Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End by Carol Rivers (first e reader txt) 📕

Joyce had clipped a delicate white veil on her satin half-moon hat and carefully arranged her auburn waves beneath. Bella felt like a bride, even though she wasn't dressed like one in the traditional sense. Micky stood beside her as they paused on the steps of the registrar's office, his tailored black suit, crisp white shirt and silk tie, a stark contrast to her pastel colours. Bella acknowledged all the Bryants as handsome men, but with his piercing blue eyes and thick, dark hair, Micky was outstanding. Lenny and Terry were both wore dark, plain suits and Ronnie wore grey. Sean and Ashley were dressed to the nines, Oxford Street suits and cheeky bow ties.

Bella's heart was bursting with pride. This was her new family. She was Mrs Michael John Bryant and the man on whose arm she leaned was her husband. Her dreams had all come true and she was still pinching herself to believe it.

'Say cheese, you two!' Joyce was standing in front of them holding her Brownie box camera. Bella thought how stunning she looked in a figure-hugging navy and white suit. Even though it was May, she was wearing a single fox fur looped around her shoulders. She looked the most expensively dressed woman amongst them. Even Gina, with her glossy black hair rolled up into a cone shaped hat of bright orange to match her full skirted tangerine frock, didn't outshine her.

Both Micky and Bella smiled. Then she lifted her bouquet of white carnations and roses and threw them into the gathering. She heard Dolly scream and saw her reach out, but they landed in Joyce's arms.

'Nah, Ronnie's not the marrying type,' Micky whispered in her ear. 'You should have bunged them in Gina's direction.'

'I closed my eyes so I didn't cheat,' Bella whispered back as he led her down the steps to the waiting cars. Black and sleek with white ribbons tied to the windscreens, Bella could hardly believe they were about to travel in these luxurious limousines. Friends and family threw confetti as they came down the steps. It was the most wonderful day of her life.

Micky lifted the white veil from her eyes. 'Congratulation, Mrs Bryant.' He kissed her passionately and a cheer went up.

'Oh Micky, I'm the luckiest girl in the world.'

Micky was grinning as Dolly threw herself forward. 'Oh, Bella you look gorgeous.' Her eyes went down to her waistline. 'You can't even see a bump.'

'I hope not.' Bella giggled, hugging her friend. 'It took me all evening to let out the sides. I'm getting so fat.'

Bella could hardly believe it was herself talking. She loved being the way she was with the baby growing inside her. Even the sickness had gone now and she was eating for two.

'Do you like this hat, Bella? I bought it especially for today.' Dolly was gazing at her expectantly, her hazel eyes wide under her feathered hat.

'You look stunning, Dolly.'

'Percy said I look like his gran's budgie. And I'm twice your size even though you're expecting!'

Bella gasped. 'I hope I get my figure back after the baby in time for your wedding. You couldn't have your matron of honour still wearing her maternity dress!'

The girls giggled and Micky took hold of Bella's hand. They ran along the pavement as the others chased them, throwing confetti.

Bella glanced at her husband and fell in love with him all over again. The family she belonged to now was united and she was determined to keep them that way. She couldn't imagine life without Micky in it. He was her be all and end all. And she dearly hoped she was his.

And, as Ronnie said, new blood was coming into the world. Their baby would be the first of the new generation and Bella's heart raced at the thought.

The Blue Moon was sparkling; there wasn't a glass in the place that hadn't been washed and dried to perfection, nor a table or chair that hadn't been polished to the highest degree. Bella had helped Joyce set out the buffet early that morning before the ceremony at the registrar's. The club had been thoroughly aired, all its windows and doors thrown open.

Ronnie had refused to consider another venue for the reception and even though Micky had hinted that his brother's intention was simply to publicize the new image of the club, he had nevertheless gone along with Ronnie in every respect.

Bella was standing at the top of the stairs welcoming the guests as they gazed admiringly around them. The new ruby red carpet that had replaced the blue one was causing a stir. As was the magnificent new bar that Gino was once more attending. Reflecting the room behind him were new, full length mirrors that made the club look twice its normal size. The card tables in the next room had been discreetly covered and a buffet spread over them.

Ronnie had honoured them by holding the celebration here in their honour. Even though Bella didn't know some of the guests, she greeted them warmly. Well dressed men and couples who Ronnie told her were connected to his business. And as Bella shyly examined the unfamiliar faces, they smiled back, taking her hand and congratulating her.

The wedding gifts were all placed on a table for opening after the speeches. Micky was going to make one and Ronnie. As there was no father of the bride, just witnesses in the form of Gina and Lenny, Ronnie had thought it more appropriate that tributes were kept short and to the point.

And even if Bella had fleetingly entertained the thought of inviting her mother, no one had suggested it. Even Terry never talked about home any more. She knew it was becoming a fantasy for them both, a bad dream that time was slowly dissolving.

Someone pulled her round and embraced her. It was Percy, his eyes full of admiration. 'Blimey, this is a bit swish!'

'Glad you like it. Where's Dolly?'

'In the Ladies, fluttering her feathers.'

Bella giggled. 'Go over and