Chapter Twenty-Four
The Christmas party at the Olde Oak Tree Inn on the twenty-third of December would surely be remembered fondly for years to come by the residents of Upper and Lower Oakley. Whether it was the festive songs led by their very own Oakettes, which everyone sang along to, or Derek the butcher’s questionable breakdancing, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The party was still going strong late into the afternoon, though after eating their fill of the buffet and sampling Dennis’s famous Christmas punch, the guests were beginning to flag a bit. Certainly their hosting duties were done, and Matt and Robyn took a private moment in the beer cellar downstairs to cool off. With the music filtering through softly in the background, they began to slow dance together gently, both exhausted but immeasurably happy that they’d managed to pull off the party of the decade – with a whole lot of help from their neighbours, of course.
“Thank you,” Robyn whispered against the shell of Matt’s ear.
“What for?”
“Being you, being honest with me, loving me so well.”
Matt pulled away slightly and reached into his pocket, “I was saving this for later tonight, but I’ve a feeling we’ll be asleep the moment the front door’s locked – don’t worry I’m not proposing!” He’d seen her eyes widen as he’d pulled out the square, red jewellery box, “We’re not ready for that yet, but I hope one day soon we will be. Anyway, I saw this and it reminded me of you.”
Robyn opened the box and gasped.
Inside was a gold chain and attached to that a beautiful enamel robin pendant, in shining browns and reds, a small diamond for its eye.
“It’s beautiful, but how did..?”
“Dad and I clubbed together. We both wanted to get you something special.”
“It is extremely special and perfect, I’ll treasure it, thank you,” she kissed him softly before turning around so that Matt could fasten the clasp for her.
“Gorgeous,” he said, kissing the back of her neck lightly, “just like my Robyn. And don’t worry, there’s more surprises for Christmas Day itself, let’s just say Meg helped me out.”
“Oh? It isn’t the pier picture, is it? This beautiful necklace is more than enough.”
“Not telling,” he winked.
The sound of speaking over the mic upstairs drew their attention as they noticed the music had stopped.
“Did you know your dad was giving a speech?” Robyn asked as they rushed back upstairs.
“Not at all, he hates public speaking.”
“I’ve not got anything prepared, wasn’t even sure I’d stand up here till now, but I wanted to thank you all for coming,” Dennis began, “not just today, but every day for the past forty years or so. You haven’t just been my customers, you’ve become my closest friends. In times of happiness and in sorrow we’ve supported each other like family.”
“You may not know, unless the Oakley rumour mill has been in overdrive, that this is probably my last Christmas here with you all. No, no, no need for tears,” he looked at Janet and Jenna who were already weeping quietly, “just like my beautiful Noelle I’ll still be here in spirit. My fine lad, Matty, who has brought more joy to my life than he’ll ever know, has always made me the proudest dad in the world, and I know whatever he decides to do with this old place, it’ll be in very good hands.”
Robyn hugged Matt close, both unable to hold back the torrent of tears that fell between them. Happy tears and sad.
“So, let’s raise a glass to community spirit, to friends and family who are no longer with us, and to the joy of Christmas,” Dennis raised his pint glass of lemonade and everyone joined in the toast.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, but there was a lot of love and support.
And that was one thing Oakley did best.