A Friend in Need
Part 19. Conclusion.

Jane realised that I was very nervous about the wedding as we lay there talking. Eventually I must have drifted off to sleep. When I woke up I was cradled in Jane’s arms and she was asleep.

I realised that today was the day! In a few hours time I would be a married woman! Even though I had possessed this beautiful body for over a year I was having trouble getting my head around this fact.
Not only a married woman but also one who is determined to be a mother. Just then I felt ill. I rocketed out of bed and only just made it to the toilet before voiding the contents of my stomach.

I had definitely woken Jane on my sprint out of bed. She stood in the doorway to the bathroom. “Too much Champagne sweetheart” she sympathised. Still hugging the toilet I managed to say, “nerves I think”

Thankfully I soon felt a lot better so we checked the time, got ready and had some breakfast meeting Kerry and the bridesmaids downstairs.
We had arranged that us two brides would use my room to get ready. While the bridesmaids and maids of honour would use Kerry’s room as this was the larger of the two.
The hairdresser would be here at ten; with the beautician shortly after, so a scented bath was the first thing on our list – it’s a good job the hotel has loads of hot water!

Next was the hairdresser, my hair was a simple style I wanted it long, framing my face. But of course I was overruled! And I was really glad that I was! The style I was advised to have was a smooth look, all my long hair pulled back exposing my ears, and fashioned into a Bun/French swirl at the back, with a cute curl towards my right ear.
I nearly cried when I saw it the style was perfect for my dress it showed my delicate jaw line and classic cheek bones as well as my slender neck and cute ears.

Kerry’s style was more complex, her hair was swept up into a bun, and then curled around this the style really suited her and the curls and bun would support her tiara and veil.

It was now after noon and the hairdresser went next door to finish off the rest. My make up was understated showing my best features and smooth complexion. The make up girl was amazed that for a woman of my age my skin was so taut and wrinkle free.
I had to smile when she told me I had the skin and complexion of someone 20 years younger!

Jane and Julie (my sister) came in to help us with our dresses. When they saw my new hairstyle they both thought it was perfect for my simple dress.

All I wore under the dress was a white thong and white bridal hold up silk stockings (these had cost over £100!) I stepped into the silk cocoon and gently slid it up my body. It clung to me like a second skin from the hips upwards the straps were high at the front with a V neckline, plunging at the back to about 3” above the base of my spine (this was the zip)
From the hips it flowed to a small trumpet train, the dress floated a flowing silk sheath lined in the lightest satin – it was so comfortable.

While the small pearl string was fixed to my hair I watched my darling daughter put her dress on. I could have cried because my little girl was getting married!
Her classic strapless dress in silk chiffon was absolutely gorgeous. As Julie zipped the back up the boning nipped her waist in perfectly as the dress was fluffed out and her silk 3” heels were slipped on Julie slid a blue garter up her leg.
I was about to slip into my 6” white strappy sandals when Jane produced another blue garter and slipped it up my leg this was difficult as my dress was fitted.

I put the sapphire and platinum earring and pendant set on and my gold watch. There was a knock at the door. Kerry looked terrified so I took her hand and gave it a squeeze saying, “You look lovely sweetheart. Lets go and make an entrance!” When the door opened it was Kerry’s father (my ex husband) and my dad.

Analysing this, I had been Christina for just over a year, her (my) memories were so dominant that all of these people were my family, no one else’s – it is such a strange sensation.

Now for the wedding, Kerry and I stood nervously outside the large hall where the wedding was to take place. As the music started I waited for Kerry to move then we walked into the hall on the arms of our respective fathers.

The look of appreciation on CJ’s face said it all and buoyed me up banishing my nerves.
Much to my shame I don’t remember much about the actual ceremony I must have gone into a nerve induced catatonic trance – if there is such a thing!
But when he slipped the wedding ring on my finger I snapped out of it and realised that I was now a married woman – ME!
As my husband stooped to kiss me he whispered, “you look ravishing?” Our lips met and I never wanted this kiss to end.

The photo’s followed and we were posed here there and everywhere. The whole process was quite exciting and tedious at the same time if that’s possible.
Then the reception with the speeches, my dad made a point of being fed up of giving his daughter away and made a show of giving CJ a big silver key telling him to, “take this key because I don’t want her back again – I’m getting too old for this!”

Later on after all the afternoon things were finished I sat with Kerry, both of us still in our bridal finery – apparently we couldn’t take these dresses off today. Mind you I didn’t want to my dress was just so comfortable and so easy to wear.
But I think Kerry’s dress with all the underskirts and flounces was a bit harder to wear.

The evening ‘do’ started and we were there to greet all the night time partygoers. The whole of my customers were there with their wives and partners, some of the partners I had never seen before and of course the young lads who were keeping an eye out for ‘talent’ and were determined to have a good night.

The first dance! We danced to Lionel Richie’s ‘Lady’ as CJ guided me around the floor I was floating, I was so very happy. Then the party started! Sue and Bob approached holding hands and looking happier than I had seen them in ages; before they spoke I knew what their decision was. I kissed Sue and said, “You’re taking the pub?” She smiled happily still holding onto Bob’s hand saying, “Oh yes Chrissie, we’ve talked it over seen the solicitor and we both think it’s an ideal solution. But our solicitor commented that you’re robbing yourself! Are you certain?” I nodded happily, “Oh yes Sue absolutely – and my solicitor and accountant said the same thing!”

Now I was set, we could move after Christmas and I still get to keep the pub I call my birthplace.
The night went oh so fast, in all honesty I never wanted it to end I was in heaven, the number of times Kerry and I were complemented on our dresses. I could see she loved being the centre of attention and I deliberately remained in the back ground as this was her big day!

Finally CJ and I could slip away to the Royal Suit for some loving, He put the key card into the lock to open the door. “What the Hell!” I heard him exclaim as he put the lights on. I bobbed around him and started to giggle, the room had been redecorated with condoms as balloons, confetti everywhere the bed was strewn in rose petals it was a sight to behold – and a total mess.
Then there was “SURPRISE!” roared from behind us that scared the life out of me. Most of my regulars from the pub, lead by Keith and Jane were stood in the hallway daft grins on their faces with bottles of Champagne and glasses in their hands intent on carrying on the party in our bridal suit!

Not on your life! I wanted CJ to myself, I threw myself at the door managing to shut in and get the safety chain on in one motion. Then secure I pleaded with them to go away and leave me to ravish my new husband.
I didn’t sound all that serious because I was giggling at what they had done to the room.
Finally they relented and dispersed I closed the door and with a big sigh threw myself on my gorgeous husband who responded with equal passion.
Our first proper kiss was deep, slow and passionate. When we parted he looked at me and said, “today you have made me the proudest man in the world, when I saw you walking towards me I nearly cried, you were radiant so, so beautiful.”

I got that warm and fuzzy feeling and kissed him so gently on the lips whispering, “now take my dress off I’ve been waiting all day for this moment.” Soon my dress was a pool of white silk around my feet, I stood there resplendent in white thong, hold up silk stockings blue garter and my towering heels, he gathered me into his arms and carried me to the bed, muttering about the rose petals set me off giggling again but soon we were joined in blissful union – this time as man and wife.

The next morning CJ was still asleep while I was luxuriating in the intense feeling of fulfilment. I was so content it was unbelievable. I stretched and immediately felt the urge to vomit. I just made it to the toilet, but two morning in a row! Could I be? No I only came off the pill two weeks ago. So I put it down to the excitement of the day.

By the time CJ awoke I was feeling a lot better and wanted to ravish my hunky new husband, the feel of him caressing my breast, kissing and sucking my nipples never failed to arouse my primal female passion – I simply couldn’t get enough of his body.

But we had to go, was Alan was at the pub for a week while we were in Plymouth all we had to do was collect our case (well a case for CJ; 2 cases for me! Well a girl just has to look her best.)
As we checked out we had to apologise for the state of the room and we offered to pay extra for the cleaning but this had been taken care of.

A taxi home then drive down to Plymouth, we were taking my car, as CJ’s McLaren was not really practical.
We set off at 1pm and arrived at 6pm needless to say I didn’t spare the horses. Jane and Keith were already at the hotel so after changing we met them for drinks before dinner.
My dress was a stretch silk ‘Herve Legur’ nude bandage dress, very simply cut.
It fell just to my knee had thin shoulder straps with a square neckline, it was a very flattering dress I teamed this with nude evening sandals with a 5” heel and matching clutch bag.
The food was excellent as was the hotel; it was stunning. We made plans for the next day. Jane and I would go looking at property while CJ and Keith worked, we’d meet up in the evening.

The next day I was again ill, I had the feeling that I was indeed pregnant but chose to deny it, CJ was very worried and wanted me to see a doctor. Needless to say I flatly refused saying, “It’ll pass dear.” (Dear, I’m sounding like a wife!)

After the guys left I phoned the estate agents to confirm the viewings of the businesses on my short list.
Then Jane and I hit the road in all we had five places to look at, I decided to leave the one that I really liked the look of until last.
Shortly before we left, I had to go to the toilet again, I was now worrying – though what for I wasn’t sure as I did want his children, so if I was pregnant – so what.

Jane looked at me when I came out of the toilet, “you’re pregnant Chrissie!” she stated flatly. Of course I argued as we drove until she asked, “When’s your period due?” this caught me by surprise “err the end of this week – why.”
“Right” she said “at the next town we’ll stop and sort this out” I drove along thinking, it was November now that would mean that if and I repeat if I was pregnant the baby would be due July/August!

We arrived in Looe and as Jane suggested we parked and went for a walk, “I’m just going in here Chrissie” she said as she darted into a branch of Boots.
I was looking at a dress shop and acknowledged her. Soon she was out of the shop, we went for coffee then carried onto the first place we were looking at.

This was a nice pub/restaurant by the side of the main road from Plymouth it had ample parking in three car parks that had a small river meandering through. Bridges spanning the little river joined these car parks.
The place was really well maintained with a large bar and lounge, it had a fifty cover dining room as well as four letting bedrooms. The owner’s accommodation was spacious but a bit on the small side.

Quite a promising start this place was certainly a contender, we drove back to our hotel talking about the day. As we went to our rooms Jane stopped and passed me a Boot’s bag. “Right lady you said your period was due in four days, let’s see if you’re expecting.” I opened the bag and there sat a couple of pregnancy test kits! “Jane” I spluttered, “I can’t be!”
Well if you can’t be you’ve nothing to loose, and if you are then we know why you’re being sick!”
I tried again, “but these only work if you’ve missed a period.” I played my trump card with that statement. “You’re not getting away with that lady! These work up to 6 days before your period, so get peeing girl – I’m not leaving until we know!”

I was beaten, so we read the instructions and off I went to pee. The wait for the indicator to show was forever.
Then the results – positive! Oh god I was pregnant, me pregnant! I felt weird really strange.
Jane said, “don’t say anything until you have missed your period, then we’ll check again.” In a daze I simply nodded the enormity of what was happening had not fully sunk in.

Jane went to her own room so I ran myself a long hot scented bath to think about things.
I decided that tomorrow Jane and I would have lunch at the place that I really liked and if I liked what I saw I would view it the next day – sod the common sense impulsive Christina is in charge.

I had just finished smoothing body lotion all over myself when CJ arrived back, before he could throw me on the bed and ravish me (a girl can dream!) We talked about the day omitting the possibly pregnant bit.
I told him of my decision to look in at the place I really liked tomorrow and have lunch there so I can see the place au natural (or without the bull that happens when a prospective buyer is viewing.) All I got was a smug, “I thought you may do that.”

Out came my tongue, and he ended up tickling me! Of course this soon altered to passion as he nibbled my nipples and stroked the inside of my thighs. I was gently caressing his considerable manhood, loving the feel of his satiny smooth member – which would soon be inside my body.
As I positioned myself under him my hand guided him into my warm waiting and very aroused body – will I ever tire of this man............ I sincerely hope not.

Next day, Jane and I set off a bit earlier this morning being different as I didn’t throw up but just felt queasy.
We went to look at the second place – this was really the place that was bottom of my list, the potential was there it was set in a small village but had been run down all the trade going to places outside of the village. It needed a lot doing to it and it was dirty!
The only redeeming thing about the place was that it was cheap!

“Lunch” I suggested as it was now 12:30pm Jane readily agreed so we set off. It was just after one when we started the climb to the place I was really interested in, the coast road meandered up the cliff and there were houses each side this was quite a substantial village, we passed a couple of properties that were for sale. These piqued Jane’s interest so I had to stop so she could get the phone numbers of the estate agents.

I drove past the pub much to Jane’s disgust but I wanted to see how big the village was. As I suspected it was substantial with a mini mart and a post office along with a lot of B & B’s.
This is what I wanted to know because with a large resort town only four miles away and a good bathing beach (with two hotels and some food places) the area had potential – real potential!

We pulled into the car park of the pub restaurant the building was set back from the cliff. But the large veranda reached to the cliff edge there were a couple of dozen-wicker tables and chairs room for about 50!
There was a reasonable sized public bar with pool table and darts – but not too big.
We went through an arch to the lounge bar and restaurant. This was very well done tastefully decorated the actual restaurant was split level with seating for I would estimate 100 at a push. Christina’s business head was really on!

I knew from reading about the place that there were 5 letting bedrooms and a substantial owners accommodation – We ordered two soft drinks from the bar, the staff were very open, friendly and welcoming and I suspected that this wasn’t a front like in so many places.

We sat down overlooking the sea, I mentioned to Jane. “I bet this is some view in summer. Why don’t you phone the estate agents to see when you can view those houses?”
She looked surprised but phoned them. After checking with me that tomorrow was and Thursday was free she arranged viewings.
All the time I was checking the place out, looking at everything I could, making a mental list in my head of the pro’s and con’s of the place.

The food came and the girl who served behind the bar brought it to the table. I said to her, “you cover everything then?” She gave me a wide friendly smile and answered, “Oh yes at this time of year apart from guests we are quite quiet at lunch times.” Keeping the conversation going I asked, “I suppose night’s are the same?” With a broad grin she said, “Not at all, it’s not as busy as the season; but most nights we are quite busy.” “If I brought my husband here would I need to book?” I asked. “It is advisable,” she answered.

We were then left to eat. Jane was looking at me with that ‘what are you up to’ look in her eyes – she knew me too well!
I innocently ate my lunch finally she couldn’t hold herself, “right madam, YOU didn’t find this place by accident; ever since we arrived your eyes have never stopped AND you’ve just about found out everything about the place. What gives?”

I batted my long eye lashes at her my big blue eyes full of innocence I was about to speak when she snapped, “and that wide eyed innocent look isn’t going to work with me lady!”

Jane was getting a touch excited so I hushed he up and explained why I was so interested. She got even more excited then, as we could be living close to each other in a strange part of the country!
I went to the bar and asked to book a table for four.
Cunning little minx that I am I followed her while she checked for bookings – and there were plenty of them in the diary.

I acted the dumb little blonde not being able to make her mind up and managed to scan a few weeks of bookings. I got the poor girl so flummoxed that I apologised profusely to her and settled on tomorrow night.
Throughout my whole performance the girl kept her sense of humour was pleasant and professional.
Tomorrow Jane was going to look at one of the houses with Keith so we could wait here for them and eat when they had viewed it!

As we walked back to the car Jane commented, “that poor girl, you Christina are incorrigible when you play the dumb little blonde.”
I grinned at her and said “well I am little and blonde – so two out of three aint bad (as meatloaf said)”
She laughed out loud at this and commented, “and you’re sure not dumb!” Seriously I said, “the girl was so helpful and so professional I like that in staff!” Jane snorted, “So you’ve already bought the place?”

We drove back to the hotel and I sent a text to CJ telling about tomorrow night I also phoned the estate agent and arranged a viewing on Thursday.
It was still mid afternoon; so we had a swim in the indoor pool. Then had a leisurely bath finally got changed for supper.

When CJ came in I told him the story of the day while he got changed we went down for a couple of drinks then supper.
The next day we spent looking around Plymouth the city had some really good shopping. Then back to the hotel changed and CJ drove us to the pub, dropping Keith and Jane off at the house they were viewing.

CJ loved the place commenting that it looked even better in real life. We went in and it was the same girl working, she saw me and greeted me like a long lost friend. I explained to CJ about messing her around.
While we sipped our drinks my eyes were darting everywhere, the place was very well run and the staff smart and attentive and very professional.
The more I saw of this place the more I liked it!
Keith and Jane arrived after an hour bubbling the house was a dream finished to a good standard it was as Jane explained ‘an upside down house’ meaning that the lounge was upstairs with the kitchen and master bedroom, while on the downstairs there were three bedrooms a family bathroom and gym also a double garage.
This was to make the best of the spectacular views over the cliffs.

To explain this as you drive into the village up the hill the sea is on the right hand side there are houses both sides of the road; but those on the right look like they are single story when in fact they are built into the cliff so the front door in upstairs! (If that makes sense) Hence the living accommodation is upstairs.

The meal was excellent service good and fast and for the off-season middle of the week it was quite busy. We paid the bill saying goodbye to the barmaid and thanking her.
As I turned away to leave she commented, “I expect I’ll see you again.” I glanced at her but she simply smiled and said good night. That girl was a shrewd cookie!

My mind was made up and CJ (bless him) knew this, now it was down to price. I could fully understand the asking price of £3 million, the place was a gold mine, but it went against the grain to pay the initial price.

I discussed this in bed with my gorgeous husband (I simply can’t get over the fact that I am a wife!) and he agreed. But he also said that as it’s my business he would keep right out of it.

The next day I dressed for business, a sharp wool silk business suit, tailored to my curves, displaying my best features, my blouse was similar showing a good bit of cleavage and the slightest hint of the lace trim on my bra.

One thing I have learned in the year I have been a woman is USE YOUR LOOKS! Especially when dealing with men! (I know this sounds sexist but there it is) Oh and I’m also playing the dumb blonde card at least until it comes to the negotiations!

Jane and I arrived promptly at 10am and were met by the owner, who appraised my car working out how much I was worth (should have brought CJ’s McLaren).
We went in through the bar and sure enough the barmaid was cleaning, she gave me a very friendly smile.

This place was over three large floors. And it had been well thought out. The ground floor had a triple garage accessed by a separate drive (which I assumed lead to a house) there was also the large walk in freezers and storerooms plus a provisions lift to the kitchen.
The kitchens also had ready to use walk in fridges and store cupboards, there was a lawn all-round the property and storage for mowers etc. was next to the garage.

The first floor was the pub, lounge restaurant, kitchens and cellar with a spacious office.
And the third floor was all the letting bedrooms very nicely finished to an extremely high standard all en-suit.
Off to one side was the private accommodation this was very spacious and very comfortable.
Consisting of three bedrooms (all en-suit) a large lounge, dining room, kitchen and utility room. This private accommodation could be accessed from the letting accommodation or from the outside via a stairway.

In the office I looked at the accounts the place was (as I suspected really doing well) I asked why it was being sold and found out that the current owner had decided to retire, as his wife was not in good health.

On the way out the bar was empty, I headed to the car and met the barmaid as she was going back to work after visiting the local shop for newspapers. She stopped to talk and asked me if I liked the place. When I said I did and I would probably make an offer. As she left she told me, “Offer well below, I know he’ll settle for a good bit less than the asking price!”
With that she walked back leaving Jane and myself looking at each other.

The long and the short of this was that I made an offer (with CJ’s blessing) for £2 million. We haggled for a while but by Friday we had settled on £2.6 million. And the wheels were set in motion. I had just bought a business!

Oh and Friday my period started as per normal, I tested my urine and the result was negative. Was I sad? Well yes and no; because the next few months would be very busy.
So we simply had to go on practicing making babies!!! Wonderful simply wonderful I adored practicing.

We drove back home on Sunday Keith and Jane had agreed a price on the house and CJ and Keith had secured suitable premises.
The master plan was that Keith and Jane would move in the New Year, CJ would live with them until I arrived a week or so later.
The reason for this was that the factory needed a lot of work doing to make it suitable for the R & D work. (Sterile conditions and such like)

Now to get ready for Christmas, my last at the place I came into being so many months ago. Every time I thought about my new life as Christina the feeling of completeness washed over me.
I loved being a sexy woman. Loved being 5’ tall and LOVED being a married woman and couldn’t wait to become a MOTHER!

We all were very busy what with selling Jane and Keith’s house setting up the contract between Sue and Bob. Making sure the contract was all right in Cornwall.
My accountant had been through the books and pronounced them very, very healthy.

And I was still practicing making babies with my gorgeous husband who I loved more and more each day. CJ had sold his McLaren and bought a ‘sensible car’ a top of the range ‘Range Rover Sport Autobiography’ as he put it, “a good family car for ourselves and our children”

Christmas and the last at the place I called home, my darling husband bought the perfect present for me, when I unwrapped it a large jewellery box in plush velvet, but it was about two feet long!! If this was a jewellery set it was a big one, a bit warily I opened it.
My squeal of delight deafened anyone within 10 yards of me! Nestled in the blue velvet interior was – wait for it. A set of personalised number plated for my pride and joy. This was something I had always wanted, well Christina had always wanted and now that I have all her memories I’d always wanted but could never afford.
The number plate read CHR 151 E (CHRISIE) Granted there was an ‘S’ missing but what the hell.
All the paperwork was there so the plate could simply go on my Audi and the original plates stored in this very fancy box! I was absolutely delighted.
Of course I wanted it on my Audi NOW! So CJ bless him obliged me.

My second New Year in this delightful little body was far happier than last year, I still went to bed tiddly and as my small body couldn’t take a lot of drink I was going to ravage my husband – but fell asleep! (History repeating itself!)

We were all ready for moving now, everyone left for Cornwall leaving me to finish things alone – well my dogs Reggie and Ronnie were with me.

The removal company arrived and soon cleared out my belongings, CJ wanted me to get a new bed, but at the moment this bed held too many memories for me, after all this is where I first woke up as a woman. (Silly but there it is!)

Sue and Bob took the pub over and I drove down to my new life. When I arrived at the pub about 10 in the morning the last owner had gone leaving the barmaid that I knew in sole charge. She was glum as she greeted me, and I soon found out why.

Sheena (her name) told me the real reason the place was sold, the last owner needed the money as his wife of 30 years was divorcing him for adultery.

He used to try it on with any pretty girl. I looked at Sheena and she laughed saying, “No not me, he had more sense. I’d have killed him and if I hadn’t then my brothers would.”

Not only this but the bastard had insulted everyone and sacked all the staff saying that I didn’t want any of them – all except Sheena because he needed someone to be here when I arrived.

I slumped into a chair – the bastard had screwed me big time, without the staff I was up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Sheena went on to tell me that there was not a lot of stock in the cellar or the kitchen. The she said, “well I had better go, I was told that after you arrive I was also sacked!”

That snapped me out of it! I stood up and said, “If I ever get my hands on that bastard I cut his balls off – the fucking arsehole!”
Then I realised what I had said and apologised to her for swearing saying, “I’m not normally like this but” Sheena butted in saying, “so you didn’t want everyone sacked?” “No” I cried “not at all.”

She grunted saying, “then you’ll need this then” as she handed me a piece of paper.

When I opened it there were names and phone numbers for everyone that bastard had sacked. I looked at her in wonderment muttering, “You’ve saved my life!” Sheena gave a smile and told me, “I thought he was talking crap, you seemed too nice when I met you.” I took all this in when she continued quietly saying, “Do I still have a job?”

Impulsively I threw my arms around her saying, “Of course you have, god of course you have.”
With a grin she said, “Well we better get started then, what do you want me to do?”
So while Sheena checked the cellar to put a list of what we needed I phoned everyone on the list; explaining what had happened and asking them if they could come in tonight to see me and discuss things. Luckily it was close season so none of them had got permanent work.

I was really thinking on the hoof and asked Sheena if there was a place near bye that could send us some food for the meeting tonight. I phoned the number she gave me and ordered a stack of food, as it was such short notice I had to pay over the odds, but again with it being the closed season they were quiet.

By three was had stock ordered, food arranged for tonight, Sheena being local had put the word out via her family that we were under new management.
We would have to do with what we had until the beer and spirits arrived tomorrow.

We couldn’t even have a cup of coffee as there was nothing in the place, so we walked across to the café and had a coffee and a snack there. I then started to meet the locals.
Now things were organised I gasped, “Oh I better phone my husband to tell him!” Sheena grinned saying, “I thought that would have been the first thing you would have done.” I smiled and told her, “I’m used to doing things by myself and as you get to know me you’ll find I work well under pressure.”
“I’ve just seen that” she commented.

As we walked back to the pub I said to her, “apart from doing everything, what’s your job description?” She looked surprised and answered, “barmaid, simply a barmaid.” “Oh’ I responded thoughtfully and left it at that.

When we got back we continued I found a couple of dozen bottles of champagne and put them to chill, hopefully if things went well tonight we could toast the future.

The food arrived about half and hour before the people, I slipped the warm stuff into an oven on very low heat, the cold stuff was laid out.
The people started arriving and Sheena and I served them drinks, I had decided that tonight would be a free night to anyone who came in so the cellar would be empty for the new stock. Call it bribery I suppose so, but the few locals that came in had a very cheap and surprising evening.
CJ arrived to support me, as did Jane and Keith, the meeting with the staff went better than I could have hoped.
This was helped in no small way by the actions of Sheena who had told each of them as they were sacked that she thought the sackings were nothing to do with me.
In the end everyone was willing to return except for the guy who was the manager, he had already committed to another job and didn’t like giving back word on it.

He was very apologetic but I respected his reasons especially as he said that if I found a replacement soon, he would give the person a comprehensive handover.

I said to him, “Thanks for that, I already have a person in mind – if she accepts.” As I said that I looked directly at Sheena.
She suddenly realised what I had just said, put her hand over her mouth in surprise and stammered, “N, n, ,n, no, I don’t have the experience, I’m just a barmaid” I looked at her then asked the guy who used to do the job, “well can she do it?”

He didn’t commit instantly – which made me sad he was leaving; he thought things through. Finally he answered “yes, with the right support and training Sheena would be perfect.”

Good I said in a business like tone, “I personally will support her to the hilt and put her through any training necessary.
Now before we eat will all of you please think if you know anyone experienced who needs a bar job; also please think of anything at all that we can do to make this place better, I’m always around and very open to suggestions.

Now please can we eat as for Sheena and I it’s been one hell of a day!”

There was a round of applause as we broke up, I went into the kitchen to get the warm food and was very surprised to be joined by the head chef who helped.
He didn’t say anything, just helped and that was worth a thousand words.

Sheena came up to be but before she could speak I said, “I know what you’re going to say Sheena, but you deserve this job, in time you’ll get to know me as will the rest and you’ll find that I prize honesty and loyalty over anything.”
She gave a wry smile hugged me and simply said, “Thanks”.

After that night we really never looked back, one of the waitresses wanted to learn to be a barmaid, so she was moved to learn under the best (ME).
The chefs got together and came up with many ideas that would improve the catering side of it, my only stipulation was to use local producers whenever possible quality and continuity of supply being the yard stick. As for price if it was a good product well we’d pay!
With a really aggressive advertising campaign things started to slowly pick up and by the first holiday of the year – Easter we were really rocking and rolling and my new manager was producing the goods she was still unsure about some things but her predecessor had told her to phone if she got stuck, she was at collage two days a week and rapidly gaining in confidence.

Oh and I was pregnant, I had missed a period, done a couple of home tests – positive then I went for a blood test and it was confirmed I was most definitely pregnant.
Me, who eighteen months ago had been a depressed 64-year-old man, was now a happily expectant mother. No make that a blissfully happy expectant mother.

As my pregnancy progressed Sheena really came into her own, she was efficient, well liked, respected and totally honest. I knew the business would be in good hands when I gave birth to my baby.
CJ – well he was over the moon, ecstatic he tried to treat me like I was made of bone china! NO CHANCE! I simply wouldn’t allow him to.

My pregnancy progressed well. After the morning sickness was over it was cravings. My speciality was pickled gherkins dipped in chocolate spread!
Mind you at a pinch cocoa powder would do or in extremis raspberry jam.

Remember I’m 5’ tall, well towards the seventh month I ballooned and resembled a pumpkin with a head, arms and legs.

I permanently wanted to pee; I couldn’t get comfortable to sleep; I became crabby in short I was a pregnant woman! Throughout it all CJ and Jane were splendid and endured me. Sheena was running the place as though she was born to it and I was like a beached whale!

October came and I was getting close to my due date, I had a bag packed ready to head for the nearest hospital (Looe).

When the pains started they took me completely by surprise.

They HURT, REALLY HURT, and there is nothing you can do about them. The only way to stop them is to give birth. I was quite lucky as labour only lasted 6 hours (did I just say only!) it was six hours of HELL, then I was in the stirrups and being told to push hard and breathe. My language would have put a soldier to shame!

Not to put too finer point on things it was like wanting a giant Pooh! It was SO, SO PAINFULL I thought I was being split in two!

Finally with a cross between a scream and a grunt the pressure went away and I heard the squall from my baby, I was handed this slimy squalling scrap of life and was told, “it’s a little girl fit and healthy but noisy like her mum” CJ informed me, he was bursting with pride.

I held my baby and there was such an overwhelming feeling of love, this was such a palpable thing I knew that I would die for this tiny scrap of life. We called her Chloe and she weighed in at 6lb 12oz! Her birthday 25th October.

I left hospital a proud and happy mother; CJ carried his daughter while my dad carried my small case. (Mum and Dad travelled down from Yorkshire to see their new grand-daughter) I settled into the Range Rover and we set off home, mum and dad following in their car. I looked at CJ and whispered, I owe all this to you, for without you none of this would ever have happened to me – I love you more than life itself.

My final thoughts on pregnancy are it was shit! I hated being a pumpkin with legs, though luckily I soon regained my figure.
Labour was PAIN, PURE PAIN any woman who has an easy labour is lucky.
Giving birth this HURT, but like toothache once the baby is out the pain is forgotten or consigned to the back of the mind.

Would I go through it again – you can bet your sweet arse I would!
SO when can we start practicing for a baby son? Then my life would be complete.
Well maybe, perhaps one more three seems like a good number.

This is the end of the story and I dedicate it to Christina – my friend and confidante.