Page 51 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

‘Spoilsports,’ said Rose, with a pout.

Lily heard Alex whisper to Rose, ‘Tell me later,’ giving her a wink of approval.

‘I know the fete is tradition but I’d forgotten how full-on it was,’ said Will, with a yawn.

Next to him, Skye nodded in agreement but continued to write up price labels in her pretty handwriting.

‘That’s because you’ve never done a hard day’s work in your life,’ said Sam, with a grin.

‘Anybody got any energy left to beat up my big brother?’ asked Will.

‘Better not,’ said Mick, also yawning. ‘He’s gonna make us shedloads of money with our next album.’

‘To keep you in the leather-trousered taste that you’ve become accustomed to?’ asked Sam.

‘Too right, mate.’ Mick nodded. ‘We’ve enjoyed having an actual income this past year.’

‘Then you’d better decide what kind of theme you want with this big, fancy album launch of yours,’ Sam told him. ‘I can’t magic decorations out of thin air.’

‘We can’t decide,’ said Mick.

‘It’s an album of remakes of old country songs,’ said Sam, rolling his eyes. ‘How hard can it be to just choose something?’

‘Yeah, I know.’ Mick glanced over at Alex. ‘You alright, matey? You’re that quiet I thought you’d gone to sleep.’

‘I’m OK,’ said Alex, but his downcast eyes betrayed him.

‘Cheer up,’ said Mick, giving him a nudge. ‘All’s not lost yet.’

‘I know,’ said Alex. ‘I think I’m just too bloomin’ sober. Somebody give me another glass of that fabulous cocktail, will you?’

Lily automatically picked up the jug and poured him out another drink.

‘Thanks,’ he said.

‘You could have reached over and done that yourself,’ said Sam, shaking his head at his friend.

‘Look, please join us,’ said Annie, gesturing for Lily to sit down. ‘You must be exhausted as well.’

‘I’m fine,’ said Lily, aware of the fine line between guest and staff. ‘You’ve got a big day tomorrow and I’ve still got lots to do.’

‘What’s that smell?’ asked Alex, wrinkling up his nose.

Annie had her bare feet up on her husband’s lap and Sam was massaging her swollen ankles. ‘It’s not my feet, if that’s what you’re hinting at,’ she said.

Alex shuddered. ‘Please! You’ll put me off my prosecco. No, it’s floral.’

‘It’s the cream Eleanor’s made for me,’ Annie told him. ‘It’s a whole new range for mums-to-be.’

‘Sounds good. Maybe I’ll order some,’ said Alex.

‘What for?’ Sam laughed. ‘You’re not pregnant, are you?’

‘A few more of these on an empty stomach and I might be,’ said Alex, waggling his empty glass. ‘When’s dinner? I need something to mop up all this delicious alcohol.’

‘We’re waiting for Arthur,’ said Annie.

‘Yes, where is Arthur? I haven’t seen him all afternoon,’ said Rose, suddenly looking concerned. ‘Is he OK?’