Morgan smiled up at Tammy. ‘Can you make me a smaller version of what these two are having love?’
‘So, is that just one sausage, one rasher of bacon, one egg and hashbrown, with a regular portion size of mushrooms, beans and tomatoes, Morgan?’ Morgan nodded. Tammy looked from face to face. ‘Shall I just bring a plateful of buttered toast for you all to share?’
‘My mouth’s already watering,’ chuckled Ned. ‘Yes, that’ll be grand. Thanks love.’
Brett sat back in his chair and eyed Ned with a grin. ‘What was it like to be back out there again Ned?’
Ned sucked in a long breath. ‘I’ve really missed it since I retired, but I have to admit, I found it a lot tougher than when Iwas on active duty. Even though I’ve kept myself fit and busy, it was still really tough both physically and mentally.’
Morgan nodded her understanding. ‘Do you think you’d go out again if you were called?’
Ned leaned onto the table with his elbows and intertwined his fingers. ‘Hopefully, there won’t be a need to recall retirees again. The brigade can see there’s a serious error with regards to sickness and workforce numbers needs immediate attention, so after an emergency meeting this morning, they’ve decided there’s going to be a huge recruitment push in the next few months.’
Morgan sighed with relief. ‘I’m not afraid to admit I’m pleased to hear that.’
She could feel Ned’s eyes burning into her. ‘Looks like somebody wants to keep me around for a while longer.’
‘Make that two somebodies. You're my best pal Ned,’ said Brett.
Ned reached out and placed each of his hands on top of Morgan and Brett’s hands. ‘I have no immediate family, but right now, I feel as if you two are the closest thing I have to it.’
The lump miraculously re-appeared in Morgan’s throat again.
Act 3 - Chapter thirteen
Aknock on the door to the stairs leading to the pub downstairs, followed by Pippa’s voice, had Morgan downing her mascara wand and heading out of her bedroom and into the sitting room with a beaming smile on her face.
Pippa was hugging Brett. Her head turned and she smiled at Morgan when she saw her, releasing her dad to give Morgan a hug as well.
‘Morning love. You’ve started work early today,’ said Morgan.
‘We have another coachload of hikers due in at lunchtime. They called last night to book tables for lunch. I have to get a head start with food preparation. Declan is working at the tearoom until late morning.’
‘I’ll come and help today if you need me Kiddo.’
Pippa shook her head. ‘No, it’s your day off. Besides, you probably have tons of last-minute preparations of your own with the party being just days away.’
‘Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. Family comes first. You know my motto.’
Brett shrugged, ‘I’d help in the kitchen, but I’m useless. I can help behind the bar though if you need me.’
Pippa threw her arms around both her father and her aunt, pulling them in for a group hug. ‘I’d really appreciate it. You know something? I have the best family in the world.’ Morgan and Brett chuckled.
‘That’s impossible, because I have the best family in the world,’ laughed Brett.
‘Aww. It’s times like this I wished Nile were here,’ said Morgan pulling away to dab brimming tears from the corners of her eyes.
Pippa rubbed the top of her aunt’s arm. ‘He won’t be in the army forever aunt. ‘I have my suspicions he’ll be leaving soon.’
Morgan’s mouth dropped open. ‘Oh, and what makes you think that?’
‘The starry eyes he had every time he looked in Leanne’s direction at my wedding.’
‘Your new barmaid?’ asked Brett with a grin.
Pippa nodded. ‘Yes. She’s been just as daydreamy since she danced with him at my wedding, and she’s always texting someone like mad on her break.’
‘Oo. I hope you’re right love. I really miss him. Would he work at the pub?’
