, What Brings You Here—and Whose Baby Is That in Your Arms?

I never spoiled my son, William. He studied hard, helped around the house, always politea real model boy. When Will told me he was moving to London for work, my heart ached with worry. The thought of being on my own unsettled me.

What about Emily? I asked, meaning his girlfriend. We broke up, he replied.

It caught me off guard; Id assumed they were headed for marriage. They had seemed such a perfect fit. Of course, I felt sad about their break-up, but I never meddled in my sons affairs.

So, Will left for London. We kept in touch regularly. He found a decent job, made new friends, and before long, met someone special. I waited for the day he might introduce her to me, but Will didnt seem in a hurry. To keep myself company, I brought home an adorable kitten.

One evening, coming back from work, a soft voice called out, Hello! I looked up and in the dusk made out Emily, clutching a baby. Goodness, Emily, what are you doing here? And whose little one is that?

You might judge, she said, but this is your granddaughter. I was too afraid to tell Will after we splitthings ended badly. I had the baby at home with Mum. But she passed away last month, and now I have nowhere else to go. So I came to see you.

And what now? I asked gently.

She shrugged, eyes red. I told myself Id have to put my daughter in care. Ive no home, nothing. I just wanted to knowif anything happens to me, would you visit your granddaughter sometimes?

Dont be silly, I told her. Well raise her together. Come inside and lets get settled.

I took Emily and her little girl in. The baby looked just like Willno doubts there. Emily was a huge help around my home, and with my job I was able to manage the bills easily enough. Life was gentle, if a bit changed. And then one day, Will rang to say hed be visiting soon. He wouldnt say if he was coming alone or bringing someone.

The day Will arrived, I happened to be feeding the baby girl. Whos this lovely lady then? he joked.

Shes your daughter, Will, I replied.

He looked astonished. And I havent come alone, he said, revealing a carrycot. This is my son. His mother died when he was born. I couldnt bear to leave him behind.

Emily lingered in the hallway, stunned at the sight of Will. The two of them spent the evening talking while I minded the children. I kept out of their conversations.

The best partwithin a year, they married, and both children grew up together in a loving, whole family.

Now, Will is planning a beautiful house in the countryside so they can finally leave this cramped flat. And, if I dare let slip a secretIll soon be welcoming my third grandchild. I am so, so grateful.