Page 53 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

With Willow Tree Hall as a magnificent backdrop, the fete was spread out across the huge front lawn. The ground was parched and the long, yellowing leaves of the willow tree swayed in a soft breeze with – thankfully – a clear blue sky above.

All around the tree had been placed a vast number of tables, all decked with brightly coloured tablecloths and bunting. The tops of the tables were groaning with homemade goodies. Jack could see jam, cakes, biscuits, toys, drinks, candles and hand lotions all jostling for space.

As well as being full of colour and homemade goods, the place was also packed with families walking around, chatting or lounging on picnic rugs. Many children were holding balloons and had their faces painted.

Laughter filled the air and Jack nodded to himself, pleased that Sam and Annie had done such a good job reviving the traditional village fete.

‘Hello!’ said Sam, as he headed across the driveway, holding what appeared to be many packets of burger buns. ‘You made it!’

‘Hi,’ said Jack. ‘It looks like a good turnout.’

‘I think we’ve even more people than last year,’ Sam told him as they began to walk across the gravel towards the many stalls. ‘Especially if the amount of barbeque food we’ve already sold is any indication.’

They carried on across the grass, which was still short and stubby thanks to the lack of recent rain.

‘Of course,’ continued Sam, ‘our popularity could be down to the catering staff I’ve employed.’

As they neared the long queue in front of the barbeque stall, Jack suddenly understood what Sam was getting at. Cooking sausages for the masses was none other than Tommy King, the multi-award-winning famous singer.

‘Here’s the last of the sausage buns,’ said Sam, placing them on a nearby table. ‘Tom! I want to introduce you to my old school friend, Jack. Jack, this is Tommy King, but just plain old Tom the sausage griller to you and me.’

‘Hi,’ said Tom, reaching out to shake a charcoal-covered hand with Jack.

‘Nice to meet you,’ said Jack.

‘Has anybody got me a beer yet?’ asked Tom. ‘This cooking lark is thirsty work.’

‘Here!’ said Will, suddenly appearing with an armful of ice-cold beers. ‘Stop your whingeing.’

‘Thanks,’ said Tom, taking a bottle and having a quick glug before concentrating on his grill once more.

‘Hey,’ said Will to Jack. ‘Glad you made it. Beer for you, too, if you’re not driving.’

Jack had a sudden flashback to Will crying in the corridor at school when they were much younger. Sam and Will’s parents had been killed in a car accident, the class had been told. Jack remembered that it had involved a drink driver.

‘I am driving,’ said Jack. ‘Unfortunately for me, as an ice-cold beer sounds great in this heat.’

‘Well, you can either grab a taxi or stay over, if you like,’ said Sam, with a shrug. ‘There’s plenty of room in the big house. Go on, enjoy a beer with us and stay for the music later.’

‘Are you singing?’ Jack asked Tom.

‘Free catering and now a free gig,’ said Tom, with a grin. ‘They’re getting their money’s worth out of me today.’

‘The local hospital will be very grateful for the funds raised today, so stop your moaning,’ said Will, smiling. ‘Some people let fame go completely to their heads. You’re such a diva.’

‘Who’s a diva?’ said a short man, coming to stand next to them.

Expecting an overly zealous friendly local, Jack was amazed to realise that it was another classmate from school.

‘You are, Alex,’ said Sam, before continuing to split open all the burger buns.

‘Too right,’ said Alex, glancing over at Jack before doing a double take. ‘Good God!’

‘No, just plain old me,’ drawled Jack, with a smile.

‘Jack Carter,’ said Alex, striding over to stand in front of him. ‘I don’t believe it. How are you?’

‘Good, thanks,’ Jack told him, shaking his hand.