Sharon was on her time now, and she looked amazing. She still had a tiny bump and loads of energy. She was training up a girl to manage the shop while she was off with the baby, but she was saying how she would be in and out, keeping her eye on ‘the business’, as she called it. It was a dream come true in many respects. Just eighteen and she had a lucrative career and the world at her feet.

Ivy would always have her reservations about Lenny Scott but, in fairness to him, he had the makings of a good provider. He was a nice lad and he loved her girl – that was evident.

‘I can’t believe it, Mum. And Isaac, bless him, kept it quiet. He is made up for me and my Lenny. Reckons I can run the place with my eyes closed. Said I was a natural because I can work out the bets in me head. But, honestly, once you get the knack, it’s easy as pie.’

Ivy looked at her husband and they laughed together for once. It was good to see their girl so animated and so happy.

‘You got a fucking good one there, girl, but I don’t need to tell you that.’

Del Conway had asked around and he knew that young Lenny wasn’t putting it about; he had nothing but a good rep in every way. For all the boy’s grandiose notions, if he hurt his girl, Del would shoot the fucker dead – that was a given. His daughter was his flesh and blood, and no one would ever make a cunt out of her, no matter who they were. The hardest fuck in the world couldn’t argue with a gun. He genuinely liked young Lenny and, as long as taking care of Del’s baby girl was his main agenda, they would get along like a proverbial house on fire.

‘We can start looking at houses now, because we have a legitimate earn, like. It is so exciting.’

‘I bet. Lenny has really made his mark, Sharon. Honestly, everyone is talking about how well he’s doing.’

Sharon preened. She was so proud of her husband. ‘I better get home – he likes his dinner ready, does my Lenny! Tonight I am doing him liver and bacon, his favourite.’

Ivy nodded. ‘Liver is good for the baby, darling, plenty of iron.’

Sharon was amazed to hear that. ‘Really? Oh my God. I love it! Wait till I tell my Lenny.’

She left her mum and dad and they both watched her with love in their eyes.

‘Well, Del, I will hold me hand up. I was wrong about that lad.’

Derek Conway hugged his wife to him, as he said seriously, ‘Time will tell, Ivy. Time will tell.’

Chapter Twenty