Her parents gave her an oversized mohair cardigan with pearl buttons and a red heart on the back.
‘Oh wow, I adore this,’ Eve said and she stood up and pulled it on immediately. ‘It’s so warm and gorgeous. Thank you.’
Flora and Myles gave Eve a new pink suitcase.
‘The wheels work,’ said Eve as she pushed it back and forth.
‘So you can come and visit and stay,’ said Flora, climbing onto Eve’s lap.
Eve nestled her nose into Flora’s hair. ‘I can’t wait.’
It was Edward’s turn and he stood and went to the tree and picked up a slim box.
‘Happy birthday, Eve, from me,’ he said and handed it to her.
She opened the beautifully wrapped present and saw the logo on top of the box.
She lifted the lid and there was a Dupont pen in black enamel and gold.
‘It’s inscribed,’ said Edward. She picked up the pen and read the words.
Eve Pilkins – Editor
She looked up at him and smiled. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘That means a lot that you think I can do it.’
‘You are doing it, you did it. You edited my book and it’s exceptional, just like you,’ he replied and leaned down and kissed her cheek.
‘Happy birthday, children,’ Sam Pilkins said and blew a party horn over and over. ‘Now it’s time for Christmas lunch and then we will do birthday cake and then pudding, so I hope you haven’t eaten any breakfast, because you’re about to have the feast of your lives.’
33
Edward sat on the sofa with Flora by his side.
‘I’m so full I’m going to chunder,’ she said.
‘Flora, that’s revolting. Where did you hear that word?’
Eve walked in holding a plate of birthday cake and Christmas pudding and custard.
‘What word is revolting?’
‘Chunder,’ said Flora with an eye-roll. ‘Gabe said it outside in the garage and then he farted,’ Flora reported.
‘Wow, we really are showing our best selves today,’ said Eve as she sat next on the other side of Edward.
‘Is that cake and pudding? On the same plate?’ he asked.
‘Yes and it’s delicious. So don’t start with your fancy pants taste.’
‘Not the combination but where are you putting it? I am stuffed full.’
Eve closed her eyes as she chewed. ‘Don’t yuck my yum. I’m enjoying this.’
Sam Pilkins was sitting in his recliner chair, his eyes closed, hands on his stomach.
‘I’m with Ed. Cake and pudding together is disgusting, like that turkey stuffed duck thing they have in America.’
‘A turducken,’ said Eve. ‘A chicken, inside a duck, inside a turkey.’
