‘Time to go!’ I said, deciding this conversation was probably best ended.
‘Where are we going?’ The boys were now on the ground but jumping around, repeating the question.
Matt turned and looked at me. ‘I didn’t say anything.’
Charlie crooked a finger at me and beckoned me over.
‘Hold out your hand,’ he said, sandwiching mine within his own. I felt him pass me something and I curled my hand around it instinctively. I looked up and he gave a quick eyebrow raise and smiled.
‘Where are we going?’ the boys asked again.
Charlie nodded at me and I uncurled my hand in front of them. Sitting in my palm was a little Lego man.
The boys stared at it for a moment.
‘Legoland?’ they whispered together, not quite believing it.
I nodded.
Two minutes later we had bundled them in the car, having had a mad moment of corralling as their excitement threatened to wake the entire street. I took a rucksack from Maria with all the requisite supplies enclosed. Charlie took it straight off me and slung it in the boot.
‘Where did the Lego man come from at such short notice?’
‘That Happy Meal you mentioned me inhaling a while back.’ He smiled and shut the boot.
‘You sure about this?’ Matt asked, as the boys continued to bounce about inside, restrained by their seat belts.
‘What? Taking three children to Legoland?’ I said, catching Charlie in my glance.
He grinned.
‘It’ll be fine,’ he reassured Matt.
‘Thanks for doing this, and the tickets,’ my brother said.
‘My pleasure.’
‘Seriously. We’re actually doing him a massive favour,’ I said.
‘Are you coming?’
‘Do I have a choice?’
Charlie gave me a patient look.
‘See you later!’ I said, giving Matt and Maria a quick hug each. ‘I’ll keep you posted by text.’
‘Have a great time!’ They waved and we all replied in kind.
* * *
Nine hours later and the atmosphere in the car was very different from what it had been first thing this morning. Mellow was one word. Knackered was another. The boys had been asleep in the back seat before we’d even left the car park and I felt as though I could easily join them.
‘Thanks for a great day,’ I said, covering Charlie’s hand for a moment as it rested on the centre console.
He flicked his glance briefly to me before returning it to the road. ‘You’re very welcome.’ He turned his hand and squeezed mine. ‘Thanks for letting me come along.’
‘They were your tickets!’ I laughed. Our voices were soft in deference to the children sleeping but, if I was honest, they’d had such a busy, exciting day, if we’d been talking with bull horns I still don’t think they’d have stirred.
