‘And here’s to a blimming good year,’ said Sophie. ‘We opened the Hub, the food bank, helped so many people, and we’re still going strong, especially now Ginny’s café is up and running for free meals some evenings.’
‘And we’re starting a repair service for clothes,’ said Luna. ‘We’ll sort that at Ginny’s in the new year.’
Will nudged Ginny’s arm. ‘Looks like you’ll be busy.’
With the thought of setting up a farm, she was sure she would be. Had she taken on too much just at the time in her life she found herself free? Thinking about it, it didn’t feel the same as when she was tied to her mother. All the things she had going on in her life now sparked joy. She loved the fresh start she was creating and couldn’t wait to move to the farmhouse in January.
‘We’ll have another good year next year as well,’ she said, saluting Sophie with her glass.
Robson gestured at the dining area of the pub. ‘I’m fully booked so best get on.’
‘I’ll help serve,’ said Alice, stepping forward.
Ginny turned to Will. ‘Robson’s pub is booked out every Christmas, so we all help lighten the load for his staff, then we get to sit and have our dinner.’
Will nodded. ‘That’s okay. I’m still stuffed from breakfast. Plus, I’ve got my eye on that seafood platter if I get a bit peckish beforehand. So, where do you want me?’
Ginny snuggled under his arm. ‘Back in the shower with me. Or here’s good.’
He chuckled as he kissed her head and clinked glasses. ‘We’ll do that later, but right now, here’s good for me too, and if all hands on deck are needed, then I’m in. Give me some orders.’
Ginny pointed her glass at the bar. ‘Grab a tray and find some empties. I’ll go help serve some starters.’ She tugged him close as he went to slip away. ‘And don’t forget to kiss me each time we pass.’
‘Well, now, that’s the best order I’ve ever had.’
Ginny practically skipped off to get on with her task.
A few hours later and the customers had been fed and were in full festive swing over by the bar. The music had been turnedup, and the kitchen staff had slowed to eat their own dinners while Robson and Alice got busy looking after their own group.
‘This table has certainly got longer this year,’ said Robson, looking over at Matt and Samuel, then Will.’ He grinned at Spencer, who was sipping on some bubbly. ‘Hmm, let’s see. Who will Spence bring to dinner next year?’
Spencer almost choked on his drink as everyone laughed.
‘Aww,’ said Lottie. ‘You leave my big brother alone. He can’t help it if he’s afraid of women.’
‘I’m not afraid of women.’
Sophie laughed. ‘More like afraid of falling in love.’
Spencer swiped up some roast potatoes from a nearby bowl to place on his plate. ‘I’m not afraid of that either, thank you.’ He rolled a finger around in a circle towards Alice. ‘Pick on Al. She’s single too.’
Alice frowned as her nephew Benny laughed. ‘Hey! I have other things to concentrate on.’
‘I might bring someone,’ said Lizzie, earning her a few glares from her daughter.
‘And who’s that, Mum?’ asked Alice.
‘You dating, Nan?’ asked Benny, chuckling into his glass of orange juice.
‘No, she’s not dating,’ said Alice, before Lizzie could speak.
Luna pulled a Christmas cracker with Jed. ‘Nothing wrong with my daughter dating. She’s not dead yet.’
Lizzie’s blue eyes twinkled with mischief. ‘There’s life in me yet, Alice.’
Alice frowned. ‘So, who is he?’
Lizzie shook her head. ‘I’ve not met anyone yet.’ She turned to Robson. ‘I was just saying it could be me adding to our Christmas table next year.’
