𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘿𝙪𝙤 ; 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙮 [ BOOK 2 ]

THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY; MOTHER DEAREST

To say Caroline was shocked that they were all still alive was a major understatement, though the wake up call drew her to the realisation that there was more to life than turf wars. She no longer cared for her name being that of a curse, or for the secretive glances of worried strangers who feared her presence. When she sat at the dinner table amongst her own family, gazing longingly at her two children with tears in her eyes, she declared that from here on out, she would stop jeopardising their livelihood and start caring for them in the way they deserved.

"I have called this meeting today to bring you all together." Caroline addressed to the meeting room that held every member of the gang. "It is something that I haven't thought long about, though I should have before my first child was born."

Every soul in the room stared at the woman intently who wore a frown upon a white blouse and a tight black skirt - dolled up to deliver a bad blow. They all seemed to be on the edge of their seats, staring at her lips to register every movement. Nobody had a clue what she was about to say, however, the drop in the expression on Thomas's face told Caroline that he was on the right track.

"I should have discussed this with my husband before making any rash decisions, but I couldn't risk him talking me out of what I am about to say."

Finn interjected, alarmed with wide eyes. "Caroline, please. Don't do this."

"Some day you will understand what it is like to be a parent and the extremities you would go to protect your children, my dear boy." Then, after a slight pause, Caroline straightened her back and pronounced loudly. "I am retiring from the Peaky Blinders."

They all were blindsided by the way their jaws dropped and their words stayed silent, causing Caroline to break the ice before Thomas had the opportunity because with his unexpected tendencies, only God knows how he would react.

"It may or may not be permanent, who knows? Only time will tell before I retreat back to my old ways, though my heart is set on being the mother I wish I had."

A slow clap made Caroline's sight align with the man at the opposite end of the table who arose from his seat with a creeping grin that brightened his stone features. In his compassion lay his true self, the part of his nature no part of his life has stolen away. He had journeyed through this life, not on calm seas, but in storms that would have shattered many. It was something for him to be proud of, to hold onto, to help him to see himself the way he really was as a humbled father. There was something about this response that made Caroline's heart burn all the brighter and ignited her soul and she reciprocated the small smile.

"It was only a matter of time before you came to your senses." Thomas lightly joked, though continued with sincerity. "If nobody is respectful towards my wife's decision, feel free to leave too."

"There is nothing greater than a mother's love. I'm proud of you, sweetheart. I'm sure this hasn't been an easy decision." Polly embraced Caroline.

"Truth be told, it hasn't been an easy decision. So many people in this establishment depend on me. I will still be around, but I will withdraw from the battlefield. There is nothing more frightening than the thought of leaving my children alone in this cruel world."

Swallowing her sadness, Polly forced a smile and turned to the table. "I believe this causes for a celebration to mark the end of an era."

***

"When you said a celebration, this isn't what I had in mind."

"What better way to have one last task as your farewell party?"