by Joan Jonker
‘Yer forgot to say I was very happy to agree,’ Kate said. ‘And very honoured.’
Titch jumped to his feet. ‘That’s the best news I’ve had in a long time. Except for Olive saying she’d marry me, of course. So I think we should get all the glasses filled up for a toast.’
‘Me and Jack will do that, mate,’ George said, lumbering to his feet. ‘Seeing as it’s your wedding day.’
When everyone was holding a full glass, Titch held out his hand to Olive. ‘Come and join me, sweetheart.’
‘I’m no good with words, Titch. You’re much better at it than me.’
‘Mrs McBride Junior,’ Aggie said, ‘are yer saying my son talks too much?’
‘Okay, Aggie, I give in.’ Olive joined her husband, who put his arm around her waist and held her tight. ‘The first toast from me and my wife, is to all of you. To thank you for all the help yer’ve given us, and the presents we have yet to open. But most of all to thank you for being such good friends. We think we are well blessed.’ The couple raised their glasses before sipping the wine. ‘Now I’d like yer all to toast the best mother a man could have. This is for you, Ma.’
‘Don’t start me off crying, son, for God’s sake.’
‘Okay, Ma, we’ll move on to the next one. To Bob and Kate. And I don’t think there’s a person in this room who isn’t happy for them. Two nice people, with two lovely children, they’ll make a perfect family when the time comes. And it’s what they deserve.’
Not a word passed between them, but Lucy and Iris moved together. Lucy to sit on Kate’s knee, and Iris on Bob’s.
Aggie pulled on Jack’s jacket. ‘Ay, lad, run and get the bucket out of the yard, will yer? The way things are going I’ll be shedding enough tears to fill the bleedin’ thing.’
‘Don’t cry, Mrs Aggie,’ Lucy said. ‘Today I’ve been a bridesmaid, I’ve learned I’m going to have a new mam and sister, and I’ve got meself a boyfriend. This is the happiest day of me life.’