Princess Phoebe (15 page)

‘Did you fix her window?'

‘Yes, I did. She's a lovely lady, Ellie. And she's very fond of you, considering all the trouble you've caused her.' He's smiling as he says this, so I don't feel too cross. ‘She's a great gardening expert, so we're going to be working together on our veg next spring. It's hard to believe, but she seems to know more about beans than I do.'

Granddad goes on, ‘So when you all come over to mine we can ask her to join us, don't you think?'

‘That would be great!' I say. I think of Mrs Henderson's cheery kitchen too. Visiting her will be something else to look forward to; almost be like me having a gran of my own. Maybe Mrs Henderson would like to meet Jan's gran too, so that, with Granddad there as well, they can go on about beans for ever, if they want.

Then the back door slams and Nick comes in.

‘What's this?' he asks. He glances round the room at us all, smiling. His bruises are going purple but he still looks great. I plan to get him on his own later so I can ask if he wants my reward money for his van, now Dad won't be needing it.

Then from my corner of the sofa, with one hand resting on Princess who lies on the carpet next to me, I look around the room at everyone. Dad and Mum, Nick, Sam and David, Jack and Patrick, Granddad, Tag and me. And, wonderfully, Princess Phoebe is right here, safe at home. My perfect family.

The End