Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End Carol Rivers (best sales books of all time .txt) 📖

the day, Micky sauntered after the girl. She had a round, neat bottom and long legs and he smiled again as she glanced encouragingly over her shoulder.

Carefully, he smoothed back his hair, adjusted his tie and walked after her with a spring to his step.

Although the weather had been gloomy, today the sun was shining and Bella was excited. She and young Michael were on their way to meet Dolly and the twins at Cox Street market. She was going to buy small gifts for Michael's fifth birthday party tomorrow. Dolly's four-year-old twins, Anne and Irene were all glossy golden ringlets and big smiles. They loved Michael who basked in their attention. Michael had reddish brown hair like Bella, but his big blue eyes were his father's. His expression was serious for a little boy, but when the twins made him laugh, he couldn't stop.

The Shines still lived in the Poplar house they had moved to after their wedding. The girls met weekly at the market; it was a good excuse to gossip whilst they shopped or sat on the bench by the arches as the kids played around the stalls.

Today Dolly was already shopping at the clothes stall and Bella smiled as she approached the colourful trio. The girls were Dolly's doubles, stood on firm, strong legs, were dressed in buttercup yellow frocks and green sandals, whilst Dolly was wearing a floral cotton dress and a floppy white hat.

The girls saw Bella first. 'Auntie Bella, Auntie Bella!' they screamed running towards her.

Bella stopped the pushchair as they ran into her arms. Hugging them both, they were soon kissing Michael with their soft lips and making him laugh. He was normally a quiet child and Bella loved the twins for their ability to bring him out of his shell.

'Oh, Bella, you should see what I've bought.' Dolly rushed up, breathless as usual. 'Look, two identical skirts. Someone must have had twins as old as mine. They're almost new. A bit on the big side, but nothing I can't alter.'

'Lucky you,' Bella nodded with a smile. 'You found a snip again.'

'Let's look for something for young Michael.'

'I need little surprises to wrap up for the party tomorrow. Games like pass the parcel and hide and seek.'

'How many children are coming?'

'Seven in all. There's our three, the two little girls from next door, Emma and Victoria and that nice girl we met, Phiona and her two children.'

Bella nodded, engrossed in conversation as they all walked to the bench and sat down. She loved to talk about their little universe or the next meeting of the monthly club held at the local community centre. Here, the toys were donated by well-wishers and the children did drawing and painting. Skills that would help them when they started school, as Michael was about to in September. Bella always tried to meet Dolly there, but only when time allowed. She was very busy looking after her family and keeping the books for the Blue Moon and Ronnie's new building company.

'Don't go out of sight,' Dolly shouted as the children amused themselves.

'I'm making the jelly and blancmange tonight.' Bella smoothed down the full skirt of her pale blue cotton dress. Her fingers went up to the tiny buttons of the shirt-waister bodice and she twisted them pensively. 'Gina is coming over in the morning to help me with the food.'

'What time does the party start?'

'Two o'clock. You'll all be coming won't you?'

'Wouldn't miss it for the world. Percy has to work at Burlingtons in the morning and help with the early deliveries. But he'll be home by twelve. Course, he'll stink to high heaven and will need a wash or they'll be thinking all your lovely food has gone off!'

The girls burst into laughter, before Dolly asked curiously, 'Is Micky getting time off from work to be at the party?'

'I hope so. He has a young man to help him now. Saturdays and Sundays can be very busy. If Miles is there then Michael will come home.'

'Miles? That's a posh name.'

'Micky calls him Milo.'

'Have you met him yet?'

'No, I only go to the garage when Micky drives us up to Aldgate in the car. It's too far to walk with a pushchair. But Micky speaks very highly of him. He's good with the customers and sells cars almost as easily as Micky. And our Terry likes him too. He told me that Milo tips him two bob from his own pocket when he's pleased with Terry's work.'

Bella hoped that now Micky had an assistant he would have more free time. Although Terry could be relied on to wash and clean the cars, he was unable to sell, or even talk to customers. He was still a little boy inside a man's body and she knew now that he would never change.

Dolly sighed dramatically, bringing Bella back sharply from her thoughts about Terry. 'Percy's really envious of Micky driving all those fast cars. It must be exciting having a job like that.'

Bella smiled proudly. 'Last week Micky took us round the block in a Jaguar. It was white and shiny and went really fast. Michael loved it, waving out of the window at everyone.'

'Micky's customers must have a lot of money to spend.'

Bella laughed. 'Not always. Some can't really afford a car and buy them on tic. Others have got money to burn and want to look good to impress their girlfriends. Micky takes them out for a spin and before you know it, they're sold. He's a really good salesman, you know.'

'I'm sure he is.' Dolly nodded quickly.

Bella wished she could sit on the seat all day boasting about her husband. She loved him so much and was so proud of him. All that was missing was another addition to the family. A sister or brother for Michael. She'd spoken to Dr Cox about it, but he said she was fit and healthy. He'd asked her if she and Micky had any problems with intimacy, but she