The childrens Ride Past had been mainly organised by Ron and Steve but the restaurant meal was planned by Dora who spent ages on the phone tracking down people from all parts of Slugger's past. She was excited and apprehensive at the same time. Steve asked Millie to babysit Jeff so he could take Dora out to unwind.
'But I need an early night Steve' she protested as he helped her on with her smart blue coat.
'We won't be long.' He drove to 'The Wayfarer, their favourite hotel and restaurant. The manager greeted them 'Steve, Dora-you're not booked in are you? It's alright we're not busy tonight.'
'Sorry Sam we're just here for a drink.'
Take it through to the lounge, there's a lovely fire in there and Paul's playing the piano.They settled down on the burgundy leather settee and Dora visibly relaxed. 'This was just what I needed' she said sipping pineapple juice and chewing nuts.
'Tomorrow we can finally tell Slugger our good news-then everyone else.' said Steve.
'I want to wait until after the party though-no big announcement'
'Okay.' After he'd drunk his half of lager Steve asked if she was ready to go home and Dora said perhaps they could have a hot chocolate which they drank with slow enjoyment, and then her eyelids began to droop.
When they got back Steve suggested a short while down by the lake. They both loved it in the moonlight it was peaceful and still and calmed Dora. That night however the dream
about Slugger and the colonel came back and she awoke sweating and frightened. 'It's all those nuts' said Steve trying to make light of the situation. 'Let's have a soak in the bubble bath. We don't have to do chores today- Tony's bringing his girlfriend over to help him with our horses and Ron, Hazel, Ben and George are sorting Follyfoot. I'm going to get
Slugger up and dressed so you have a lazy morning. I'll get Jeff up and make breakfast.
The post brought lots of cards. Slugger had said he didn't want presents but they clubbed together and bought him a whiskey decanter and glasses and a bottle of Bells.A new shirt and tie was also produced and he was not allowed to wear his old hat. His hair shone like silver. 'Blimey you've done me up like a dogs dinner. Where'we off to anyway?'
'You'll see' said Steve as he and Ron helped him into the car-the wheelchair was in the back.
'Do we have ter take that fing?'
'Well if you think me and Steve are going to give ourselves hernias carting you about think again.' said Ron.
The first person Slugger saw when they entered the restaurant was Sergeant Thomas Delaney who was standing underneath a painting of Red Rum.
'Tommy-by all that's wonderful where did you come from? I heard you was dead!'
'I heard the same about you- can't believe all you hear Slugger.'
'Hello Uncle Slugger' said a soft voice in his ear.
'Kaitlin-is it you?'
'Aye- over from the Emerald Isle to share your 70th with you. Mum and dad are sorry they can't come but they've both not been well. They're going to phone you at the farm tonight-but look who I have brought. My husband Seamus and our little Bridie.' She placed a little blonde blue eyed moppet on Slugger's lap.
'Kaitlin's dad Finbar was my best man when I married Tiny' Slugger smiled down at Bridie. Jeff struggled in Dora's arms holding his hands out to Slugger.
'Let's go meet some other people' said Steve pushing Slugger through into the bar area. Soon he was surrounded by his sister and her husband, a niece and nephew with their families, old soldiers and business acquaintances. Then an elderly lady, also in a wheelchair was pushed to his side. 'Remember me old friend?' she asked.
'Ah Rosa- how could I forget you. Night after night I stood there watching while Fearless Francis threw those knives at you. I was so scared but I couldn't look away.'
'Then it was my turn to watch you fight in the ring. How many times did I patch you up after some lucky punter landed a punch on you.'
'I want Rosa ter sit next ter me please. We have a lot to catch up on.'
Steve wheeled him to his place while Ron took charge of Rosa's chair. Dora sat on Slugger's other side. 'No stew today!' she whispered.
'Stew's good-int that right Rosa me darlin?'
'Not yours so I hear' said Rosa giggling like a schoolgirl.
Minestrone soup was followed by roast lamb with mint sauce, garden peas, yorkshire pudding, carrots and roast and creamed potatoes. Dessert was black forest gateau. Afterwards they drank champagne with the birthday cake. 'Are you going to propose a toast?' Dora asked Steve.
'I think you should do it love!' So Dora rose to her feet amidst loud applause.
'Slugger means so much to all of us here. It's a fitting tribute that so many of you said 'yes' to the invitation. To Steve and Ron and I he's been like a dad sometimes a favourite uncle at others but always our best friend. Please raise your glasses and wish Slugger Jones a very Happy Birthday. ' Slugger smiled a little smile to himself and winked at Ron who banged on the table with a spoon 'Pray silence ladies, gents and anyone else for the Birthday Boy.'Once again Slugger grinned to himself.
'I just wanna say fanks to you all for coming- and thanks to my adopted family for organising this 'ere fantastic shindig.' There was a spontaneous round of applause. 'As you know Tiny and I lost our little Christopher and we weren't blessed with any more children but along came Ron, Dora and Steve to brighten up my life. Now there's Hazel, Ben, Callie. Teri, Tony and little Jeff then there's George and Vi, Milly and Bert and my own family too. I really am richly blest and as Tiny Tim was wont to say 'God Bless us every one!' More applause followed and then the party began to go their separate ways. Dora had a headache and Jeff was almost asleep so George and Vi took Slugger home in their car.
Later in the day Steve asked Dora if she wanted to go and say goodnight to Slugger but she said she felt very tied and would see him in the morning. Steve arrived at Follyfoot to find Ron and Slugger having a nightcap. 'Well Slugs have you had a good birthday?'
Slugger began to laugh out loud. 'Ah well you see today's not me real birthday- I suppose you might say it's an unofficial one. My birthday is actually not March 31st but April 1st! See you know what blokes in the forces is like. I didn't want to go through the army being called an April Fool so I lied about the date. Even when I got married Tiny and me carried on the game. I can just imagine the shennanikins you lot would have got up to if you'd known. But you asked about my day- it was fantastic-the best unofficial or official birthday I've ever had and I'll treasure it for as long as I live-however long or short the rest of my life is. Now come on Steve-have a nightcap with us. We're wetting young Stryker junior's head a bit early-just in case.
When Steve got home Dora was sound asleep so he told her about Slugger's official birthday the next day. 'So you can still tell him our news on his birthday. Dora was looking out of the window and suddenly cried out. 'Look Steve- a magpie one magpie it's happening again! Steve anxiously scanned the sky. It's okay I saw another one!' he lied,