Anna's wedding was exactly a week away. Dora had bought a new outfit in the January sales. Suspecting then that she might be pregnant she had bought skirt, dress and jacket in a size bigger than she normally wore. Now when she tried everything on the skirt was much too tight to be comfortable. She flung it at the bed in disgust, it landed on Steve who was getting undressed. He stood up and held it in front of his bare legs.'Er-I don't think it's quite me girl!'
'Idiot! I'm going to have to go into town and get something bigger.'
'You've still got the outfits you took on honeymoon- you looked lovely in them, wear one of those.'
Oh Steve! First of all I'm not that big yet and secondly if I wear one of those everyone's going to put two and two together and make 'baby'
'Well go ahead and treat yourself love! I have to say to me you look positively blooming and gorgeous. I reckon some people might guess anyway. It surely can't hurt to tell Slugs now!' Dora sighed heavily.
'Look Steve-at the moment Slugger's got Anna's wedding and his 70th birthday to look forward to, then of course there's Ron and Teri's baby. If we tell him and everyone else at his birthday that'll give him something extra to focus on and it won't steal Teri's thunder because everyone will be used to her being pregnant then.'
Steve didn't quite see the logic but he shrugged and nodded. 'Okay girl. We've got your doctor's appointment on Monday, we'll tell everyone we're going shopping-and we will after the appointment.
Since Milly had settled in her new accommodation she had started to attend the early morning service at St. Barnabas church. Steve took her in and as it was hardly worth driving back for such a short time he usually went to the pub. Half a pint of lager was his limit. Nothing and no-one would persuade him to have any more as the memory of the night his drink had been spiked was still clear. This morning he was surprised to see Wendy and her father in the bar. 'Steve- hi, how are you and the family?'
'We're all okay-well except Slugger who's definitely feeling his age. I hear congratulations are in order.'
Wendy gave a little laugh. 'I expect you are talking about my engagement. Your information is out of date-Chip and I were married on Christmas day on a beach in Florida. We're only just back from our honeymoon.' Steve gave her a brotherly hug and peck on the cheek. 'Where is the lucky man?'
'Seeing someone on business. We're meeting him here for lunch. Mummy's not too well so she's at home. It's good bumping into you like this. We're having a celebration in the Assembly Rooms for people who were not at the wedding. It's on March 4th. There'll be an invitation in the post for my friends at Follyfoot-keep the date free if you can. Will you have a drink with us?'
'No thanks- I have to go pick Milly up from St Barnabas's- left the car parked down there.
Give my regards to Chip.' He shook hands with them both and left.
When Milly came out she was happy and excited. She had recently joined the Monday afternoon WI and they were organising a trip to London to see 'The Mousetrap' staying overnight. 'Mrs. Plum told me about it this morning, she's collecting names and I've put mine down. That's okay isn't it? April 1st it is!'
'Sure-it'll be good for you to get away from us for a day or so.'
Back at the bungalow Bert said 'You did remember to put in a good word for me this morning didn't you Milly? I've got my first appointment with my new oncologist in Leeds on Wednesday.'
'Of course. I always say a prayer for you all every day.'
Dora was surprised to hear about Chip and Wendy. 'They've not been engaged very long have they?'
September 1st, Wendy's birthday.'
'Oh trust you to remember that. I wonder if she's pregnant too.'
'I dunno- we'll probably find out at this do on March 4th. It's easy to remember Wendy's birthday because it's the day after Jeff's. I bet you remember Chip's!'
Dora shook her head ' Um no.' Her look said otherwise and she looked down at her tummy hidden beneath a baggy jumper. 'Liar- Delilah! laughed Steve. 'It's okay, you're not showing in that get up! No morning sickness either. Reckon we'll be able to keep our secret for a while. He pushed her gently down on the bed and kissed her. Milly knocked on the door to tell them that lunch was ready.
Bert's appointment was on Wednesday morning. He was scheduled to be there several hours as he would be undergoing some tests. Ron had to go to Leeds so he dropped him off. He arrived back by taxi late in the afternoon and sank wearily into a chair in Milly's lounge. She handed him a cup of tea. 'Was it bad love?'
Well it was tiring and some of the tests aren't very pleasant- but, Milly, I don't know what you said to the bloke upstairs but something worked. Seems like the cancer's on hold-still there but not doing much. The consultant reckons my test results have actually improved since I was last seen in Liverpool and they might be able to give me some treatment- must be the good air here!
'Eee Bert- I'm that pleased for you.'
'I can't thank you enough for the care you take of me lass!'
'Nonsense- it's the least I can do after what you've done for our Kathy.'
Bert stood up and pulled Milly to her feet enfolding her in a bear hug. Dora had seen the taxi and come to see how Bert got on. 'Er sorry- did I interrupt something?'
'Don't worry- it was just a 'thank you hug'
'And a celebration' said Milly as Steve came in carrying Jeff.
'Well?' he asked.
'Go on Bert-tell them your news.' said Milly.
That night the lounge at Coppers Rest was filled with happy laughter as Ron, Teri, Hazel and Ben joined the celebration toasting Bert's health.
At Follyfoot Slugger had been told the news. 'Half his luck!' he said.
Thursday dawned bright and clear and the forecast for the wedding was good.
A noise made Steve look up-the magpies were back. First there were two, then three.
'Two for joy, Three for a girl he said whistling as he went to start work.
In view of the festive season I thought it was good to end this part of the story on a positive note and allow people to catch up and perhaps continue with other stories. I will carry on with this saga in a new story 'The rough and the Smooth in a few weeks time.
THE END