Avian had left without much fuss. At times Marc wondered if they even realised they could have a close relationship with their mother but he knew it was her job to create the connection, not the boys, and he hoped it would happen one day.
Paul had given her a silk pillowcase and sleep mask and Adam had given her a gift box of Jo Malone perfumes.
Peggy, ever practical, gave her a book of traditional Yorkshire recipes that Christa had been very enthusiastic about.
‘There’s more to us than just Yorkshire puddings,’ announced Peggy to the room.
‘No doubt,’ agreed Paul and she smiled at him.
‘He’s the cultured one,’ Marc heard her whisper to Petey.
Petey gave her her own fudge that he had named after her. ‘Christa Pudding,’ he said and she laughed, and opened the bag and took a nibble.
‘Brandy. Lemon.’ She paused. ‘Glacé cherries. Nutmeg. Molasses?’
She looked at Petey who nudged Marc. ‘She’s got a fine set of taste buds on her that one.’
And Marc.
He handed her a small box and she opened it carefully.
‘Oh, Marc, it’s beautiful,’ she whispered, and she took the delicate chain from the box and held it up to admire the charm.
‘It’s a pudding,’ said Marc feeling silly now she was holding it.
‘I know,’ she said holding it to the light.
‘It’s tourmaline and the holly is emeralds and rubies, and the custard or icing, I don’t know what you call it, they’re diamonds,’ he said hurriedly but she was already trying to put it on, not listening to him as he tried to convince her of the credentials of the jewels.
‘I love it so much,’ she said as he took over and fixed the clasp around her neck.
‘It feels so nice against my skin,’ she said and she turned to him to show him. ‘Look how cute it is,’ she said looking down at the charm.
‘You can change it,’ he said. ‘If it’s too childish.’
‘Are you kidding?’ She laughed at him. ‘I love pink and Lego and pudding and you,’ she said and then caught herself and he smiled at her.
‘Sorry, too much,’ she said and pretended to rewind her words. ‘Probably the Love Potion playing tricks on me.’ But he saw her blush and the way she touched the charm and he kissed her cheek before leaning in close to her ear.
‘I love you too, Christa, so much.’
She grabbed his hand and he resisted the urge to carry her upstairs to bed because they still had dinner to go.
There wasn’t a single low point of the night. Christa sat at the head of the table, and they ate their way through a delicious dinner of bruschetta, salmon and lemon risotto, salad, fresh bread and beautiful wine. It was light and fresh and everything he knew Christa loved.
And then the pièce de résistance was brought in.
Marc opened the door and Peggy carefully carried in a large cake covered in pink iced roses and with tapered candles glowing and flickering as Marc started singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and everyone joined in. Christa cried happily as she blew out the candles.
‘Make a wish,’ yelled Ethan.
Marc saw her glance at him and smile as she then cut the cake. Peggy served it and they drank tea and laughed and the boys performed magic tricks they had been teaching themselves from the internet. Finally Marc said it was time for the last part of the night.
‘Come on, everyone,’ he said, standing up and opening the door to the foyer.
The waitstaff were lined up holding coats and everyone slipped into them.
‘This is exciting,’ said Peggy.
