The Ticket to Happiness

by Faith Bleasdale

  Connor was normally at the meetings, but more often than not these days he seemed to be working.

  ‘At the surgery; there was an emergency,’ Harriet said. ‘I’ll get him to call you tonight.’

  ‘Oh, goody, I do love a christening,’ Doris, one of the raffle ticket sellers at these events, piped up.

  ‘I do, too, although I prefer weddings,’ Mary, her raffle-selling partner, added.

  Pippa noticed Freddie looking intently at the table.

  ‘Of course, I’ll need a hat. Gemma, dear, will you take me shopping? Last time she took me to some wonderful charity shops in Bath and I picked up a few bargains, I can tell you,’ Edie said.

  ‘I’m not sure even I’ll be wearing a hat,’ Harriet replied.

  ‘Yes, but I’m important, I’m going to be godmother,’ she announced to the table.

  ‘As am I,’ Pippa cut in.

  ‘Best if only the chief godmother wears a hat,’ Edie decided, giving herself a promotion that didn’t exist, but no one dreamt of correcting her.

  ‘And as godfather I’m going to get a new suit,’ Gerry announced.

  ‘Why am I not godfather if she’s godmother?’ Freddie hissed at Harriet.

  ‘Oh, Fred, I can’t have both you and Gus, and I couldn’t choose between you, but Pip’s my only sister.’

  ‘That’s convenient,’ Freddie huffed.

  ‘I really don’t mind,’ Gus said reasonably.

  ‘Anyway, you don’t even like babies,’ Gemma pointed out.

  ‘No, but I’ve got a feeling I’ll like Toby when he’s older. A bit like how Fleur managed to grow on me eventually,’ Freddie explained.

  ‘Don’t let her hear you say that,’ Gus pointed out.

  The meeting was definitely off track, so much so that Pippa knew that no matter what happened now, it wouldn’t go back. They were all talking outfits for the christening that Harriet would now have no choice but to schedule. John was suggesting hymns and some of them were asking Gwen about the catering for the afterparty.

  The door opened and Hector appeared with Brooke.

  ‘I heard you were all here. Sorry I’m late, but is there anything I can do to help out with the Easter event?’ he asked.

  ‘What? Oh, I’d almost forgotten about that,’ Edie said. ‘We were talking about the christening.’

  ‘What christening?’ Brooke asked.

  ‘Toby’s. You’ll still be here by the sounds of it, so we’d love you to come,’ Edie said. Harriet opened her mouth as if to object, but then closed it again.

  ‘Who are the godparents?’ Hector asked.

  ‘Gerry, Edie and Pippa so far,’ Harriet explained.

  ‘You need another man, to balance things out,’ Freddie pointed out as if to put himself forward again.

  ‘You’re right, Fred. Hector, how do you fancy being Toby’s second godfather?’

  ‘Who? Me? Of course. I’d be absolutely thrilled. Honoured.’

  His smile stretched across his face, but as Harriet winked at Pippa, Pippa could only scowl back. Just because they were both going to be godparents didn’t mean they’d get together. God, her siblings could be so annoying. They’d always ganged up against her in childhood, too.

  ‘Great,’ she smiled. ‘I’m sure Connor won’t mind that you’ve decided without him,’ Pippa shot back.

  ‘Actually, he already suggested Hector. He quite likes you now you don’t have sex on TV and he even read your book,’ Harriet replied testily.

  Pippa was utterly defeated.

  ‘I promise I’ll be a good godfather,’ Hector said. ‘I’ll take it very seriously.’

  ‘And you’ll make a very handsome and fine-looking godfather, too. Imagine the pictures of us together!’ Edie said.

  Pippa laughed, forgetting to be angry. It would be an interesting christening …

  ‘Right, this calls for a celebration. Can I get anyone another drink?’ Pippa offered and they all excitedly accepted.

  As drinks were fetched and toasts made, it seemed that the Easter event was all but forgotten.

  ‘So, what’s the theme for the Easter event going to be?’ Brooke asked as she, Pippa and Hector walked back to the hotel together.

  ‘No idea. They all got distracted by the christening. To be fair, they usually do. It takes us at least two or three meetings to get the event finalised.’ Pippa was being warm, probably because she’d been drinking earlier in the day and she wasn’t good at it. Even John, the vicar, had succumbed to half a bitter. ‘Thankfully, we have almost two months until it’s actually Easter,’ Pippa observed.

  ‘I hope I’m still around. I know I booked two months, but I really think I need longer. I mean, I can’t believe how quickly time is passing. And now I’ve met Chris … things are really starting to happen.’ Brooke’s time with them was flying by.

  ‘We’d love you to stay longer and I’m happy to block your room out, so at least it’s reserved for you,’ she offered. She had to admit she was used to having Brooke around now.

  ‘Great, it’s just that, well, now I’m thinking that the business side really might be a goer, we’re going to start looking at venues closer to the city. Oh! it’s going to be so exciting.’ Brooke was brimming with enthusiasm.

  ‘And you don’t miss home at all?’ Pippa asked tentatively.

  ‘I do, but I love it here. I think I might be ready to start tracing my family soon, as well,’ she confided. ‘I’m scared, which is why I’ve been putting it off, but now I’m excited to find out where I actually come from.’

  ‘We love having you here,’ Hector said. ‘And if you need any help with anything, let me know,’ he said courteously.

  ‘Thanks. I know I’ve been going through a lot of my own stuff, but you guys have been real kind to me. I think it’s time I told you that I appreciate that.’

  ‘You don’t need to thank us and I for one am getting used to having you around,’ Hector continued.

  ‘Ah, thanks, Hector, I feel the same.’

  Brooke linked her arm through his as they made their way to the front door. Pippa couldn’t help but smile.

  A figure was stood at the front door and as they approached, she saw it was Chris PT, wearing his familiar uniform of tight black jeans and a fitted hoody. His hair, the same colour as his jeans, almost shone.

  ‘Hey, Chris,’ Brooke said. ‘I hope I’m not late?’

  ‘Not at all. I’m a few minutes early.’ He leant his long, lean frame against the door. ‘And how are you doing?’ he asked Pippa with what she guessed was supposed to be a sexy smile.

  ‘Oh, dear Lord!’ Hector replied, taking Pippa by the arm and pushing past Chris into the house.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Pippa rushed to get changed. She’d managed to persuade Harriet to go shopping with her earlier in the week and they’d hit Cabot Circus in Bristol to buy outfits for the christening. Harriet had settled on a lovely dove-grey dress and Pippa had decided on a suit. It was a little on the conservative side but it fitted. It was a deep green colour and Pippa, ever practical, knew she’d wear it again. Harriet complained that she looked fat in everything, but in reality she was practically back to her pre-pregnancy weight, apart from her boobs, which were bigger. Pippa, being fairly flat-chested, was envious. However, it was lovely to spend time with her sister, just the two of them, which was rare these days. They’d had a lovely lunch and she couldn’t remember when she’d laughed so much. Connor had taken the day off, although Gwen was also going to be clucking around, so Harriet wasn’t even worrying about Toby. After they’d got back to Meadowbrook, Pippa and Harriet had promised they’d spend more time together.

  Pippa shook out her hair. She’d been to the hairdresser the previous day, thankfully, because this morning she had to check out all the guests, get the staff all organised for the christening reception later that day and also help housekeeping with some of the rooms that needed to be turned over for the following day. She barely had time to breathe, let alo
ne worry about her appearance.

  She applied minimal make-up and headed downstairs. Hector was pacing the entrance, looking incredibly smart in his fashionable blue suit; his hair was neat and his shoes were so shiny she could see herself reflected in them.

  ‘Hey,’ she said, giving him a hug.

  ‘You look beautiful, Pippa,’ he said awkwardly.

  ‘Thanks, and you look really handsome,’ she replied. ‘But nervous…’

  ‘I am a bit nervous. I’ve been reading up on the godfather business and I rather think it’s a little more serious than I first realised. And I’m not sure how much I believe in God.’ He sounded stricken.

  ‘Don’t tell John, the vicar. I’m guessing you’re maybe overthinking the whole thing. It is serious, Hector, but Harriet and Connor have chosen us to be a support for Toby, which we would be anyway, so look at it like that.’

  ‘So, I don’t have to ensure that his spiritual guidance is up to scratch, read the Bible to him or teach him about God?’

  ‘No. If that was what Harry wanted, she wouldn’t have chosen any of us. No, you get to be an important part of Toby’s life and buy him expensive gifts, basically.’

  ‘Ah, that I can do. But what about if anything happens to Harriet and Connor? Won’t I have to bring him up?’

  He looked so serious that Pippa had to resist laughing.

  ‘I’m having him,’ she replied quickly. ‘But you, along with Gerry, who’s his surrogate grandfather anyway, and Edie who, well, goodness knows what role she’ll play, well, we’ll all be there for him, that’s what it means. And nothing’s going to happen to Harry and Con.’

  ‘You know, that’s quite a good book idea. What if these parents made someone godparents and the godparents wanted the kid so badly they had the parents bumped off so they could get the kid? I should write that down.’

  ‘Oh, goodness, Hector. Don’t tell Harry that or you’ll be un-godfathered before you even get through the church doors.’

  Pippa shivered. She, Hector, Harriet and Connor walked down to the church together. Gemma and Freddie were bringing Brooke, and the others were meeting there. Gwen was already waiting, wearing a lovely woollen dress and big pashmina, and Gerry stood next to her, seeming slightly uncomfortable in his new suit. He looked so proud and Pippa felt a rush of love for him. Gerry, who still hadn’t managed to get Gwen to put a label on their relationship, despite the fact they practically lived together, had slipped into their family without being pushy or demanding. He was so ‘there’ for them all that Pippa was glad he was going to be a godfather, even if he had invited himself to perform this role.

  Freddie got out of the car and opened the door for Gemma then Brooke. Pippa waved. They all looked smart in their Sunday best. Brooke had asked Pippa’s advice for what to wear, pleading that she had nothing suitable. Pippa, who was always willing to be helpful, had lent her a dark red dress and a coat, as it was still chilly for March. Gemma was wearing a trouser suit with heels, which explained why Freddie had driven.

  ‘Hey, is the boy ready to get dunked?’ Freddie asked.

  ‘He’ll probably cry. Where’s Gus and Amanda and my darling nieces?’ Pippa asked.

  ‘Gus is bringing up the gardening club in the minibus, and Amanda will be here any minute with the girls and Alfie.’

  ‘Alfie?’ Hector asked.

  ‘He’s Fleur’s boyfriend. Gus hates him but it’s time he met the family; after all, he’s her first proper boyfriend,’ Harriet explained as she, Connor and Toby arrived.

  ‘Gus won’t be happy,’ Freddie said.

  ‘Which is why Amanda sent him to fetch the ladies. She’s clever, my sister-in-law.’

  Harriet smiled. She was looking gorgeous, every inch the proud mother. Even Connor, who never liked to wear a suit, still managed to look almost smart.

  Amanda arrived on cue with Fleur, Hayley and a teenage boy who looked a little like Justin Bieber. Pippa smiled as introductions were made; her niece had done well.

  After kisses were exchanged, John, the vicar, appeared with Hilary at his side.

  ‘Are you ready for the big moment, young man?’ John asked, bending down to the pram where Toby was asleep, his fists clenched.

  ‘How does he sleep through all this noise?’ Fleur asked.

  ‘Takes after his father,’ Harriet replied.

  ‘Not when he was a baby,’ Gwen started. ‘When he was a baby he was a terror to get to sleep and he barely napped at all.’

  ‘Oh, Mum, enough with the baby stuff.’ Connor’s face reddened and he sounded like a little boy.

  ‘Oh! before I forget, I need to apologise,’ Gemma said.

  ‘What for?’ Pippa asked.

  ‘Edie’s hat. It’s sort of, really, really big. I mean, even for the mother of the bride it would be over the top,’ she grimaced.

  ‘I wouldn’t expect anything less from Edie,’ Harriet laughed. ‘After all, this is her day, really, we all know that.’

  The minibus pulled up and Gus hopped out, opening the door. Most of the villagers had arrived now, but last off the bus was Edie, wearing a hat that rendered Pippa speechless. It was not only enormous, but it was also covered in feathers and what looked like silver balls. It was extraordinary. And coupled with Edie’s silver dress, she looked nothing like any godmother Pippa had ever seen.

  ‘You can start now, the chief godmother’s here,’ Edie announced.

  Pippa dreaded to think what the photos would be like. It took three of them – Freddie, Gus and Hector – to get Edie and her hat through the front door and then everyone fought to get the ‘good’ seats, which took even longer. But finally they were all ready.

  ‘Are all church services this long?’ Hector hissed as John rounded up the sermon. ‘I thought this was just a special christening and would take five minutes.’

  ‘Shush! John likes to do everything properly,’ Pippa whispered back.

  But he was right; it had been a long service. Fortunately, Toby had stayed asleep. Unfortunately, Freddie, who was on the other side of Pippa, kept nodding off, too.

  ‘Can we have the parents and godparents at the font,’ John finally announced.

  Gus was taking the photos, being the most artistic one of the family, and Pippa laughed inside as Harriet and Connor stood holding Toby with Edie, her hat ensuring no one else could get near. Pippa, Gerry and Hector may as well have been outside the church door.

  ‘I want to go first,’ Edie said. ‘As chief godmother.’

  ‘Um,’ John, the vicar, looked confused.

  ‘Just let her,’ Harriet hissed.

  ‘The thing is that normally every godparent agrees at the same time,’ John said.

  ‘Oh no, I’ll go first and then you can do the others at the same time.’

  No one argued, not even the vicar. Toby woke up crying, but as Edie grabbed him out of Harriet’s arms, he quickly settled, which seemed to support her argument further. When John had to take him to put the holy water on him, he almost had to wrestle him out of her arms. Then he cried when the water was poured on his head and Edie looked at John as if he were the Devil himself. Finally, Pippa got the chance to hold Toby.

  ‘Can I get a photo with you, Hector and Toby?’ Gus asked.

  Hector moved as close as he could to Pippa and beamed.

  ‘You know, you guys look so good together,’ Harriet said as she stood by Gus. ‘Like a proper family.’

  ‘They really do,’ Freddie agreed.

  Pippa felt herself blushing, although Hector was still beaming.

  ‘My turn.’ Edie elbowed Pippa out of the way. She didn’t want Toby this time but Hector, putting her arms around him. ‘I think we make the perfect couple, actually,’ she said forcefully and Pippa laughed.

  ‘I couldn’t agree more, Edie,’ Pippa concurred as Hector turned a slightly odd shade of green.

  Pippa grabbed Gemma and they drove back to the house, leaving the others to walk. She knew she’d probably get the wrath of Freddie
later for ‘stealing’ the car, but she was prepared for that, because not only did she need five minutes away from the craziness, but she also needed to check that everything was ready for the party before everyone turned up at Meadowbrook. Harriet was going home first to change Toby and get all the stuff he’d need; she was probably going to use the time to get five minutes’ peace, as well.

  The service had finally ended after Edie, Rose and Margaret sang ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ rather enthusiastically, which made Toby cry the whole way through; although they could barely hear his cries above their singing. After that, the vicar had tried to herd everyone out of the church, which took a while. Even assurances of food and drink back at the house didn’t hurry them up, as each of the ladies queued up to hold Toby. But at least that gave Pippa some time before they all descended on the hotel. It was a proper Meadowbrook christening.

  The house was warm as they went in. The staff had all done a fabulous job and the bar was already set up to welcome the guests. Vicky had a wonderful spread of food waiting for them in the dining room, so Pippa really didn’t have to do anything.

  ‘How are things with you now? I haven’t had the chance to catch up lately,’ Pippa said to Gemma as they waited for the party to start in the bar.

  ‘Good. I meant to thank you, Pippa. Freddie said you’re going to get cover so we can go away next weekend. And I think we need it. You know, it’s weird, but although we live together, what with the hotel and my course, we don’t spend that much time alone. I’m not complaining, because I get to see you and the family a lot, but maybe this whole insecurity I’ve been feeling stems from us not having enough time alone.’

  ‘Makes sense. I think you should make the most of the weekend. My brother loves you, and you need to see that and not push him away.’

  ‘Thanks, Pippa, and you’re right, I need to relax and enjoy our relationship.’

  The door burst open at that point and the noise level almost went through the roof.

  ‘Oh, Gemma, that hat’s going to kill someone,’ Pippa said as Edie knocked someone flying when she walked in.

  ‘I know, but she’s very fond of it,’ Gemma replied.