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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 roo and turned to stare at thee Danny remained on one knee, and like a conjurer, produced a tiny box fro a single diah her brother had already told her that Danny had spent two

When Danny finally got off his knee, he took her by surprise again He ian to tap a number on his mobile Beth knew only too ould be on the other end of the line

"She said yes!" Danny announced triuht and took a closer look "Why don't you join us?" Danny added before she could stop him "Great, let's meet at that wine bar off the Fulhaame last year See you there, mate"

Beth didn't protest; after all, Bernie was not only her brother, but Danny's oldest friend, and he'd probably already asked him to be his 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 chalasses by his side

"Fantastic news," he said even before they had sat down

"Thanks,hands with his friend

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

"Don't tellus as well," said Beth

"Not a chance," said Bernie raising his glass "You've only gotthe cup"

"Well, at least one of those is possible," said Danny

"I think you'dat her brother

"Could do worse," 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 ht even have to sacrifice a few of those 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 perhter-some traditions die hard in the East End Mr Wilson couldn't have beenhis son-in-law, but went on to tell hiht they'd already agreed on

"And if you think I'uv when you take over frohts, "you can forget it" Danny didn't comment

"Is that who I think it is?" said Beth

Danny took a closer look at the fourby the bar "It certainly looks like 'im"

"Looks like who?" asked Bernie

"That actor what plays Dr Beresford in The Prescription"

"Lawrence Davenport," whispered Beth

"I could always go and ask for his autograph," said Bernie

"Certainly not," said Beth "Although Mum never misses an episode"