We all worked so hard to get the house ready – so many kind people wielded paintbrushes and rollers in the house and strimmers and trowels in the garden. Family, friends, colleagues and even my sixth form class asked to come and help decorate my house. It was like a miracle; not just having a home I could afford but having such lovely people in my life and rooting for me.

In May I was persuaded to host a housewarming party. Some days I even felt excited about the upcoming party (although other days I was utterly daunted and worried about my ability to socialise with everyone – what if I couldn’t think of anything to say?)

I named the house ’Serendipity’. It seemed so fitting and I’d always loved that concept since I first heard the word as a young woman; it seems so invigorating to discover something unintended whilst looking for something quite different.

The invitations were made…but who to invite?

Family. Obviously. Colleagues? Of course. Then who? Friends from PGCE? Friends from university? James’ friends? What if that would be too many people? And the house is tiny. So is the garden…what if the May weather was inclement and we were unable to use the garden…?

But, decisions made, the invitations went out and preparations were made. Lots of lovely people were making arrangements to come, travelling locally and from further afield – from Oxford, Worcester, Leamington Spa, London and Yorkshire. Once again family and friends helped out, which enabled me to relax, get ready and look forward to a day of happy reunions.

There was just one disappointment. I had inadvertently organised the housewarming party for a weekend when Steve had a prior commitment. Hence, he was unlikely to be able to make it. Maybe that was a good thing, with some of James’ friends planning to come over from Oxford? But then, what was I worrying about? Steve and I were just friends.

He had helped me to prepare the house. I was, after all, living in a village and had not yet passed my driving test. So when there were small things that I needed and couldn’t find by myself, he would volunteer to look in the bigger DIY shops in town for me. And this small act gave me a good deal of hope.

The day of the housewarming came around quickly. It was a beautiful, Spring day. The house looked bright and welcoming and it smelt of fresh paint. The sunny weather meant that people could take their drinks out into the garden, where the children of colleagues were playing alongside my nieces and nephews. I love it so much when ‘my people’ from different phases of my life get to meet each other, and they get on! It doesn’t happen so often; we tend to compartmentalise our lives by location or age. But it is strangely uplifting when the strands of our lives collide and blur into a rich tapestry before our eyes; when friends perceive in each other the beautiful qualities that first drew them to you too. And the party was so much fun! I felt strong. I felt surrounded – cushioned on all sides by those who loved me, who had invested in bringing me through to this point.

Then the doorbell rang and an unexpected thing happened…

…there at the door stood a very imposing, tall figure. Dressed from head to toe in camouflage gear, still with traces of cam cream daubed on his face. Who was this striking soldier at my door? I was momentarily speechless. And then he spoke, “Sorry I’m late.” And the mystery was solved: I saw the familiar warmth of my Geordie friend’s eyes. When he’d told me he was an army cadet instructor, I had not imagined this feast for the eyes.

Once I’d regained my composure, I welcomed him in with enthusiasm. He went to clean up in the bathroom and then ensued a barrage of questions from sisters 2, 3 and 4. I didn’t even realise they had seen him arrive! But then sisters do tend to have this sixth sense when something significant may be afoot.

It would be fair to say that they approved! We all have a ‘height’ thing and I would not be the first sister to fall for a man in uniform. My sisters certainly gave me their seal of approval to pursue a new love interest…

… I had no idea if I would, if he would, if the timing was right, but this affirmation made me happy.