Minnie’s face lost all color as Tommy’s heart nearly seized.
“And you were going to allow her to marry him?” Tommy practically shouted.
“I didn’t know until after…” her father said, running a hand over his face. “I was trying to get out of it.”
“And now this poor woman who married him,” Minnie said. “What of her?”
“I contacted her parents,” her father said. “They went after her and will sneak her away from him on the voyage to America. They were unsuspecting and thought they were doing well for themselves, as the man is a wealthy American business owner.”
They all sat in silence for a moment, considering the implications of what could have been.
“Needless to say,” he said, clearing his throat, “I am grateful to you, Tommy, and for all you have done for my daughter. I also apologize for my initial reaction to your marriage.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Tell me, will you continue with Manchester Central?”
“That’s my plan,” he said, looking at Minnie, for they hadn’t discussed it.
“I hope you will,” she said. “I love nothing more than watching you play.”
“Well, that’s settled then,” Tommy said with a laugh. “Shall we return to our party?”
“We shall,” Minnie said, linking her arm through his before she turned to her father, who was also rising from the desk. “I’m sorry things happened as they did,” she said quietly. “But I’m glad it all turned out this way.”
She squeezed Tommy’s arm against her side as they continued out the door to join the families they had been born into and that they had created.
"Before we return,” Tommy said, tugging her into an alcove at the side of the room. “Stay with me for a moment?”
“Of course,” she said, her body warming from his heat andthe way he was looking at her. Once they were shielded from view, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close.
“I love you,” he said. “And I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. You are a beautiful woman, yes, but you are even more beautiful on the inside. Your heart is greater than any other I’ve ever known.”
“I love you too, Tommy,” she said, gazing up at him. “You care for those you love so greatly, and I have never felt more cherished or protected than when I am with you.”
He kissed her deeply, a promise of what more was to come — tonight and for the rest of their lives.
When they finally broke apart, she leaned in. “Tommy?”
“Yes?”
“I have an idea.”
“I love your ideas.”
“Do you remember that prank we talked about playing?”
“The one on our friends?”
“Yes.”
“Of course I do!” he said enthusiastically.
“I think it’s time,” she said with a grin, and together, they joined hands, partners in all that they had to look forward to, surrounded by those who they loved.
Who were about to learn to never let their guard down.
Epilogue
