Joe appeared with the garden rake and began raking the ashes into the soil. ‘Thanks,’ said Lottie.
‘No problem. You did well. Nice speech.’ He put down the rake.
Lottie snuggled into Joe’s embrace. ‘We went with our gut, Nana,’ she said, and as a cloud moved out of the way, a perfect ray of sunshine fell across the garden.
‘Come on,’ said Joe. ‘Before that lot start murdering each other.’ He clasped her hand in his and they walked back up to the house together. Lottie felt both melancholy and heartened at the same time.
They could hear the noise increase as they approached. There were raised voices coming from inside. Joe opened the door, but everyone inside was oblivious. Despite Lottie’s fears, it wasn’t a row going on; it was a singsong, apparently led by Bernard even though singing wasn’t a Collins family forte.
Joe shut the door behind them and Lottie leaned back into his arms as they joined in with the Rod Stewart classics Nana had loved. When they reached ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’ Dave joined in with a heartfelt howl. Jessie copied him until Emily tickled her.
Rhys came to stand next to Lottie. ‘Don’t tell the rents yet, but I’m going back to uni.’
‘Good decision,’ said Lottie.
‘Yeah. The whole Roman treasure thing got my mind buzzing. My professor is really fired up about it and so am I. I can’t ditch archaeology, however good the money at the car dealers is.’
‘If you ever need a break from the rents, there’s always a room here,’ said Joe.
‘And you don’t have to have the one with the scary dolls,’ added Lottie.
‘Cheers,’ said Rhys, and he and Joe shook hands.
Daniel rattled his car keys and Nicola started to say her goodbyes. ‘Thanks Lottie. I’ll be back for my kitten in a few weeks.’
‘If you’re still after a home for one of the kittens, me and your mum would like one,’ said Scott.
‘Sure,’ said Lottie, uneasily. She knew first-hand how nurturing Angie was.
‘I promise it’ll be well cared for. I’ll keep it at my place,’ said Scott, in a low tone, while Angie fussed over the kittens.
‘Which one, Mum?’ asked Lottie.
‘I want a boy,’ said Angie.
‘No surprise there,’ said Lottie, and Joe gave her a reproachful look. ‘Which ginger one?’ she asked, edging up to her.
Angie checked Scott wasn’t listening. ‘It’s quite exciting that Scott thinks we’re ready for this sort of commitment,’ said Angie.
Lottie had a sharp retort ready, but she bit her tongue instead. Their new relationship needed effort on both sides. ‘Yes, Mum. It is. I’m happy for you.’
‘I like what you’ve done with your hair.’ Angie tucked a bit of it behind Lottie’s ear. ‘Happy New Year, Lottie,’ said her mother, and she gave her a hug.
At least she was trying. ‘And you too.’
‘We should do this again,’ said Angie.
‘Scatter someone’s ashes?’
‘No – Christmas here at the manor. It was lovely.’ Lottie felt a little glow of pride inside; a feeling she was pretty sure her mother had never triggered in her before.
‘We should go now too,’ said Dayea, wheeling Bernard over Angie’s toes.
‘Hey, Feeble Knievel!’ said Angie. ‘These are my new Kurt Geigers!’ Scott steered her away because she was literally hopping mad.
‘You’ve not given our kitten away, have you, Button?’
‘No,’ said Lottie, pleased that Bernard had decided to have one of the litter and let the Duchess stay at the manor with her, Joe and Dave.
