Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE

SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER

Florrie slid her glasses onto her nose and peered out of the bedroom curtains, taking in the wintry scene before her. At just gone seven thirty, darkness still lingered. In the soft light of the streetlamps, it was as if a vast white eiderdown had been thrown over everything and settled gently. Her heart gave a happy leap.

‘How's it looking?' Ed asked from the bed. His mouth stretched into a yawn as he ran his fingers through his sleep-tousled hair.

‘Perfect!' Florrie couldn't help but smile. ‘Looks like a couple more inches have fallen overnight. Everywhere looks so pretty.' Her gaze travelled over the row of houses opposite. They seemed to sparkle in the half-light.

‘Fantastic. Sounds like sledging and snowman building is on the agenda for today, then.' He beamed at her as he threw the duvet back and climbed out of bed.

‘Zak and Chloe are going to be so excited.'

‘They're not the only ones,' Ed said with a deep chuckle.

A moment later he was standing behind her, slipping his arms around her waist, the warmth of his body reassuring. He peered out over the top of her head. ‘Looks so picture-perfect out there.'

‘It does.' She turned to face him, looking up as he pressed his lips to hers, his kiss warm and inviting. She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, and he pulled her to him.

‘I really appreciate you organising this, Florrie.' He gazed down at her, his expression soft.

‘Hey, I'm looking forward to it myself.' She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him again.

Their kiss was deepening, Florrie losing herself in the moment, when the ping of a mobile phone bounced around the room. Their eyes flashed open and they froze, hardly daring to breathe, as if awaiting something to happen.

Florrie's stomach clenched, all feelings of passion leeching away. Ed took a step back and pushed his fringe off his face, anxiety clouding his features.

How easily a sound could affect a mood.

It took several moments for it to dawn on Florrie that the sound came from her mobile phone and not Ed's. He'd thrown his into one of the drawers in the kitchen the previous evening before they'd gone to bed. ‘Out of sight, out of mind,' he'd said, shutting the drawer firmly. ‘And that's where it's staying until we get back from sledging tomorrow. I'm not going to allow my parents to spoil our time with Zak and Chloe.' Florrie hadn't been sorry to hear that.

Relief flooded her, her heart rate steadying. ‘It's mine, not yours. It'll be my mum or Jasmine.' She gave him a reassuring smile. He visibly relaxed as she headed over to her bedside table and scooped up her phone. She knew he'd have been thinking exactly the same as her, that the day's onslaught of texts and calls from his dad had started early.

She tapped her phone, its light illuminating the room as her eyes scanned the screen. ‘It's Jazz. Oh, heck.' She laughed as she read the text that was peppered with a variety of worried face, crying and laughing emojis. Then she read it out to Ed.

Hi Florrie, just checking plans are still on for today? Little monsters were awake when I got home last night neither were the sort to bear a grudge.

Chloe, in contrast, was a quieter, more diluted version of her mum and sibling. Even at such a young age, she was given to thinking deeply, though it was fair to say she shared their zest for life and was easily scooped up and carried along by her brother's ebullience. Unlike Zak, she'd inherited Jasmine's artistic streak and wasn't averse to sitting quietly and drawing or colouring when the mood took her. Where her beautiful singing voice had come from, however, remained a mystery.

Not one given to boasting, Jasmine's pride and love for her children was undeniable. ‘I love them so much it hurts right here,' she'd said on more than one occasion, patting her chest where her heart lay, her eyes burning fiercely. ‘I'd lay down my life for them.' Florrie didn't doubt that for a second. She was full of admiration for her friend who worked hard to give Zak and Chloe a secure and loving home.

‘Jazz said she was cleaning a holiday cottage for Stella's mum today and needs to be there for ten o'clock so she's dropping Zak and Chloe off here at half nine. And my mum's calling in for the bookshop key and to drop the sledges off at half past eight,' Florrie said.

‘In that case…' Ed took her hand and led her to the bed, its sheets still warm and ruffled from their sleep. ‘I think we've got time to pick up where we left off with those tempting kisses of yours.'

Bang on the dot at half past nine, there was an enthusiastic pounding on the door of Samphire Cottage, accompanied by a babble of eager voices.

Smiling, Florrie opened the door to see Zak and Chloe beaming up at her, while behind them, the freshly fallen snow of the path was peppered with their footprints. ‘Morning,' she said as Gerty pushed her nose through, her tail wagging hard.

‘When can we go sledging, Florrie? Can we go now?' asked Zak, excitedly, his freckly face wreathed in smiles. ‘Can Gerty come, too? She can ride on my sledge with me. It's gonna be so cool!'

‘Yay! I want Gerty to come as well!' said Chloe. She was looking adorable in a powder-blue snow suit covered in pink flowers, a woolly hat with a huge pink pom-pom pulled down over her ears. Her blue eyes were shining happily. ‘We've been awake for ages ! I wanted to put my snow suit on as soon as I got out of bed, but Mummy said it was too early. And I've got some new wellies – look.' The little girl stuck out her foot, showing off a bright pink, fur-lined wellington boot.

Florrie inhaled the familiar smell of fresh washing she'd come to associate with Jasmine's children. They were always spotlessly clean and neatly dressed.

‘Calm down, you two, give Florrie a chance to open the door,' Jasmine said, laughing, and giving an affectionate roll of her eyes. ‘Morning, Florrie. You still sure about this?'

‘Of course I'm still sure about it, we're looking forward to it. Come on in.' Florrie turned to Chloe. ‘And I love your new wellies, Chlo. Do you think they do them in my size?' She smiled down at the little girl.

‘I don't think so, these are just for little girls, but we can go shopping together and I can help you find some, if you like?' she said in her trill voice.

‘Ooh, I'd love that. Shopping for shoes is one of my favourite things.'

‘Morning.' Ed wandered down the hall from the kitchen as Jasmine and the kids tumbled in.

‘Hiya, Ed. Can I race you at sledging?' Zak asked, grinning at him.

‘I'm up for that.' Ed laughed. ‘But I don't think I'll be much competition.'

‘That's all right, I'll give you a head start,' Zak said generously.

‘Thanks, Zak, I think I'll need it.'

‘I'm going to build the biggest snowman. He's going to be as big as this house,' said Chloe, demonstrating with her hands, her eyes wide.

‘Wow! He sounds fabulous. Can I help you do that?' Florrie asked.

‘Yes, you can.' Chloe nodded enthusiastically.

‘Morning, Ed,' said Jasmine before turning to her children. ‘Wellies off at the door, kids.'

‘Did I just hear right? Chloe's taking Florrie shopping for shoes? I didn't realise a girl's love for footwear started so young,' Ed said, smiling.

‘You have a lot to learn then, Ed.' Jasmine shot him a knowing look. ‘Chloe loves shoes, the pinker, and the more sparkly, the better.'

‘Ah, I see. Just like Florrie then.' He chuckled, exchanging a look with Florrie who was laughing, too.

‘Ed! Ed! Ed! I've asked Santa for some pink glittery tap shoes for Christmas,' Chloe said, tugging on his shirt sleeve and peering up at him from beneath long dark lashes.

‘Have you? They sound wonderful.'

Chloe nodded. ‘Oh, they are, they're the bestest.'

‘Right, come on monsters, we're letting the cold air in standing here like this.' Jasmine stamped the snow off her wellies, the children following suit, before she ushered them onto the doormat.

Once they'd removed their footwear, Jasmine bustled them along the hallway. She handed Florrie a couple of backpacks, one pink and sparkly, the other covered in a variety of superheroes. ‘There's a change of clothes for each of them – they're bound to get soaked or mucky, or both. And here's some money if you have a change of plan and take them to the cinema and pizza afterwards.'

Florrie stepped back. ‘I'm happy to take the change of clothes, but there's no way I'm taking any money. It's our treat today,' she said with a smile. She watched Jasmine's expression change. She was clearly wrestling with her thoughts. The last thing Florrie wanted to do was hurt her friend's pride, but equally, she didn't want to take any money from her, especially when things were tight so close to Christmas.

When Jasmine went to protest, Florrie said, ‘Don't forget, it's you who's doing us the favour, Jazz. This was my suggestion and both Ed and I are looking forward to it. It's a treat for us as much as the kids, and that it's another thing to add to the Happy Christmas Memories Project is perfect.'

‘Well, if you're sure?' There was still a hesitant look in Jasmine's eyes.

‘I'm positive.' Though Florrie's tone was friendly, she spoke firmly, hoping to convey that she wasn't open to any further argument.

‘Okay, then,' Jasmine said, a note of reluctance in her voice. ‘I'd best get off to work – it's changeover day at the holiday cottage so there's loads to do. I should be done by half past two, so just let me know when you want to drop the kids off or for me to come and get them.' She glanced into the kitchen where Zak and Chloe were fussing Gerty. The Labrador was in raptures, lying on her back, her legs in the air while the pair tickled her tummy. ‘See you, kids, be good for Florrie and Ed.' She turned to Florrie, chuckling. ‘Doesn't look like I'm going to be missed much today.'

‘Bye, Mummy,' said Chloe. ‘Love you.'

‘See ya, Mum,' said Zak.

‘Love you both, too. Don't forget to keep them ears covered when you're out in the cold, Chlo.'

‘Okay, Mummy.' Chloe had suffered from an ear infection a few weeks earlier and had needed a couple of rounds of antibiotics before it finally cleared up.

‘I'll make sure she does,' said Florrie reassuringly. She knew from what Jasmine had told her it was the little girl's Achilles heel, and that she was keen to ensure Chloe didn't succumb to another infection and risk spoiling her enjoyment of Christmas Day.

‘Bye, Ed, have fun.' Jasmine grinned at him, with a look in her eye that said, "Have you any idea what you've let yourself in for?"

‘See you, Jazz. I'm sure we will.' Ed grinned back.

At the door, Jasmine turned to Florrie. ‘Thanks for this, I really appreciate it. The kids have been so excited, they love you and Ed, you're like extended family to them – and me.'

Florrie felt a tug in her heart. She knew it hurt Jasmine that Bart's parents showed no interest in their grandchildren. ‘Hey, we love you all, too. And I was going to say you're welcome to join us for a meal this evening. Nothing fancy. Ed's been saying he's got a taste for pizza, so we've got loads in the freezer – there'll be plenty to go round.'

Jasmine's face fell. ‘I'd love to, and I don't mean to sound like I'm being awkward, but I've got a cake to finish icing. It's getting collected first thing tomorrow morning and some of the decorations are quite fiddly.'

‘Well, just join us when you're done then. We can always stick an extra pizza in when you get here.'

‘Are you sure?' Jasmine's frown lifted.

‘'Course I'm sure.'

Jasmine flung her arms around Florrie in an uncharacteristic display of affection. ‘You're a star. Honestly, you've no idea what a help you're being. I hate fobbing the kids off when I'm busy with a cake, telling them to entertain themselves, but I know they'll love being here.'

‘You could never be accused of fobbing your kids off.' Florrie felt her throat squeeze with emotion. ‘You're a great mum, Jazz, the kids are testament to that. Stop beating yourself up, okay?'

Jasmine released her and nodded, her eyes glistening. ‘Okay.' She sniffed. ‘I'd best dash or I'll be late getting started.'

Half an hour later, Florrie and Ed set off with a high-spirited Zak and Chloe eager to get out into the snow. Gerty trotted along on the end of her lead, watching the children with interest.

Florrie slipped her gloved hand into Ed's as they made their way down the road, Zak and Chloe running ahead, trailing their sledges behind them. Her heart swelled with happiness. It was one of those perfect winter days, a pale sun shining down from a cornflower-blue sky, making everywhere sparkle, while the air was crisp and fresh, making her cheeks and nose tingle.

The two children soon got bored of pulling their sledges, complaining that it made it hard for them to run around in the snow and throw snowballs. ‘Here, I'll take them,' said Florrie. Zak and Chloe didn't need telling twice, dumping their sledges and running off excitedly, their shrieks echoing around the street. Florrie stacked theirs on top of hers and Ed's, making it easier for her to pull them all along.

She'd just finished when Zak hurled a snowball in Ed's direction. It landed at his feet with a splat.

‘Oh, it's like that, is it, big fella?' Laughing, Ed didn't waste a moment. He scooped up a load of snow, made it into a ball as best he could while holding Gerty's lead and threw it at Zak.

‘Wargh!' Zak tried to dodge it, but it brushed by his arm, making Chloe squeal with delight.

‘I reckon that's one-nil to me, don't you, Zaky Boy?' Ed grinned as he handed Gerty's lead to Florrie and placed his hands on his hips.

Gerty gave a happy bark, her tail swishing in the air, her eyes bright. She was eager to join in the fun.

‘See, Gerty agrees,' said Ed. He bent to ruffle the Labrador's ears when a snowball exploded on the back of his neck. ‘Argh!! That's freezing !' he said, gasping. ‘You little rascal, Zak Ingilby!'

Florrie hooted with laughter as Ed fished bits of snow from the depths of his scarf. ‘That's what you get for crowing too soon.'

‘Yeah, remind me never to do that again.' Ed pulled a face as he retrieved a large lump of the snowball that had worked its way down the collar of his jacket.

He'd just finished removing the last of the snow when Chloe gave an ear-splitting shriek of delight. He looked up to see another snowball hurtling towards him, this time landing squarely on his thigh, Zak chortling gleefully as he dusted snow from his gloves.

‘Right, you're going to pay for that, you little squirt.' Laughing, Ed brushed the snow away and went to chase after Zak who ran off, whooping with laughter at the top of his voice.

Chloe was hot on her brother's heels. ‘Zak! Zak! Wait for me! Zak! Wait!'

Florrie looked on, her cheeks aching from laughing so hard. She was thrilled that they'd already created another wonderful experience to add to The Happy Christmas Memories Project.

Soon, they were on the top prom, biting air whooshing in from the sea. Seagulls wheeled overhead, their plaintive cries carried on the salty breeze. The road was clear of snow thanks to the work of the gritter earlier that morning, and now cars drove along unhindered, their tyres making short work of the lingering slush. The broad pavement of the prom was a different matter, however, and was covered in a good five inches of snow. It made progress slow as they crunched their way along, not that it bothered Zak and Chloe, who were plodding back and forth, rosy-cheeked, their laughter and squeals of delight filling the air. Gerty watched them, her tail wagging, her ears cocked.

‘Look! There's snow on the beach!' Zak pointed towards it.

‘Wow! That's so cool,' said Chloe, tramping over to the wooden railings and peering down.

The cover of snow on the bank of pebbles and the sand, stretching halfway to the sea, made for an unusual sight. It wouldn't last long in the salt laden sea air.

‘Thorncliffe looks stunning.' Florrie's gaze roved over the top of the cliff that was covered in a vast blanket of white. Smoke was curling from the chimney at Clifftop Cottage, just as it was a little further along at Thorncliffe Farm. The Jolly and Old Micklewick came into view. It looked Christmas card pretty with its little wonky cottages, their rooftops dusted with snow.

As usual, Gerty stopped at Mr and Mrs H's bench, looking up at Florrie and Ed. They paused only briefly, taking in the view, mindful of Zak and Chloe's eagerness to get sledging.

‘Morning, Grandad and Grandma.' Ed's words floated out in a cloud of steam as he gazed out at the panorama.

Florrie stole a look at him, wondering what was going through his mind, hoping he was managing to keep his thoughts clear of his parents for now.

He breathed out a sigh and looked down at her. ‘Best make tracks, we've got some serious sledging to do.'

‘You're not wrong there.' She smiled up at him, pleased when he smiled back.

They skirted round The Micklewick Majestic Hotel, the derelict building appearing less forlorn and neglected beneath a covering of snow.

Before long, the four of them and an excited Gerty had joined a gaggle of early morning sledgers at the top of Woodcutter's Hill. It looked magical, the branches of the surrounding trees bent under the weight of the snow, sunlight sparkling all around them. They found a clear area and positioned their sledges at the top of the hill.

‘Right then, Zak, I reckon it would be a good idea if you and Chloe show us how it's done,' said Ed. ‘Then I can have a go after that. What do you say?'

Zak seemed to grow a couple of inches in the wake of such responsibility. He pushed his hands onto his hips. ‘Yep, I think that's the best idea. Me and Chloe are skilled at sledging, especially me.' His confident tone and manner made Florrie want to smile, Ed too, she noted, from the way his mouth was twitching. ‘Come on, Chlo, let's show Ed how it's done.'

‘Okay.' Chloe went to stand beside her brother, her smile lighting up her pretty face.

The pair manoeuvred their sledges into the perfect position and sat down on them, wriggling about until they were comfortable. Zak turned, looking up at Ed and said, ‘You take the rope in your hands, like this, see? And then, when you're ready, you push yourself off with your feet. Oh, and don't head for a tree or you'll crash into it and it'll really hurt.'

‘Sound advice.' Ed nodded.

‘Think you can do that?' Zak asked, regarding his pupil.

Florrie stifled a smile at Zak's grown-up tone. Much as she was desperate to, she daren't make eye contact with Ed.

‘Yep, I think so, especially after your sound instructions.' Ed nodded, keeping his expression impassive.

‘Good.' Zak turned to his sister. ‘Right, Chlo, are you ready?'

‘Ready.' She nodded, her smile stretching further across her face.

‘Okay, then. One, two, three. Go!'

A second later the pair were zooming down the hill, Zak letting rip with a long, drawn-out roar of pleasure while Chloe's squeals filled the air, her pigtails flying out behind her. Gerty barked with delight as she looked on.

The siblings slowed to a halt at the bottom where the land evened out, Chloe's sledge spinning around in a final flourish.

‘That looked like great fun,' said Ed, laughing heartily.

‘I thought you'd like it.' Florrie watched as the two children pulled themselves to their feet, the pair of them laughing hard.

‘Come on, Ed! It's your turn now!' Zak's voice travelled up the hill to them.

Ed didn't need telling twice. ‘On my way!' He dropped onto his sledge and pushed himself off. ‘Woohoo!' he yelled, as Zak and Chloe cheered him on.

He shot down the hill at an alarming speed, whizzing by the two children and crashing to a halt in a cluster of bushes, snow tumbling from their branches and covering him. His exaggerated cries of anguish were drowned out by Zak and Chloe's peals of laughter.

Florrie was still laughing by the time he'd climbed the hill and was standing beside her. ‘That was so funny!' Her sides were aching, she'd been laughing so hard. ‘Are you okay?' She couldn't stop the splutter of laughter that followed.

Ed feigned a hurt look. ‘Good to know you find me so entertaining.'

‘Ed's mint! He's just dead funny!' Zak beamed. He was clearly having a whale of a time.

‘Ed, can I go on the sledge with you?' Chloe was jumping up and down excitedly. ‘I want to crash into the bushes, too.'

Ed glanced over at Florrie, seeking her opinion. ‘It didn't hurt, made for a soft landing. Bit snowy, though.' He grinned at her.

‘In that case, I don't see why not,' she said, grinning back.

‘Mint! Does that mean you'll come on mine with me?' Zak looked eagerly at Florrie.

‘I'd love to. Come on, Zak, let's show Ed how it's done.' Florrie slipped off the backpack she'd been wearing – she'd come equipped with a flask of hot chocolate and a packet of Christmas-themed biscuits, anticipating they'd be a welcome blast of warmth and sugar as the cold started to set in.

Moments later the two sledges were lined up, ready for Zak to give the word.

‘One, two, three… Go!' they all cried in unison before pushing themselves off the top of the hill. Gerty charged down with them, barking as she went.

Zak's loud roar made Florrie's ears ring as they zoomed their way down, flying over the bumps in the ground, her heart hammering with exhilaration as wind rushed over her face. They were neck and neck until Florrie and Zak's sledge hit a large bump that sent them careering round in circles.

‘Waaarrrggghhh!' Zak yelled at the top of his lungs.

Florrie let out a squeal before they ground to a halt, landing in a wall of snow with a soft thwump . She lay there, unable to stop laughing.

Somewhere in the distance she could hear cries of victory from Chloe and Ed. She pushed herself up and looked over to see them punching the air, Gerty jumping around them giddily. A wave of warmth spread through her at seeing this carefree version of Ed. He may have had a lonely childhood which, in turn, had led to him being reserved as far as friendships were concerned, but he'd taken to her group of friends – and they him – as if they'd known one another for years longer than they had, which was no mean feat, especially with how protective her pals were of one another. And now here he was, having the best time with Zak and Chloe, the three of them wearing expressions of unadulterated joy. Gerty barked, jolting Florrie out of her musings. She looked to see the Labrador rolling about in the snow in pure joy, her legs sending clumps of the stuff flying everywhere. ‘Make that four of them wearing expressions of unadulterated joy,' she said under her breath.

‘Right, I reckon it's hot chocolate time,' said Florrie, reaching for her backpack and pulling out a flask.

They were standing at the top of the hill, ruddy-cheeked and panting, their breath curling out in the chilly air around them. Florrie was convinced the already low temperature had dropped even further. They'd been sledging for over an hour and a half and the cold was beginning to set in, not helped by their wet clothes. Even Gerty had joined in with the fun. Much to their amusement, the Labrador hadn't been able to get enough of sharing a sledge and whizzing down the hill, her velvet ears flapping in the breeze. When they'd reached the bottom, she'd entertained them with more rolling around in the snow. The children had been in raptures at her antics.

‘When we've had this, how do you fancy building a snowman?' asked Ed, steam rising from the plastic mug of hot chocolate he had in his hand.

‘Yay!' said Chloe, spraying a mouthful of biscuit crumbs everywhere.

‘Cool!' Zak beamed. ‘This has been the best day.'

Florrie and Ed exchanged meaningful glances. It had been the best day. She knew they'd have fun with the kids, but she hadn't anticipated just how much they'd enjoy themselves in the process. That it was helping Jasmine made it all the more perfect.

With the snowman finished – Frosty Freddy, as they'd named him, cut an imposing figure and was almost as tall as Ed, with a huge nose fashioned from a piece of scrunched-up foil Florrie had found in her backpack – they were making their way, homeward bound, back up the path to the road when Florrie heard her mobile ping. She unhooked her backpack and reached inside for her phone. With gloved fingers she tapped on the screen to see it was a text from Maggie.

Hiya Florrie, hope you're all having a fab time. How's the sledging going? Mxx

‘It's Mags, asking about the sledging,' she said before typing out a reply, made difficult with fingers made numb by the cold.

Hi Mags, it's been brilliant! We've all had a great time, even Gerty! Just heading home now. It's so cold!! Brrr!! How are the bear orders going? And how's the bump? Fxx

She finished with a selection of snow and cold-themed emojis.

Just as she was about to put her phone back in her backpack another text came through.

Orders going well, thanks. Bump's still sitting on my bladder! Bear's heading into town to pick up some paint & wonders if you'd like a lift home? Mxx

The offer was undeniably appealing, as long as it wasn't putting Bear out. ‘Maggie says Bear's heading into town and has offered to give us a lift home. What do you think?' she asked the others , hoping they'd like the sound of it, too.

Much to her relief, the reply was a resounding yes! The cold really was biting now and on top of that, the children looked shattered. Florrie tapped out a reply to which Maggie responded straight away, saying Bear would be parked in his Land Rover at the end of the path that led to Woodcutter's Cottage within the next ten minutes.

As they trudged their way up the path – the snow now worn smooth by the many feet that had trampled across it that day – Florrie gradually became aware of the low rumble of the Land Rover as it approached. It was a more than welcome sound.

‘Thanks for this, Bear, I hope we aren't putting you out,' Florrie said, climbing into the back, followed by Gerty and Ed. Zak and Chloe sat in the front beside Bear. The warmth inside, as it wrapped around her, was bliss, especially now the breeze had picked up and had taken on a spiteful edge as it nipped at their faces.

‘Cor! This is so cool ! We're dead high up,' said Zak, looking around him. ‘I'm gonna have a Landie like this when I grow up, Bear.'

Bear gave a deep chuckle. ‘I'll let you have a drive of this when you're old enough, Zaky. How d'you fancy that?'

‘Oh, man, that'd be mint!'

‘Can I have a go, too, Bear?' asked Chloe.

‘'Course you can, sweetheart.' Bear beamed down at her indulgently.

Before long, they were pulling up in the snowy street that was home to Samphire Cottage.

‘Thanks, Bear, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. We were getting that cold, I think we'd have been in danger of becoming snowmen ourselves,' Florrie said, as he yanked the hand brake on. ‘You're welcome to come in for a cuppa, if you've got time?'

‘Thanks very much for the offer, but I'd best get back. I promised my dad I'd help him with some jobs on the farm this afternoon. The sooner I get there, the sooner they get done.'

‘Fair enough.' She smiled at him. ‘Well, thanks again.'

‘Yeah, thanks, mate, much appreciated. I think I'd have totally lost the feeling in my toes if we'd had to walk back. I owe you a pint of Old Micklewick Magic.' Ed reached forward and clapped Bear on the shoulder.

‘I'll hold you to that.' Bear laughed as they all piled out.