Page 87 of Forgive Not Forget

“If you don’t move, I shall wrap you and gift you to Abi.”

Virginia tucked her front paws under herself and settled more comfortably onto the paper.

Blowing out an exasperated breath, she pushed her scissors along the paper and started again.

She took Katherine a cup of peppermint tea an hour later and found her stretching whilst trying not to disturb a sleeping Virginia, who was now tucked into her side.

“I’m going to run you a bath,” Anna said. “Then I’ll make you a BLT for brunch and insist we watch some trash on television.”

“Sounds perfect. Thank you.”

“We can take a walk later if you like. I need to drop Abi’s present to her.”

“Shall we let Tom in on our little BMX secret whilst we’re there?”

“Yes, let’s. I can’t wait to see his face.”

* * *

Later that afternoon they made their way down the path to Laura’s front door. Anna reached forward and pushed the doorbell, then took a step back. If the noise emanating from within was anything to go by, Abigail was having a party.

As Laura opened the door, the noise washed out around them.

“Do you want to come in?”

Katherine and Anna looked around Laura to see lots of small people bouncing about to the music.

“It rather looks as if you have your hands full already,” Katherine replied.

“We just wanted to wish Abi a happy birthday,” Anna added.

Laura smirked and shouted over her shoulder. “Abi!”

She appeared in the hallway, skidding to a halt in stocking feet.

“Happy birthday!” Anna and Katherine said together.

Abigail’s eyes lit up as Anna extracted a present from her bag and passed it to her.

“Can I open it now?”

“Of course.”

Abigail tore the paper off to reveal a book. “Pride and Prejudiceby Jane Austen.” She looked up at Anna. “You mentioned her.”

“Well remembered.”

“Thank you. I’ll start it tonight.”

A small girl arrived at Abigail’s side and dragged her back to her party.

“Trust you to give a book as a present,” Laura commented.

Anna beamed, taking it as a compliment.

“Is Tom about?” Katherine asked. “We thought we’d show him his surprise.”

“Ah, yes. He’s going to be over the moon. I really can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing for him. I’m not sure he deserves it after all the trouble he’s caused you.”