Page 83 of Dreams Do Come True

John laughs. “Yep, come on then.”

Molly arrives justas dinner is being set on the table.

Lyric, Connie and River are all in their cribs, hopefully sleeping, after being fed and John giving Lyric a bath. The splash guard didn’t help, and John got soaked, but he loved every minute of it.

Everyone is sat around the table, including Jodie and John, Sly, Ebby and the boys, and Clarence and Callum, as Alfred closed the bookshop early.

As always, there is no heavy talk while we eat. Instead, Ernest is talking about the town show. Honestly, you would think this was a West End production rather than a town show. I bet by the time the show is ready, Ernest would have created a custom-built theatre, but it brings much-needed laughter.

When there is a break in the conversation, Justice speaks up, “I was thinking we could have a family holiday.”

This announcement is greeted with great excitement.

“That would be awesome, where would we go and when?” Ben asks.

Justice looks at Ernest. “What week is your show on?”

I snort out a laugh, realising what he means.

“No, you don’t get to book a holiday over show week,” Ernest replies, glaring at him, while the others burst out laughing.

Justice shrugs. “It was worth a shot.”

“Have you and Alfred decided where you’re going on holiday yet?” Nix asks him.

“No, we’ve narrowed it down to a cruise in Egypt, a cruise down the Danube, or a cottage in the middle of nowhere,” he says.

“And I’m happy with anything,” Alfred says.

Justice takes his hand and kisses it “As long as we have time together and have fun, that’s all that matters.”

Alfred leans into his side. “Yep.”

“It would still be good to have a family holiday, though. Can you imagine the fun we could have?” Jude asks.

“John and I could cover the shops for you,” Jodie offered.

“No way. If we’re doing a family holiday, you two are coming as well. As well as you guys,” Kean says to Sly, Ebby and the boys. “And you, Molly, Callum, Clarence. By family holiday, we mean family holiday.”

“I can close the shop for a week,” Nix says.

“I can close the bookshop or look at getting a shop sitter,” Alfred adds.

“Molly, are you going to come?” Adhan asks, looking at her.

“No, I’ll stay behind and help look after the town,” she cackles out.

“What are you planning to do while we’re away, cuz?” Ernest asks her.

I’m wondering the same. That was her ‘I’ll be up to something’ cackle.

“Nothing, young’un. We’ll just be enjoying a peaceful holiday. With you being away, the crazies should stay away.”

We all burst out laughing at that.

“Nice, cuz,” Ernest grumps out.

We’re just settling down when we hear Connie crying.