Dora and Syeve took Jeff to the afternoon crib service at the church where they had been married. Neither of them was particularly religious but being new parents they felt they would like to get involved in this community event aimed at young families.
Milly liked to go to church occasionally and asked Slugger to take her to the midnight service.
'I dunno Mil, I'm a christenings, weddings an' funerals bloke meself.'
'I've heard you humming Christmas carols though.'
Slugger smiled thinking of 'While shepherds washed their socks by night, We four Beatles from Liverpool are, and Hark the Daily Herald sings which were the words he knew, he didn't want to disappoint Milly however.
'Ok luv- if yer really wanna go.'
'It starts at 11.30.'
'Well, if yer come and watch the telly wiv me at the farm ternight yer'll make sure I don't forget! I'll come over after tea and walk back wiv yer- ave anuvver butchers at the lake by moonlight, eh?'
Steve was on the phone to Kathy, they had sent some flowers by Interflora and he wanted to make sure she'd received them.' Yes thanks luv but you shouldn't have bothered really. I don't do much in the way of Christmas presents.'
'I'd noticed' he said thinking of the very cheap looking card she'd sent between all of them. In contrast Bert had sent separate cards and a gift for Jeff. 'Now- about this Milly and Slugger thing- can't you have a word to her Steve- she won't listen to me.'
'Auntie deserves to enjoy herself. She and Slugger know their own minds.'
'Well I hope so!'
'It's good to know that you care though mum- anyway you and Bert have a good Christmas.'
'I expect we will, don't work too hard.'
Slugger studied his carol sheet to make sure he sang the right words. Milly, who knew them all by heart cast a sideways glance at him thinking how upright and strong he was. His singing voice was low and tuneful and blended well with her soprano. Slugger did not go forward to receive communion but sat with his head bowed ,deep in thought. The service was short as there was no sermon. The vicar stood in the porch afterwards shaking hands with the people and exchanging Christmas greetings as they left.
'Why Mr. Jones, how lovely to see you- and I think I met this lady before at the wedding of Dora and Steve.'
'Yers, thas right. This is Milly Robinson, Steve's aunt. She's staying wiv them fer the 'olidays.'
'Well, I hope to see you again before you leave.'
' 'appen I 'll mebbee be living here shortly.' The vicar looked from one to the other.'
'I see.' he said.
'Er yes,well,there's a chance Steve and Dora will 'ave a granny extension built.' explained Slugger reddening slightly and ushered Milly quickly away. As they drove back to the bungalow Milly chuckled softly to herself.
'I'm coming for me dinner termorrer' he said when he had his thoughts in control once more.
'I know, Hazel's coming over early to put the turkey in and later on I'll get the veggies done.'
'No Ron, so Steve's gonna be busy.'
'I'm minding Jeff so Dora can help.'
'I'll put me two penneth in before I come over, then p'raps we'll have a bit of time fer a walk ter work up an appetite- unless you'd like ter go ter the pub for a pair o teef?'
'No- a walk and a nice sweet sherry at 'ome will be lovely.'
'Happy Christmas then gal' said Slugger kissing her cheek.
'And to you too, I'm sure it will be' she replied returning the kiss.
After lunch on Christmas day Dora and Steve washed up while Slugger and Milly kept Jeff entertained. Hazel had gone back to the farm and when all was cleared away presents were exchanged. Jeff's had not been wrapped up but he showed interest in the rustling of the paper as the adults opened theirs. Milly loved her plant and the brooch shaped like a flower with a pearl in the centre which Slugger had bought for her. She had bought him a new sheepskin hat and matching gloves. 'Cor, they're smashing Mil- thanks!' He stood up, pulled her to her feet and guided her to the mistletoe which hung over the hall doorway. For the first time he kissed her full on the lips and Milly blushed like a schoolgirl.
'You okay to mind Jeff while we check on the horses?' asked Steve 'he should sleep for about an hour.'
'Sure fing- orf yer go.We'll 'ave the kettle on fer when yer get back.'
'You've not kissed me under the mistletoe yet.' said Dora as they walked hand in hand through the woods to Follyfoot.'I don't need mistletoe as an excuse to do this' he said taking her in his arms and kissing her lovingly.' We'd best make a noise when we go back indoors, can't have poor Milly blushing again' said Dora.
They needn't have worried, on their return Slugger was asleep on the sofa and Milly was beside him knitting. They went to change out of their working clothes and Milly made a pot of tea. She gently shook Slugger to wake him. He smiled at her as he opened his eyes and looked at her. She was wearing an emerald green jersey dress onto which she had fastened her new brooch. 'I meant ter say earlier Milly- yer look a real treat in that dress don't she Steve?' Steve went and gave his aunt a hug. 'Yeah, she sure does- and just look at my beautiful wife!' He hugged her too. She had regained her figure and had now changed into a purple trouser suit which showed it off to perfection. Steve had on a matching shirt which he wore with black cords. 'You're easy on the eye too' she said and as Steve sank into the big cosy armchair she lowered herself onto his lap and laid her cheek against his feeling his sideburns rough against her skin. Jeff woke up as they were finishing their drinks.
'I'll get him' volunteered Slugger. He was gone for several minutes and explained that Jeff had needed changing. He sat down beside Milly again and she began to dangle a set of toy plastic keys in front of the little boy. When Steve looked at Dora there were tears in her eyes. 'Come on- let's wash up' he said,. As they did so she whispered 'Oh Steve, two lovely people like that should have had their own families!'
'I know, but they've got us- and now Jeff and maybe more in the future, they'll be the best surrogate gran and grandad ever.'