Lena was delighted with her daughter’s Communion dress – it was absolutely beautiful. She was glad that she had let Ria help her with the choice. She felt that Ria had much better taste than her, and would know what material was suitable, and what style would suit Tania; she had a knack for all that. As Lena looked at the finished article, she was absolutely beside herself with happiness. It wasn’t simply a dress, it was a gown! The sleeves alone were a work of art, all hand-stitched, and screaming class. Oh, she was so excited about the Communion now. Not that she hadn’t been before; after all, it was not a fashion parade – it was a very serious event. Her daughter would be making her First Confession, and partaking of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Lena blessed herself quickly at the thought.

Even so, she could not stop looking at her daughter’s dress, and admiring it from every angle. Having a girl meant you could really push the boat out – even the poorest of the families did. Holy Communion was a big event in the Church, and in a child’s life. Her Tania would be the most gorgeous child there this year, of that much she was sure.

Lena’s big worry was not about the ceremony itself, but about the party they were putting on afterwards at the Shandon Bells, for Tania and Delroy Junior. Peter and Daniel would be properly in the same room for the first time since the ‘big falling out’ as she called it. She was desperate to make sure that nothing happened to ruin the children’s big day. She was relieved that things were back to normal between her and Theresa – that was one less worry anyway.

Tania came into her mother’s bedroom, smiling widely; she adored the dress almost as much as her mummy did. She was desperate to wear it and the accessories they had chosen. There was a small diamante tiara that would hold her veil in place, and a mother-of-pearl Bible that she would hold in her hands – hands that would be covered by white lacy gloves. She was going to look like a princess! She hugged her mother, and they stood together admiring the dress in silence.

Daniel walked into the bedroom, and when both of his girls turned towards him he saw the happiness on their faces. Grinning, he said jokily, ‘Is this the dress, then? I thought it would be delivered by the fairies! It looks like a fairy dress.’

Tania was excited already, but her dad’s praise was all she needed. ‘Do you love it, Dad? I love it.’

He picked her up and hugged her to him. ‘I think it is the nicest dress I have ever seen, sweetheart.’

Tania beamed with happiness.