NIGEL
As he walked into the hall, Rocky came bounding out of the living room to meet him.
‘You’re going to knock me over one of these days,’ he said, scratching Rocky behind his ear. ‘It’s very quiet. What have you done with everyone?’
‘I guess you want me to open that so you can get to your food bowl.’
He walked over to the door and turned the handle.
‘Happy Birthday!’
Several party poppers exploded as Harry and Bobby leapt out at him.
The kitchen was full of his family and friends, and balloons, and bunting, and a massive cake on the dining table.
‘What are you all doing here? It’s Wednesday morning?’
‘Is no one allowed to visit on Wednesdays, Helen?’ Nancy asked.
‘I wasn’t aware we had strict visiting times,’ Helen replied.
‘The original plan was to do this at the Grange,’ Mark said. ‘But as you’ve virtually moved in with Helen, we’ve all had to trek over here.’
‘Thank you. Thank you, everyone. I’m not sure what else to say. This is the nicest surprise since you got me that pedal car for my fifth birthday, Mother.’
‘Have we really been that rubbish since?’
‘Pretty much.’
There were nine candles on his cake.
‘We couldn’t afford the other 40,’ Mabel said.
‘Shouldn’t you be at school?’
‘It’s the Easter holidays.’
Helen organised a quick chorus of Happy Birthday while she lit the candles.
‘Make a wish!’ she said.
‘What did you wish for earlier?’ Helen asked as she finished loading the dishwasher later that evening.
‘I thought if you told anyone your wish, it wouldn’t come true,’ Nigel said. ‘Anyway, I have everything I could wish for.’ He slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. ‘Almost.’
She turned around to look at him. She could guess exactly what was missing. ‘Still no word from the girls?’
He shook his head. ‘I had hoped one of them would at least send me a text today.’
‘It’s only late afternoon in New York. There’s still time.’
‘I guess.’
‘Stopping over tonight?’
‘Can I?’
‘You don’t have to ask. Harry said he’ll be out till late. We could have an early night?’
‘Sounds like a great idea.’
His phone buzzed. He showed Helen the screen. A FaceTime call from Sloane.
Hallelujah!
‘Wishes do work then,’ she said. ‘Are you going to answer it?’
He grinned. ‘I guess I’d better.’