Page 42 of Someone For Everyone

Calvin wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that.

Thankfully, Kate came to his rescue. ‘There are no immediate plans to sell anything, Rowan. This is purely an exercise in valuing the estate so that Inheritance Tax can be calculated. Something we’re legally required to do before probate can be granted. The quicker we get this done, the sooner the care home can return to being a viable business. There’s really no reason to worry,’ she said, sharing a glance with Calvin. ‘And I’m sure Calvin will give you plenty of notice before any firm decisions are made about the future of the care home.’ She met his gaze. ‘That’s right, isn’t it?’

He manged a feeble nod. ‘Of course.’ Swallowing awkwardly, he took another sip of water. ‘Kate has listed my late uncle’s garage blocks for auction this month, so that’ll generate more income, which we can use to extend nursing cover. And Alex has done a great job getting to grips with the accounts and negotiating with our creditors. We’re in a much better financial position than we were before they arrived. I’m grateful to them both.’

‘Here, here,’ Rowan said, starting off a round of applause, much to Kate’s horror. She blushed and rapidly sat down, and Alex slid further down in his chair, both of them mortified at being the centre of attention.

Calvin glanced around the room and realised his granny was looking directly at him. She had a knowing smile that indicated trouble was looming. Her eyes drifted over to Kate, before coming back to land on him. What was she up to?

He cleared his throat and reached for his water; his mouth was bone dry again. ‘That just leaves us with plans for Christmas. There’re a number of activities taking place in the village, so I’ll put up a list in the foyer. If you could add your names to any events you’re interested in attending, I’ll book a minibus to take everyone.’

There was a general murmur of excitement.

‘I do love Christmas,’ Rowan said, clapping his hands. ‘Such a fun time.’

‘Me too.’ Natalie looked lovingly down at her son. ‘It’ll be Jacob’s first Christmas. I want to make it special for him.’

This was met with a smattering ofahhhs.

‘Are we doing anything here at the care home?’ Esme asked, her smile laced with mischief. She was up to something, he just knew it. ‘I’m happy to organise a Secret Santa.’

‘What is that?’ Hanna’s arms were still folded, but she looked less venomous than before. He was grateful for small mercies.

Esme turned to her. ‘We put everyone’s names into a hat, and then randomly select one person to buy a gift for. That way everyone gets a present, but it keeps the cost down.’

Hanna nodded. ‘Good system. I like. But we all buy for baby, yes?’

‘Oh, yes.’ Esme looked at the others for confirmation. ‘Absolutely.’

‘Oh, please, I can’t ask you to do that.’ Natalie looked stricken. ‘It’s too much.’

‘Not too much.’ Hanna shook her head vehemently. ‘Baby have no family to buy him presents. We buy presents instead. We baby’s family.’

Natalie wiped her eyes. ‘Thank you. That’s so lovely of you. I’m more than happy to put up decorations, if that helps.’

‘I can help with that, too.’ Kate raised her hand, as if she were in school. ‘I like putting up decorations.’ She blushed when Calvin looked at her.

He was touched by her willingness to join in with the festivities. It certainly wasn’t part of her job remit.

‘And I’m happy to arrange a film night,’ Rowan said, waving theatrically. ‘White Christmasis an absolute must.’

Esme gave him a pointed look. ‘As long as it’s notThe Nightmare Before Christmas. OrDie Hard.’

‘Die Hardisn’t a Christmas film,’ Larry said, shaking his head. ‘I’ll defy anyone who tells me otherwise.’

Rowan let out a theatrical sigh. ‘Credit me with some taste, darlings. If it doesn’t contain music composed by Irving Berlin or Stephen Sondheim then it won’t make the cut.’

‘That’s my Christmas ruined,’ Geraldine said, drily.

‘What’s that, Ursula…?’ Rowan stared up at the ceiling. ‘Yes, of course we’ll includeMiracle on 34thStreet… and, yes, the original, not the remake,’ he said, rolling his eyes, as if the demands of the care home’s resident ghost were draining his patience. ‘Such a drama queen.’

Kate smothered a laugh. The irony wasn’t lost on Calvin either.

‘Put me down in charge of music,’ Larry said, glancing at Geraldine. ‘I’m happy to take requests.’

Geraldine beamed. ‘Bless you. At least I can be assured of one tasteful evening… And where are you off to?’ Suki had got upand walked over to Calvin, plonking herself down by his feet. Geraldine’s hands went to her hips. ‘Oh, like that, is it?’

Calvin shrugged an apology and slid his feet from underneath the dog.

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