peace crept over her. She remembered what Steve had once said about his grandmother and her treasures and began to think about her own smiling at each new thought until sleep claimed her just after she added last night to her treasured thoughts. It had been the first time Steve had made love to her since his operation. It had been very special and had brought home how much she had missed that special closeness lying in his arms afterwards feeling safe and loved.
Jacob and Sandra seemed to be enjoying themselves but suddenly Sandra began to cry and tug at Steve's shirt. Gip was standing nearby. 'She does that when she needs the loo.'
Steve called Marianne who took charge of the little girl. Jacob began to follow so Steve took him and Jeff to the gents and then decided it was time for lunch. Everyone made their way to Dora and Milly when Marianne cried our 'Where's Ray?' She had told Eddie to look after him. 'Gip, Tim, come with me-we'll find him.' said Eddie.
'He liked the 'hook a duck' stall' said Tim and ran off being used to the way the fair normally arranged it's attractions- but Ray was not there.
'Have you seen my little brother- you know him don't you?' he asked the stallholder.
'I saw him alright. A little boy hooked a duck and quick as a flash your brother took it off the hook and ran away. I sent Brian, my lad after him because I can't leave the stall.'
Tim gasped. Brian was a big boy and would surely frighten Ray. Tim had got into several arguments with him when still with the fair. Eddie came hurrying up and Tim explained what had happened.
'Sorry Jack' he said to the stallholder.'I'll bring your duck back.'
'Don't worry Eddie-just see your lad's alright.'
They began a systematic tour of the fair asking the fair folk if they'd seen Brian. In the end they found him but not Ray.
'Littlun give me the slip' he said when questioned.'
Tim began calling but it was hard to make himself heard above the noise of the music and machinery. Then they saw Evie running towards them.
'It's ok- he managed to find his way back to us. He's got a little plastic duck with him and he wont part with it.'
'S'okay ' said Brian. 'Dad's got plenty more and I saw it was number 7.'
Dora had woken up and the families shared out the food they had brought. Hazel had sent some sausage rolls and chocolate crispies which were very popular with all the children. Dora had bottles in a coolbox for Pru and a flask of hot water and pyrex bowl to heat them. Marianne had vegetable puree and juice for Lily. After lunch the children had to be persuaded to sit still for a while to allow their food to settle but in the end it was decided to let them try some of the games stalls. An hour later a variety of cuddly toys, balloons, ornaments and the inevitable goldfish were stowed away in the cars and for a further hour they returned to the rides. Eddie and Tim battled Gip and Steve on the dodgems, Jeff and Ray rode a fire engine and train on the children's roundabout and Sandra and Jacob went round the veteran car track. The waltzers, the swinging boats, the cake walk and the mat were all tried until at last, worn out they made their way to the carousel for the final rides of the day.
The short journey back home was very quiet as most of the younger children slept.