Four years, four kids

It was June 2013 and I was single…again.

Just three months earlier, I was somebody’s fiance. But it’d all gone wrong. Now here I was, setting up an online dating profile. The break-up was still raw. But what’s that they say about getting back on the horse? I got messages very quickly. Some were friendly. Some a bit over-friendly…

‘Disgusting!’ I gasped, shocked at the X-rated replies. Still, I went on a few dates. But found myself bored or unhappy.

‘I’m not cut out for this!’ I laughed to my mum Michelle, 45.

After a few weeks, I spotted a handsomelooking profile.

‘Chris Ryder, 34, bodybuilder,’ I read aloud.

Biting the bullet, I typed up a quick hello. Send.

Within hours, he replied.

Chris made me laugh, and I could tell he was a nice guy. He worked in security, but was a personal trainer, too. That explained the hot body! Plus, he was only a 15minute drive away from me.

After two weeks chatting, we finally met. It wasn’t your average date…

‘How about I give you a day of personal training?’ he suggested.

Well, first time for everything!

When the day came, I was nervous knocking on the door.

But Chris’ beaming smile made me feel welcome.

Then we went on a run. He showed me the best weights to use. And we got sweaty!

He even made me dinner while I showered.

It was an odd first date, but it felt right. We clicked right away, so I was happy to share a cheeky snog!

‘I think he’s the one,’ I said to my mum.

‘Don’t rush into anything, pet,’ she said.

When I moved in with Chris a month later, she wasn’t impressed. ‘I know it’s right, Mum,’ I said.

The next month, I missed my period.

I canõt beé

‘I’m pregnant!’ I cried to Chris. We’d already talked about kids, but he knew I wanted to get married first.

On a whim, he called the register office. And that was that. No frills! I hadn’t even met his parents, now I was pregnant and getting married.

It was crazy to think three months earlier I’d been single. My mum couldn’t wait to be a grandma!

Chris’ parents