Prologue

'Yes,' said Beth.

She tried to look surprised ,but wasn't all that convincing as she had already decided that they were going to be married when they were at secondary school . However ,she was amazed when Danny fell on one knee in the middle of the crowded restaurant.

'yes ,' Beth repeated ,hoping he'd stand up before everyone in the room stopped eating and turned to stare at them .But he didn't budge .Danny remained on one knee ,and like a conjurer ,produced a tiny box from nowhere. He opened it to reveal a simple gold band boasting a single diamond that was far larger than Beth had expected - although her brother had already told her that Danny had spent two months' wages on the ring.

When Danny finally got off his knee ,he took her by surprise again .He immediately began to tap a number on his mobile .Beth knew only too well who would be on the other end of line .

'she said yes!' Danny announced triumphantly .Beth smiled as she held the diamond under the light and took a closer look . 'why don't you join us ?' Danny added before she could stop him. 'Great , let's meet at the wine bar off the Fulham road - the one we went to after the Chelsea game last year. See you there,mate.'

Beth didn't protested,. after all Bernie was not only her brother , but Danny's oldest friend ,and he'd probably already asked him to be the best man.

Danny turned off his phone and asked a passing waiter for the bill . The maitre d' bustled across.

...'It's on the house ,' he said, giving them a warm smile....

It was to be a night of surprises.

...………...

When Beth and Danny strolled into the Dunlop Arms.they found Bernie seated at a corner table with a bottle of champagne and three glasses by his side.

...'Fantastic news,' he said even before they had sat down....

..."thanks mate,' said Danny ,shaking hands with his friend. ...

'I've already phoned Mum and Dad ,'said Bernie as he popped the cork and filled the three champagne glasses. "They didn't seem all surprised , but then it was the worst - kept secret in bow.

...don't tell me they are joining us as well,' said Beth....

'Not a chance ,' said Bernie raising his glass, 'you've only got me this time .to long life and west Ham winning the cup.'

^^^'Well, at least one of those possible ,'said Danny. ^^^

'I think you'd marry west Ham if you could ,' said Beth ,smiling at her brother.

...could do worst ,'said Bernie. ...

Danny laughed . 'I'll be married to both for the rest of my life ,'

'Except on Saturday afternoons ,'Bernie reminded him.

...'And you might even have to sacrifice a few of those once you take over you take once you take over from Dad,'said Beth....

Danny frowned. He had been to see Beth's father during his lunch break and had asked for permission to marry his daughter - some traditions die hard in East End . Mr Wilson couldn't have been more enthusiastic about Danny become his son-in-law , but went on to tell him that he had changed his mind about something Danny thought they'd already agreed on.

'And if you think I'm gonna call you guys when you take over from my own old man,' said Bernie, breaking into his thoughts, 'you can forget it.' Danny didn't comment.

...'Is that who I think it is? said Beth ....

......Danny took a close look at the four men standing by the bar.......

'It certainly look like 'I'm.'

'Look like who ?' asked Bernie

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