Chapter 15
CALLUM
Callum wondered how Tasha’s day was going as he helped Betsy set out the cutlery and napkins on the large table along one wall of the orangery while his father and Erin finished making canapés to serve their guests on arrival.
He looked forward to his grandfather’s arrival and getting the whole surprise element out of the way.
The thought of it going wrong was worrying him more the closer that moment got.
‘Stop fretting.’ Betsy followed her nudge in his ribs with a smile.
‘Everything will be perfect. We all know it will even if you don’t.
And just remember, if anything you’ve planned does go a bit wrong, your grandfather won’t realise it wasn’t as you had hoped it to be.
I’m sure he’ll just be delighted everyone has been thoughtful enough to arrange something this exciting behind his back and for friends and relations to fly over to the island just for him. ’
He wanted to believe she was right. ‘I suppose that makes sense. I just worry that we’ll only have one chance to surprise him.’
She stood in front of him, hands on her hips.
‘You’ve thought of everything, Callum, and Keith will be delighted with the party, however it turns out.
’ He must have looked alarmed because she rested a hand on his shoulder and grinned, shaking her head.
‘It will all be perfect, is what I’m trying and failing to say. ’
Erin burst into the room and raised both hands excitedly in the air. ‘I’ve just heard from Mum that she called Grandad to wish him happy birthday and she’s fairly certain he has no idea about tonight.’
Callum hoped his mother was right but wanted to find out more. ‘How can she be so sure?’
‘Apparently when she asked him whether he was doing much to celebrate, he told her he was having a small family meal somewhere but that it was a surprise as to where.’
Calmed slightly, Callum felt his shoulders lower. ‘Maybe he really doesn’t suspect anything then?’
Betsy picked up the remnants of wrapping from the napkins and scrunched them in her hands. ‘It sounds like he doesn’t.’ She gave him a pointed look. ‘I think it’s time you stopped worrying and went to get ready. I think everything’s nearly done here.’
Erin nodded. ‘It does look amazing in here, and Dad and I have finished with the food. All we need to do now is get our party clothes on.’
* * *
An hour later, Callum dried his freshly shaved face just as his phone pinged.
He suspected it was the prearranged message from Betsy telling him she and his dad had fetched Grandad and were on their way to the manor with him.
He put down the towel next to the washbasin and picked up his phone to check.
Keith is with us in the car and excited to meet up with you at the restaurant. See you in about fifteen minutes. Betsy
Nervous all over again that he might have forgotten something, Callum pushed his phone into his trouser pocket and hurried downstairs to where his sister and mother had been greeting the rest of the family and friends.
He wished he had managed to finish the party preparations earlier and get upstairs to shower and shave when the rest of his family had done.
He reached the bottom step and his phone pinged again. Taking it out, he saw a message from Tasha and eagerly opened it, hoping she was still coming.
Running late after a Zoom call but will be with you as soon as we can get there. Apologies if we’re not in time to greet your grandfather. Tasha
Relieved she was still going to be joining them, Callum sent off a quick reply.
No problem. See you when you get here. C
‘There you are,’ Erin said, rushing out of the kitchen to him. ‘Do we know what’s happening yet? Has Dad collected Grandad?’
‘Yes, and yes. They should be here in about fifteen minutes, or thereabouts. So we’ll need to make sure everyone has a drink in their hands and is waiting in the orangery, not in their rooms, or out in the garden chatting.’
Callum and Erin raced around filling glasses and finding family members dotted around the garden and gathered them in the orangery when their mother shouted for their attention from the doorway.
‘I’ve just seen James’s car coming down the drive. Quick, Callum, you’d better go and greet them. Erin and I will go and keep everyone quiet while you bring them inside.’
He waited for the car to stop and went to open his grandfather’s door. ‘Happy birthday, Grandad.’ Callum helped his grandfather out of the car and gave him a hug.
Keith looked at the manor house. ‘I’m trying to fathom why we’re here? Is this a new restaurant, or hotel?’
Callum shook his head.
James and Betsy joined them. ‘All in good time, Keith,’ James said. ‘Why don’t you lead the way, Callum?’
Callum walked with his grandfather, relieved not to be able to hear anyone talking. The last thing he wanted now was for his grandfather to recognise one of the voices and ruin the surprise he was about to receive.
‘It’s this way.’ He led them down the hall and through the sumptuous living room.
‘It’s a grand place, whatever it is,’ Keith said.
Callum relaxed slightly, glad his grandfather was impressed with the place.
‘Nearly there.’ He stopped in front of the orangery double doors and waited briefly for his father to step forward and take hold of the other door handle.
Giving his father a nod, they pulled back the doors to reveal the elegant room filled with beautifully laid tables, each with arrangements of flowers created by his mother and sister.
‘Surprise!’
Keith stared around him, trying to take in the scene. Callum watched as he surveyed the guests. His mouth drew back into a wide smile, and Keith turned to look at Callum. ‘Did you do all this?’
He shook his head. ‘It was a joint effort. Erin, Dad, Betsy, Barry and Mum have all been working hard and everyone is here.’ He thought of Tasha and Riley. ‘We have two more guests who are staying at the cottage and should be along soon.’
Keith raised his hands. ‘This is the best birthday present ever,’ he said. ‘All my family in the same room.’ He noticed a cousin he hadn’t seen for years and pointed at him. ‘You’re here, too.’
Callum watched the guests swarm to greet his grandfather and sighed.
‘You’ve done well, son,’ his father said, patting him on the back. ‘This is going to be a night to remember.’
‘I’ll get you a drink, Grandad,’ Erin said, giving Callum a delighted grin.
The local band Callum had booked for the event began playing some of Keith’s favourite songs from a list James had collated, and Callum decided to start enjoying the evening and making the most of all his hard work.
He felt a hand rest on his arm and looked to his side, delighted to find Tasha. His heart almost stopped.
She looked incredible. She always did, he thought, but he had only ever seen her dressed for work or relaxation before.
Tonight though she was as glamorous as any film star he had seen being interviewed on a red carpet.
She had put her long hair up in a bun with tendrils curling down on either side of her tanned face.
Her eyes looked even bigger now that they were made up and her lips, with the shiny red lipstick on them, made him want to grab her and kiss her.
‘You’re here,’ he said, barely able to draw breath and wishing he had thought of something a little less obvious.
‘So am I.’ Riley stepped from behind her. ‘This looks amazing.’
‘Thanks very much. I’m glad you could both make it.’
Before he could do anything else, Callum was aware of the cacophony of voices stilling one by one.
‘That’s Riley Sharp, isn’t it?’ one voice said.
‘What, that bloke off the telly?’
‘Yes, the one who’s over here filming for that Sam Thorne Investigates series.’
‘Ooh, I wonder why he would he be here,’ another said and laughed.
‘I think I’d better introduce you both to my grandfather, if you don’t mind.’
‘Lead the way,’ Riley said, seeming happy under the glare of everyone’s attention.
Callum didn’t have a problem getting his grandfather’s attention, seeing as all the guests bar a few were staring in his direction at the unexpected guest.
‘Who’s this young fellow then?’ Keith asked. Seeing Tasha, he added, ‘My apologies, I didn’t see you there.’ He reached out to shake her hand. ‘I’m Keith, the eighty-year-old.’
Tasha smiled. ‘Nice to meet you, Keith. I’m Tasha and this is my boss, Riley.’
‘I told you it was him,’ one of the voices whispered nearby.
‘Tasha and I are staying at the cottage further down the driveway,’ Riley explained, shooting a beaming smile to the group of guests gossiping about him at the nearest table and sending them into another flurry of excitement.
‘It was kind of Callum and Erin to invite us to your incredible birthday party. I hope you don’t mind that we came? ’
Keith shook his head and laughed. ‘Now why would I do that? It’s a pleasure to meet you both.’
‘Thank you.’ Riley took a glass of champagne Erin held out for him and Tasha. ‘Good to see you again, Erin.’
Callum saw his sister’s cheeks redden slightly. ‘I’m glad you both came.’
‘Now,’ Keith said, ‘there are a few things I’ve always wanted to know about filming these stunts you do in films. Would you mind me asking you about them?’
Tasha gave Callum a knowing look and he had to stifle a laugh, aware Riley would like nothing more than to talk about himself and his work.
He watched the pair of them walk over to the nearest table and sit down to chat.
‘I thought that went well,’ Tasha said quietly.
‘Yes, it did. I have to admit I’m relieved.’
‘He seemed to know who Riley is.’
Callum wasn’t sure why Tasha was surprised.
‘I think most people know who he is, Tasha.’ He indicated the nearest French doors to the terrace.
‘Shall we go outside for a little while and chat while Grandad and Riley are talking? Knowing my grandfather, they could be a while and he won’t want me interrupting him to tell everyone to help themselves to the food. ’
Tasha laughed and pointed to several of Callum’s relatives loading food onto their plates from the buffet table. ‘I think any announcement is already a bit late.’
‘Good. They don’t appear to need me in here for now.’ He smiled at her. ‘Shall we go while we have the chance?’
She nodded. ‘I’d like that.’