More people walked towards them calling out happy birthday and carrying wrapped gifts. ‘I specifically said no giftson the poster. I didn’t want people spending their well-earned cash on me. This party was supposed to be the only gift here today—from me to the community.’
Brett leaned into her other ear. ‘It shows how much you are loved and respected love.’ His words made Morgan’s heart swell.
Christine and Tom climbed out of Mina’s uber with Marcus, the new dog groomer who was renting the back room in Christine's hair salon. Christine was wearing a long flowy denim skirt trimmed with a leather belt and cowboy boots, and a shimmery silver blouse.
Her arms opened wide as she walked towards Morgan. ‘There's the birthday girl. Happy birthday my darling friend.’ She kissed Morgan’s cheek.
Morgan embraced her friend and then pulled away to look her up and down. ‘Aww, thank you, and Iloooveyour outfit. It’s kind of country-disco.’
‘You look gorgeous too. It was a brilliant idea of yours to wear something sparkly to jazz up our barn dancing outfits. Are Pamela and Katherine here yet?’
‘Yes, they’re inside. I’ll come and join you all soon.’
Tom leaned in for a hug, kissing Morgan on the other cheek. ‘Happy birthday Morgan. You look beautiful.’
‘Thank you, Tom.’
Marcus stepped forward and gave her a small hug. ‘Happy birthday, and thanks for the invite.’
‘Well, you are a resident of Seagull Bay now, and my invitations were extended to all who live here.’
He laughed and nodded, before leaning in slightly to her. ‘I know this isn’t the right time Morgan, but can I come and see you on Monday?’ Morgan’s brow lifted questioningly. ‘I’ve heard you are putting your house on the market. I’d like to make an offer before anyone else does.’
Ned turned to Morgan. ‘You’re selling the house?’
Morgan felt slightly flustered. She hadn’t gotten around to telling Ned about her decision with all that had happened with Declan. She nodded to Ned. ‘Yes, I’m sorry I haven’t mentioned it, but it’s been a hectic couple of days.’
Ned smiled. ‘It has. We’ll catch up later.’
Morgan turned back to Marcus. ‘Yes love. Come and see me next week and we’ll discuss it.’
Marcus’s face lit up. ‘Okay, thank you.’
Marcus, Christine and Tom headed inside the barn and Ned slid his arm around Morgan’s waist. Morgan was slightly taken aback. It felt nice to be so close to Tom, but she also felt he was overstepping their boundaries slightly. Her heart rate elevated. She felt awkward. Should she ask him politely to remove his arm? Or just make a move to naturally remove herself.
More guests approached and she smiled at them, hoping the uncomfortableness she felt didn’t show on her face. Finally, she stepped out of Ned’s grip and made an excuse to go inside. ‘I’m just going to check on Pippa and Oliver, do you mind waiting here a little while longer to greet people Ned?’
Ned shook his head. ‘Not at all. Brett and I can handle this, can’t we Brett?’
Brett was taking a long drink from his Guinness and had to stop to answer. ‘Erm, yes. Go ahead sis.’
Morgan smiled. ‘Thank you. See you both in a little while.’
Hurrying into the barn, Morgan didn’t know what to do. It wasn’t as if she could ask the advice of her friends. They had no clue about Ned dropping hints about their friendship becoming something more, or that he’d proclaimed he thought so highly of her that he thought of her as family.
She knew she was probably making a mountain out of a molehill, but after years of being Bren’s widow and nothing more, she didn’t know how to act or react, or what theappropriate close friendship physical etiquette was in this situation.
The music had stopped, and the singer was looking her way with an enormous smile. Morgan felt rooted to the spot ‘Hello everyone and welcome to Morgan’s sixtieth birthday barn bonanza. I’ve been told she couldn’t think of a better way of celebrating her special birthday than with her family, friends, and the Seagull Bay community who she holds in very high regard.’ Everyone who was in the barn looked her way and began to cheer. Morgan felt overcome with emotion. ‘To start the dancing off, two of the band members are going to come and join you in a simple barn dance. Now don’t worry if you don’t know the dance moves, I’ll be instructing you as the band plays, and you can watch Nancy and Yvonne too.’ There was a surge of excited voices. ‘I want all the people who are ready for a good time to come into the centre of the barn on the dance floor area to form a circle and hold hands. Then as soon as the music starts, listen to my instructions and watch Nancy and Yvonne.’
Morgan watched in amazement as families walked forward with their children, their faces beaming and the children giggling with excitement. Judith Klein from Bell, Book and Table stepped forward with her husband and waved at Morgan with a smile. Morgan waved back. It was wonderful to see so many happy faces, even before things had even really begun.
The smell of the banquet teased her senses making her tummy rumble. The food she’d prepared with the help of her friends, who had worked so hard, was set out on the tables close to the bar. She’d uncover everything soon, as soon as everyone had arrived. Her mind was a whirlwind.
‘Are you joining in Morgan?’
Morgan looked to her left as Pamela, Phil, Pharis and Hayley walked past her to join the circle.
She shook her head with a smile. ‘Maybe later.’
