He had been to see Beth’s father during his lunch break and had asked for permission to marry his daughter – some traditions die hard in the East End. ‘And you might even have to sacrifice a few of those once you take over from Dad,’ said Beth.ĭanny frowned. ‘Except on Saturday afternoons,’ Bernie reminded him. ‘I’ll be married to both for the rest of my life.’ ‘I think you’d marry West Ham if you could,’ said Beth, smiling at her brother.ĭanny laughed. ‘Well, at least one of those is possible,’ said Danny.

To long life and West Ham winning the cup.’ ‘Not a chance,’ said Bernie raising his glass, ‘you’ve only got me this time. ‘Don’t tell me they’ll be joining us as well,’ said Beth.

‘They didn’t seem all that surprised, but then it was the worst-kept secret in Bow.’ ‘I’ve already phoned Mum and Dad,’ said Bernie as he popped the cork and filled the three champagne glasses. ‘Thanks, mate,’ said Danny, shaking hands with his friend. ‘Fantastic news,’ he said even before they had sat down. When Beth and Danny strolled into the Dunlop Arms, they found Bernie seated at a corner table with a bottle of champagne and three glasses by his side. ‘It’s on the house,’ he said, giving them a warm smile. See you there, mate.’īeth 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.ĭanny turned off his phone and asked a passing waiter for the bill. ‘Great, let’s meet at that wine bar off the Fulham Road – the one we went to after the Chelsea game last year. ‘Why don’t you join us?’ Danny added before she could stop him. Beth smiled as she held the diamond under the light and took a closer look. ‘She said yes!’ Danny announced triumphantly. Beth knew only too well who would be on the other end of the line. He immediately began to tap a number on his mobile. When Danny finally got off his knee, he took her by surprise again. He opened it to reveal a simple gold band boasting a single diamond that was far larger than Beth had expected – although her brother had already told her that Danny had spent two months’ wages on the ring. Danny remained on one knee, and like a conjurer, produced a tiny box from nowhere. ‘Yes,’ Beth repeated, hoping he’d stand up before everyone in the room stopped eating and turned to stare at them. However, she was amazed when Danny fell on one knee in the middle of the crowded restaurant. 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.

A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer