Paddy emerges from the car next in line with a wave, and finally Spanner, with little Ariana who bounces around, excited to be on a boat.
Got custody for the holliers, Spanner says with a wink, taking off after her.
I look at them all, totally confused and stunned to see them, this mix of people, all together, here, on Valentia Island. They all gather together, around Pops and Tristan, looking at me with grins on their faces, proud of themselves for pulling off the big secret.
Go on, Spanner says, nudging Tristan roughly.
So I guess I’ll do the talking then, Tristan says, sounding more nervous than I’ve ever heard him. We are all here because, we’re your five. But most importantly we all have something in common which is that you, Allegra Bird, are one of our five. I’ll go first.
He clears his throat.
Apart from my parents, he says nervously, you’re the only one who lets me be Tristan. Everyone else has me on their list as Rooster. And of all the mentors I’ve had and searched for, you’re one of the most inspiring people I know.
Because you’re beautiful inside and out, Genevieve says loudly and confidently, the sentence like a song.
Because you show up every day, shouts Spanner.
Because you’re my friend, says Paddy, delivering it with such duty and honour.
I look at Pops. His voice trembles and it’s the undoing of me. Because you’re my daughter, he says. My one and only.
Pops’ lopsided smile and trembling lips. Tristan’s nervous, embarrassed face, his puppy dog eyes. I’m in shock. I look at them all. Feel utterly speechless but so happy, so very bloody deliriously happy.
And if it makes any difference, Tristan adds, you’re my number one.
I might have to battle you for that one, Pops says to Tristan, then winks at me. His wink forces a tear down his cheek, which he wipes away with the back of his hand.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you, Lynne Drew, Lara Stevenson, Kate Elton, Charlie Redmayne, Elizabeth Dawson, Anna Derkacz, Hannah O’Brien, Abbie Salter, Kimberley Young, Isabel Coburn, Alice Gomer, Tony Purdue, Patricia McVeigh, Ciara Swift, Jacq Murphy and all the innovative team at HarperCollins UK. I feel honoured to be working with you, to be published by you, and to have a seat at your table, even if it was a virtual room this year.
Thanks to my literary representatives at Park & Fine Literary and Media Agency. In particular, Theresa Park, Abby Koons, Ema Barnes, Andrea Mai, Emily Sweet and Alex Greene. A super team of superwomen. Thanks to Howie Sanders at Anonymous Content, Anita Kissane and Sarah Kelly.
Thanks without end to booksellers and readers for your support.
Thanks to my tribe – my friends, my family, my David, my Robin, my Sonny, my Blossom … my everythings.