Page 96 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure

‘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 werecoming, but I can’t believe you’re actually here,’ he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

‘Oh, Dad, it’ssogood 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 teddyis 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.