‘It’s short and sweet, you’ll be pleased to know,’ Josh said loudly when the noise eventually subsided. ‘I just want to say thanks for coming, you are all very welcome here at Gull’s Rest today – and every day for that matter – and we’d like you to tuck in and enjoy the spread that we have all provided. Now, let’s eat.’
‘Who’s missing?’ Mary pointed to the four empty chairs.
‘Lucas and Danny. They just called,’ Rosa explained. ‘They are just finishing up, as they had lunch guests today, but said for us to start and Nate has asked if he can bring a mystery plus-one, who he is evidently collecting from Polhampton as I speak. He shouldn’t be long.’
‘At last,’ Christopher commented, holding a bottle of milk to Little Ned’s mouth while the baby continued to bash away on the plastic tray of his highchair with his spoon. ‘We need someone to make an honest man out of my lad.’
At the mention of Danny’s name, Amira had smiled. Dinner the other night had led to another dinner and then to bed. He was adorable with Zaki and she had already seen what a good father he was with Alfie. Neither of them wanted to rush things but they were enjoying the moment, and right now, the moment felt good. She got up to check quickly that her little one was still asleep in his pram.
Jacob stood up. ‘I’m putting the dogs outside while we eat, as I can’t stand all this bloody barking.’ As he waved treats in front of the six little wet noses, Hot, the Duchess, Ugly, Pongo, Saveloy and Mr Chips dutifully followed him in a crescendo of excitable barks towards the back door. Raff was busy carving the massive turkey he had brought with him. The potatoes he had also prepared, with love and goose fat, were just crisping up in the double oven. Titch, who had been taking a sneaky rest on the window-seat was now sparko, with milk patches forming on both boobs, while Ritchie, looking at her lovingly, cuddled Lizzy in his arms.
‘Anything I can do to help, loves?’ Tina Green shouted, helping herself from the huge platter of cold meats, bread and pickles in front of her.
‘No, just get going on the starters, all of you.’
The front door then opened, bringing in with it a huge rush of cold air and a man wearing a recognisable faux-fur cream coat. Nate was following behind with two bottles of red wine and a huge bag full of presents, which he immediately plonked down in front of the Christmas tree.
‘Oh, hello Felix,’ Christopher said. ‘Welcome to the madhouse.’
‘Let’s get this party started, I say,’ the loud man boomed.
Josh stood up and handed him a glass. ‘Champagne all right for you?’
Rosa checked on Little Ned, grateful to see that Amira had taken him out of his highchair and was rubbing his back to bring up his wind away from the table. She then grabbed Nate’s hand and ushered him into the study.
‘Your plus one as in an actual plus one?’
‘Er…yep. I’ve been waiting for the right man to come along, and as Stephen Fry was already taken…well, it just kind of happened. You are happy for me, right?’
‘I don’t get why didn’t you say anything to me? I had no inkling. You slept with Mad Donna from the bookies, didn’t you?’
‘I owed money to the bookies, that’s why.’ Rosa had hardly taken this in before her brother asked anxiously, ‘You are OK with it, aren’t you?’
‘Nate.’ She hugged him to her. ‘Of course I bloody am. If you’re happy, I’m happy. Shame it isn’t Stephen Fry though. I love him. But Felix is great too.’ To her annoyance, Nate then ruffled his hands through his sister’s hair.
Joining Felix at the table, it was Nate’s turn to tap on his glass.
‘Here we go.’ Rosa nudged Josh. ‘Get ready for this.’
‘I’ve got something to say before we all get started,’ Nate told them all. Christopher smiled at Mary as his son continued, ‘There’s been a lot of secrets in this family of mine. Some for good reason but some not so good.’ Mary tensed. ‘So I thought, what better time to announce that I’m in a relationship with this wonderful man than today? I feel as if all my Christmases have come at once. Felix is kind, funny, clever, loud and – well, I’m just incredibly happy that I’ve met him.’
Jacob, now in from the cold and sitting back in his chair, nearly choked on an olive. ‘I’m devasted,’ he said, in true drama queen fashion. At this, the room fell silent. ‘I really thought that I would forever be the one notable gay in the Bay.’ He blew a kiss to the pair and grinned. ‘But well done, and many congratulations.’
‘To Nate and Felix.’ Christopher stood up and raised his glass in the air. ‘My son and his partner.’
Nate took a massive deep breath and downed his champagne in one. Christopher stayed standing up and felt for something in his pocket. He then walked around to where Mary was sitting and got down on one knee.
‘If you can’t beat them, join them, I reckon,’ he announced. There was a collective gasp from the group. ‘Polly Cobb, you stole my heart years ago and you’ve done it again. Not only did we create the most beautiful daughter together, but since the day I reconnected with you, we’ve been creating the most magical music together. We are also now blessed with the most adorable grandson and not forgetting you, Nate, my boy. Mary, you complete our little family. I love you. I love you a lot and I would be honoured if I could call you my wife.’
At that same moment, Lucas and Danny, arms laden with gifts, walked in to cheering and whooping. ‘Whoa, what’s going on?’ they asked in unison.
‘Nate is seeing Felix and Chris and Mary ’ere are getting ’itched,’ Tina announced bluntly.
Danny patted Alfie’s head then went immediately to Amira and kissed her on the cheek. Alfie then jumped up from his chair, knocking over his orange juice as he did so, and grabbed his dad’s legs. ‘Daddy!’
‘It’s all about celebrations today, isn’t it?’ Rosa came back through to the table carrying a huge tray of roasties and put them down on a coaster in the middle. ‘Because it’s not just a Christmas dinner that’s in the oven.’ She looked over at Josh to check he was OK with it, and when he nodded she put her hand to her tummy. ‘There’s another little Smith cooking in here too.’
She caught Lucas’s eye. He smiled broadly, put his hand to his lips and blew her a massive kiss.
Mary looked dazzled. ‘I’m not sure I can cope with any more surprises. But oh, darling daughter, I am so happy for you, Josh and Little Ned.’
‘When are you due, sis? When am I going to acquire another nephew or niece?’ Nate asked lovingly.
‘Should be the same day as Little Ned’s birth,’ Josh spoke up, a massive, proud grin on his face as he took his son from Amira and strapped him back into his highchair.
‘I told you,’ Amira said in her soft accented voice.
‘You did.’ Rosa smiled. She then said to Lucas, ‘It will be you next. Are you seeing Carly today?’
‘Not today, no. She’s coming over tomorrow night though.’
‘And talking of celebrations,’ Jacob chipped in, ‘although it pains me to say it, I think a little toast is due for both of our Seaside Star rating performances, don’t you?’ He took a drink and winked at Danny, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. ‘Although I can only suppose that one of you must have slept with the inspector to get you all at the Ship not one but two of the bloody things. Four stars! Unbelievable! Well done!’