Page 135 of A Christmas Celebration
‘You look stunning, Molly,’ Dorothy sighed. ‘Far better than us in these red get-ups.’
‘Just count yourself lucky I talked Dad out of buying the matching jackets with buckle belts,’ Archie told her, which made her laugh.
‘Thank you, Dorothy.’ Molly smiled. ‘I’ve just finished making it.’
‘Is everything all set for tomorrow?’ Catherine asked.
‘It is,’ Molly said, a rush of colour warming her pretty pale cheeks. ‘I’m all ready for the solstice ritual and Dorothy has baked the cake to celebrate Anna’s birthday.’
Fortunately, I had been reminded that it was Anna’s birthday the next day and had wrapped her a present in the spare few minutes I’d found to parcel up the Christmas gifts I’d picked up on the night of the switch-on. As I hadn’t yet met her, I hoped she’d like it.
‘Come on then,’ said Angus, as the clock struck three. ‘It’s not too cold outside today, so let’s go out and assume positions.’
The hall lights were already twinkling and the trees whichstood sentinel either side of the beautiful arched door were lit too. I couldn’t imagine there had ever been a homecoming like it and we and the dogs weren’t waiting many seconds before we caught sight of the first set of headlights winding their way along the bumpy drive.
‘Who is it?’ Catherine excitedly asked. ‘My money’s on Christopher,’ she quickly added. ‘He said the boys were bursting to get here when I spoke to him and Cass last night.’
Her prediction was right and the four of them were barely out of the car before Bran barked and stood stock still as a truck appeared and pulled up alongside Christopher’s car. The daft dog then became almost puppyish as he skittered round to the driver’s door, vastly hindering his beloved owner’s ability to climb out.
‘I told you he was missing you, Gabe,’ the woman I recognized as Hayley from the iPad screen on the night of switch-on, laughed. She then hopped out and ran to hug us all in turn. ‘Paige,’ she said, when she reached me. ‘It’s lovely to meet you in person at last.’
‘Likewise,’ I said, as her tree of a partner, Gabe, was finally able to climb out of the truck and joined us with Bran melded to his side in much the same way the dog had previously been stuck to me. ‘And you too, Gabe.’
‘I understand Bran has been shadowing you since I went away.’ He smiled down at me.
‘You could say that,’ I laughed, ‘and a very fine job he’s done of it, too.’
Last and by no means least, Mick came along just aminute later and deposited a tired but buoyant Jamie and Anna. Having travelled the furthest by far, they were the most world-weary, but even they were full of bonhomie and thrilled to be home after their long journey.
‘We meet at last.’ Anna warmly smiled in greeting once Jamie had introduced us. ‘Thank you so much for taking on the deliveries.’
‘You’re most welcome.’ I smiled back. ‘I’ve absolutely loved doing it.’
‘That’s probably just as well,’ she said mysteriously.
It was a very happy rabble who tumbled back into the warm hall, all wearing the hats the patriarch insisted were befitting of the occasion.
Gathered around the kitchen table with endless mugs of tea, huge slices of all sorts of cakes and toast for Anna because she’d mentioned that she’d missed the taste of Marmite, we listened to everyone’s adventures and the grandsons, Hugo and Oscar, expanded upon their lengthy Christmas lists.
‘So,’ Christopher said to me, when there was an eventual lull in the conversation, ‘how are you, Paige? It feels like forever since the last time I saw you.’
‘I’m good,’ I told him. ‘I’ve had such fun being back.’
‘She’s been doing mine and Anna’s work in our absence,’ said Hayley, looking around and making the bell on her hat tinkle. ‘And from what I’ve seen so far, she’s been making a decent job of it.’
‘Well,’ I said, ‘no one can keep this place in as fine fettle as you, Hayley, but I’ve given it my best shot.’
‘Catherine told us you’d saved the day by stepping in,’ Cass said kindly.
‘I’m not sure about that,’ I said with a smile, ‘but keeping busy has been a big help to me. I arrived in a bit of a muddle, but I’m feeling much better about life now.’
‘And rumour has it you’re in lurve,’ Jamie shouted down the table, loud enough for everyone to hear. ‘According to Archie you haven’t been too busy to squeeze in a bit ofupendo.’
‘A bit of what?’ Hugo, the eldest grandson, frowned.
‘Upendo,’ said his uncle. ‘It means love in Swahili.’
Hugo turned bright red and pretended he hadn’t heard and I wished I could do the same.
