Chapter 34

THIRTY-FOUR

‘Well, that was what I'd call a truly unforgettable day.' Ed gave a contented sigh, stretching his legs out in front of him as Florrie drew the living room curtains – a vintage find from Lark's shop. He'd swapped his jeans and Christmas jumper for his pyjama bottoms and long-sleeved T-shirt. Florrie had changed into her favourite brushed cotton checked PJs, ready for a couple of hours' relaxation in front of the television. Gerty was in her usual place, toasting herself in front of the fire.

‘You're not wrong,' Florrie said, flopping down beside him.

‘I wonder how Maggie's getting along, Bear too. Poor bloke looked terrified,' he said with a chuckle.

‘They've waited so long for this baby, he'll want everything to be perfect for Mags.' She hadn't been able to get her friend out of her thoughts since they'd got home, willing everything to be okay for her. She'd called Bear's parents, Chrissie and Dom, before they'd left Danskelfe Castle, while there was decent phone signal, bringing them up to speed with the situation, explaining that Bear was without a vehicle. Much as she and Ed would be happy to go and collect him, Florrie felt sure it was something Bear's mum and dad would much rather do; they'd been beside themselves with excitement at the prospect of becoming grandparents, so they wouldn't want to waste a moment getting to the hospital.

‘Thank you again for such an awesome experience.' Ed draped his arm around Florrie, pulling her close to him. ‘I loved every minute, especially seeing how excited Zak and Chloe got about it all – the wonder and sheer joy on their faces was priceless. It was a thoughtful thing to do, and not just for me.'

‘I'm glad you enjoyed it. I guessed it would be fun, but it way outdid my expectations. And how lovely was Lady Caro?'

‘Yeah, she was cool, actually. Had us all whipped into shape before we had a chance to catch our breath.' He and Florrie laughed at that.

‘And tomorrow's going to be another exciting day but for a different reason.' She felt a flutter of butterflies at the thought.

‘It is indeed.' He tipped her face towards his and kissed her, making her heart dance.

That morning, they'd had a good chat about Jean and Jack's offer, weighing up all the pros and cons, thinking not only with their hearts, but also their heads. The outcome of which had been a resounding yes from both of them. They'd agreed to contact mother and son first thing, telling them of their decision and suggesting they toast their new business partnership with a glass of something fizzy.

Florrie couldn't wait to share her news with her friends, though she was less enthusiastic about Ed telling his parents. She knew it wasn't going to be received well by them.

At just gone midnight, Florrie was awoken by the trilling of her mobile phone, setting her heart pounding. Ed stirred beside her. ‘What's up?' he asked, sleepily.

‘Um, I'm not sure.' She reached for her phone to see Bear's number illuminating the screen. ‘Oh, it's Bear.' She pushed herself up, panic replaced by expectation, hoping everything was going smoothly for the Marsays.

‘Oh, right.' Ed snapped awake and flicked the bedside light on, watching her intently.

‘Hi, Bear. How's Maggie?' Florrie put her phone on loudspeaker. ‘Ed's here, too.'

‘Hi, guys. Mags is amazing! And so is our baby girl!' His voice boomed out into the room, brimming with happiness. ‘Can you believe it? We've got a little daughter! I'm a dad.' His voice quavered and a sob escaped as he gave in to happy tears. ‘I'm actually a dad.'

‘Oh congratulations, Bear.' She turned to Ed, beaming.

‘Yeah, congratulations, Bear, that's awesome news.' Ed beamed back at her.

‘Cheers, mate.' Bear sniffed noisily down the phone. ‘Honestly, she's the most gorgeous little girl I've ever clapped eyes on. She looks just like her beautiful mum, has her big eyes and a headful of dark curls and the most perfect little rosebud mouth. She was just gazing up at me as if she knew who I was. And she's tiny. So tiny, I hardly dare hold her.'

Florrie giggled at the thought of giant Bear and his huge, shovel-like hands cradling his newborn daughter. ‘Well, we're over the moon for you both.'

‘Aye, well, Maggie was a total star. She coped so well, I'm in complete awe of her, she's amazing.'

‘She is that. Oh, and what about a name? Has your gorgeous little girl got a name yet?' Maggie, not wanting to tempt fate after suffering so many miscarriages, had kept their choice of baby names a secret, even from her best friend.

‘Lucia, after Maggie's Italian nonna, but we're going to use Lucy for every day.'

‘That's a beautiful choice, Bear,' Ed said warmly.

‘It is.' Florrie looked over at Ed and grinned. ‘Now you go and kiss that wife of yours and give baby Lucy a cuddle from me. And try to get some rest.' It was good to hear the happiness in his voice after the terrible time they'd had in the summer thanks to Maggie's troublesome cousin, Robyn. Those days were long behind them, thank goodness.

‘Do you need picking up, mate?' asked Ed. ‘I'd be happy to come and get you.'

‘Kind of you to offer, but my mum and dad are here. I'm heading back with them soon. Mags and Lucy should be good to bring home tomorrow.' His tears had subsided, and they could hear the smile in his voice. It was infectious.

‘Well, shout up if there's anything we can do,' Ed added.

With the phone call ended, Florrie snuggled back into Ed, happiness coursing through her as her mind started going over their day. It had far exceeded her expectations and created another special memory for The Happy Christmas Memory Project. And what a way to end it, with the arrival of little Lucia Marsay.

She drifted off to sleep, her mind wandering down the path towards a time when Ed might be making the sort of phone call Bear had just made. The thought sent a warm glow spreading through her.