Page 48 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure

Chapter Thirty-Eight

T he party at Erik’s pitch was in full swing, and as the light faded, the disco ball above the dance floor spun slowly, catching the last of the sun and scattering rays over campers gyrating below.

By the barbecue, Ruby took charge and, with a beer in her hand, tossed steaks, burgers, and sausages onto a flaming grill.

Wearing a Christmas bandana, Ness sat beside her, the old dog patiently waiting for any offerings that might come her way.

A buffet was laid out under an awning, with the tables draped in red and gold cloth, all laden with Spanish cuisine catered from Solma Vacaciones’s kitchens.

‘This is “cochinillo”,’ Erik said to his guests. ‘It’s suckling pig, and it’s delicious.’ He munched on a slice of the tender meat with its crisp, golden skin.

Platters of thinly sliced Iberian ham were artfully arranged beside an assortment of Spanish cheeses, including Manchego, Mahón, and Cabrales.

Large pans of paella, filled to the brim with saffron rice, tender chicken, and savoury chorizo, wafted a delicious aroma of garlic and spices into the warm evening air.

Tables and chairs had been laid out, and the ukulele-playing campers, wearing Santa hats, had already secured their spot.

Members of staff from Solma Vacaciones had arrived, including Sophia, the bike-selling aerobics instructor.

Dressed in her skimpy red one-piece, she’d added a mesh skirt and matching bolero.

On her head, she wore a band with silver bobbles.

Her glittery roller-skating trainers lit up as she grabbed Erik’s hands and sashayed to the dance floor.

‘Well, I never,’ Cheryl said as she gazed at Erik and Sophia, who hip-hopped like no one was watching. ‘I must get myself a pair of those trainers,’ she said.

Cheryl was dressed in an emerald-green, full-length gown, and as the music changed to her earlier request, she looked around for Ruby.

Reminiscent of the TV show Come Dancing , before it morphed into the more modern Strictly , Cheryl’s dress was a throwback from the ’80s.

Emerald green with a sweetheart neckline, the off-the-shoulder number fell into a bodice of sequins and a satin skirt.

Ruby, handing over her barbecue tools to the Solma Vacaciones chef, looked dapper with slicked-back hair and a smart bowtie.

She wore a tuxedo that matched her trousers, and, reaching for Cheryl’s hand, they twirled like pros onto the dance floor, beginning their routine with a confident step.

As they dipped and spun, everyone applauded.

When the performance ended, whoops and whistles for more echoed around the pitch.

Atticus stepped out of a taxi and held the door open for Britta.

He paid the driver and took Britta’s hand as they began to walk past the reception area and followed the road that led to Erik’s pitch.

Spanish children dressed as elves and fairies whizzed by on scooters and bikes as parents sat in the fading light, drinking wine, and celebrating the start of the holidays.

‘Feliz Navidad!’ they called out as Atticus and Britta went by.

‘I’m intrigued to know my surprise,’ Britta said. She wore a long floaty dress, and her hair was pinned back with jewelled clips. Gripping Atticus’s arm, Britta leaned heavily. Her bruised body still ached.

‘You’ll soon find out,’ Atticus smiled. ‘But I can hear music, the party must have started.’

As they approached the crowd gathered at Erik’s pitch, the first person they saw was the receptionist from the campsite. Holding onto a fixed pole and swinging wildly around it, she ignored Atticus and Britta and, in rapid Spanish, garbled loudly into a mobile phone.

They looked at each other and laughed.

Getting closer, they sensed a delicious aroma from the barbecue and heard music from the disco. When Erik saw Atticus and Britta, he reached for the microphone and called, ‘Everyone! Here’s The Travelling Grandad and his beautiful partner! ’

Atticus and Britta were greeted warmly, and guests held out their phones to take pictures with the man who’d put their campsite on the social media map. Ness began to bark and, sensing Atticus, bounded through the crowd to hurl herself onto her boss.

‘Now then, old lass.’ Atticus laughed. ‘Settle down.’ His face lit up as Ness wagged her tail and he ruffled her fur as the dog wriggled with delight.

Sophia glided forward and took hold of Britta’s hands. ‘I have a surprise from your man. You must close eyes!’ she commanded.

Erik moved forward, and when Sophia told Britta to open her eyes, she gasped as she saw him manoeuvre a sleek tandem bicycle tied with a huge red bow.

‘Oh, my goodness, is this my surprise?’ Britta turned and stared at Atticus. She ran her fingers over the handlebars, admiring the craftsmanship.

Atticus reached out to ring the bell. ‘I thought we could go on even more adventures together,’ he said as Ness nuzzled his legs. ‘Aye, you can come too.’ He patted the dog’s head.

‘I love it.’ Britta laughed. ‘It’s perfect.’

‘Happy Christmas.’ Atticus grinned and kissed Britta as she threw her arms around him.

‘Come – eat, drink, and be merry,’ Erik said, turning to all the guests. ‘Feliz Navidad!’ he called out. Circulating with a jug of sangria, he encouraged everyone to mingle as waiting staff produced trays of tapas in bite-sized portions.

Cheryl and Ruby greeted Atticus and Britta with hugs, and as Ruby checked Britta’s welfare, Cheryl took Atticus to one side.

‘Whenever you’re ready,’ she whispered.

‘No problems?’

‘All gone to plan,’ Cheryl said, smiling.

Atticus turned to Britta and took hold of her hand. ‘I have one more surprise for you,’ he said, and moving forward with Cheryl and Ruby behind them, Atticus walked to the edge of the pitch.

‘But…’ Britta began to protest. ‘Please, you spoil me. No more gifts,’ she pleaded.

But Atticus’s heart had begun to thump, and he felt his breath catch in his throat. Turning Britta to face the path, he held onto her shoulders. ‘ Look …’ he whispered.

Strolling towards them with a grin as wide as the sky, came Mary. Holding hands, Maeve, Finn, Declan, and Caitlin walked on either side of their mum.

Atticus felt his eyes fill with tears, and a sudden surge of joy washed over him.

‘Your family!’ Britta gasped.

‘Yes, my love.’ Atticus struggled to contain the tidal wave of emotion as he felt Britta urge him forward.

‘GRANDAD!’ the children cried, running towards Atticus.

With open arms, he dropped to his knees to hug Finn and Declan, burying his face in their soft, sweet-smelling hair. His heart swelled with love as he reached out to embrace Caitlin and Maeve.

Looking up at Mary, who had tears in her eyes, he stood and wrapped his daughter in his arms. ‘I knew you were coming, but I can’t believe you’re actually here,’ he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

‘Oh, Dad, it’s so good to see you.’ Mary laughed and wiped her eyes. ‘You have no idea what the last week has been like. I felt like a secret agent making all the plans.’

‘Where are my manners!’ Atticus held onto Mary’s hand and turned. ‘Now, you’ve already met with Cheryl and Ruby,’ he said as more hugs were exchanged.

‘These two lifesavers arranged a gorgeous chalet for us all, right next to their own,’ Mary said. ‘They’ve even decorated it for Christmas.’

‘Mary, I want you to meet Britta,’ Atticus said and touched Britta’s shoulder.

Mary reached for Britta’s hands as she moved forward. ‘You’re as beautiful as Dad described, and I am so happy to meet you,’ Mary said.

For a moment, Britta was rooted to the spot. The acceptance in Mary’s eyes was overwhelming. ‘I… I’m…’ Britta stuttered. ‘So, so happy to meet you too. This is such a surprise; I had no idea.’

‘Sorry for the onslaught,’ Mary said, shrugging. ‘I come with a ready-made family, I’m afraid.’ She turned to her children. ‘Kids, come and say hello to Grandad’s lovely friend.’

Declan clung to his mother’s leg, peeking out as Britta crouched down. ‘Is that your teddy?’ Britta asked softly. ‘What’s its name?’

Declan glanced up at Mary, and when she gave a reassuring smile, he replied, ‘My teddy is called Teddy.’

‘That’s a great name,’ Britta said, ‘and you must be Declan. Your grandad has told me so much about you.’

Declan shifted his weight from one foot to the other. ‘You can hold Teddy if you like.’

‘I’d love to.’ Britta held out her hand, and her smile grew as Declan parted with his precious teddy.

‘Do you play football?’ Finn asked Britta, as Mary swung Declan into her arms and handed him to Atticus.

‘Er, no, but maybe you can teach me?’ Britta replied.

‘I like your dress,’ Caitlin commented. ‘Did you get it in Spain?’

‘Can I take your photo?’ Maeve had her phone in her hand and studied Britta. ‘Do you eat meat?’ she asked.

‘Come on, kids,’ Mary interrupted. ‘Give Britta some space. There’s plenty of time for all your questions.’

Gathering his family, Atticus held Declan and followed Cheryl and Ruby as they led the way back to the party, where Erik made a fuss as he organised the table and chairs. He’d met Mary and the children earlier, having arranged their transport from the airport.

‘You didn’t tell me that you had such a beautiful daughter,’ Erik said to Atticus as he poured drinks and fussed around.

‘You didn’t tell me you had such a roving eye.’ Atticus leaned in. ‘Hands off, she’s recently separated,’ he added.

‘Now that you are all here,’ Erik said, ‘I would like you to step into my home, where another surprise awaits you.’

‘I don’t think I can take any more.’ Britta laughed as she linked arms with Cheryl and Ruby and followed Atticus and his family into Erik’s motorhome .

‘Cool,’ Maeve said as she gazed at the luxurious camper, her camera in hand.

‘Can we sleep here?’ Finn asked as he climbed up the steps.

‘Crikey, this is something else,’ Mary breathed as they entered the lush space.

‘Go through to the lounge!’ Erik called out.

As Atticus stepped into the well-appointed sitting area, he almost dropped Declan to the floor. Side by side, wearing Christmas T-shirts featuring festive gnomes, sat Jake and Arthur.

‘The Travelling Grandad!’ Arthur called out. ‘About time, too.’ He grinned. ‘Not that we’ve minded waiting in this parked-up piece of paradise.’

‘Grandad!’ Jake couldn’t contain himself and leapt up to clamber barefoot over the sofa. ‘We’re here!’

‘Good grief.’ Atticus handed Declan to Mary. ‘Do you want to give me a heart attack?’ he asked as he embraced Jake and Arthur. ‘How on earth have you two escaped?’

‘Dad is having a fit,’ Jake began. ‘I left him a note to let him know that I was safe travelling with Uncle Arthur to Spain, and we got a very early flight out of Manchester this morning.’

‘Oh hell, I wondered why I’d missed so many calls from Mungo.’ Atticus was stunned and knew that he should have spoken to his son. ‘But where did you fly to?’

‘Alicante, of course,’ Jake said. ‘We didn’t know that Aunty Mary was on the earlier flight but found out when Erik picked us up at the airport.’

‘So, you are in on this too?’ Atticus turned to Erik.

‘The power of social media.’ Erik smiled. ‘So easy to make new friends and exchange messages.’

Atticus stared at Arthur. ‘What on earth has Shirley got to say about you not being at Shirlarth Cottage for Christmas?’ he asked.

‘I doubt that she’ll miss me.’ Arthur adjusted the Santa hat that had dipped over one eye.

‘She’s up to her ears in gnome-land, with the usual house full of festive freeloaders who creep out of the woodwork at Christmas,’ Arthur said, shrugging.

‘But I left an explanatory note on the kitchen table beside Mistletoe Mike.’

‘What did it say?’

‘I told her it was me or the gnomes. I can no longer compete with a bunch of ceramic statues,’ Arthur said. ‘I wished her a happy Christmas and said I’d be back in the new year when I’d had time to consider my position.’

Jake said, ‘I think the final straw came when Aunty Shirley wanted Uncle Arthur to wear a gnome outfit.’

‘I found Mistletoe Mike sitting in my armchair when I got back from the pub.’ Arthur shook his head. ‘Shirley said the gnome was just keeping it warm, but I have my doubts.’

Atticus laughed. He could hardly believe that his best friend was relaxing before him. ‘Where are you staying?’ he asked.

‘Why here, of course,’ Erik chipped in. ‘There is plenty of room for the boys.’

The ‘boys’ beamed as Erik handed them a beer and a Coke.

‘Cool,’ chorused Maeve and Caitlin.

‘Aye, it’s smashing having the accommodation that our friend Erik has so generously offered,’ Arthur said as he sipped his beer. ‘For the price of the flights, you’d think the plane was made of solid gold.’

‘We did travel last minute on Christmas Eve, Uncle Arthur,’ Jake said, worried about the cost that Arthur had generously picked up.

‘I’m not complaining, anything to get away from the gnomes. I’m convinced they were plotting against me.’

‘So, everyone is happy?’ Erik asked and looked at the guests gathered in his motorhome. ‘Then let’s celebrate,’ he smiled. ‘After all, it is Christmas, and I say, Feliz Navidad!’

‘Feliz Navidad!’ they all replied and, without further ado, began to enjoy the party.

Atticus stepped out of the motorhome and looked to the bar where Mary and Britta were chatting with Cheryl and Ruby, as though they’d known each other for years.

Finn was kicking about a football with a Spanish elf, and Declan was holding hands with a pretty fairy, who also had a teddy.

Maeve was wandering around taking photos, while Caitlin chatted to a young man whom Atticus recognised as the jogger, Luis, from the beach.

Erik had the bonnet open on his motorhome, and Jake and Arthur were peering inside, their heads nodding as they studied the powerful engine.

If only Mungo and the rest of his family were here , Atticus thought and wondered if he would ever see eye to eye with his son.

He knew that Mungo would be pleased that he’d instructed Senor Resano to prepare his new will.

Now, no matter what happened, his children would have their inheritance to do with as they pleased.

At that moment, the months of separation melted away, and Atticus realised that, together with his new friends and Britta, he was surrounded by people he loved.

He vowed that, somehow, he would put things right with Mungo and make every effort going forward to be an important part of his family’s lives.

Atticus hadn’t let the old man in, and he was no longer a man adrift.