Eliza stepped forward and raised her glass in the air. Everyone shouted words of congratulations and she beamed.
‘For a long time, Eliza has been a huge help running the hotel but for some reason she was afraid to step into Dan’s shoes. She assumed we wouldn’t want a family member to replace him. Well, she was wrong, because not only is she family, but she is also an amazing asset to Sapphire Hotel. I’m sure you’ll be seeing her sparkle over the next few years.’
‘Stop it, Mum!’ Eliza cried.
Ava could see Eliza’s cheeks going pink, secretly knowing that she was loving every minute of it, even though she was embarrassed.
‘Also,’ Stella went on. ‘May I say a huge thank you to the talented Ava Summers who has designed our new website and promotion material. She’s available for hire, too, hint, hint. I can vouch for her attention to detail and her excellent work.’
It was Ava’s time to blush when everyone glanced her way. She raised her glass in the air and smiled.
‘Finally, and this is where we need your help.’ Stella paused. ‘We’re going to start running some community groups and offering sessions for people to learn things such as art, jewellery making, cupcake decorating. Photography lessons.’ She looked pointedly at Ava. ‘So if anyone has any suggestions or would like to help with some classes, there’s a clipboard to add your details on and we’ll get in touch. In the meantime, I hope you’ll join me in a toast.’ She raised her glass. ‘To the villagers of Sapphire Lakeand members of the public from yonder. To the unforgettable Dan Broadhurst, and equally important, to family.’
‘To family,’ everyone cried.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
Jack glanced at Ava, giving her hand a squeeze. ‘This is all down to you,’ he said quietly.
‘It is not!’ she admonished. ‘This is your family doing what it does best.’
With everyone heading for the buffet, Ava stood for a moment. She had never seen the place so full, and it felt wonderful. A whole village turnout, and beyond, was incredible. Sapphire Hotel really was a jewel by the lake.
She spotted Eliza deep in conversation with Cara. To their left, Georgia was telling Max an amusing tale by the grin across his face.
To their right, Harry was chatting to Willow. She had found out he was her dad last month when Eliza and Harry had sat her down to explain. It would be slow going, but Ava reckoned they’d get to know each other well enough soon. It must have been quite a shock to Eliza when Harry came back.
She noticed Jack wandering over to Noah, so instead she stood on her own, taking it all in.
Jack threw an arm around Noah’s shoulder. ‘It’s good to see you, bro. I’ve missed you.’
‘Missed you, too, and everyone else.’ Noah gave out a huge sigh. ‘This place as well. Part of the reason I wouldn’t come to visit was because I knew I wouldn’t want to leave again. But I had to be away for a while to make me appreciate what I have.’
‘I was saying that to Eliza. Sometimes wearetoo close to home.’ Jack paused. ‘Would you ever think of coming back? We sure could do with your help.’
‘One step at a time.’ Noah laughed. ‘Don’t tell Mum yet. I have to figure out when is best work wise, plus I’ll have to give notice.’
Jack didn’t let him speak anymore. He enveloped him in a bear hug. ‘That’s great news, mate. I can’t wait to have you here again.’
‘Really?’ Noah questioned.
‘Yeah. There’s no one to prank about with.’
Ava couldn’t help but smile at everyone enjoying themselves. She was, too, especially seeing Georgia here at Sapphire Lake. She couldn’t quite get her head around how much had happened since she’d first stepped foot back in the hotel. How her life had gone from dreary to exciting so quickly. How deeply in love she felt, safe with Jack. It was as if all the pieces of a jigsaw had slotted together at the same time, all in her favour.
How different everything was now that she had moved from London. There would be no chance of bumping into Giles, no more moaning from Brendan the bull. Ava had set things in motion for her new business, Ava Summer Designs, and given her daughter the freedom of their flat.
‘Are you taking in the moment?’
Ava turned to see Stella sidling towards her.
‘Yes, it’s a wonderful atmosphere, isn’t it? Warm, friendly, inviting. And that’s all down to you.’
Stella beamed, pride oozing out of her. ‘I can’t take all the credit. It’s a family business after all. But I have you to thank for getting my family together in one room again. It’s been quite the month for both of us.’
Ava smiled. ‘It certainly has.’
Jack was deep in conversation with his brother and sisters. He caught her eye and winked. She smiled. Already she felt part of their family.
