Look, girls!’ cried Judith, gazing out of the window. ‘Paul’s here!’‘Are we going out?’ Sophie asked.
‘No,’ said Judith. ‘Remember, Mummy’s going out, and Paul’s going to look after you.’
‘Oh,’ said Jenny, frowning at her sister as Judith went to let him in.
‘I’m not sure this is going to work,’ said Paul, nervously stepping inside.
‘Of course it is!’ Judith said. ‘The girls will enjoy it. They’ve only spent time with you while I’ve been here too. If you’re with them on your own, they’ll start to see you more as part of the family.’
Paul sighed. Sophie and Jenny seemed to be having difficulty accepting him as their mum’s new partner. How on earth would a whole afternoon go, with just him?
‘They need to get to know you better,’ Judith said, as he followed her inside.
‘Hello, Sophie and Jenny!’ Paul said, brightly.
They looked up. Sophie smiled. Jenny said hello. Then they went back to playing.
Paul looked at Judith, who beamed encouragingly. He sat beside Sophie. ‘Who’s this?’ he asked, picking up a doll.
‘Barbie, of course. You’ve woken her up now.’
‘Oh, sorry!’ Paul said, moving away.
‘Cup of tea?’ Judith asked.
‘Lovely. I’ll make it!’ he said, rushing to the kitchen.
‘I don’t know how to be with them!’ he told Judith, when she joined him.
This story is from the August 17, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 17, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
7 things your GP WANTS YOU TO KNOW
Stay healthier for longer, whatever your age, with these expert insights
Podcasts TO PICK
Try our top suggestions for a spot of audio entertainment
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Simple bathroom UPDATES
Create a spa-like feel with these easy additions
Darling shrubs OF MAY
Floral fireworks for early summer
Pet perfect BREAKS
Treat yourself and your canine companion to a pampering escape
'Dyslexia is my SUPERPOWER!'
Matt Baker on his love for the countryside, health and life after The One Show
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg
Springtime IN VENICE
A weekend in this floating city is a feast for the senses
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY