Peter Bailey loved his wife with a passion, and she knew that. Jealousy had never been a feature of their relationship, and he was pleased about that more than he would ever admit. Liam’s girl was a real beauty, and there were many women who would not welcome her into their lives. Very beautiful women were rarely liked by other women, he knew that from his years working the clubs. Imelda was a jealous woman, and she had already given her opinion about Mandy to him very vocally. He was sorry about that because Imelda needed to realise, before it was too late, that it took more than good looks to keep a couple together.

‘It’s his life, Ria! He’s a grown man.’

‘A stripper! I bet she caused a few heart attacks!’

They were laughing loudly together when Liam came into the kitchen with his ready-made family.

Mandy Wright was nervous, excited and happy all at the same time; she loved the atmosphere in this house, and she felt that Liam’s mother liked her and, more importantly, that she liked Bernard. She was daring to hope that she might have finally landed on her feet.

Bernard was crowing with laughter. Seeing his son hugging the blond child as if he was his own flesh and blood, Peter was suddenly reminded of his brother Daniel and how he had looked out for him when they had been kids. Daniel had the same blue eyes as this little lad and, like Liam, Peter had brown eyes. War and Peace was their mother’s nickname for them, but they had been so close. For the first time in a long while, Peter missed his brother.

Mandy was sitting at the kitchen table, her son on her lap, chatting away to Ria, and Peter opened a bottle of wine for them. He felt a sudden rush of contentment wash over him. This was what life was about – being together as a family, enjoying each other’s company, and appreciating what you had.

Young Bernard put his arms out; Peter Bailey took the child and, smiling happily, he said to his son, ‘What are we going to call him then, eh? Bernie boy?’

Mandy watched as a big fuss was made of her little boy, she saw Ria watching her husband and son as they played with the child, and she dropped her head on to her chest as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

Ria placed a hand on her shoulder and, squeezing gently, she leaned down and she whispered into her ear. ‘Listen love, relax, you’re with friends.’

Mandy looked up, and her eyes were wet with emotion. Ria pulled the girl into her arms and, hugging her tightly, she said loudly, ‘This one’s a keeper, Liam.’