A Stranger at the Door Michael had loved Jane since their school days. He wrote her notes and did a…

There was a stranger at the door.

Ever since school, Martin had nursed a hopeless crush on Emily. Hed scribble her little notes and pull off all manner of ridiculous stunts just to get her attention.

But Emily fancied Paul insteadthe tall, athletic fellow with floppy blonde hair who played volleyball on the school team with her.

As for Martin, with his awkward manner and less-than-stellar grades, Emily hardly cast a glance his way.

Inevitably, Paul started seeing Sophie from the other class.

After school finished, Martin tried to catch Emilys eye again.

He even proposed to her at the leavers party.

Emilys answer was as blunt as a brick: No! She didnt even want to contemplate the idea.

After university, Emily landed a job as an accountant. Her boss was Tom Willoughby, an effortlessly charming, raven-haired man ten years her senior.

Emily admired his professionalism, his sharp mind, and perhaps the fact that he bore a passing resemblance to a young Colin Firth.

Feelings developed between them, and Emily didnt seem bothered that her beloved boss was very much married, with a toddler at home.

Tom kept promising hed get divorced, swearing he loved no one but Emily.

Years passed. Emily got used to spending the weekends and holidays alone, always believing Tom would eventually leave his wife and theyd finally be together.

But one day, she spotted Tom at the supermarket with his wife.

His wife was visibly expecting, and Tom was fussing over her, holding her hand, then grabbing the shopping bags. Together, they headed for the car. It was almost offensively perfect.

Emily watched the domestic bliss through tear-filled eyes.

The next day, she resigned.

With New Years Eve looming, Emily had zero enthusiasm for shopping, decorating, or pretending to celebrate.

One dreary afternoon, she came home to find the house colder than a hedgehogs toes in January. Her boiler had broken, of course. Emily lived alone in a little house on the outskirts of town.

Ring up a repairman on New Years week and youd think shed asked for Buckingham Palace to be replumbedevery engineer wanted a fortune just for the privilege of coming out to the sticks.

Desperate, Emily phoned her friend Claire. Claires husband worked in the trade and might be able to help.

Claire promised to call him straight away.

Two hours later, the doorbell rang.

There stood a stranger. Or at least he seemed so, until Emily realisedgood grief, it was Martin, that boy from school.

Hello, Emily! So, whats gone wrong here then?

Uh How did you know?

My boss called, said someone was freezing to death at this address. Did you drain the system so your pipes wouldnt burst?

No, came her sheepish reply. I haven’t the faintest idea how.

Martin chuckled. Well done, you. Next time, youll be holding a party with icicles instead of bunting.

He swiftly drained the system, tinkered with the boiler, and then nipped off.

An hour later, Martin was back with the necessary parts.

Soon, Emilys home was toasty as a bakery. After washing his hands, Martin glanced around and asked, Emily, you know your taps leaking and your kitchen lights flickeringdoesnt your husband sort this out?

No husband here, Emily muttered.

Oh? Still questing for Mr Perfect?

Theres no such thing, Emily sighed, suddenly honest. Its just me.

So whyd you turn me down all those years ago then? Martin grinned.

She didnt answer.

Martin fixed the tap, changed the bulb, and then set off home.

Left alone, Emily remembered her childhood, the chubby schoolboy who used to trail after her. Martin was so very different nowa tall, fit man with warm brown eyes, yet the same shy, crooked smile.

She hadnt even thought to ask if he was married.

On 31 December, as London gears up for fireworks and resolutions, someone knocked again.

Emily, not expecting a soul, padded to the door.

There was Martinin a smart new suit, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Emily, he said, I have to ask again. Will you marry me, or will you hold out for a prince until were both collecting our pensions?

Overcome, Emily burst into tears and nodded joyously.

Second times the charmher answer was yes at last.