Another love

Chicago was busy, beyond anything Sarah could have ever imagined, it resembled her lifestyle in London, which made her feel at home. Sarah had been introduced to the gentleman that Ada had appointed to assist Sarah with the expansion. It felt natural for her to take charge, it reminded her of her times running the betting shop whilst the men were at war, it hadn't taken long for them to have the Chicago office up and running. Despite her new life with James in Chicago, she couldn't help but to think back to her final encounter with Tommy, he had been invited on many occasions to see her hard work but had refused each time, the other Shelby's, however were more than happy to visit her, and every time that Sarah visited England, Tommy seemed to be 'busy'.

Not long after she had been in America, she received a wedding invitation for Lizzie and Tommy's wedding, however she found it inappropriate to attend so instead insisted that she had to work.

After adjusting to life in Chicago, James had proposed for the second time, and they had finally set the date for their wedding September third in 1927. All the Shelby's had attended the wedding, except Thomas. Sarah had even arranged for the Jesus' family, Charlie and Curley to attend. Lizzie even came and brought the children with her. Unfortunately it was borderline impossible for her to find Johnny Doggs and doubted that Tommy would have passed on her invitation.

On the day itself, Sarah took deep breaths as Polly zipped her up "I'm glad you're here, Pol. Don't think I could have gone through with it if you weren't here, it would have felt wrong."

Polly smoothed her dress out and looked at her with a bright smile on her face. "You look absolutely gorgeous, if John saw you I'm sure he would have too many things to say." Sarah laughed at her words as she looked at herself in the mirror, "Although, I am surprised you invited your father." Polly said trying not to sound disapproving.

"He's mellowed Pol." Sarah sighed

"Well at least that witch isn't here." Polly said, referring to her mother, making Sarah smile at her.

Vera, Sarah's head housemaid, rushed in to tell her of the time. Vera had moved with them to America, she was practically family, "Thank you, Vera." Sarah smiled,

Polly placed both her hands on the young woman's shoulders and smiled "Right, well I suppose it's my cue to leave." She gave her a final kiss on the cheek and left, passing Dennis in the corridor and giving him a distasteful look.

"Ready?" He asked her, Sarah took a deep breath, before taking her fathers arm and leaving the room. Once she reached the aisle she squeezed Dennis's arm tightly "Everything OK?" He whispered.

Dennis always thought that Sarah would one day marry Tommy, much to his dismay, and believed that despite their faults they were perfect for each other. However he much preferred James, and knew that if Sarah was with Tommy then Dennis wouldn't have been invited to the wedding. James was a calming and forgiving soul and was better for his daughter in the long run.

Sarah simply swallowed hard and nodded in response as they started their descent down the aisle, she glanced around and saw everyone's smiling faces at her, she couldn't help but blush, especially when Arthur shot her a wink. Ada and Polly shared wide smiles at the woman they saw as family, with Ada and Madeline mouthing 'You look beautiful'. Once she reached James, she took another glance around the room, her heart sank when she saw Lizzie with the children but without Tommy. Somewhere in the back of her mind Sarah felt disheartened by the fact that Tommy wasn't there.

"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to join together in holy matrimony, James Matthew Williams and Sarah Ann Crawford. Do you, James Matthew Williams, take Sarah Ann Crawford to be your lawful wedded wife?"