Despite being deeply asleep, Luke felt something soft and gentle, like a butterfly's wings, brush his cheek. Opening his eyes, he smiled blearily when he saw his adoptive sister, Lexi Heron, who removed her hand from Luke's face. She, along with the other narrow-gauge engines and his crew, Geoffrey Heron and Richard Wilson, were all grinning ear to ear when they saw he was finally awake.

"What's- going on here?" He asked sleepily, trying to stifle a yawn as he blinked owlishly at his friends.

In response, Skarloey started to sing a cheerful little song, with an oddly familiar tune, and the others quickly joined in.

"Oh, tis a joyous day to live and be,

For we bring good tidings to thee!

We hear today's your birthday,

And so, we shout hooray!"

Luke was very surprised and moved at his friend's own unique take on the Happy Birthday song. "Thank you all," he beamed. "That was an unexpected surprise."

"Thank Skarloey," Said Rusty, smiling fondly at the little Irish engine before shooting a glance over at the surprisingly smug Skarloey. "He's surprisingly good at creating songs, he is."

"Yep- and we thought Duncan was meant to be the musical one!" Joked Peter Sam, and the others laughed; even Duncan himself started chuckling a little.

"Happy birthday, old boy," Said Geoffrey warmly, patting his engine's buffer proudly.

"No disrespect, Mr. Heron, but I'm not that old." Luke replied, though he was grinning.

"97 years old already? Gosh, they always grow up so quickly, don't they?" Rheneas asked Skarloey jokingly, winking at Skarloey.

"I certainly don't feel 97," Said Luke, thoughtfully. "Is that normal?"

"Well, you'll feel it soon enough," Replied Skarloey; though whether he was being serious or not, the others had no idea.

But Lexi gave Luke a hug, and the other engines, their crews and Richard wished Luke a happy 97th birthday individually.

"Yes- happy birthday indeed, Luke," said the Thin Controller with a smile. His sudden appearance startled the engines; though he usually arrived at this time to brief the engines. "I still require you to do your usual job at the Blue Mountain Quarry today, however." He added.

"That's fine by me, sir," Luke puffed up with pride.

"But," continued the Thin Controller, raising a hand. "I had a request from Duke; he asked me if I could defer his afternoon train to Ulfstead Castle to you, as a gift, of sorts."

Luke was amazed at Duke's act of kindness. "I must remember to thank Granpuff when I next see him." He said determinedly. "I feel honoured to take Duke's train, sir."

"Excellent." The Thin Controller said approvingly. "And…" he continued mysteriously. "There will be a surprise for you when you return to the yard."

Luke was excited to hear of this news. "That sounds wonderful sir! Thank you so much!" He peeped, beaming from buffer to buffer. His friends all looked pleased to see Luke so happy.

The Thin Controller smiled and nodded, before he started assigning the other engines to their duties; and with their jobs locked in their funnels, everyone set off to go and fulfil them.

….

At the Blue Mountain Quarry, Luke was fizzling and sizzling with curiosity to find out what his birthday surprise was. He was, however, temporarily distracted when Rusty offered to swap jobs with him so he could work with Owen for a while.

Luke liked the idea; he liked Owen, and the two talked well together; but it was difficult sometimes, considering Owen was usually much, much higher than Luke.

"Thank you, Rusty!" He beamed. "I appreciate it!"

"No worries, Luke," Smiled Rusty. "Anything for you."

Luke let off a cheery PEEP! PEEP! Before hustling off to the Upper Terrace of the Quarry to tell Owen it was his birthday.