‘Sorry,tante,’ Henrik said, kissing her hand. ‘Oh, Sara, did you know Oliver is here? He caved when Jonas and Greta sent the third invitation. Over there, by the bar.’
‘Yes, Ethel told me earlier.’ I followed his gaze to where Oliver was holding court, short and round and laughing loudly. ‘Excuse me for a minute while I go and say hi.’
I made my way over and tapped him on the shoulder.
‘Guess who?’
‘Hmm… English, female, expensive perfume – Sara! I’d recognise that voice anywhere. How are you?’
I gave him a big hug. ‘All the better for your help. Thank you so much for coming to my rescue with this place.’
‘Anytime. Have you had chance to consider my proposal?’
‘I have, and I’m interested if the offer’s still open?’
‘Well, that’s wonderful news! Why don’t we set up some time to chat while you’re over here – maybe tomorrow?’
‘Perfect.’
*
‘Oliver is such a sweetheart. I haven’t seen the table plan yet – am I sitting next to him?’
‘No. You’re sitting next to me. With Aunt Ethel on my other side.’
I blushed, taken aback. ‘I can’t sit on the top table with all the family – people will wonder who I am! I’m fine hanging out with Oliver – I don’t want to be in the way.’
‘You’re not in the way; you’re my guest. And nobody will wonder who you are, because I’ve already told everyone the beautiful girl from London is with me.’
I blushed even harder at that. He pulled me in and kissed me on the lips. ‘Isn’t she beautiful,tante?’
‘Very,’ Ethel agreed. ‘And a force to be reckoned with. It’s a miracle you managed to sort out that situation with Bjorn. He had dollar signs in his eyes.’
‘It came down to the covenant in the end,’ I said. ‘The paperwork was legally binding so there was nothing they could do about it. Although, I do agree with Bjorn that this place could be making you all a lot more money.’
‘I feel for Nina and Bjorn,’ Henrik said, nodding over at them in the crowd. ‘We should find an investor and buy them out. They don’t have anyone to pass the covenant down to and they deserve to enjoy their retirement.’
‘I’ve been giving the situation some thought as it happens,’ Ethel said conspiratorially. ‘You know how much I love thisplace; I’ve been coming here for years. And I’ve noticed it getting increasingly tired, while you try and keep it affordable. I don’t have any children either, so all my money will go to you and Jonas in the future, Henny, but it could make sense to buy out Bjorn and Nina with it instead, then gift you their half of Firefly Forest. That way we keep the retreat forever, and I leave a legacy behind from the Balke side of the family too – your mother would have liked that.’
Henrik was welling up. ‘That is an incredibly kind thought,tante, but we can’t ask you to do that.’
‘You haven’t asked. I’m offering. And I like the idea of my money spreading future good in the world.’ Ethel gave Henrik a kiss on the cheek. ‘I will want one thing though,’ she said.
‘Anything,’ Henrik said.
‘A tree planted for me.’
Henrik smiled. ‘Done.’
‘We can discuss it another day with Tore, Jonas and Greta,’ Ethel said. ‘Let’s enjoy today for now, and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.’
‘An excellent mantra,’ I said as Tore made an announcement in Norwegian, and everyone bustled through to the dining tents. ‘Can I come with you two, seeing as we’re seat buddies?’
‘And the rest,’ Henrik murmured in my ear as he led the way. It was a room full of happiness and joy, and I felt privileged to be part of it – even more so to be sitting at the top table. I waved at Greta’s parents as Tore took to the mic to welcome the bride and groom, and the tipis vibrated with clapping and whooping as Jonas and Greta made their entrance.
‘Is it a vegan wedding?’ I asked Henrik as we all sat down.
‘I hope not. Jonas is a hardcore carnivore.’
