Page 122 of The In-Laws

41. Katie

Katie placed the flowers in the centre of the table.

‘It looks so pretty, Mum,’ Lucy told her.

‘Thank you, sweetie, and thanks for all your help setting the table.’

‘I’m so excited to have everyone over for lunch. We haven’t had a big family lunch in ages,’ Lucy said. ‘I was scared that we might never have any more after you and Granny had the big fight.’

Katie stroked her daughter’s cheek. ‘Hey, I never want you to worry. Granny is part of our family and, even though we may disagree on some things, we will always be connected. This is a lunch to celebrate lots of things. Daddy being the new boss at the agency, Melanie opening her new office, Amanda having a new job, Theo getting a place in college in Exeter, you getting another A for an essay, Ross’s new job, Granny being all better now, and –’

‘And me being brilliant!’ Toby wasn’t going to be left out.

Katie and Lucy giggled. ‘Yes, that too.’ Katie kissed his head.

‘And you being the best mum in the world. You’re so lovely, Mum, and kind to everyone and funny.’ Lucy hugged her.

Katie held her daughter tight. ‘I love you so much, Lucy. You’re amazing.’

‘And me!’

‘And you’re utterly wonderful.’ Katie pulled Toby in for a group hug.

Jamie came in. ‘Hang on, no group hugs without Daddy.’ He flung himself into the hug, enveloping them all with his strong arms.

Katie inhaled the apple-scented shampoo of her children’s hair and Jamie’s sexy aftershave and, for the millionth time, reminded herself that one drunken night had almost ruined her beautiful family. As much as she was finding not drinking difficult, these magical moments got her through, along with therapy, sea swimming, her sisters-in-law and a lot of willpower.

‘That smells good, babe.’

‘Lamb stew, your mum’s favourite.’ She smiled.

‘Look at you, daughter-in-law of the year.’

‘Well, since Melanie walked out and Amanda is now working with “the enemy”, the bar is even lower than usual.’

They cracked up. ‘And you are the wife of the new CEO of the Fitzroy Agency.’

‘Should I bow?’

Jamie grinned. ‘No. I prefer you on your back.’ He kissed her neck.

‘Stop it, they’ll be here in a minute.’

The doorbell rang and Toby raced to open it. Ross, Amanda and Theo came in.

Toby pulled Theo into the playroom to show him his new remote-control car.

Jamie and Ross shook hands and had an awkward half-hug.

‘How’s it going in London? How are things at Byron and Parsons?’ Jamie asked his brother. ‘I saw they did a huge deal with Universal for the new George Tanker book.’

‘Yeah, I had a small part to play in that, which was exciting. It’s going well. In fact, I might have someone who’s interested in the TV rights for Urick’s book.’

‘That would be brilliant.’

‘I’ll let you know next week. I’m pushing hard.’

‘Thanks, Ross.’

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