The morning of Jess’s party arrived. It was a beautiful crisp March day. The good weather was a relief to Jess, as she imagined everyone having to wear woolly scarves in the marquee, despite the heaters that Sam had organised. Much to sociable little Freya’s delight, an array of people had been backwards and forwards all day with catering supplies, band equipment, decorations, and flowers. She ran around the marquee amongst them, chattering furiously to anyone who would take the time to stop and talk to her. She was going to stay with a friend in the village tonight, so Jess could let her hair down without having to worry about getting her to bed at a reasonable hour.
Jess made herself a cup of tea and sat in the cottage’s pretty window seat, and began looking through tonight’s guest list. Her whole family were coming. Even though her dad was now in his eighties, he and Maria said they wouldn’t miss it for the world.
She smiled when she thought about her dad and Maria. It had been hard on all counts when her mother had died, however, despite teething difficulties Maria was accepted into the fold. She had proved to be the mainstay of the family and most importantly had made her dad very happy. Karl and Shelley were coming up from Brighton, and Phoebe and Glen had probably already left their house. Phoebe was so excited to have a weekend away from the girls. Sam’s daughter Charlotte, now thirty, was also coming with her new boyfriend, whom Jess and Sam had yet to meet. Charlotte was now a successful marketing manager in the music industry. Sam was really proud of his daughter, and Jess had been more than happy that she had accepted her and the arrival of Freya so openly. But that was Charlotte all over, she had a zest for life and always went out of her way to help and please people.
Sam walked into the living room and smiled. He put his arm around his wife and kissed her on the top of the head. ‘So how’s my favourite birthday girl then?’
Jess smiled and turned to face him. ‘I’m actually really looking forward to tonight now.’
‘Good, good. It’s going to be great and you will no doubt be the belle of the ball.’
‘Just don’t let me jump to the floor when ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ comes on.’
Jess laughed. This was her renowned party piece, which ended up with everyone seeing her knickers and her usually ruining whatever she was wearing.
‘Daddy!’ Freya rushed in and jumped into Sam’s arms. ‘I didn’t tell Mummy about the car I promise.’
Sam put his fingers to his daughter’s lips to try and hush her and beckoned Jess to the front door. ‘You’d better follow me, Mrs Beresford.’ Sam flung open the front door and Jess shrieked with delight, as there sitting on the drive, adorned with a huge pink bow, was a stunning, mint condition, dark blue, Mark II Golf GTI convertible. She had mentioned to Sam a few months ago that she had had one in her twenties, and it had been her favourite car ever. Sam was delighted at his wife’s reaction. ‘It’s obviously very old, Jess, but with a bit of love and care it will keep on going for you for years to come.’
‘Bit like us then hey?’ Jess laughed and threw her arms around her thoughtful husband. ‘God I love you, Sam Beresford,’ she said loudly and hugged him tight.
‘Mummy, can we go for a drive now, pleeeease?’ Freya urged.