She felt a tad overwhelmed and told her eyes not to water. She wasn’t going to be emotional because she had so many people around her showing support. No, sir! Old Beth was in there somewhere, and she could blimming well come out and act normal. Glancing at each person in turn as they tucked into their Sunday roast, she pretended she was at a PTA, and just like that, she relaxed.
Chapter 17
Spencer
The beginning of March seemed to come out of nowhere. What with everything going on, Spencer hadn’t thought much about his birthday, not that he did much. Normally he would shrug off any attempts Lottie made to make a fuss and go off on his own to get drunk.
He looked in the mirror at the back of the flower shop, wondering how he’d managed to make it to thirty-six. There was a time he was sure he wouldn’t make it to ten.
Being alone in Berry Blooms all morning was relaxing. Lottie was out delivering her homegrown vegetables to some neighbours, and Beth was at her first parent and baby gathering. He was set to go with her the week before, but it got cancelled the last minute due to a bout of flu going around.
He hadn’t told her it was his birthday and hoped his sister hadn’t either. It wasn’t a big deal, so there was no point bringing it to anyone’s attention. Best just to crack on with work, especially as his staff were off sick too. Luckily, he’d had a quiet morning so could get on with creating a guitar wreath for a funeral without too many interruptions.
Staring at the flower he held, he wondered what kind of wreath someone would make for his funeral. Maybe a Sunshine Superhero badge could represent him.
His mind drifted to the boys, hoping they were having a good day. He couldn’t wait to start getting organized with them for camping at the end of the month. He was looking forward to going himself and was grateful Will would be attending as a helper.
The shop bell jingled, announcing someone’s entrance, so Spencer went to the counter to see who he could assist.
‘Happy birthday, Spence,’ said Luna, handing over a card. ‘If it’s a soppy one, don’t blame me. Our Alice picked it.’
‘Thanks.’ He opened the envelope to see a big smiley teddy bear on the front.
The door opened again, and in walked Robson, greeting card in hand. ‘Oh, snap,’ he said, laughing at the one Spencer held.
Spencer opened his card. ‘Thanks, mate, but you lot don’t need to buy me cards.’
Luna huffed. ‘Oh, hush. It’s your birthday.’
‘And we’re having dinner at mine tonight,’ said Robson, thumbing towards the door. ‘Lottie’s arranged a small buffet for you, so no fuss.’ He showed his palms as he grinned.
Spencer shook his head. ‘She knows I don’t really celebrate today.’
‘It’s different once you become a family man,’ said Luna, nudging Robson’s elbow. ‘Archie will expect you to blow out candles and everything.’
‘I doubt that.’ Spencer propped his cards up by the till.
Robson turned to Luna. ‘Can you believe it, our Spencer all grown up and a dad? Didn’t see that coming.’ He winked, and Spencer rolled his eyes.
‘It’s not that hard to believe I can be a dad.’
Robson chuckled. ‘No, I meant it’s hard to believe you’ve grown up.’
‘Oh, ha ha!’
‘Right,’ said Robson, tapping the counter. ‘I’m off, got a pub to run. I’ll see you two later.’
Spencer was in no mood to go to the pub later, but he smiled anyway and nodded as his friend darted off.
‘Hey,’ said Luna. ‘Enjoy this new chapter of your life. It’s nice having your family around you.’
‘Well, it’s only Archie. Beth’s not really . . . What I mean is, erm . . .’ He had no idea what he was trying to say or why he felt the need to explain anything in the first place, so he shut up.
‘She’s still living with you, isn’t she?’
She was, and no more had been said about it until now. He simply bobbed his head, then started faffing about with his birthday cards as though they needed moving.
‘Like I said, it’s nice having family around. Make the most of it, son.’ Luna waved on her way to the door, and Spencer followed her outside.
