Minnie squinted against the bright autumn sun, her heart swelling with pride as she watched Tommy sprint down the football pitch, the ball at his feet.
The roar of the crowd was contagious, as all appeared happy about the first match of the new season, a match which had drawn fans from all over Manchester.
Six months had passed since their dramatic confrontation with Blackwood on the docks – months that were filled with more love and laughter than Minnie had ever dreamed possible. They had enjoyed their first few weeks, but now they were much more settled. Peaceful. She absently twisted the metal band on her finger, warm from the sunlight.
How she had always resisted the idea of marriage, she had no idea, for married life suited her — at least, married life with Tommy.
He'd been born for his new role as owner of the blacksmith shop. With his easy charm, skilled craftsmanship, and fearless ability to try new ideas Minnie suggested, he had quickly won over customers old and new, and he was well onhis way to paying Jack for the outright ownership of the shop, although it was difficult to keep Jack away from popping in to add his assistance when needed, even though with a new apprentice coming on soon, Tommy had been keeping up with all the new orders.
It was doing well enough that they were able to help with Tommy’s sister’s medication, and she was doing better than she had been in some time.
Minnie helped where she could, but much of her time was devoted to the charitable foundation she'd founded. Dozens of children were already benefiting from the food, education, and recreation they provided. The work was challenging, but she had never felt more fulfilled, and she was grateful that her father had allowed her to see it through.
They benefited from sponsorship from Draper & Hanson Shipping Co., as well as from fundraising events that Lily had helped organize. It was also always more than heart-warming to see Tommy and his football team work with the children, especially when Minnie couldn’t help but think what a good father Tommy would make one day.
She had an inkling that day would come sooner rather than later, but she wasn’t quite certain yet.
Soon.
A collective gasp yanked Minnie's attention back to the match. Tommy was bearing down on the goal, just the keeper to beat.
Time seemed to slow as he drew back his foot, connecting with the ball before it rocketed through the goalposts. The stands erupted as it put Manchester Central ahead by one. Minnie leapt to her feet, cheering until her voice went hoarse.
As his teammates mobbed him, Tommy broke free, running to the sideline nearest Minnie's seat. Their eyes locked, and his face split into the boyish, dimpled grin she soadored. She blew him a kiss, her heart so full of joy and love she thought it might burst.
The match ended 2-nil, Manchester Central's season off to the start they had wished for. Minnie waited patiently outside the changing rooms, greeting Emmaline, Lily, and the other wives. Ada stood with them, although she was shifting from one foot to the other, not entirely comfortable, even though she had joined them many times before.
Something was amiss, although Minnie wasn’t quite certain yet just what that was. She supposed when Ada was ready, she would tell them. It was never good to press her for information and she was secretive enough about her life and background as it was.
When Tommy finally emerged, freshly washed and smiling, Minnie forgot everything else and flew into his arms.
"Well played, Mr. Ward," she murmured against his lips. "Very well played indeed."
"Why thank you, Mrs. Ward," he replied, kissing her back soundly. "I have more good news.”
“Oh?”
“With this win, we will play Sheffield next.”
“So I can visit my sister!”
“You most certainly can. Have I told you lately how blissfully happy you make me?"
"Hmmm, not since breakfast at least," she teased, looping her arm through his as they began the walk toward The King’s Head in the crisp autumn air. "But I do so love to hear it."
Life wasn't perfect – no life ever was. There were still challenges and worries, squabbles and frustrations. But Minnie and Tommy faced them as they did everything. Together, as partners and equals. It was much more than most women ever received from their husbands, and Minnie would never regret trading wealth and an easy lifestyle for a man who truly loved her.
The future stretched before them, bright with promise, and Minnie knew there was no one she'd rather have by her side.
"What do you say we cut out of the tavern and go home to start working on filling some of those extra bedrooms?" Tommy asked, his low, suggestive tone sending delicious shivers down her spine.
They had moved into a house down from the blacksmith shop, one Minnie had gazed at longingly many times but never told him about.
Somehow, he had known, and she had been ecstatic once they were able to call it home.
Minnie just laughed, tugging him down for another kiss as the sun slipped below.
“I’m always up for that,” she said. “But I think we should join your team first. Where was Jonny today?”
