Page 49 of The Cruise

Ignoring Kath, Anne reached into her stocking and unscrewed the top of a miniature bottle of prosecco. ‘Perfect,’ she said and sipped the contents. ‘The hair of the dog. Santa is a life-saver.’

Kath unwrapped a tube of La Prairie hand cream. ‘My goodness, Santahasbeen generous,’ she exclaimed. Soon the bed was covered in discarded paper, and they laughed as each of Jane’s gifts was unwrapped.

‘This is wonderful!’ Anne crawled over Jane and slipped into a silky La Perla nightdress. ‘And Kath got me matching bra and knickers.’ She held up a wisp of lace in each hand.

‘We consider the gifts an investment,’ Kath said.

‘To ensure that your husband-hunting mission is successful,’ Jane added. ‘Strut your stuff in that lot and you’ll be walking down the aisle in no time.’

‘I do love you both,’ Anne said, embracing her friends.

‘Where’s my bag?’ Kath asked and, finding it by her bed, reached for her glasses and began to rummage. ‘A little something for Jane,’ she said and held out a beautifully wrapped box.

‘Chocolates?’

‘Open it.’

Kath watched as Jane carefully undid the ribbon and opened the gift. Lying on a bed of silk lay an exquisite enamelled turtle pendant on a silver chain. Two little diamonds represented the turtle’s eyes.

‘Oh…’ Jane breathed, ‘it’s superb.’

‘The turtle represents new beginnings and I thought it an appropriate gift.’

‘I shall wear it always,’ Jane said, fastening it around her neck. Stroking the beautifully crafted jewellery, she turned to a mirror. ‘It’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever owned.’

‘Now, Anne, this is for you.’ Kath handed Anne a package.

Anne opened her gift and gasped when she saw a ring.

‘The stone is Larimar,’ Kath said. ‘It’s a unique blue gemstone, found only in the Caribbean.’

‘The colour is like the blue of the sea and the sky,’ Anne said as she slid the ring onto a middle finger.

‘Exactly. A reminder of our holiday, but also a reminder of our life-long friendship too.’

‘Oh, Kath.’ Anne and Jane were tearful as they hugged Kath and thanked her for her memorable presents.

‘Now, it’s my turn.’ Anne opened a drawer and pulled out two packages. ‘It’s the thought that counts,’ she added as she handed them out.

Jane tore the paper and shook out an oversized T-shirt. As she read the logo, she giggled.Your First Mistake Was Assuming I’m An Old Lady.

Kath whipped her nightshirt off and pulled her T-shirt over her head.

‘What does it say?’ Jane eagerly asked.

Kath thrust out her chest. ‘It says,“Do You Know What I’m Thinking? Because I Forgot”.’

‘Yeah!’ Jane punched the air. ‘These are hilarious, Anne, thank you so much.’

‘Look.’ Kath pointed and reached out to turn up the volume on the television. On the ship’s channel, carols were being sung in the chapel. The camera focused on a nativity scene as a choir sang ‘Away in a Manger’.

‘Happy Christmas, my dearest friends,’ Kath said and they all hugged as they joined in with the carols.

* * *

On Christmas morning, in his cabin on a lower deck, Selwyn sat up in bed and opened two cards. The first was from his youngest daughter Gloria and her partner Gwen. It depicted a snow scene of Lambeth Town Hall, and turning it over, he recognised the signature and realised that Gwen had drawn the card. A reminder of home. Selwyn studied the beautifully depicted Grade II listed building, a familiar landmark, and admired how Gwen had captured the fine example of Edwardian Baroque architecture. He smiled as he read the inscription.

Happy Christmas Dad

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