'Do you think George and Vi will mind if I put off my move. George has gone to a lot of trouble.'
'I'm sure it'll be fine.' said Steve.
'And what about Milly?' Dora gave him a little push.
'Go and tell her your good news and ask her!' she said. As Bert hurried away she looked at Steve and said 'Do you think....'
'I dunno girl-wait and see!
When Milly heard the news with her face wreathed in smiles she said 'That must be a weight off your mind luv.'
'It is that. Do you mind if I give you a hug?' Milly shook her head and Bert enveloped her in his arms. Keeping them round her he said 'So as I've got a stay of execution do you think you can put up with me a bit longer. I needn't go to Follyfoot yet.'
'Why do you need to go at all?'
'To make it easier when I have to move to the hospice.'
'Do you think it would have made it easier on us all if Slugger had died in a hospice?'
'No- but that was different. He'd lived at Follyfoot for years, Dora and Steve would never have let him go.'
'What if I said I don't want
you to go- that I want to look after you with the help of Steve and the others and the professional nurses. I wouldn't want you to move 50 miles away where I was dependant on other people to drive me to see you.'
'I wouldn't expect you to visit me.'
'Look however nice the hospice is we wouldn't want you to die alone amongst strangers.'
'It's a lovely hospice-I've visited it a few times...'
Stop! I don't want to hear this! ' Milly put her handkerchief to her eyes and turned from him. He put his arm round her shoulders. 'There luv-don't take on!'
Milly turned round and faced him her brown eyes, so like those of her nephew still full of tears. 'I nursed me mother right up to the end. Those last few months we spent together were really special and I've got lots of happy memories as well as some sad ones.'
'That's different Milly- your mother was a lady and there's certain things a lady can do for another lady that she can't do for a man unless she's a nurse or his wife.'
'Then we could get married.'
'It's not a leap year Milly! I'd be honoured to marry you, I really would but I made a promise to Kathy that when I die I'll leave her well provided for. Everything is being left to Steve on the understanding that Kathy receives a monthly allowance during her lifetime and afterwards anything left is for Jeff and any other children Steve and Dora may have, I'd have nothing to leave you!'
'Ee yer daft 'apporth, I don't need your money. I've a nice little nest egg put away from the sale of my bungalow. I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn about us getting wed. I know you'd marry Kathy tomorrow if she'd have you.'
'That's where you're wrong lass. I phoned her before I went to the hospital and told her I thought the cancer had flared up again. She asked me to let her have a few thousand pounds to renovate and re-furnish the flat and buy a new wardrobe of clothes-after all she said- you want me to be well turned out for your funeral.'
'Eh Bert luv- she never did!'
'As true as I stand here she did. Got really stroppy with me when I said No. I tell you any romantic thoughts I had about Kathy are buried in the past. But what about your Brian love?'
'He'd want me to be happy and you make me happy Bert Lane. I so want to store up some happy memories with you but if you don't think it'll work out I'll understand.'
Bert dropped down onto one knee. 'Milly Robinson- will you marry me for better or worse?'
'I will!'
'Goodness knows what the younguns'll think. Two people of our age who've never married suddenly deciding to tie the knot. They'll have a good laugh I reckon! By the way I know I should have said this earlier- I do love you Milly and I hope we'll have some happiness before.... '
'Sh- i know i'm not as old as you but anything can happen- I might go first. And I love you too .'
'Let's put Kathy's nose out of joint by splurging out money on a romantic honeymoon.'
'Don't be like that. I can't go anywhere foreign cos I don't have a passport. We could go to Bridlington.'
Bert roared with laughter. ' Steady on- we might even make it to Blackpool. Let's make it soon and have a quiet do eh?'
'Are we inviting Kathy?'
'No- we'll tell her after the event. I don't want her spoiling our special day. Now let's go tell the family.'
Steve lifted his aunt into the air when he heard the news. 'Put me down you daft young beggar!' she exclaimed. Steve did so and pumped Bert's hand- and Dora? She cried.!