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

'Don't say that.'

'Are you ever jealous of Percy?'

'He's never given me reason to be.'

Bella thought how she had once looked down her nose at the Taylor family. They had seemed unexciting and boring, and even Ray had annoyed her, when he had tried it on, which was, she now admitted, only natural. He wasn't that bad really, but she hadn't been able to see his good points. The fact that he wanted a wife, a home and a family, which like Dolly, made them sensible and normal people. And as she knew now from Dolly, Ray idolized his family.

Micky was at the other end of the scale. She had always known he hadn't wanted to be tied down. She always feared he had only married her because she had fallen pregnant. Is this what happened in a marriage when one person loved more than the other?

Dolly was staring at her. 'I thought Micky was happy selling cars.'

'So did I.'

'He'll soon lose interest in the club.'

'I hope you're right.'

Dolly squeezed her arm. 'Look on the bright side. You haven't got to worry about money, at least, not like you used to. Michael is a happy little boy and loved by his dad and his uncles. You can spend time with him and not have to go out to work. Micky's only bought a business you don't approve of and that's not the end of the world. Really, there is a lot to be grateful for.'

Bella nodded slowly. 'I am grateful, but I love him and want more of a family life. I knew Micky was a stubborn when I married him but in my heart I always thought I could change him.'

'But what would you want to change him for if you loved him?' Dolly asked innocently.

It was a good question and Bella had no ready answer. In fact it was a perfect piece of logic that could only come from someone like Dolly. From a woman who loved her husband unconditionally and was loved back the same way.

Chapter 20

'Oh, it was a lovely speech,' Sean said wistfully as he stood at the kitchen sink. He was peeling potatoes, a pinafore tied round his waist. Next to him, Ashley stirred custard in a mixing bowl. It was Christmas Day and they were discussing the Queen's speech, at the same time drinking frothy ginger beer from pint glasses.

'When she said about the rain and wind beating on the windows and the peacefulness inside our homes, it was as if she was here too,' Bella agreed as she polished the cutlery with a cloth.

'I'm not a lover of the old castor oils,' Ashley commented, transferring the bowl to the table where he poured the custard into glass dishes. 'But I must admit she was quite poetic when she said that bit about the light streaming from a Nazareth cottage. Though I don't suppose she's got a clue what the interior of a cottage looks like. Not living in a palace all her life.'

'Well she can't be that out of touch, can she? She baths in a bath, same as us. Cleans her mincers like us.' Sean turned to wipe his wet hands on the towel and grinned. 'Sits on the kharzi like us.'

'Probably got a gold-plated seat though,' Ashley added dryly.

Sean hooted. 'What difference would that make? She's not got a gold bum, has she?'

Bella laughed as she listened, gathering together the knives, forks and spoons and taking them into the front room. Dinner was being eaten at the big polished table opened to its fullest extent. As usual, Sean and Ashley had cooked lunch for all the family. For years they had eaten together on Christmas Eve, but since Micky had owned the garage, the meal had been transferred to the twenty-fifth. Micky worked late on Christmas Eve but always took Christmas Day off.

Bella heard the front door go and rushed into the hall.

'Hello, beautiful.' Micky stood there, with young Michael sitting astride his shoulders. They had been getting ready downstairs in the airey and Bella was overjoyed that Micky was taking so much interest in his son. Last night Micky had played Father Christmas and delivered a train set into Michael's room wrapped in a large pillowcase. Then he had drawn her close as they watched their sleeping child, imagining the excitement when he woke.

It had been a wonderful moment. Later, they had made love and this too had been so special. He had held her in his arms and told her he loved her. She hoped their quarrelling was over. And after her talk with Dolly, she had felt more grateful than ever for her life now.

Micky lowered young Michael to the ground and he ran into her arms. She hugged him, breathing in his smell, Sunlight and water and some of Micky's shaving soap. He was dressed like his father in a clean white shirt and tie.

'Is dinner ready yet?' Michael asked eagerly.

'Nearly.'

'Where's Uncle Sean?'

'In the kitchen. And Uncle Terry's upstairs. You can go up and tell him dinner's nearly ready if you like.'

Michael ran off eagerly and Micky drew her into his arms. 'You look good enough to eat,' he whispered, bending down and kissing her. She slipped her arms around his neck and his lips softly grazed her cheek. 'You happy, Bells?'

'I'm happy.'

'I'm taking you out tomorrow. You and the nipper. Terry too if you want. We're going for a spin in the country.'

'Are you home, then?'

'It's Christmas. No one works at Christmas.'

'I wouldn't have been surprised if you did.'

'Come on now, girl. Let's bury the hatchet.'

'It's just that we love you Micky and want more time with you. Is that so unreasonable?'

He held her away from him. 'I'm going to make a New Year resolution. To keep that lovely smile on your face. I'll put it in writing if you like. Now, come here and shut up while I kiss you.'

They were still kissing when a