‘Oh, Lena, what great news, I hope it’s a girl this time!’ Peter kissed his sister-in-law on both cheeks, and hugged her to him. He genuinely cared for her, and he knew that both Daniel and Lena were thrilled at the prospect of another child. Personally, he wouldn’t want all that again, and neither would his Ria. They’d had three boys after Imelda – Peter Junior, or Petey as they called him, Liam, and Jack. Jack was already thirteen so the days of taking care of a baby were long behind them. But this wasn’t about them, and he was happy for his brother and his wife.

‘How lucky are you two, eh, at this stage? I’m almost jealous!’

‘You liar! You and Ria would rather shit a rugby ball than go through another pregnancy! But me and Daniel are thrilled.’ Lena was glowing.

Peter laughed. ‘I got to admit, at this point, I wouldn’t fancy it. But I know you, and this is exactly what you need.’

Lena sighed. ‘I am pleased, Pete. I was a bit surprised, but you know me, God is good.’

‘Well, we’ll see how good God is. Imelda’s bringing her new husband tonight. I’ve got to be honest, I still think he’s a fucking waster of the first order but, as Ria keeps pointing out, it’s not about what we think or want for her, it’s about what she wants. I want my little girl to be happy, but I don’t think she will be with this muppet.’

Lena grinned. ‘I bet Ria’s father said that about you!’

Peter Bailey laughed then, a deep belly laugh that caused everyone in the pub to look his way. ‘I think all Ria’s father saw was my colour. I’m dark, even for a half-caste, but her mum and dad just wanted shot of her, I think, when they realised there was no changing her mind. And lucky me, because I got her.’

‘True, but lucky all of us, eh? We’ve come a long way, and we’ve raised our families together. We are very fortunate. Hold up, here comes your mother, looking like the poor man’s Diana Dors. You got to give it to her, she scrubs up fucking well. I’m going to go say hello.’

Peter smiled in agreement as Lena walked away. Theresa had always looked after herself. It was a shame really, because if he had been white she would probably have been married by now. Men overlooked a lot for a beautiful woman and, in all fairness, she had been a beauty in her day, but no one had overlooked that.