I smile to myself. You can see everything from up here, in this magical space in the treetops.
Raking the crowd for Theo, I finally spot him, standing by the garden shed, chatting to a mate of his from the gym. I throw up silent thanks to the matchmaking gods that Olivia’s not here tonight.
A wave of emotion suddenly surges through me. I’m so happy about the amazing turnout, but I wish with all my heart that Mum and Dad could be here to share it with me. Especially Dad. I’d love him to see what Jake has created from the wonderful treehouse he made for me all those years ago – and to hear all the lovely comments from the guests.
But obviously, he couldn’t come. The hospital would never have allowed it. He’s only just recovered from pneumonia …
My eyes well up, thinking of my lovely, brave dad. The stoic way he gets on with the treatment and never complains. The North Star is winking in the sky and I find myself staring up at it and making a wish – that Mum and Dad will be back home again, happy and healthy, by Christmas.
Then I laugh at my foolishness. I’m clearly getting carried away by the magical aura of the treehouse … imagining I’m living in a fairy tale where dreams really do come true!
And the Prosecco has obviously gone to my head big time, because just then I imagined I saw Mum in her best fuchsia pink dress, mingling with the crowd down there …
Hang on!
My eyes widen in shock. I glance nervously at my glass then look down at the crowd again.
There’s Dad! Talking to Paloma!
My eyes are not deceiving me. It really is him.
Mum and Dad are here!
Heart beating excitedly, I charge down the walkway, feeling it bounce energetically beneath my feet, trailing my fingers along the wooden handrail.
They spot me and their faces light up.
‘Oh my God, you’re here!’ I squeak as the three of us huddle together. I hug Mum first then Dad more carefully, as if he’s something extremely precious – which is just what he is. He looks a lot thinner – being tall accentuates the weight loss – and his normally tanned face is pale. But he’s smiling and he’s here, which is the main thing. ‘How on earth did you manage it?’
Dad grins and squeezes my hand. ‘We did a runner. Didn’t tell the hospital otherwise they’d have forbidden me to travel. Germs, you know.’
Mum links his arm. ‘There was no point in me objecting, of course. You know what he’s like.’
‘I do. Stubborn as a mule, eh, Dad?’
‘Hey, you two. Stop ganging up on me.’
‘Can you stay over?’
Mum nods. ‘We’ll need to get back first thing in the morning, and we won’t stay out here long. We just wanted to be here for you, love.’
‘The treehouse looks incredible,’ says Dad, his eyes suspiciously misty. ‘I’m so proud of you, Twilight.’ He pulls me into his side and gives me a surprisingly fierce hug, and I allow myself a happy tear or two.
It was Dad’s creation and he approves of what Jake has done with it.
What more could I ask?
Chapter 38
The next morning, I’m up early, baking scones for our first day.
Mum and Dad take a taxi to the station early, and I get ready and join Betty and Doreen in the The Treehouse Café to prepare for opening time. I have butterflies in my stomach the size of flying dinosaurs.
Even though we had assurances last night from so many people that they loved the treehouse and couldn’t wait to come along for coffee, I can’t help remembering that last horrendous first day, when hardly anyone came …
But I needn’t have worried.
By eleven o’clock, the café has been full three times over! Betty was right to suggest we bake a little extra of everything, just in case. Because of her foresight, there’s a chance we might not actually run out of cake by three o’clock.
Stocks are running extremely low by closing time, and it’s just as well there was some of the WI’s fruitcake left from the previous night. We watch the last pair of customers descend the walkway, laughing and looking back for one last glimpse of the treehouse before they head for their car.
Then Betty sinks down on a chair, slips off her shoes and puts her feet up with a sigh. ‘Well, girls, I think you could definitely call today a triumph.’
‘I have a feeling totting up the takings will confirm it.’ Doreen smiles gleefully at me. ‘I reckon your mum and dad can shelve their idea of selling Honey Cottage. For today, at least.’
I take off my apron and, with a great big ‘whoop’, throw it up into the air. ‘Today has been absolutely amazing. And it’s all thanks to you two.’
‘Well, I think we’re all brilliant.’ Betty smiles, reaching out and patting my arm.
Doreen nods, then says wistfully, ‘Shame we won’t see that lovely lad, Jake, any more, though.’
Betty winks at me. ‘I think Doreen’s in love.’
‘No, I’m not. His age would be a problem.’
I laugh. ‘Too young for you?’
‘On the contrary. A bit too old. I fancy myself a toy boy,’ Doreen says solemnly. Then she gives a wicked grin and waves a dismissive hand at Betty. ‘Don’t look so horrified. I was only joking.’
‘Well, I’m not,’ Betty retorts. ‘Twilight, have you got his telephone number?’
I grin at their double act. It’s going to be great fun working with them. And I have a feeling The Treehouse Café will brighten up their retirement even more than Jake …
*****
Apart from the plentiful takings, there’s another reason I’m delighted I was rushed off my feet today: I really haven’t had time to think about anything except customers, coffees and cakes.
It’s only when I finally climb into bed, after baking up
