NOT EASY AT FIRST – BUT SHE SAW ME THROUGH LABOUR
Rebecca Smith, 42, a quality adviser, is married to Darren, 47, a transport manager. they live in Pulloxhill, bedfordshire, with their children Darcy, 11, max, nine, and Oscar, three. Darren has a son Sammy, 17, from his first marriage to maria. Rebecca says: WHEN Darren and I got together in November 2007, of course I was nervous about meeting Maria. In the early days it wasn’t always easy; I had never got on with any of my exes’ previous partners. But when you are decent people who want to make a situation work, you can.
I didn’t want our relationship to be just about coldly dropping the children off at the doorstep so, like it or not, Maria was a part of my life and I welcomed her into my home. She’s been a friend from the start.
Maria moved to Devon seven years ago and we’ve worked hard to maintain our friendship. She recently organised a birthday party for my daughter, Darcy. We had gone on holiday near Maria’s new home and the children — my three, Maria’s two and the one we share — loved spending time together.
Friends are often surprised that we do this. I’m extremely proud of our relationship.
DaRRen’S ex-wife maria bailey, 45, is a grief specialist and director of cope academy. She has a son Sammy, 17, and George, seven, and holly, five with her husband Luke. they live in Paignton, Devon. maria says: DARREN and I split amicably in February 2007. I’d promised myself a year off men, so it was quite hard to see him move on so quickly. She was a friend of his friend’s wife, we’d been at social gatherings together. I liked her.
Around the time they decided to move in together, I asked if I could meet her for a cuppa. Even though I’d emotionally moved on, I was very nervous. But it was important to me that we all worked as a team for the sake of Sammy. By the end, we were getting on brilliantly.
Becky and I grew close and it helps that Darren and I still get on. When Becky was in labour with Darcy, I was rubbing her back. Her children today call me Aunty Mo.
DARREN SAYS: I am a very lucky man. It makes my life easier. We’ve been able to socialise with each other, ensuring the best for all of our children, especially Sammy. I was surprised how well they got on.