‘It’s this way.’ He led them down the hall and through the sumptuous living room.
‘It’s a grand place, whatever it is,’ Keith said.
Callum relaxed slightly, glad his grandfather was impressed with the place. ‘Nearly there.’ He stopped in front of the orangery double doors and waited briefly for his father to step forward and take hold of the other door handle. Giving his father a nod, they pulled back the doors to reveal the elegant room filled with beautifully laid tables, each with arrangements of flowers created by his mother and sister.
‘Surprise!’
Keith stared around him, trying to take in the scene. Callum watched as he surveyed the guests. His mouth drew back into a wide smile, and Keith turned to look at Callum. ‘Did you do all this?’
He shook his head. ‘It was a joint effort. Erin, Dad, Betsy, Barry and Mum have all been working hard and everyone is here.’ He thought of Tasha and Riley. ‘We have two more guests who are staying at the cottage and should be along soon.’
Keith raised his hands. ‘This is the best birthday present ever,’ he said. ‘All my family in the same room.’ He noticed a cousin he hadn’t seen for years and pointed at him. ‘You’re here, too.’
Callum watched the guests swarm to greet his grandfather and sighed.
‘You’ve done well, son,’ his father said, patting him on the back. ‘This is going to be a night to remember.’
‘I’ll get you a drink, Grandad,’ Erin said, giving Callum a delighted grin.
The local band Callum had booked for the event began playing some of Keith’s favourite songs from a list James had collated, and Callum decided to start enjoying the evening and making the most of all his hard work.
He felt a hand rest on his arm and looked to his side, delighted to find Tasha. His heart almost stopped.
She looked incredible. She always did, he thought, but he had only ever seen her dressed for work or relaxation before. Tonight though she was as glamorous as any film star he had seen being interviewed on a red carpet. She had put her long hair up in a bun with tendrils curling down on either side of her tanned face. Her eyes looked even bigger now that they were made up and her lips, with the shiny red lipstick on them, made him want to grab her and kiss her.
‘You’re here,’ he said, barely able to draw breath and wishing he had thought of something a little less obvious.
‘So am I.’ Riley stepped from behind her. ‘This looks amazing.’
‘Thanks very much. I’m glad you could both make it.’
Before he could do anything else, Callum was aware of the cacophony of voices stilling one by one.
‘That’s Riley Sharp, isn’t it?’ one voice said.
‘What, that bloke off the telly?’
‘Yes, the one who’s over here filming for thatSam Thorne Investigatesseries.’
‘Ooh, I wonder why he would he be here,’ another said and laughed.
‘I think I’d better introduce you both to my grandfather, if you don’t mind.’
‘Lead the way,’ Riley said, seeming happy under the glare of everyone’s attention.
Callum didn’t have a problem getting his grandfather’s attention, seeing as all the guests bar a few were staring in his direction at the unexpected guest.
‘Who’s this young fellow then?’ Keith asked. Seeing Tasha, he added, ‘My apologies, I didn’t see you there.’ He reached out to shake her hand. ‘I’m Keith, the eighty-year-old.’
Tasha smiled. ‘Nice to meet you, Keith. I’m Tasha and this is my boss, Riley.’
‘I told you it was him,’ one of the voices whispered nearby.
‘Tasha and I are staying at the cottage further down the driveway,’ Riley explained, shooting a beaming smile to the group of guests gossiping about him at the nearest table and sending them into another flurry of excitement. ‘It was kind of Callum and Erin to invite us to your incredible birthday party. I hope you don’t mind that we came?’
Keith shook his head and laughed. ‘Now why would I do that? It’s a pleasure to meet you both.’
‘Thank you.’ Riley took a glass of champagne Erin held out for him and Tasha. ‘Good to see you again, Erin.’
