‘That’s good,’ Kelly said, raising her glass. ‘Because you don’t need to say anything.’
Rita laughed, still trying to take it all in. ‘I thought you’d all forgotten.’
‘We absolutely did not,’ Sennen said, stepping forward. ‘We just decided to do it properly now because today has been such a riot.’
‘And say it in person,’ Priya added.
‘And with snacks,’ Stan said, already halfway through an egg sandwich.
Jago moved towards her, eyes warm. ‘We realised you were possibly going to be knackered, so it’s a small birthday celebration for now. But with a huge heart. Just like yours.’
‘I will have to get back over to yours to make sure they are not wrecking the joint soon,’ Sennen offered.
‘Of course, darling, I can imagine you’re all tired, too, but what a wonderful day.’
‘Ah,’ Jago said lightly, ‘but we’re not finished.’
At that moment, Thomas appeared from the hallway. In his arms was the most beautiful golden Labrador Rita had ever seen. Not a weeny bundle, but solid, with paws already slightly too big for his body.
Rita gasped. ‘Oh… oh my God.’
‘I know,’ Thomas said quickly. ‘Happy birthday, Mum, from me and Sen.’
‘Before you ask, everything’s been done properly. I found him in the rescue centre. Home checks. Vet records. All sorted. He’s four months old, semi-trained, so already technically knows how to sit.’
‘Technically,’ Zenya echoed.
‘OK. He still only sits when he feels like it,’ Thomas admitted.
‘Like father, like son.’ Rita shook her head. ‘I told you what your father did when Buddy died.’
‘Sennen thought it was a good idea, too.’ Thom looked worried. ‘Are you angry?’
‘How can I possibly be?’ Rita smiled. ‘Thank you, both, so much.’
Rita laughed, tears prickling now. The puppy wriggled and promptly went for the button on her cardigan.
‘Oi,’ she said fondly. ‘You are not starting your life here by undressing me.’
‘That’s my job,’ Jago whispered in her ear.
‘Has he got a name?’ Teo asked. Thom shook his head.
Rita looked down at him, thumb brushing the soft dip between his eyes. ‘It’s a no-brainer isn’t it; how about Buttons?’
‘Buttons?’ Kelly said.
‘FromCinderella.’ Rita put her face into the cute puppy’s neck. ‘And because the first thing he did was try to eat them off my cardigan.’
Jago smiled. ‘Perfect.’
Buttons yawned, curled himself into her lap as if he’d always belonged there, and fell asleep instantly.
‘Another boy,’ Zenya said. ‘Honestly, Rita, you’re collecting them.’
‘Two babies and a Labrador,’ Rita said, thinking maybe she should write a film script to go with herEmmerdaleepisode.
Later, as cake was cut and drinks topped up, Rita passed Thom in the hallway.
