‘Grand.’ Sabrina grinned.
Frank smiled to himself at his nephew’s girl catching on to the Irish lingo. ‘And that’s not all. I’ll do my best to run some shows for charity and make sure that the funds are pumped back into the community.’ Everyone was then on their feet, clapping. ‘Stop.’ Sabrina’s face was bright red. ‘I don’t deserve that. I’m just so happy to be able to call this place my home. I feel so loved and accepted.’
Once everyone had settled down, Frank tapped his sherry glass. ‘Now are all your glasses charged?’
‘All except mine.’ Kara held up her glass of water.
‘Because I have actually saved the best until last.’ You could have heard a pin drop. Frank held a brown A4 envelope up in the air. ‘In this envelope is the result of the council meeting following all of our opposition, the petition and the TV coverage, so beautifully orchestrated by Alicia– thanks, Alicia.’ A “here, here”, went around the room as Alicia smiled sweetly.
He lifted the envelope higher and began to tear it into little pieces. ‘But we don’t need this this anymore.’
There was a mumbling and many confused faces around the room. ‘Because the outdoor market is here to stay.’
Sabrina didn’t think she’d seen so many grown men cry with joy in one space. Even Big Frank had a tear in his eye.
‘So, what happened?’ Glanna was the first to ask once the hollering and shouting had calmed down.
Sabrina couldn’t wait to hear everybody’s reaction.
‘A company called Gilmon Developments evidently trumped Lowen’s company with a huge offer and proposed that the land be used for a Go Cart Track, Cinema and Theatre. All facilities will be tailored for disabled children’s needs and have their own self-contained car parks leading directly from the coast road, so there will be no need to disrupt the outdoor market at all. There will be a couple of spare units for rent, so maybe one of those would suit your new venture, Jilly?’
Sabrina put her thumb up, delighted.
‘Great for holidaymaker business, so will impact us all positively, too,’ Charlie piped up.
‘I’m made up.’ Nigel downed his sweet sherry.
Ben Clarke slammed his hand down on the table. ‘Bloody brilliant!’
On registering the company name and what Frank had just announced, Sabrina suddenly couldn’t stop her tears from flowing. Gilmon– Gillian and Simon. Of course! Bless her dad. When she had gone to see him just weeks before, he had promised that he would help her if he could, and help he had. And yes, she had kept so many secrets from these beautiful people already, but this one could just remain hers. For knowing that the results of all her workaholic father’s endeavours had led to this, was the biggest gift of love he could ever have given her. Simon would be able to come down with him too and use the facilities, so it really was a win-win situation.
Linda Harris, already two sheets to the wind, lifted her glass and shouted. ‘I feel like Ferry Lane hearts are no longer breaking.’
Kara stood up, suddenly looking white. ‘Shit! Someone needs to go and get my Billy, because my waters are!’
Epilogue
‘Christmas Day tomorrow, I can’t believe it.’ Sabrina snuggled into Conor’s arms as they lay on the sofa in their apartment, a blanket over them. Christmas tunes playing in the background. Lights twinkling from their little tree balanced on the dining room table.
‘I wonder how Billy and Kara are getting on.’ Conor kissed Sabrina’s nose.
‘I know, so sweet. Three boys and one girl, now– he’s nearly got his five-a-side.
‘Maybe we should provide the extra player?’ Conor raised his eyebrows questionably.
‘I’ve never loved anyone quite like I love you, so the thought of producing a mini Brady isn’t the worst idea in the world.’ Sabrina put her finger on his nose. ‘But for now, let’s just enjoy each other, eh?’
They snuggled closer together.
‘I think I prefer Christmas Eve night to Christmas Day, to be honest.’ Sabrina sighed contentedly and kissed Conor’s neck.
‘I loveeveryday now that I get to spend it with you.’
‘Aw, Conor Brady, I knew you’d eaten that Blarney Stone whole.’
‘Oi. You said you were going to be serious.’ Conor laughed and kissed her lovingly on the forehead.
‘As it’s Christmas, yes I am, actually.’ Sabrina wiggled herself free and went over to the tree. She handed Conor a small square shaped present from the colourful pile of gifts at its base. ‘You can open this one tonight.’
