Another love

Part Forty - Seven

The family was gathered for a picture outside of the institute, which was finally ready to open. Sarah's face was aching from all the forced smiles, she was happy for the children and proud of her family, but all the games they were playing were weighing her down. After the last photo was taken Charles pulled on her hand for her to carry him, Sarah was hesitant to do so, not wanting the cameras or attendees to think something was going on behind the scenes with her and Tommy, before remembering it was only the people in their world who really knew the details of their ever changing relationship. Sarah smiled at the young boy and picked him, Tommy guiding her through the door as she balanced Charlie on her hip

"Don't you look smart today." She cooed as he laughed and clapped his hands at his auntie.

They walked through the long corridors and once getting to the doors of the main room, Sarah Stopped so that she could pass Charlie to Tommy.

Before taking Charlie from her, Tommy took in her appearance, "You look nice today." He murmured quietly as he nodded to her emerald green ensemble.

"Do I not usually look nice?" She frowned

"No," he objected, "You always look nice, I just mean pretty."

"I look pretty?" She asked teasingly, enjoying seeing the smile that was fighting its way to Tommy's lips

"Good, you look good," when Tommy caught on that she was only winding him up she laughed as he held his arms out for Charlie "shut up, give me my son." He chuckled as she handed him over.

Sarah held the door open for him "You know what Tommy, because you've been so kind today I'll let you go in first."

"Oh, how kind of you, Sarah." He said, his voice laced with amusement.

Sarah followed in behind him, with the boys quickly catching up to them. They all made small talk as they waited for everyone to take their seats. Sarah sat in the second row behind Tommy, making funny faces at Charles to keep him occupied until Polly took her place at the podium to introduce Tommy.

"Welcome to the opening of the Grace Shelby Institute for non-insured children of the poor. I would very much like you to join me in thanking the man that made the founding of this establishment actually possible. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Thomas Shelby." Polly smiled proudly

"Speech! Come on, speech!" Arthur demanded.

Tommy passed Charlie over to Ada as he made his way to the podium.

"I didn't come here today to make a speech, but I will say this. These children are now safe. In our care, they will be safe. Because we are from the same cold streets as they are. And in our care, they won't be shipped away to the colonies, or separated from kin, or made to work for men in their various ways. They will grow up here, at home, loved in Birmingham. Because this is our city."

"By order of the Peaky Blinders." Arthur shouted with a smirk.

"Hail!" John called, as a load of the Peaky blinders cheered.

Sarah shook her head in amusement and looked around the room. All these people were there because of them, these children would be safe because of them. They weren't just some razor gang anymore, they had influence now.

Tommy nodded graciously to the audience and stepped down from the podium with Polly swiftly standing behind it again.

"Now let us sing Immortal, Invisible." Pol began.

Sarah noticed Tommy slip out of the room and quietly trailed after him, stopping when she saw him leant against the wall and staring at Graces portrait. She really was beautiful. Sarah cautiously approached Tommy and spoke with a gentle tone