Note =Firstly, I am sorry for the wait. I am honestly considering ending this story here and there abouts because I feel I am not giving it the love and attention I have in the past and I know you are all frustrated waiting for updates or at least the scattered updates can be annoying and I get that and apologise. I do hope if you are reading this that you enjoy it and thank you so much for sticking with me. Love you all 💙
Always please give love to @forgottenpeakywriter aka Selene Shelby for the artwork for this chapter. She made this month's ago and I finally get to use it.
Standing in my former bedroom in my parents’ home wearing a wedding dress felt surreal. It was truly happening. I was getting married. But it was so much more different than I could have ever imagined. I was now a mother, to the most perfect little angel. The relationship with my parents was much better than it was four years previous and my best friend, my true best friend was dead. My brother James Adler. But I knew he was beside me today. He wouldn’t let me go through this day on my own.
I could just imagine his words now, ‘I can’t believe you fell for Thomas Shelby when I told you not to. And now you are marrying him?’. I can imagine him chuckling in my ear as he fixed the lapels of the suit he would wear to my wedding. He would talk me through my nerves for the day, assuring me everything was going to be okay.
Before he died he knew Tommy made me happy. Anyone could see how happy that man made me. I’d happily shout it from the rooftops if I wasn’t afraid of heights. I had truly and utterly fallen in love with that Peaky Blinder Devil, Thomas Shelby and I didn't see that changing anytime soon.
Looking in the mirror I brushed down the beautiful lace of my dress. I was ready, all I had to do was wait for one of Tommy’s men to take me to the location. I didn’t know where the wedding was, Tommy wouldn't tell me. He kept everything about this wedding hush-hush.
I didn't know if this was because he thought I might change my mind and say no or if it was just his need to have control after what happened at the Derby when he nearly lost his life. Either way, I was happy to let him take the lead, I was kept busy with our daughter.
I walked down the stairs, my father looked handsome dressed in a beautiful hand-tailored suit he had created himself for the wedding, while my mother wore a beautiful blush pink dress. She was making tea, ushering a small piece of bread towards me, wanting me to eat it. But I shook my head. My nerves were too much, I couldn’t eat a thing.
“Butterflies” I shake my head holding my stomach. I look down at my daughter's bassinet. She was sleeping soundly, small coos coming from her pink lips every so often. She was honestly the most beautiful little girl I ever laid my eyes on. I could stare at her all day and never get bored.
“B…b…beautiful” My father tried to speak, walking over to me and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. A proud look in his eyes as we looked at each other. He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze as he nodded.
Today was a big day for all of us. For my parents, it was the day they officially loose their daughter to a man. For me, it was the day I married the love of my life. The father of my child. Today was the day our families joined together and become one.
After a moment of silence, a loud bang was heard at the door followed by a loud voice walking into my parents’ home. I looked around at the front door to see John walking into the living room.
“Alrigh’ Ana ready to get hitched?” John grinned, nodding at my parents in acknowledgement. “Well shit, don't you look beautiful. Like an angel”
“Thank you, John” I whispered. The butterflies had exploded from my stomach and were working their way through my body. I could feel tingling sensations in my arms, it was like electricity in my fingertips.
“Nervous? Aye, big commitment this “ John nodded reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a flask. “Want some? Might settle the nerves” He chuckled with that cheeky grin of his, blue eyes shining with mischief.
“I’ll pass” I chuckled “How is Tommy?” I asked biting my lip as I played with my fingers nervously.
John licked his lips as he debated how to answer the question. “Tommy is Tommy” John chuckled. “He seems cool, and in control but he is probably a nervous wreck under that stony face that you seem to love." John joked, licking his lips. "You’re a special girl to him Ana. I’ve never seen him like this over a woman”
“Really?” I asked a small smile pulling at my lips.
“Well no actually, there is one other girl he acts all goofy for…” John trailed off that cheeky grin of his growing. “And it is my perfect little niece sleeping all precious in that cot” He spoke looking over at Roselle. “I still can’t believe Tommy helped create something so innocent and pure”
“Tommy is a good man, John, you know that” I smiled walking over and placing my hand on his shoulder as we stared at my sleeping daughter. “You all are”
John pursed his lips before nodding his head. “Maybe” He sighed before rubbing his hands together “Alright we gotta move, cars out front I’m driving, Mr and Mrs Adler you can ride in the back with Roselle, Ana in front with me."
******
The drive felt like it took forever but when I looked at the clock it had only taken twenty minutes. John had driven us to an open field that usually lay empty, only today it was filled with different, brightly coloured vardos and several people. They were all around small campfires. There were people I didn’t recognise and a few I did.
In the middle of all the vardos and people was a walkway, lined with candles and flower petals. At the end of the walkway was an arch, a beautiful arch filled with flowers of all different colours. Haybales lined each side I assumed for our guests to sit. I slowly exited the car in my wedding dress admiring the view, my parents got out behind me with my daughter. I noticed that she was awake and decided I wanted to hold her to help settle my nerves.
I looked up at my mother and father who both nodded proudly. It was evident on their faces that they to appreciate Tommy’s efforts to make the venue beautiful. In the distance I saw, Arthur, Ada and Polly. They seemed to laughing and enjoying themselves, each one looking beautiful and dressed up for the occasion.
It was only a matter of minutes now till we became family, officially.
John whistled rather loudly drawing the attention of some of the men who in turned to alert the others. It was rather amusing to watch, as each man whistled to the next signalling my arrival, the guests all seemed to make their way towards the haybales to take a seat.
When word had reached Polly she quickly walked in our direction, a surprised look on her face as she eyed me from head to toe. “Ana my dear I’ve never seen you look so beautiful. This dress is so you” Polly grinned the seconds she reached me. “My grand niece is awake I see, excited for the big day” She cooed stroking Roselle’s cheek.
“Polly this place, how did you all get a field to look so, wonderful?” I asked softly. This setting was much better than I could ever imagine. It was better than a stuffy church wedding I always dreamt of, it simply surpassed it in every level possible.
“Tommy, the boy has an exquisite vision when given the chance” Polly smiled “Alright almost show time, let me take the little lady, your mother can follow me and we shall see you at the other side Mrs Shelby” Polly smiled taking my daughter from my hands and walking with my mother to seat down.
“You feeling good Mr Adler?” John asked offering him a sip of his flask which my father happily accepted. “Almost showtime, whenever the band starts playing just walk down the middle, Tommy will see you at the bottom” John winked, taking back his flask and going to stand next to Arthur.
I bit my lip realising that John, Arthur and Finn were acting as groomsmen for Tommy and I had no one representing me. In that moment of weakness, I realised I probably should have spent more time making friends and trying to have a life outside of Tommy and even Roselle.
My father gently stroked my arm offering me a small smile as he rubbed my upper arm carefully. Before I could open my mouth to speak we were joined by Esme, Ada and Lizzie.
“You didn’t think we’d let you enter into this lion's den alone did you” Esme smiled sending me a wink.
“You may not have chosen us to be your friends but we sure as hell are your family” Ada nodded.
“You’ll need all the support you can get marrying Tommy Ana. But there is no better woman for it” Lizzie smiled offering me a hug which I gladly accepted.
My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest at the overwhelming support of these girls. Ada’s words in particular stayed with me, of course, these women were my family. We had been through so much over the past few years how could I have not thought of them as friends? I did have people outside of Tommy and Roselle, yes Tommy may have introduced us but our bond was much deeper than that now.
Hearing music, the girls squealed in delight, making a show as they walked down the walkway John had pointed out earlier. When Lizzie finally moved aside I saw Tommy, he was standing at the other side his face stoic where he stood. His hands were clasped together in front of him, he was wearing a beautiful navy blue suit that just made his eyes pop. He had a beautiful white flower on the lapel of his suit, letting everyone know he was the groom.
“R…ready” My father grimaced slightly in pain but smiled through it as he offered me his arm. I gladly took it feeling the butterflies float all over my body, images of falling entered my head so I gripped tightly onto his upper arm. We started to slowly walk down the pathway, I tried to keep my head up, and shoulders back and reach Tommy without falling and making a fool of myself. With each step I took I felt like it was lasting forever, the walkway seemed to be growing instead of shrinking. Would I ever make it to the end?
I was so consumed with my thoughts that it was only when my father placed my hands in Tommy’s did the panic, stop. I instantly recognised his touch and I felt relief. The weight had been lifted and everything seemed right in the world. I look up at him smiling brightly as he gazed into my eyes, a small smile tugged on the corner of his lips.
“You look beautiful” He smiled, reaching up and cupping the side of my cheek and jaw softly in his hands. His thumb gently stroked along my cheekbone.
“And you look so handsome, I love the navy on you” I smiled a bright toothy smile as we looked into each other’s eyes.
The moment was broken by Johnny's dogs clearing his throat. I glanced at him briefly before turning to Tommy, he was officiating the wedding? I asked with my eyes causing Tommy to chuckle.
“He knows what he’s doing, he blessed John and Esme’s’ wedding I thought he could do ours too” Tommy grinned, sending a quick wink as he positioned us in the middle of everyone’s eyeline. Front and centre where the bride and groom should be.
“Alrigh let’s get this wedding going before Tommy holds it off any longer eh?” Johnny Dogs spoke rather loud so everyone could hear. His statement made the guests chuckle in amusement. A small dig at Tommy for the length of time he waited before finally allowing us to wed.
*****
The wedding ceremony went off without incident, something I was grateful for considering who I was marrying and the gang I was marrying into. It seemed that everything was finally at peace. Major Campbell was gone along with all our problems, at least that's what it felt like. As far as I was aware we could now have a normal life.
Tommy could continue his work with the factories and betting shop, yes he fixed races but he had police officers on his side it wasn’t something he would be arrested for now Campbell was dead. They would continue looking in the opposite direction.
I hadn’t had any more threats of incidents with the Italians and Tommy seemed to be caught up with planning this wedding and keeping his business operating in both Birmingham and London to even consider going after them. Things were finally, as normal as they could be.
After saying our vows and having a few pictures taken, the party had truly begun. The Shelby family, along with my own and our friends were celebrating our union. Whiskey, rum, beer and gin were all flowing. Where Johnny Dogs once stood was now a giant bonfire where people danced around.
Tommy had invited most of the people from Small Heath allowing them to celebrate with us, showing he was still a man of his people. Each guest had brought food for everyone to share, members of the Lee family that Tommy invited brought meat that they cooked on the open bonfire.
I took a moment to feed my daughter away from the madness that occurred after our ceremony. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it I loved it I just needed a moment to breathe and relax. A moment to digest everything that has happened today. I was finally Mrs Shelby.
Mrs Thomas Shelby that was a lot to digest. I was now a wife.
I sat humming softly to my daughter as she ate from my breast. It was hard manoeuvring myself from the dress while holding a small baby but I managed it. Lost in my thoughts I felt a presence sitting down next to me. I looked over finding my mother, a small smile on her face as she gently stoked Roselle’s head as she ate.
We sat in silence for what felt like forever. The sound of my wedding was in the background, I could hear Tommy shouting at his brothers and his men that there would be no fighting at his wedding. He knew I didn’t like violence. There was still a part of me haunted by the time Tommy was being beaten to a pulp thanks to Sabini and his men all those years ago. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, I truly thought I was going to lose him.
After feeding my daughter, I looked over at my mother. “Would you like to nurse the wind from her?” I asked softly to which she nodded, taking the infant from me and rubbing her back as I got my wedding dress back on. “She’s getting so big already isn’t she?” I smiled with a small laugh.
My mother nodded, she was happy that was the main emotion but there was also sadness in her eyes. “James would have loved to be here” She spoke.
It took me a moment to realise that actual words had left my mother's lips. My eyes widened and I sat in shock I couldn’t believe it. I looked down at her as she nursed my daughter, feeling the need to pinch myself. I hadn’t heard my mother's voice since her attack almost a year ago.
“Mother I…”
“I know I wasn’t fair on you or James for that I can only apologise.” She whispered, tears falling from her eyes. “I said and did things I am not proud of. I tried to force my beliefs, and my ways onto you and I can see now that it was wrong. What your father and I did was wrong.”
I remain quiet when she brings up the arrangement she and my father made with the Italians all those years before.
“You have a good man now who will protect you from the mistakes your father and I made. We can’t apologise enough because it will never be enough but we will do everything we can to make it right.” She continued, saying the most I think she has ever spoken to me throughout my life. “I want to thank you for letting us be involved in Roselle's life”
“Of course, she needs to know her grandparents, you’re the only set she has” I whispered feeling emotional at this conversation. It was a lot to process, there were apologies, truth and the fact it was the first time she had spoken since the attack. It felt like a lot to handle.
“Go now and get something to eat. You must be starving” She spoke holding my daughter tight against her chest. “She is just so precious, I’ll keep her safe”
I nodded leaning in to hug my mother “Despite the past, I still love you very much” I whispered in her ear before going to get myself something to eat. Due to my nerves all morning I didn’t eat and now the main event was over, I was starving.
When I rejoined the wedding, I looked around finding Tommy laughing with his brothers as they drank their sacred whiskey. His tie was undone and his suit jacket was long gone. He looked so comfortable, so relaxed. I couldn’t help but admire him, for the first time in a long time, it seemed like his mind was at ease.
There was no planning, no next steps. At least that’s how he presented.
I got myself a plate of food when I felt his arms wrap around my waist from behind, his face buried into my neck. He placed soft kisses along the back of my neck, his teeth nibbling every so often.
“I am a lucky ass man eh” Tommy chuckled into my neck.
“I feel the same way Tommy” I smiled leaning into his arms, simply enjoying his strong embrace.
“Where’s Rosie?” He asked going back to nibbling along my neck and shoulder.
“My mother has her and Tommy…” I spoke turning around to face him and putting my plate of food down. “She spoke to me”
“Who Rosie?” Tommy asked confused. I could tell he had a lot more than a few glasses of whiskey to drink if he was slow to catch on to who I meant.
“No my mother” I chuckled “Are you a little drunk Mr Shelby?” I teased running my hands up and down his chest.
“Only slightly” He chuckled holding me close, hands on my hips “Your mother spoke to you, words? Not hand gestures?”
“Actually words Tommy” I nodded.
“That’s…what did she say love? She didn’t upset you?” Tommy asked and I shook my head, explaining to Tommy the entire nature of our conversation. “But you're happy?”
“I’m happy” I nodded, I loved that Tommy cared. He just wanted to make sure that I was okay, that nothing upset me today of all days. I loved his protective nature. He was truly everything to me.
As Tommy and I spoke, my mother returned Roselle as she and my father were going home for the evening, a peaky blinder would be taking them home and staying with them for protection as usual. Just because things were quiet didn’t mean that Tommy let up on the security.
“How do you feel about making a few more like her huh? I’m sure Polly will take her tonight for a few hours…we could make another and another and another…”
“Easy Mr Shelby” I giggled at him, biting my lip. I loved this side of Tommy. The happy, carefree Tommy who smiled and was happy.
“Ah, now Mrs Shelby you can’t deny a man, a groom his wedding night with the most beautiful bride in the world.” Tommy grinned leaning in close, cupping my face with his larger hand. “You can’t deny me, my wife, you are mine now… my property”
“God Tommy when you talk like that you make it hard to resist”
“That’s the point my love” Tommy grinned leaning in to kiss my lips carefully. “Let’s find Polly so I can take my wife in the way she deserves. You got it?”
“I got it” I grinned. I felt so happy, so free. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt like I was in heaven. On cloud nine. This night couldn’t have been more perfect if I had tried to make it so.
Tommy had called Polly over passing over our daughter before tugging on my hand towards a vardo that sat far from the wedding. “We will still be close if she needs us my love but I need to make you mine tonight Mrs Shelby.”
“I’m ready to be yours for the first time as your wife Tommy” I smiled leaning in to kiss his lips. "I can’t wait”
As Tommy and I walked towards Vardo, we were cut off by Finn running past us like this life depended on it. I looked after him with confusion when I noticed Arthur coming up behind him, an angry scowl on his face.
“Ignore them we have bigger things to worry about” Tommy shook his head with a sigh as we moved towards the beautiful red vardo with yellow and orange delicate patterns. Opening the door I could see a small frown on his face as he made eye contact with John, silently warning him to sort it out.
“They are drunk and having fun Mr Shelby. Just let it go”
“I fucking warn 'em love that’s what bothers me” He spoke as we entered the small vardo. It was beautiful inside. It looked incredibly homely and unbelievably comfortable. I lay back on the small bed looking up at Tommy with a sultry smile.
“If you’d rather deal with that than be here with me…I understand” I whispered licking my lips.
“That is never going to happen Mrs Shelby” Tommy grinned, his mood shifting as he fell on top of me making sure to land on his forearms so he didn’t hurt me. But I could still feel his body pressing into mine. He leaned down kissing my lips deeply as I relaxed into the mattress. "I love you, Mrs Shelby"
Great chapter. I see that Ana and Tommy had a great wedding outside. Her parents showed up too, which is very nice. At the end I liked how they got their own vardo to stay in. I can see them traveling in that.
Thank you, Selene. appreciate the reblog and the comments. I was trying to incorporate most the relationship she has in the story in a cute way. I think the outdoor wedding was kind of in touch with Tommy's roots not a stuffy church he doesn't truly believe in. They both got what they wanted. 💙
Note =Firstly, I am sorry for the wait. I am honestly considering ending this story here and there abouts because I feel I am not giving it the love and attention I have in the past and I know you are all frustrated waiting for updates or at least the scattered updates can be annoying and I get that and apologise. I do hope if you are reading this that you enjoy it and thank you so much for sticking with me. Love you all 💙
Always please give love to @forgottenpeakywriter aka Selene Shelby for the artwork for this chapter. She made this month's ago and I finally get to use it.
Standing in my former bedroom in my parents’ home wearing a wedding dress felt surreal. It was truly happening. I was getting married. But it was so much more different than I could have ever imagined. I was now a mother, to the most perfect little angel. The relationship with my parents was much better than it was four years previous and my best friend, my true best friend was dead. My brother James Adler. But I knew he was beside me today. He wouldn’t let me go through this day on my own.
I could just imagine his words now, ‘I can’t believe you fell for Thomas Shelby when I told you not to. And now you are marrying him?’. I can imagine him chuckling in my ear as he fixed the lapels of the suit he would wear to my wedding. He would talk me through my nerves for the day, assuring me everything was going to be okay.
Before he died he knew Tommy made me happy. Anyone could see how happy that man made me. I’d happily shout it from the rooftops if I wasn’t afraid of heights. I had truly and utterly fallen in love with that Peaky Blinder Devil, Thomas Shelby and I didn't see that changing anytime soon.
Looking in the mirror I brushed down the beautiful lace of my dress. I was ready, all I had to do was wait for one of Tommy’s men to take me to the location. I didn’t know where the wedding was, Tommy wouldn't tell me. He kept everything about this wedding hush-hush.
I didn't know if this was because he thought I might change my mind and say no or if it was just his need to have control after what happened at the Derby when he nearly lost his life. Either way, I was happy to let him take the lead, I was kept busy with our daughter.
I walked down the stairs, my father looked handsome dressed in a beautiful hand-tailored suit he had created himself for the wedding, while my mother wore a beautiful blush pink dress. She was making tea, ushering a small piece of bread towards me, wanting me to eat it. But I shook my head. My nerves were too much, I couldn’t eat a thing.
“Butterflies” I shake my head holding my stomach. I look down at my daughter's bassinet. She was sleeping soundly, small coos coming from her pink lips every so often. She was honestly the most beautiful little girl I ever laid my eyes on. I could stare at her all day and never get bored.
“B…b…beautiful” My father tried to speak, walking over to me and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. A proud look in his eyes as we looked at each other. He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze as he nodded.
Today was a big day for all of us. For my parents, it was the day they officially loose their daughter to a man. For me, it was the day I married the love of my life. The father of my child. Today was the day our families joined together and become one.
After a moment of silence, a loud bang was heard at the door followed by a loud voice walking into my parents’ home. I looked around at the front door to see John walking into the living room.
“Alrigh’ Ana ready to get hitched?” John grinned, nodding at my parents in acknowledgement. “Well shit, don't you look beautiful. Like an angel”
“Thank you, John” I whispered. The butterflies had exploded from my stomach and were working their way through my body. I could feel tingling sensations in my arms, it was like electricity in my fingertips.
“Nervous? Aye, big commitment this “ John nodded reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a flask. “Want some? Might settle the nerves” He chuckled with that cheeky grin of his, blue eyes shining with mischief.
“I’ll pass” I chuckled “How is Tommy?” I asked biting my lip as I played with my fingers nervously.
John licked his lips as he debated how to answer the question. “Tommy is Tommy” John chuckled. “He seems cool, and in control but he is probably a nervous wreck under that stony face that you seem to love." John joked, licking his lips. "You’re a special girl to him Ana. I’ve never seen him like this over a woman”
“Really?” I asked a small smile pulling at my lips.
“Well no actually, there is one other girl he acts all goofy for…” John trailed off that cheeky grin of his growing. “And it is my perfect little niece sleeping all precious in that cot” He spoke looking over at Roselle. “I still can’t believe Tommy helped create something so innocent and pure”
“Tommy is a good man, John, you know that” I smiled walking over and placing my hand on his shoulder as we stared at my sleeping daughter. “You all are”
John pursed his lips before nodding his head. “Maybe” He sighed before rubbing his hands together “Alright we gotta move, cars out front I’m driving, Mr and Mrs Adler you can ride in the back with Roselle, Ana in front with me."
******
The drive felt like it took forever but when I looked at the clock it had only taken twenty minutes. John had driven us to an open field that usually lay empty, only today it was filled with different, brightly coloured vardos and several people. They were all around small campfires. There were people I didn’t recognise and a few I did.
In the middle of all the vardos and people was a walkway, lined with candles and flower petals. At the end of the walkway was an arch, a beautiful arch filled with flowers of all different colours. Haybales lined each side I assumed for our guests to sit. I slowly exited the car in my wedding dress admiring the view, my parents got out behind me with my daughter. I noticed that she was awake and decided I wanted to hold her to help settle my nerves.
I looked up at my mother and father who both nodded proudly. It was evident on their faces that they to appreciate Tommy’s efforts to make the venue beautiful. In the distance I saw, Arthur, Ada and Polly. They seemed to laughing and enjoying themselves, each one looking beautiful and dressed up for the occasion.
It was only a matter of minutes now till we became family, officially.
John whistled rather loudly drawing the attention of some of the men who in turned to alert the others. It was rather amusing to watch, as each man whistled to the next signalling my arrival, the guests all seemed to make their way towards the haybales to take a seat.
When word had reached Polly she quickly walked in our direction, a surprised look on her face as she eyed me from head to toe. “Ana my dear I’ve never seen you look so beautiful. This dress is so you” Polly grinned the seconds she reached me. “My grand niece is awake I see, excited for the big day” She cooed stroking Roselle’s cheek.
“Polly this place, how did you all get a field to look so, wonderful?” I asked softly. This setting was much better than I could ever imagine. It was better than a stuffy church wedding I always dreamt of, it simply surpassed it in every level possible.
“Tommy, the boy has an exquisite vision when given the chance” Polly smiled “Alright almost show time, let me take the little lady, your mother can follow me and we shall see you at the other side Mrs Shelby” Polly smiled taking my daughter from my hands and walking with my mother to seat down.
“You feeling good Mr Adler?” John asked offering him a sip of his flask which my father happily accepted. “Almost showtime, whenever the band starts playing just walk down the middle, Tommy will see you at the bottom” John winked, taking back his flask and going to stand next to Arthur.
I bit my lip realising that John, Arthur and Finn were acting as groomsmen for Tommy and I had no one representing me. In that moment of weakness, I realised I probably should have spent more time making friends and trying to have a life outside of Tommy and even Roselle.
My father gently stroked my arm offering me a small smile as he rubbed my upper arm carefully. Before I could open my mouth to speak we were joined by Esme, Ada and Lizzie.
“You didn’t think we’d let you enter into this lion's den alone did you” Esme smiled sending me a wink.
“You may not have chosen us to be your friends but we sure as hell are your family” Ada nodded.
“You’ll need all the support you can get marrying Tommy Ana. But there is no better woman for it” Lizzie smiled offering me a hug which I gladly accepted.
My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest at the overwhelming support of these girls. Ada’s words in particular stayed with me, of course, these women were my family. We had been through so much over the past few years how could I have not thought of them as friends? I did have people outside of Tommy and Roselle, yes Tommy may have introduced us but our bond was much deeper than that now.
Hearing music, the girls squealed in delight, making a show as they walked down the walkway John had pointed out earlier. When Lizzie finally moved aside I saw Tommy, he was standing at the other side his face stoic where he stood. His hands were clasped together in front of him, he was wearing a beautiful navy blue suit that just made his eyes pop. He had a beautiful white flower on the lapel of his suit, letting everyone know he was the groom.
“R…ready” My father grimaced slightly in pain but smiled through it as he offered me his arm. I gladly took it feeling the butterflies float all over my body, images of falling entered my head so I gripped tightly onto his upper arm. We started to slowly walk down the pathway, I tried to keep my head up, and shoulders back and reach Tommy without falling and making a fool of myself. With each step I took I felt like it was lasting forever, the walkway seemed to be growing instead of shrinking. Would I ever make it to the end?
I was so consumed with my thoughts that it was only when my father placed my hands in Tommy’s did the panic, stop. I instantly recognised his touch and I felt relief. The weight had been lifted and everything seemed right in the world. I look up at him smiling brightly as he gazed into my eyes, a small smile tugged on the corner of his lips.
“You look beautiful” He smiled, reaching up and cupping the side of my cheek and jaw softly in his hands. His thumb gently stroked along my cheekbone.
“And you look so handsome, I love the navy on you” I smiled a bright toothy smile as we looked into each other’s eyes.
The moment was broken by Johnny's dogs clearing his throat. I glanced at him briefly before turning to Tommy, he was officiating the wedding? I asked with my eyes causing Tommy to chuckle.
“He knows what he’s doing, he blessed John and Esme’s’ wedding I thought he could do ours too” Tommy grinned, sending a quick wink as he positioned us in the middle of everyone’s eyeline. Front and centre where the bride and groom should be.
“Alrigh let’s get this wedding going before Tommy holds it off any longer eh?” Johnny Dogs spoke rather loud so everyone could hear. His statement made the guests chuckle in amusement. A small dig at Tommy for the length of time he waited before finally allowing us to wed.
*****
The wedding ceremony went off without incident, something I was grateful for considering who I was marrying and the gang I was marrying into. It seemed that everything was finally at peace. Major Campbell was gone along with all our problems, at least that's what it felt like. As far as I was aware we could now have a normal life.
Tommy could continue his work with the factories and betting shop, yes he fixed races but he had police officers on his side it wasn’t something he would be arrested for now Campbell was dead. They would continue looking in the opposite direction.
I hadn’t had any more threats of incidents with the Italians and Tommy seemed to be caught up with planning this wedding and keeping his business operating in both Birmingham and London to even consider going after them. Things were finally, as normal as they could be.
After saying our vows and having a few pictures taken, the party had truly begun. The Shelby family, along with my own and our friends were celebrating our union. Whiskey, rum, beer and gin were all flowing. Where Johnny Dogs once stood was now a giant bonfire where people danced around.
Tommy had invited most of the people from Small Heath allowing them to celebrate with us, showing he was still a man of his people. Each guest had brought food for everyone to share, members of the Lee family that Tommy invited brought meat that they cooked on the open bonfire.
I took a moment to feed my daughter away from the madness that occurred after our ceremony. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it I loved it I just needed a moment to breathe and relax. A moment to digest everything that has happened today. I was finally Mrs Shelby.
Mrs Thomas Shelby that was a lot to digest. I was now a wife.
I sat humming softly to my daughter as she ate from my breast. It was hard manoeuvring myself from the dress while holding a small baby but I managed it. Lost in my thoughts I felt a presence sitting down next to me. I looked over finding my mother, a small smile on her face as she gently stoked Roselle’s head as she ate.
We sat in silence for what felt like forever. The sound of my wedding was in the background, I could hear Tommy shouting at his brothers and his men that there would be no fighting at his wedding. He knew I didn’t like violence. There was still a part of me haunted by the time Tommy was being beaten to a pulp thanks to Sabini and his men all those years ago. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, I truly thought I was going to lose him.
After feeding my daughter, I looked over at my mother. “Would you like to nurse the wind from her?” I asked softly to which she nodded, taking the infant from me and rubbing her back as I got my wedding dress back on. “She’s getting so big already isn’t she?” I smiled with a small laugh.
My mother nodded, she was happy that was the main emotion but there was also sadness in her eyes. “James would have loved to be here” She spoke.
It took me a moment to realise that actual words had left my mother's lips. My eyes widened and I sat in shock I couldn’t believe it. I looked down at her as she nursed my daughter, feeling the need to pinch myself. I hadn’t heard my mother's voice since her attack almost a year ago.
“Mother I…”
“I know I wasn’t fair on you or James for that I can only apologise.” She whispered, tears falling from her eyes. “I said and did things I am not proud of. I tried to force my beliefs, and my ways onto you and I can see now that it was wrong. What your father and I did was wrong.”
I remain quiet when she brings up the arrangement she and my father made with the Italians all those years before.
“You have a good man now who will protect you from the mistakes your father and I made. We can’t apologise enough because it will never be enough but we will do everything we can to make it right.” She continued, saying the most I think she has ever spoken to me throughout my life. “I want to thank you for letting us be involved in Roselle's life”
“Of course, she needs to know her grandparents, you’re the only set she has” I whispered feeling emotional at this conversation. It was a lot to process, there were apologies, truth and the fact it was the first time she had spoken since the attack. It felt like a lot to handle.
“Go now and get something to eat. You must be starving” She spoke holding my daughter tight against her chest. “She is just so precious, I’ll keep her safe”
I nodded leaning in to hug my mother “Despite the past, I still love you very much” I whispered in her ear before going to get myself something to eat. Due to my nerves all morning I didn’t eat and now the main event was over, I was starving.
When I rejoined the wedding, I looked around finding Tommy laughing with his brothers as they drank their sacred whiskey. His tie was undone and his suit jacket was long gone. He looked so comfortable, so relaxed. I couldn’t help but admire him, for the first time in a long time, it seemed like his mind was at ease.
There was no planning, no next steps. At least that’s how he presented.
I got myself a plate of food when I felt his arms wrap around my waist from behind, his face buried into my neck. He placed soft kisses along the back of my neck, his teeth nibbling every so often.
“I am a lucky ass man eh” Tommy chuckled into my neck.
“I feel the same way Tommy” I smiled leaning into his arms, simply enjoying his strong embrace.
“Where’s Rosie?” He asked going back to nibbling along my neck and shoulder.
“My mother has her and Tommy…” I spoke turning around to face him and putting my plate of food down. “She spoke to me”
“Who Rosie?” Tommy asked confused. I could tell he had a lot more than a few glasses of whiskey to drink if he was slow to catch on to who I meant.
“No my mother” I chuckled “Are you a little drunk Mr Shelby?” I teased running my hands up and down his chest.
“Only slightly” He chuckled holding me close, hands on my hips “Your mother spoke to you, words? Not hand gestures?”
“Actually words Tommy” I nodded.
“That’s…what did she say love? She didn’t upset you?” Tommy asked and I shook my head, explaining to Tommy the entire nature of our conversation. “But you're happy?”
“I’m happy” I nodded, I loved that Tommy cared. He just wanted to make sure that I was okay, that nothing upset me today of all days. I loved his protective nature. He was truly everything to me.
As Tommy and I spoke, my mother returned Roselle as she and my father were going home for the evening, a peaky blinder would be taking them home and staying with them for protection as usual. Just because things were quiet didn’t mean that Tommy let up on the security.
“How do you feel about making a few more like her huh? I’m sure Polly will take her tonight for a few hours…we could make another and another and another…”
“Easy Mr Shelby” I giggled at him, biting my lip. I loved this side of Tommy. The happy, carefree Tommy who smiled and was happy.
“Ah, now Mrs Shelby you can’t deny a man, a groom his wedding night with the most beautiful bride in the world.” Tommy grinned leaning in close, cupping my face with his larger hand. “You can’t deny me, my wife, you are mine now… my property”
“God Tommy when you talk like that you make it hard to resist”
“That’s the point my love” Tommy grinned leaning in to kiss my lips carefully. “Let’s find Polly so I can take my wife in the way she deserves. You got it?”
“I got it” I grinned. I felt so happy, so free. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt like I was in heaven. On cloud nine. This night couldn’t have been more perfect if I had tried to make it so.
Tommy had called Polly over passing over our daughter before tugging on my hand towards a vardo that sat far from the wedding. “We will still be close if she needs us my love but I need to make you mine tonight Mrs Shelby.”
“I’m ready to be yours for the first time as your wife Tommy” I smiled leaning in to kiss his lips. "I can’t wait”
As Tommy and I walked towards Vardo, we were cut off by Finn running past us like this life depended on it. I looked after him with confusion when I noticed Arthur coming up behind him, an angry scowl on his face.
“Ignore them we have bigger things to worry about” Tommy shook his head with a sigh as we moved towards the beautiful red vardo with yellow and orange delicate patterns. Opening the door I could see a small frown on his face as he made eye contact with John, silently warning him to sort it out.
“They are drunk and having fun Mr Shelby. Just let it go”
“I fucking warn 'em love that’s what bothers me” He spoke as we entered the small vardo. It was beautiful inside. It looked incredibly homely and unbelievably comfortable. I lay back on the small bed looking up at Tommy with a sultry smile.
“If you’d rather deal with that than be here with me…I understand” I whispered licking my lips.
“That is never going to happen Mrs Shelby” Tommy grinned, his mood shifting as he fell on top of me making sure to land on his forearms so he didn’t hurt me. But I could still feel his body pressing into mine. He leaned down kissing my lips deeply as I relaxed into the mattress. "I love you, Mrs Shelby"
I'm so proud you won that Oscar Cilly. You deserve it cuz you've worked hard for it. Also glad your acting is finally being recognized for winning such a prestigious award. I hope your acting career stays successful.
Note = Okay so here we are baby name revealed. I don't know if anyone reading this remembers the poll we did in regards to the names but it has been used as this story is for you guys and all your overwhelming support. Hope you Enjoy this cuteness overload 💙
Wasn’t it crazy how your life could change all in one night? All in a matter of hours because of a small, innocent baby. The pain I had felt during childbirth had completely subsided the moment I held my daughter in my hands. Ever since that night, I threw myself completely into motherhood. And I wouldn’t change it for the world. It felt right, this was meant for me.
Roselle Penelope Shelby became the light of my universe. Despite all the pain that occurred over the years, she made everything so much better. Roselle even had my mother smiling which was a rarity after her vicious attack. My mother had returned to tailoring making the most beautiful dresses and sleepsuits for her granddaughter. It was like the light had returned for her. She now had a purpose in life again. At least that’s how she was seeing Roselle.
As for Tommy, I had never seen him so devoted before. But this remained mostly behind closed doors. All of his men became aware Tommy was now a father. A few of the lower-ranked men believed it made him soft. Tommy was quick to shoot down any of that talk of that notion. He wouldn’t tell me exactly how it was dealt with, in fact, all he said was he had a word with them but there was a darkness in his eyes when he would talk about it. Any further meeting I witnessed he had with his men, the younger of them all seemed a lot more terrified.
The message was delivered, Tommy was not to be messed with nor was Roselle or I and he made that perfectly clear to every one of his men.
I pushed my daughter in her pram along the street of Small Heath towards my parent's home. I was in deep thought, Tommy was up to something. He wouldn’t tell me what, he was once again secretive which annoyed me. But deep down I knew I trusted him, I trusted that he would tell me in his own time. I push Roselle in her pram, she slept soundly under a little blanket her uncle Arthur had purchased for her a few days after she was born.
He was another man who had the coldest look in his eyes if he felt like someone was threatening his niece. Before getting to know Arthur, I would have never said he was a child-friendly man. In fact, I always would have said he hated children and didn’t have time for them. But seeing him around John’s kids and now Roselle I could admit I was wrong. He was the perfect uncle.
Walking past my parent's home I was in shock to see they had the tailor shop opened for business. I couldn’t believe it. People were coming and going dropping off garments or collecting them. I felt like time had stopped as I was hit with the memories of happier times. It felt like life was finally moving in the right direction. Pushing my pram into the shop I stood next to my former desk, looking around my family’s tailor shop.
I look over to the table opposite mine, formerly my brother James’ table and a sad smile crosses my face. I looked down at my daughter, he would have loved to meet her. I would have loved for him to meet her. It was conversations we used to have together, especially when he got with Martha and me with Tommy. We planned out these play dates with our children that now would never happen. The thought brought a tear to my eye, my heart felt tight. It had been a few years since he died trying to save me and I missed him every single day.
Inhaling softly I turned away from my brother’s table, looking at my own. This was where I started to come into my own person and not just a follower of my parents. This was where I made my first full suit for John Shelby and multiple dresses and skirts for Polly. But my favourite memory was the night Tommy came into the shop, kneeling before me to place the boots he purchased on my feet. It was the first time he ever got on bended knee for me. A fond memory for sure, I couldn’t help but feel giddy.
I was so lost in my thoughts, that my father had to make a noise behind me to bring my attention towards him and my mother who were both standing with big grinning smiles. I eyed them carefully as my mother rushed forward to see my daughter, smiling softly as she placed a hand on my shoulder. She still couldn’t bring herself to speak but I could see it in her eyes. She was proud of me. Finally.
“A….na” My father spoke slowly, his voice still rusty and low due to the lack of movement of his tongue. But he never gave up. He was even more determined now Roselle was born. Like my mother, she had given him a new lease of life. A new want to keep going and stick around.
“Hi father, Mother” I smiled at them both. My mother looked up from looking at Roselle and ushered me towards my father. The pair were acting suspiciously.
I walked into the back of the shop, and my mother wheeled my daughter closer to me towards the back of the shop and away from the door. Not much had changed back here either except that my mother’s desk was hidden behind the room divider we used to offer our clients to change behind to get some privacy.
“Is everything okay?” I asked softly looking up, I noticed a piece of white lace on my father’s table but didn’t think anything of it. He was a tailor, after all, we used a multitude of fabrics to create different garments for people.
“y….yes,” My father nodded, a proud smile on his face. “T…Tommy talk…” He tried to talk only to spot and wince in pain before pointing at me to finish his question.
“We talk but he hasn’t told me anything. He didn’t mention speaking with you or mother either” I shook my head, tilting it to the right slightly in confusion.
“Ahh,” My father nodded, looking at my mother with a grin. It quickly became clear that whatever Tommy was planning, he included my parents in it.
That thought made me smile. Not only did it mean that Tommy wasn’t doing anything dangerous or life-threatening but it meant he was more accepting of my parents. Trying to include them in our lives more. It felt like he understood that, despite my rocky past with my parents, I still needed them. I didn’t want our daughter to grow up and not know who her family was. Especially with the business her father was in. Family was important and may not always be around, so she needed all the support she could get.
“What’s going on?” I asked, “What has Tommy told you?”
My parents smiled both walking to either side of the room divider and moving it off to the side to reveal a beautifully made wedding dress. It was a cold shoulder style, with a delicate, lace, floral design all over the bodice. There were more lace flowers around the waist creating a belt around my waist. The silhouette of the dress was layered chiffon, with a satin underskirt. The hemline just graced the wooden floor, it was honestly the most beautiful dress I had ever laid my eyes on.
“For, you” My father spoke, a tear in his eye as he took in my reaction to the dress. I looked at my mother who was crying, her hands placed over her nose and mouth in a triangle shape at the reveal.
“M…My wedding dress?” I asked breathlessly. My emotions were all over the place I couldn’t believe it. This dress was much more than I could ever imagine. It was more than ever expected. I don’t think I could have found a better dress in a shop. This was everything.
“G…g…good?” My father asked softly stepping forward.
“Amazing” I whispered rushing forward to hug him tightly, crying into his chest. I ushered my mother over with my arm hugging them both tightly. “Thank you, thank you so much”
I stayed in the arms of my parents for a good five minutes before pulling away and wiping the tears from my eyes. Laughing softly. This was a complete 180-degree change in our dynamic. I couldn’t get over the changes and it was all down to me meeting Thomas Shelby for the first time four years previous.
“Wait, wait does that mean? Has Tommy spoken to you about our wedding?” I asked my parents, the realisation hitting me. Why else had my parents made a wedding dress for me unless Tommy had mentioned something? Did he mention something?
“A…ask him” My father chuckled peering into the pram. Roselle was awake, cooing away. Her small chubby little fingers grabbed at the air and then my father’s finger. I noticed my father’s eyes on me silently asking if he could lift her out which I agreed to. My mind wandered to my potential wedding. Was that in fact what Tommy was planning?
******
Later that evening I was home alone with Roselle, singing softly to her as I stared out the window of my apartment. The dark night had now taken over and I had yet to see Tommy all day, whatever he was doing kept him busy. Just as the thought entered my head I heard the front door open, looking over my shoulder I noticed Tommy walking in removing his peaked cap and fluffing out his hair.
“Everythin alrigh love?” Tommy asked shrugging off his coat and hanging it up. In a few long strides, he was over next to us, softly caressing the back of Roselle’s head. “How’s me girls tonight eh?”
“We went and visited her grandma and papa this afternoon” I answered, my eyebrows slightly raised as I looked at him, waiting for him to divulge some information on what was going on.
“Is that right? And how was that visit?” Tommy smirked not giving anything away. His blue eyes held a mischievous glint as he looked down into my eyes.
“Very good, they made me a wedding dress” I answered smiling up at him before handing over our daughter. Almost instantly she cuddled into the lapel of his suit jacket, she was only a few weeks old and already she was a daddy’s girl.
“Tha right? That’s good, you’ll need it” Tommy chuckled holding our daughter close. Every so often his eyes would move down towards her and then back towards me.
“For when?” I asked licking my lips as I moved into the kitchen to make some tea.
“Tomorrow” Tommy chuckled, his index finger gently caressing the side of Roselle’s face. I dropped the teaspoon I was going to use to make the tea once the teapot boiled to the floor. The noise stirred Roselle but not too much as she inhaled her father’s scent and settled once again.
“I’m sorry what?”
“I told ya, once I had the soldier dealt with we were getting married,” Tommy explained looking up at me
“This soon though?” I asked surprised
“I’m not waiting another day” He answered with a smile that lit up his eyes. I chuckle nervously looking at him and shaking my head softly.
Interesting and beautiful chapter. I see that Ana's parents loved their granddaughter. They made a beautiful wedding dress for her too. She's getting married tomorrow too. I just hope that nothing goes wrong though. I'd hate to see the perfect day get ruined by enemies.
Thank you so much Selene. And thank you for the reblog. 🩵 Baby Roselle will bring a lot of people together, put a few bandages on wounds.
Tommy wasn't waiting around this time. He said they would marry once he completed his mission and he meant it. It has been a long time coming for them.
Am sure their wedding day will go well, no surprises except for what Tommy has planned of course. 💙
Note = Okay so here we are baby name revealed. I don't know if anyone reading this remembers the poll we did in regards to the names but it has been used as this story is for you guys and all your overwhelming support. Hope you Enjoy this cuteness overload 💙
Wasn’t it crazy how your life could change all in one night? All in a matter of hours because of a small, innocent baby. The pain I had felt during childbirth had completely subsided the moment I held my daughter in my hands. Ever since that night, I threw myself completely into motherhood. And I wouldn’t change it for the world. It felt right, this was meant for me.
Roselle Penelope Shelby became the light of my universe. Despite all the pain that occurred over the years, she made everything so much better. Roselle even had my mother smiling which was a rarity after her vicious attack. My mother had returned to tailoring making the most beautiful dresses and sleepsuits for her granddaughter. It was like the light had returned for her. She now had a purpose in life again. At least that’s how she was seeing Roselle.
As for Tommy, I had never seen him so devoted before. But this remained mostly behind closed doors. All of his men became aware Tommy was now a father. A few of the lower-ranked men believed it made him soft. Tommy was quick to shoot down any of that talk of that notion. He wouldn’t tell me exactly how it was dealt with, in fact, all he said was he had a word with them but there was a darkness in his eyes when he would talk about it. Any further meeting I witnessed he had with his men, the younger of them all seemed a lot more terrified.
The message was delivered, Tommy was not to be messed with nor was Roselle or I and he made that perfectly clear to every one of his men.
I pushed my daughter in her pram along the street of Small Heath towards my parent's home. I was in deep thought, Tommy was up to something. He wouldn’t tell me what, he was once again secretive which annoyed me. But deep down I knew I trusted him, I trusted that he would tell me in his own time. I push Roselle in her pram, she slept soundly under a little blanket her uncle Arthur had purchased for her a few days after she was born.
He was another man who had the coldest look in his eyes if he felt like someone was threatening his niece. Before getting to know Arthur, I would have never said he was a child-friendly man. In fact, I always would have said he hated children and didn’t have time for them. But seeing him around John’s kids and now Roselle I could admit I was wrong. He was the perfect uncle.
Walking past my parent's home I was in shock to see they had the tailor shop opened for business. I couldn’t believe it. People were coming and going dropping off garments or collecting them. I felt like time had stopped as I was hit with the memories of happier times. It felt like life was finally moving in the right direction. Pushing my pram into the shop I stood next to my former desk, looking around my family’s tailor shop.
I look over to the table opposite mine, formerly my brother James’ table and a sad smile crosses my face. I looked down at my daughter, he would have loved to meet her. I would have loved for him to meet her. It was conversations we used to have together, especially when he got with Martha and me with Tommy. We planned out these play dates with our children that now would never happen. The thought brought a tear to my eye, my heart felt tight. It had been a few years since he died trying to save me and I missed him every single day.
Inhaling softly I turned away from my brother’s table, looking at my own. This was where I started to come into my own person and not just a follower of my parents. This was where I made my first full suit for John Shelby and multiple dresses and skirts for Polly. But my favourite memory was the night Tommy came into the shop, kneeling before me to place the boots he purchased on my feet. It was the first time he ever got on bended knee for me. A fond memory for sure, I couldn’t help but feel giddy.
I was so lost in my thoughts, that my father had to make a noise behind me to bring my attention towards him and my mother who were both standing with big grinning smiles. I eyed them carefully as my mother rushed forward to see my daughter, smiling softly as she placed a hand on my shoulder. She still couldn’t bring herself to speak but I could see it in her eyes. She was proud of me. Finally.
“A….na” My father spoke slowly, his voice still rusty and low due to the lack of movement of his tongue. But he never gave up. He was even more determined now Roselle was born. Like my mother, she had given him a new lease of life. A new want to keep going and stick around.
“Hi father, Mother” I smiled at them both. My mother looked up from looking at Roselle and ushered me towards my father. The pair were acting suspiciously.
I walked into the back of the shop, and my mother wheeled my daughter closer to me towards the back of the shop and away from the door. Not much had changed back here either except that my mother’s desk was hidden behind the room divider we used to offer our clients to change behind to get some privacy.
“Is everything okay?” I asked softly looking up, I noticed a piece of white lace on my father’s table but didn’t think anything of it. He was a tailor, after all, we used a multitude of fabrics to create different garments for people.
“y….yes,” My father nodded, a proud smile on his face. “T…Tommy talk…” He tried to talk only to spot and wince in pain before pointing at me to finish his question.
“We talk but he hasn’t told me anything. He didn’t mention speaking with you or mother either” I shook my head, tilting it to the right slightly in confusion.
“Ahh,” My father nodded, looking at my mother with a grin. It quickly became clear that whatever Tommy was planning, he included my parents in it.
That thought made me smile. Not only did it mean that Tommy wasn’t doing anything dangerous or life-threatening but it meant he was more accepting of my parents. Trying to include them in our lives more. It felt like he understood that, despite my rocky past with my parents, I still needed them. I didn’t want our daughter to grow up and not know who her family was. Especially with the business her father was in. Family was important and may not always be around, so she needed all the support she could get.
“What’s going on?” I asked, “What has Tommy told you?”
My parents smiled both walking to either side of the room divider and moving it off to the side to reveal a beautifully made wedding dress. It was a cold shoulder style, with a delicate, lace, floral design all over the bodice. There were more lace flowers around the waist creating a belt around my waist. The silhouette of the dress was layered chiffon, with a satin underskirt. The hemline just graced the wooden floor, it was honestly the most beautiful dress I had ever laid my eyes on.
“For, you” My father spoke, a tear in his eye as he took in my reaction to the dress. I looked at my mother who was crying, her hands placed over her nose and mouth in a triangle shape at the reveal.
“M…My wedding dress?” I asked breathlessly. My emotions were all over the place I couldn’t believe it. This dress was much more than I could ever imagine. It was more than ever expected. I don’t think I could have found a better dress in a shop. This was everything.
“G…g…good?” My father asked softly stepping forward.
“Amazing” I whispered rushing forward to hug him tightly, crying into his chest. I ushered my mother over with my arm hugging them both tightly. “Thank you, thank you so much”
I stayed in the arms of my parents for a good five minutes before pulling away and wiping the tears from my eyes. Laughing softly. This was a complete 180-degree change in our dynamic. I couldn’t get over the changes and it was all down to me meeting Thomas Shelby for the first time four years previous.
“Wait, wait does that mean? Has Tommy spoken to you about our wedding?” I asked my parents, the realisation hitting me. Why else had my parents made a wedding dress for me unless Tommy had mentioned something? Did he mention something?
“A…ask him” My father chuckled peering into the pram. Roselle was awake, cooing away. Her small chubby little fingers grabbed at the air and then my father’s finger. I noticed my father’s eyes on me silently asking if he could lift her out which I agreed to. My mind wandered to my potential wedding. Was that in fact what Tommy was planning?
******
Later that evening I was home alone with Roselle, singing softly to her as I stared out the window of my apartment. The dark night had now taken over and I had yet to see Tommy all day, whatever he was doing kept him busy. Just as the thought entered my head I heard the front door open, looking over my shoulder I noticed Tommy walking in removing his peaked cap and fluffing out his hair.
“Everythin alrigh love?” Tommy asked shrugging off his coat and hanging it up. In a few long strides, he was over next to us, softly caressing the back of Roselle’s head. “How’s me girls tonight eh?”
“We went and visited her grandma and papa this afternoon” I answered, my eyebrows slightly raised as I looked at him, waiting for him to divulge some information on what was going on.
“Is that right? And how was that visit?” Tommy smirked not giving anything away. His blue eyes held a mischievous glint as he looked down into my eyes.
“Very good, they made me a wedding dress” I answered smiling up at him before handing over our daughter. Almost instantly she cuddled into the lapel of his suit jacket, she was only a few weeks old and already she was a daddy’s girl.
“Tha right? That’s good, you’ll need it” Tommy chuckled holding our daughter close. Every so often his eyes would move down towards her and then back towards me.
“For when?” I asked licking my lips as I moved into the kitchen to make some tea.
“Tomorrow” Tommy chuckled, his index finger gently caressing the side of Roselle’s face. I dropped the teaspoon I was going to use to make the tea once the teapot boiled to the floor. The noise stirred Roselle but not too much as she inhaled her father’s scent and settled once again.
“I’m sorry what?”
“I told ya, once I had the soldier dealt with we were getting married,” Tommy explained looking up at me
“This soon though?” I asked surprised
“I’m not waiting another day” He answered with a smile that lit up his eyes. I chuckle nervously looking at him and shaking my head softly.
Summary = Tommy and Ana's baby is born with the help of Polly and Esme. Will Tommy return to witness the birth?
Warnings = Language...Grammar...Child Birth... Breast Feeding...Bad words...Blood mentioned...FLUFF...Cuteness
Word Count = 1,671
Note = I was supposed to update over the weekend but any in the UK or Ireland will know we were hit with a storm and for me a pretty scary one. I never saw one like that before. Even were put on a tornado watch like what? In northern Ireland didn't even know we got them. Anyway, fluffy and light chapter for you all. I hope you enjoy💙
Holding my baby girl for the first time was surreal. Words couldn’t describe it. Polly had placed this tiny, little person on my chest. A person I was now responsible for. She has a perfect head of black hair and the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen. The same eyes as Tommy’s if not brighter.
I felt a tear sliding down my cheek as I held her, the pain I once felt – was gone. Replaced with nothing but hope and overwhelming love for this little life in my arms. I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love so quickly. But here I was.
“Hi my baby” I whispered stroking my daughter's little cheek. Her tiny mouth was opening and closing as if she was searching for something. Her little pink tongue darted out as if she had no control over it. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen.
“She wants some food Mama” Esme peered over my legs as she and Polly did whatever they could until the doctor arrived. The two of them cleaned me up as best they could with warm water and towels.
“What do I do?” I asked them cluelessly. I had seen Esme do it with her son when he was born but I didn’t know if there was some kind of technique or special way of doing it.
“Here let me show you” Esme came over moving my daughter slightly so she could lower my dress to expose my breasts. “Now we move her down here, putting her mouth near your nipple and if she is a good girl, she will latch” Esme smiled peering down at her niece, her smile growing at the sight.
“And if she doesn’t?” I asked nervously.
“Then we keep trying dear, don’t worry she will latch if she is hungry enough” Polly grinned stepping up and walking towards me to see her great niece. “She is beautiful..” She muttered as she watched her little mouth trying to find a food source.
“She’s not latching” I look up at the two more experienced women with an uncertain glance. Was I doing something wrong? Why wasn’t she latching? I couldn’t understand. Was I missing a trick to this?
“She can sense your worry, relax…breathe” Esme inhaled deeply with me before letting it out. “God she is Tommy’s double look at those eyes”
“She certainly is. Where is he?” Polly asked looking around at Esme. Pieces started to fall around her and into place when she realised he wasn’t there when she walked past the Shelby brothers on her way in.
“I have no idea. I left the races with you. Waited for him at the betting shop as we arranged, but only Arthur and John returned with a few men.” I explained looking up at Polly concerned. “They sent Scudboat and a few others out to find him, haven’t they returned?”
“Esme go check” Polly ordered, forcing a smile on her face. I knew it was so she didn’t worry me but I couldn’t help it. I felt my heart rate quicken while giving birth I was so focused on delivering my baby I didn’t factor in Tommy. As much as I loved him he was the furthest thing from my mind.
Until now.
“Why didn’t he return? Do you think something went wrong? You don’t think he’s dead do you?” I asked in a panic. I could feel my heart beating wildly in my chest, I wanted to try and move but was only too aware of the small life in my hands. He should be here. He had to be here. He should meet his daughter.
“Ana, Ana, breathe. It’s Tommy we are talking about” Polly tried to soothe, swiping away some loose hair from my face. “Focus on this little girl in your arms, he will be home soon. You wait and see. Now look, look” She smiled pointing down to my daughter.
During my worry and concern for Tommy, she had latched herself to my breast, guzzling down the milk as fast as her little mouth could take it. It was a truly mesmerising sight to behold.
“Where is she?” I heard a voice, a male voice. His voice. I didn’t have to wait long when I heard the heavy, thundering footsteps of his boots storming up the stairs towards his former bedroom, busting through the door.
The smile dropped from my face as I noticed his dishevelled look. The muddy stains all over his clothes. He was bleeding from the forehead, dirt covered his face as he approached the bed slowly.
“They're here?” He asked so quietly. It was like he believed they would disappear and spook them away if he spoke too loud.
“She is” I nodded with a small smile, my eyes still fixed on the blood on his head. “What happened to you?”
“Not important right now” Tommy shook his head, Polly had slipped from the room leaving the three of us alone together. “Look at that hair, did you say she?”
“Yes, it's a girl Tommy and she’s so small” I gushed dropping the conversation about his whereabouts almost instantly. Our daughter was here. We now had our family. We were parents. That's all that mattered.
"A girl…"Tommy whispered looking down at the baby in my arms, she was truly, tiny in comparison to us. “And she’s eating alright?” He asked sitting down next to me on the bed. Looking down at his daughter with a smile.
“Just latched before you came in” I nodded looking down at her once more. “It feels so weird, I…I can’t describe it” I tried to explain but words failed me. I didn’t know how to say what I wanted or how I felt as I wasn’t sure what it was, not completely.
“Has the doctor been yet?” Tommy asked, his index finger slowly coming over to touch her hand.
“Ah you wash those hands first Mr Shelby” I warned, with a hint of amusement but I was deadly serious. Thankfully Tommy just chuckled, leaving the room for a brief second to clean up.
Tommy returned to the bedroom moments later, he had gotten rid of his coat and jacket, and his shirt sleeves were now pushed up to his elbows. The dirt and blood that was around his face was gone, he had certainly cleaned himself up.
Retaking his position next to me on the bed, our daughter had stopped eating. Her blue eyes looked around her new surroundings as milk dripped down her chin and into her neck.
I lifted her slowly, careful of her fragile neck. She was still naked, apart from a small blanket. I hoped Polly or Esme would return with an outfit for her soon. I placed her carefully on my shoulder rubbing her back in case she had any wind.
Tommy reached out slowly caressing her back, an almost angelic look upon his face. It was the only way I could describe it. Once I felt she had brought up enough wind I smiled at Tommy.
“Do you want to hold her?” I asked softly taking her gently from my shoulder. Tommy at first seemed to be taken by surprise, his eyes widened and he looked unsure. Almost frightened.
Once he collected his thoughts and emotions, he held out his hands taking our little girl into his hands. She looked so tiny compared to his bulkier but muscular frame. In comparison to his hands, I felt like he could hold her with one. But if I ever saw him even attempt such a thing, I’d kill him.
Just as I handed her off to her father, the doctor knocked on the door quickly entering the room.
“Miss Alder, I’m Doctor Figure. You just had a baby yes?” Doctor Figure asked with a small as he looked at the newborn in Tommy’s hands. “May I, may I check the baby, Mr Shelby?”
Tommy instantly nodded handing her off to the doctor, standing next to him as he checked over his daughter. Doctor Figure rested her back on the bed as he went through all his checks. Checking her heartbeat, her movements, her vision, everything. Tommy watched him like a hawk, making sure he didn’t hurt her in any way. He was already so protective.
“Is she eating?” Doctor Figure asked trying to ignore the looming presence that was Thomas Shelby but I could tell he was struggling. A bead of sweat lingered on his right temple, next to his eyebrow.
“Yes, she has. I believe a good amount as well” I nodded covering my breasts that I had forgotten to cover after she finished eating.
“I’m happy with her, I’ll just check over yourself Miss Alder and allow you to get back to this celebration” Doctor Figure smiled giving the baby back to Tommy.
“Take her down to meet her uncles, I bet they can’t wait to meet her” I smiled at Tommy as I got comfortable on the bed. It was only now that my worry and fear for his safety and the unexpected birth of my daughter had started to settle, did I realise, I was exhausted.
“Are you sure?” Tommy asked eyeing the doctor once more.
“I’m sure Tommy, go introduce her and when I’m done here we can discuss some names for her. Maybe. If you wanted…” I trail off, biting my lip slightly waiting for his response.
“Absolutely” Tommy nodded, taking our daughter from the room to go and meet the rest of the family.
This was going to be a new start for us. Campbell was dead. We no longer had his threat looming over us. Yes, we still had the Italians to contend with but nothing more had come from it for months. I was starting to fall into a false sense of security but I couldn’t help it.
I had my own family now. I wanted to believe this was it. My happiness was finally starting.
Great chapter. I'm glad that Tommy showed up to see his daughter and he was so happy to see her too. I loved how their daughter looks like Tommy too. Curious what they will name her.
Thank you, I thought it was about time for a cutesy chapter to happen and a lovely little family moment. Her name will be revealed soon, we did a vote on it months ago so I'm probably going to use that. Thank you for reblogging and commenting it means so much 💙
Summary = Tommy and Ana's baby is born with the help of Polly and Esme. Will Tommy return to witness the birth?
Warnings = Language...Grammar...Child Birth... Breast Feeding...Bad words...Blood mentioned...FLUFF...Cuteness
Word Count = 1,671
Note = I was supposed to update over the weekend but any in the UK or Ireland will know we were hit with a storm and for me a pretty scary one. I never saw one like that before. Even were put on a tornado watch like what? In northern Ireland didn't even know we got them. Anyway, fluffy and light chapter for you all. I hope you enjoy💙
Holding my baby girl for the first time was surreal. Words couldn’t describe it. Polly had placed this tiny, little person on my chest. A person I was now responsible for. She has a perfect head of black hair and the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen. The same eyes as Tommy’s if not brighter.
I felt a tear sliding down my cheek as I held her, the pain I once felt – was gone. Replaced with nothing but hope and overwhelming love for this little life in my arms. I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love so quickly. But here I was.
“Hi my baby” I whispered stroking my daughter's little cheek. Her tiny mouth was opening and closing as if she was searching for something. Her little pink tongue darted out as if she had no control over it. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen.
“She wants some food Mama” Esme peered over my legs as she and Polly did whatever they could until the doctor arrived. The two of them cleaned me up as best they could with warm water and towels.
“What do I do?” I asked them cluelessly. I had seen Esme do it with her son when he was born but I didn’t know if there was some kind of technique or special way of doing it.
“Here let me show you” Esme came over moving my daughter slightly so she could lower my dress to expose my breasts. “Now we move her down here, putting her mouth near your nipple and if she is a good girl, she will latch” Esme smiled peering down at her niece, her smile growing at the sight.
“And if she doesn’t?” I asked nervously.
“Then we keep trying dear, don’t worry she will latch if she is hungry enough” Polly grinned stepping up and walking towards me to see her great niece. “She is beautiful..” She muttered as she watched her little mouth trying to find a food source.
“She’s not latching” I look up at the two more experienced women with an uncertain glance. Was I doing something wrong? Why wasn’t she latching? I couldn’t understand. Was I missing a trick to this?
“She can sense your worry, relax…breathe” Esme inhaled deeply with me before letting it out. “God she is Tommy’s double look at those eyes”
“She certainly is. Where is he?” Polly asked looking around at Esme. Pieces started to fall around her and into place when she realised he wasn’t there when she walked past the Shelby brothers on her way in.
“I have no idea. I left the races with you. Waited for him at the betting shop as we arranged, but only Arthur and John returned with a few men.” I explained looking up at Polly concerned. “They sent Scudboat and a few others out to find him, haven’t they returned?”
“Esme go check” Polly ordered, forcing a smile on her face. I knew it was so she didn’t worry me but I couldn’t help it. I felt my heart rate quicken while giving birth I was so focused on delivering my baby I didn’t factor in Tommy. As much as I loved him he was the furthest thing from my mind.
Until now.
“Why didn’t he return? Do you think something went wrong? You don’t think he’s dead do you?” I asked in a panic. I could feel my heart beating wildly in my chest, I wanted to try and move but was only too aware of the small life in my hands. He should be here. He had to be here. He should meet his daughter.
“Ana, Ana, breathe. It’s Tommy we are talking about” Polly tried to soothe, swiping away some loose hair from my face. “Focus on this little girl in your arms, he will be home soon. You wait and see. Now look, look” She smiled pointing down to my daughter.
During my worry and concern for Tommy, she had latched herself to my breast, guzzling down the milk as fast as her little mouth could take it. It was a truly mesmerising sight to behold.
“Where is she?” I heard a voice, a male voice. His voice. I didn’t have to wait long when I heard the heavy, thundering footsteps of his boots storming up the stairs towards his former bedroom, busting through the door.
The smile dropped from my face as I noticed his dishevelled look. The muddy stains all over his clothes. He was bleeding from the forehead, dirt covered his face as he approached the bed slowly.
“They're here?” He asked so quietly. It was like he believed they would disappear and spook them away if he spoke too loud.
“She is” I nodded with a small smile, my eyes still fixed on the blood on his head. “What happened to you?”
“Not important right now” Tommy shook his head, Polly had slipped from the room leaving the three of us alone together. “Look at that hair, did you say she?”
“Yes, it's a girl Tommy and she’s so small” I gushed dropping the conversation about his whereabouts almost instantly. Our daughter was here. We now had our family. We were parents. That's all that mattered.
"A girl…"Tommy whispered looking down at the baby in my arms, she was truly, tiny in comparison to us. “And she’s eating alright?” He asked sitting down next to me on the bed. Looking down at his daughter with a smile.
“Just latched before you came in” I nodded looking down at her once more. “It feels so weird, I…I can’t describe it” I tried to explain but words failed me. I didn’t know how to say what I wanted or how I felt as I wasn’t sure what it was, not completely.
“Has the doctor been yet?” Tommy asked, his index finger slowly coming over to touch her hand.
“Ah you wash those hands first Mr Shelby” I warned, with a hint of amusement but I was deadly serious. Thankfully Tommy just chuckled, leaving the room for a brief second to clean up.
Tommy returned to the bedroom moments later, he had gotten rid of his coat and jacket, and his shirt sleeves were now pushed up to his elbows. The dirt and blood that was around his face was gone, he had certainly cleaned himself up.
Retaking his position next to me on the bed, our daughter had stopped eating. Her blue eyes looked around her new surroundings as milk dripped down her chin and into her neck.
I lifted her slowly, careful of her fragile neck. She was still naked, apart from a small blanket. I hoped Polly or Esme would return with an outfit for her soon. I placed her carefully on my shoulder rubbing her back in case she had any wind.
Tommy reached out slowly caressing her back, an almost angelic look upon his face. It was the only way I could describe it. Once I felt she had brought up enough wind I smiled at Tommy.
“Do you want to hold her?” I asked softly taking her gently from my shoulder. Tommy at first seemed to be taken by surprise, his eyes widened and he looked unsure. Almost frightened.
Once he collected his thoughts and emotions, he held out his hands taking our little girl into his hands. She looked so tiny compared to his bulkier but muscular frame. In comparison to his hands, I felt like he could hold her with one. But if I ever saw him even attempt such a thing, I’d kill him.
Just as I handed her off to her father, the doctor knocked on the door quickly entering the room.
“Miss Alder, I’m Doctor Figure. You just had a baby yes?” Doctor Figure asked with a small as he looked at the newborn in Tommy’s hands. “May I, may I check the baby, Mr Shelby?”
Tommy instantly nodded handing her off to the doctor, standing next to him as he checked over his daughter. Doctor Figure rested her back on the bed as he went through all his checks. Checking her heartbeat, her movements, her vision, everything. Tommy watched him like a hawk, making sure he didn’t hurt her in any way. He was already so protective.
“Is she eating?” Doctor Figure asked trying to ignore the looming presence that was Thomas Shelby but I could tell he was struggling. A bead of sweat lingered on his right temple, next to his eyebrow.
“Yes, she has. I believe a good amount as well” I nodded covering my breasts that I had forgotten to cover after she finished eating.
“I’m happy with her, I’ll just check over yourself Miss Alder and allow you to get back to this celebration” Doctor Figure smiled giving the baby back to Tommy.
“Take her down to meet her uncles, I bet they can’t wait to meet her” I smiled at Tommy as I got comfortable on the bed. It was only now that my worry and fear for his safety and the unexpected birth of my daughter had started to settle, did I realise, I was exhausted.
“Are you sure?” Tommy asked eyeing the doctor once more.
“I’m sure Tommy, go introduce her and when I’m done here we can discuss some names for her. Maybe. If you wanted…” I trail off, biting my lip slightly waiting for his response.
“Absolutely” Tommy nodded, taking our daughter from the room to go and meet the rest of the family.
This was going to be a new start for us. Campbell was dead. We no longer had his threat looming over us. Yes, we still had the Italians to contend with but nothing more had come from it for months. I was starting to fall into a false sense of security but I couldn’t help it.
I had my own family now. I wanted to believe this was it. My happiness was finally starting.
Note = I know it's dragging and I am so sorry. Hoping to get back in the swing now. Guess am nervous to write after leaving it so long. I liked this chapter as it shows the relationship between John and Ana and I think that's adorable personally. I'm also a C-Section mum who never experienced labour pains so I tried!
“That’s impossible it’s too early John,” I hissed hearing the words he said to Arthur who was still sitting on top of the table confused, by the request. He had a bottle of whiskey in one hand and, a glass in the other.
“I’ve seen the signs, Ana, I am a father myself. Arthur go now and find Esme too” John demands getting up and walking towards me. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, rubbing it softly in support. “How are you feeling? Is it like a tightening?” He asked softly, a gentle look on his face.
“More like a pressure” I exhale slowly, trying to stand up straight. I was getting nervous, and scared. Not only was it too early but Tommy was nowhere to be found and there was no way I was having this baby unless I knew where Tommy was. I heard a rustling, noticing Arthur's back as he left through the green doors in search of the women of the Shelby family.
“Do you feel like you have to push?” John asked rubbing my shoulders, his voice easy and kind. I knew it was to help me relax but that wasn’t happening right now. I was in no way ready to relax or to have this baby.
“I…I don’t know” I whispered, my hand resting just on the under part of my bump. "I mean maybe, the pressure is all pushing down on me"
“Alright, come on into the house, we need a bed for this” John nodded ushering me back towards the green double doors Arthur had just left through and into the Shelby dining room. But we didn’t stop there. He walked slowly with me through the house, speaking calmly as we made our way up the stairs and into Tommy’s old bedroom.
The green wallpaper and single bed caused memories of the night I lost my virginity to the man I had fallen head over heels in love with in this bedroom to enter my mind. The memory brought a happy, calming feeling to take over but it only lasted a few moments before another contraction hit.
“Now I’ll be honest Ana I haven’t a clue what I am to do now” John chuckled unsure, scratching the back of his head, a nervous look on his face. “But just lay back on the bed, breathe and try to relax”
“I can’t relax, Tommy is missing. How can I relax?” I asked glaring at him as I rubbed my bump. I sat down on the bed, ignoring his advice to lie down. “Where is he, John? The mission was a success. Campbell is dead, no one could have possibly told on him. Where is he? Where did he go?”
“I wish I knew Ana. But we have men out looking for him, I promise we will find him and he will be back in time to meet this new little Shelby” John tried to assure me with a nervous smile on his face.
“And if he is not?”
“We are not going to think of that now, are we? No” John raised an eyebrow looking around Tommy’s old bedroom. It was clear he was uncomfortable being in this situation but he knew he couldn’t leave. If he was right and I was in labour, I couldn’t be left alone. Not when I was this vulnerable.
“John, I’m scared” I confessed my true feelings as I rubbed my stomach, grimacing at the tightening feeling I had every so often.
“Nothing to be scared of, this is exciting. We were successful at the Derby and now we have a new family member to welcome. It's a good day for the Shelby family,” John tried to put a positive spin on the situation, sitting next to me and taking my hand into his. “I know it's hard, but I remember Polly telling me how dangerous stress is to a baby so please Ana, for my little niece or nephew…”
“I know, I know” I nodded squeezing his hand as I tried to relax.
“You know, I almost married Lizzie” John chuckled looking over at me with his blue eyes. They were not as blue as Tommy’s but they were still pretty. Full of life. Full of mischief.
“Lizzie Stark?” I asked furrowing my eyebrows and looking over at him.
“Yeah, Lizzie Stark. Asked her and she accepted and all” John nodded “I wanted a mother for my kids. They were running rings around me. Out in the street without shoes, chasing off nanny after nanny. I couldn’t keep up. I believed a mother would see them right,”
“What happened?”
“Well as you know she was a woman of a particular career choice. She serviced shall I say Tommy and myself. I thought she would do, she was a woman, she gave me bloody good orgasms and she said yes” John chuckled. I couldn’t help but grimace as he mentioned the pleasure he received from her.
“I told the family and they fucking laughed at me. Belly laughs but ultimately they were right” John sighed “Tommy did a test with her. She promised to change her ways but she lied. She was willing to service Tommy one more time even though she said yes to me… She also had other men she was keeping on, I felt like a fool” John looked over at me, squeezing my hand. “You weren’t an option at this point by the way. I don’t think you were anyway. Tommy hadn’t got his claws into you yet”
John’s words made me laugh, his story keeping me occupied as I listened to his words carefully. I didn’t know John was once engaged to Lizzie, I knew she had serviced both brothers but I didn't know she almost married one, that was new.
“I sat on this bed with our Tommy after finding out the truth. Realising Lizzie wouldn’t change,” John chuckled pointing at the chest of drawers near the bed. “He had a pipe there and I got so fucking high to deal with the pain. Not because of Lizzie’s betrayal, I suppose part of me expected that but for the loss of my wife. For the fact my kids were growing up without a mother and I had no control”
“Oh John,” I whispered squeezing his hand. My grip getting tighter as a contradiction rippled through my abdomen.
“Tommy was such a hard ass as you know, he came in gun drawn thinking I was some fucking, some fucking nobody I don’t know. He sat next to me, like I am with you now and we talked about our younger selves. Making jokes, connecting like we used to. He talked about our grandfather, now our grandfather was a right ole stingy git, worked every day of his life but not for honest money. He swindled and stole, apples don’t fall far from a tree you know. Tommy put on the voice he did when we were kids, imitating him, our grandfather,”
“But the reality was we weren’t kids anymore. Not anymore. And that hit hard that night. But that night he promised, our Tommy promised that we’d always look after each other, no matter what. And I want to make that promise with you to Ana” John turned looking at me directly in my eyes, holding my hand “No matter what happens, we have your back, you hear me?”
John’s words had me feeling emotional as I nodded looking at him. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I had lost James but had gained a brother with John and Arthur. A sister with Ada. I had lost my best friend but appeared to have gained three more.
“I know your memories of this bedroom are much, much different than mine” John nudged trying to lighten the conversation once he noticed I was getting emotional. “Eh, eh” He teased playfully causing me to blush. He wanted me to be laughing and smiling, not upset or stressed.
******
John and I remained in the room for the next hour, Arthur had yet to return with either Polly or Esme. I could tell John was beginning to panic at the idea of having to deliver the baby himself, he even considered taking me to the hospital which I refused. I wanted to be here in case Tommy returned. This is where he would go I just knew it.
The contractions were coming thick and they were coming fast. I was in a lot of pain, sweat had covered my forehead. John tried to cool me down with a wet cloth dabbing it along my head, face and neck as he told me stories from his childhood in hopes of distracting me and making me feel better. But the reality was quicker starting to set in. If Polly didn't arrive soon, John would be delivering this baby.
The contractions were coming quicker, almost every few minutes. I could see by John's reaction he was about to pass out. But he held his nerve well. Feeling the need to push, I knew I had to remove my underwear, John closed his eyes as I lay back legs spread, he was preparing himself to look when Polly came rushing through the door.
“GET OUT” She yelled, John not having to be told twice fled from the room no doubt going to sink an entire bottle of the finest whiskey. I believe that may have been the longest hour and a half of his life. “You okay love? How fast are they coming?”
“Too fast Polly, god it hurts” I groaned, Polly removed my underwear. Checking between my legs to get a good look at whether or not the baby was ready to be delivered. As she was checking, the door opened once again and Esme walked in with a small smile.
“A new baby eh?” She smiled coming over to hold my hand.
“Esme I need towels and boiling water now” Polly demanded rubbing my legs. Esme nodded leaving the room to get everything that was needed to deliver the newest member of her family.
“Tommy? Is Tommy here?” I asked breathing heavily, glancing down at Polly who made eye contact between my legs.
“Don’t be worrying about that right now you need to be worried about welcoming the newest Shelby” Polly smiled continuing to rub my legs. “You're very close my dear, very close indeed”
The next few hours passed in a blur. Polly was between my legs, and Esme was at my head coaxing me through it. The breathing, my screaming, the pain, both women were honestly a godsend. After what felt like an eternity, a baby’s cry was heard echoing off the walls of the room.
I had tears of joy and relief spilling from my eyes as I tried to sit up and take a peek. I didn’t have to wait long as Polly brought a baby wrapped in a towel towards me, resting the newborn on my chest. Looking down I noticed a tiny little head, with a mop of dark hair and bright blue watery eyes as they cried softly, looking for food.
“Congratulations Mama, it’s a beautiful baby girl”
Interesting chapter. I see that Tommy isn't there for his Ana while she has the baby. I hope that nothing happened to Tommy. That's all Ana needs. Nice that the baby girl was successfully delivered too. I liked how John kept her company till the peaky women came. I'm sure Tommy will come just in time to see the baby too.
Thank you Selene and thank you for reading it when you have personal things going on. If Tommy knew he would have been there I truly believe that but circumstances were out of his control after the Derby.
Polly is a pro and knew what she was doing. I didn't want to write anything to bad for the birth I felt we all needed something good. I loved this chapter with John, I wanted to show his and Ana's relationship and how close they are but he was gone the first sight of Polly which I thought was funny. Tommy will show up in the next chapter.
Note = I know it's dragging and I am so sorry. Hoping to get back in the swing now. Guess am nervous to write after leaving it so long. I liked this chapter as it shows the relationship between John and Ana and I think that's adorable personally. I'm also a C-Section mum who never experienced labour pains so I tried!
“That’s impossible it’s too early John,” I hissed hearing the words he said to Arthur who was still sitting on top of the table confused, by the request. He had a bottle of whiskey in one hand and, a glass in the other.
“I’ve seen the signs, Ana, I am a father myself. Arthur go now and find Esme too” John demands getting up and walking towards me. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, rubbing it softly in support. “How are you feeling? Is it like a tightening?” He asked softly, a gentle look on his face.
“More like a pressure” I exhale slowly, trying to stand up straight. I was getting nervous, and scared. Not only was it too early but Tommy was nowhere to be found and there was no way I was having this baby unless I knew where Tommy was. I heard a rustling, noticing Arthur's back as he left through the green doors in search of the women of the Shelby family.
“Do you feel like you have to push?” John asked rubbing my shoulders, his voice easy and kind. I knew it was to help me relax but that wasn’t happening right now. I was in no way ready to relax or to have this baby.
“I…I don’t know” I whispered, my hand resting just on the under part of my bump. "I mean maybe, the pressure is all pushing down on me"
“Alright, come on into the house, we need a bed for this” John nodded ushering me back towards the green double doors Arthur had just left through and into the Shelby dining room. But we didn’t stop there. He walked slowly with me through the house, speaking calmly as we made our way up the stairs and into Tommy’s old bedroom.
The green wallpaper and single bed caused memories of the night I lost my virginity to the man I had fallen head over heels in love with in this bedroom to enter my mind. The memory brought a happy, calming feeling to take over but it only lasted a few moments before another contraction hit.
“Now I’ll be honest Ana I haven’t a clue what I am to do now” John chuckled unsure, scratching the back of his head, a nervous look on his face. “But just lay back on the bed, breathe and try to relax”
“I can’t relax, Tommy is missing. How can I relax?” I asked glaring at him as I rubbed my bump. I sat down on the bed, ignoring his advice to lie down. “Where is he, John? The mission was a success. Campbell is dead, no one could have possibly told on him. Where is he? Where did he go?”
“I wish I knew Ana. But we have men out looking for him, I promise we will find him and he will be back in time to meet this new little Shelby” John tried to assure me with a nervous smile on his face.
“And if he is not?”
“We are not going to think of that now, are we? No” John raised an eyebrow looking around Tommy’s old bedroom. It was clear he was uncomfortable being in this situation but he knew he couldn’t leave. If he was right and I was in labour, I couldn’t be left alone. Not when I was this vulnerable.
“John, I’m scared” I confessed my true feelings as I rubbed my stomach, grimacing at the tightening feeling I had every so often.
“Nothing to be scared of, this is exciting. We were successful at the Derby and now we have a new family member to welcome. It's a good day for the Shelby family,” John tried to put a positive spin on the situation, sitting next to me and taking my hand into his. “I know it's hard, but I remember Polly telling me how dangerous stress is to a baby so please Ana, for my little niece or nephew…”
“I know, I know” I nodded squeezing his hand as I tried to relax.
“You know, I almost married Lizzie” John chuckled looking over at me with his blue eyes. They were not as blue as Tommy’s but they were still pretty. Full of life. Full of mischief.
“Lizzie Stark?” I asked furrowing my eyebrows and looking over at him.
“Yeah, Lizzie Stark. Asked her and she accepted and all” John nodded “I wanted a mother for my kids. They were running rings around me. Out in the street without shoes, chasing off nanny after nanny. I couldn’t keep up. I believed a mother would see them right,”
“What happened?”
“Well as you know she was a woman of a particular career choice. She serviced shall I say Tommy and myself. I thought she would do, she was a woman, she gave me bloody good orgasms and she said yes” John chuckled. I couldn’t help but grimace as he mentioned the pleasure he received from her.
“I told the family and they fucking laughed at me. Belly laughs but ultimately they were right” John sighed “Tommy did a test with her. She promised to change her ways but she lied. She was willing to service Tommy one more time even though she said yes to me… She also had other men she was keeping on, I felt like a fool” John looked over at me, squeezing my hand. “You weren’t an option at this point by the way. I don’t think you were anyway. Tommy hadn’t got his claws into you yet”
John’s words made me laugh, his story keeping me occupied as I listened to his words carefully. I didn’t know John was once engaged to Lizzie, I knew she had serviced both brothers but I didn't know she almost married one, that was new.
“I sat on this bed with our Tommy after finding out the truth. Realising Lizzie wouldn’t change,” John chuckled pointing at the chest of drawers near the bed. “He had a pipe there and I got so fucking high to deal with the pain. Not because of Lizzie’s betrayal, I suppose part of me expected that but for the loss of my wife. For the fact my kids were growing up without a mother and I had no control”
“Oh John,” I whispered squeezing his hand. My grip getting tighter as a contradiction rippled through my abdomen.
“Tommy was such a hard ass as you know, he came in gun drawn thinking I was some fucking, some fucking nobody I don’t know. He sat next to me, like I am with you now and we talked about our younger selves. Making jokes, connecting like we used to. He talked about our grandfather, now our grandfather was a right ole stingy git, worked every day of his life but not for honest money. He swindled and stole, apples don’t fall far from a tree you know. Tommy put on the voice he did when we were kids, imitating him, our grandfather,”
“But the reality was we weren’t kids anymore. Not anymore. And that hit hard that night. But that night he promised, our Tommy promised that we’d always look after each other, no matter what. And I want to make that promise with you to Ana” John turned looking at me directly in my eyes, holding my hand “No matter what happens, we have your back, you hear me?”
John’s words had me feeling emotional as I nodded looking at him. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I had lost James but had gained a brother with John and Arthur. A sister with Ada. I had lost my best friend but appeared to have gained three more.
“I know your memories of this bedroom are much, much different than mine” John nudged trying to lighten the conversation once he noticed I was getting emotional. “Eh, eh” He teased playfully causing me to blush. He wanted me to be laughing and smiling, not upset or stressed.
******
John and I remained in the room for the next hour, Arthur had yet to return with either Polly or Esme. I could tell John was beginning to panic at the idea of having to deliver the baby himself, he even considered taking me to the hospital which I refused. I wanted to be here in case Tommy returned. This is where he would go I just knew it.
The contractions were coming thick and they were coming fast. I was in a lot of pain, sweat had covered my forehead. John tried to cool me down with a wet cloth dabbing it along my head, face and neck as he told me stories from his childhood in hopes of distracting me and making me feel better. But the reality was quicker starting to set in. If Polly didn't arrive soon, John would be delivering this baby.
The contractions were coming quicker, almost every few minutes. I could see by John's reaction he was about to pass out. But he held his nerve well. Feeling the need to push, I knew I had to remove my underwear, John closed his eyes as I lay back legs spread, he was preparing himself to look when Polly came rushing through the door.
“GET OUT” She yelled, John not having to be told twice fled from the room no doubt going to sink an entire bottle of the finest whiskey. I believe that may have been the longest hour and a half of his life. “You okay love? How fast are they coming?”
“Too fast Polly, god it hurts” I groaned, Polly removed my underwear. Checking between my legs to get a good look at whether or not the baby was ready to be delivered. As she was checking, the door opened once again and Esme walked in with a small smile.
“A new baby eh?” She smiled coming over to hold my hand.
“Esme I need towels and boiling water now” Polly demanded rubbing my legs. Esme nodded leaving the room to get everything that was needed to deliver the newest member of her family.
“Tommy? Is Tommy here?” I asked breathing heavily, glancing down at Polly who made eye contact between my legs.
“Don’t be worrying about that right now you need to be worried about welcoming the newest Shelby” Polly smiled continuing to rub my legs. “You're very close my dear, very close indeed”
The next few hours passed in a blur. Polly was between my legs, and Esme was at my head coaxing me through it. The breathing, my screaming, the pain, both women were honestly a godsend. After what felt like an eternity, a baby’s cry was heard echoing off the walls of the room.
I had tears of joy and relief spilling from my eyes as I tried to sit up and take a peek. I didn’t have to wait long as Polly brought a baby wrapped in a towel towards me, resting the newborn on my chest. Looking down I noticed a tiny little head, with a mop of dark hair and bright blue watery eyes as they cried softly, looking for food.
“Congratulations Mama, it’s a beautiful baby girl”
From the 5 word list, #16 - “Please stay with me tonight.” - with John or Tommy (that's up to you!)
(2 of 2)
Thanks for sending this one in also, Bri! I went with John on it so that I could break to the little Tommy steak that was going on before this! I also may be bending canon a little bit here, but oh well. And I couldn’t resist the silly title. Enjoy! :)
I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! - YOUR COMMENTS & REBLOGS HELP ME WRITE!
Part of my 3.5k Celebration - find more stories here!
Gangsters Have Feelings…?
John Shelby x Reader
Warnings: language, smoking, one sexual reference
Word Count: 1017
Summary: John calls on (Y/N) when he’s having trouble coping with the decisions of his brother, Tommy. (Y/N)’s quite honestly surprised to see this side of him.
(Y/N) took the moment of pause in the conversation she was having to wonder just how in the hell she’d wound up in this position. She never could have expected that her on the fly befriending of John Shelby one evening at the Eden Club would have led to showing up at his hotel room because he needed someone to talk to.
Hell, this brought on a whole new question…gangsters have feelings?
She hadn’t thought of it before, but it was becoming clear that they did…or this one did at least.
From the second she entered the suite, she knew that John was upset. She felt it. The usual energy that he exuded whenever she was around him was missing, and he wasn’t paying much care to his appearance at the moment. His usual three-piece suit had been exchanged for a pair of slacks and a messily tucked in undershirt.
The reason for his calling became apparent the second she asked him what had been going on. A simple question opened the floodgates of complaints of how his brother had been running the business; putting a much younger cousin in a more respectable position while he and his other brother were expected to keep up with the unmentionable side of things.
“You know I never had any ambition to sit in an office and jerk around over some fucking papers, but it’s just that…that’s me own fucking brother making the calls. I mean…it’s gotta count for something, right?” John started talking again, making (Y/N) focus back in on the conversation.
“It should,” she offered a comment, letting him know that she was actively listening to his plight.
John sighed and carded his fingers through the longer parts of his hair before bringing the cigar he’d been smoking up to his lips. He took a deep drag and blew the smoke out in a steady stream as he peered through the window. “And now Michael’s in the office and Arthur’s in charge of London, and I ain’t got nothin’. Tommy doesn’t care though because all I am is some fuckin’ yes man who takes care of errands for him.”
“I…” (Y/N) stopped herself before she could continue. She didn’t really know what to say. Talking hadn’t been placed that high on the agenda of their previous visits. (Y/N) didn’t really know anything about John Shelby…other than he most certainly knew what to do in bed. So she wasn’t sure what type of can of worms she could open by giving improper advice. She could tell that he was looking for it though; advice. “I’m sure that Tommy cares about you, John. You’re his brother,” she started off with a vague statement.
“That’s about all I am,” John mumbled as he shook his head, his eyes focused on the floor.
(Y/N) sighed as she stood from the chair she’d been sitting on. She silently moved over to the window sill he’d been sitting on and took a seat on the corner of it that had been left open. “Look, John…” she paused again, trying to come up with how she was going to finish the rest of her statement. She hated that she didn’t know exactly what to say. “I don’t know much detail about the area of business that you and your family work in, but I do know the man that you are. I know that you care, that you give your all to what you’re doing, and that you’re damn good at it.” She didn’t take his eyes off of him after she finished speaking, watching for any little movement he might make.
Instead of saying anything, John just shook his head. It didn’t seem as though he was shaking off her statement, but rather shaking his head at the situation in general.
“John,” she spoke his name like a breath, hoping that he’d at least look at her. She was really struggling with what more she could add in to help the situation. There had to be some reason he called her to come over, right?
Thankfully, her attempt worked, and he lifted his downtrodden eyes up to match hers. The hopeless expression that was etched into his features made her frown, and she couldn’t stop from reaching out and cupping his cheek with her hand. She brushed her thumb against his skin while keeping eye contact, hoping that her comforting actions would make up for the fact that she had no clue of what to say.
Some time - (Y/N) wasn’t even sure how much - passed before she spoke again. “John, I’m sorry…I want to help, but I’m struggling with what more I should add,” she finally came clean, explaining her internal dilemma before she sent a sympathetic look his way.
“You comin’ here is help enough, love,” he answered her, leaning into her touch. His statement made the smallest smile form on (Y/N)’s face, and that alone helped him start to forget about his woes.
“I…um…” she stuttered over her words as she tired to think of what to say next.
“Please stay with me tonight,” John - thankfully - cut her off. The sentence, which was usually asked as a question, was spoken by the Birmingham gangster as a statement.
“You want me to?” she checked before giving her answer.
“I need you to,” he answered with a reworded version of her statement.
(Y/N) thought for a moment. This question - that John had been asked her many times before - sounded different now. He needed her in a way that he hadn’t before. The thought of that made her heart start to beat faster.
“Will you?” he asked after a few beats had passed.
“I will,” she nodded, sending him a smile.
“Thank you,” he breathed, taking her by surprise as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She didn’t pull back from it though, immediately kissing him back. “Thank you, (Y/N),” he pulled away just enough to say before his lips were on hers again.
I loved this. It's really well written and perfect. I do have a soft spot for John, to be honest and this was so cute. That gangster certainly had feelings and valid ones to be fair 🩵
Summary = It's Derby day. Tommy doesn't want Ana to go but she is adamant. What could possibly go wrong?
Warnings = Language...Grammar...implied sexual assault... guns...violence...Alcohol consumption... Gambling mentioned...
Word Count = 2,655
“I am going to the Derby today Tommy,” I informed him as I finished putting on my red lipstick. “You always swore you would take me to one after you took Grace, all those years ago. Do you remember? You’ve been to many since but with everything that has happened with me, with my brother and my parents you have always made an excuse. But not today. I’m going”
“Stace” Tommy groaned pinching the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb to show his annoyance. “It’s too dangerous, you are aware of what I have to do today and I don’t need to be worrying about you as well”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I will be fine” I huffed putting down my lipstick on my dresser and standing up turning to face him, my bump larger than ever.
“And I said no” Tommy tried to assert some authority over me but I was extremely hormonal. I had turned eight months two weeks ago and I felt like a whale. I had to make several alterations to my clothes which my father helped.
Things were slowly returning to what you could call normality for my parents in some ways. My father could now speak a few words. The pain was still too much for his tongue to speak but it was amazing progress, from not talking at all.
My mother, however, didn’t speak at all but she did return to baking. Something I hadn’t seen her do since James died. I was happy she found something to busy herself with instead of going into herself. What took me by surprise was that most of her bakes went to the men and their families that Tommy had guarding their house.
The Peaky Blinders who not so long ago she despised were now receiving her baked goods. How things change.
“Tommy, I can protect myself. John’s been teaching me how to shoot and I’m pretty good at it” I tell him. I lifted my purse showing him the small handgun he had got for me months ago for protection. “I have this if I need it, I’ll be safe”
“John’s been…” Tommy looked at me his lips in a thin line, a flash of anger in his blue eyes. I could tell he was holding back after stopping himself from speaking. “You’re not going”
“You can’t stop me” I glared. Tommy stopped on the spot looking at me with a dangerous look that would strike fear into most.
“I can and I will” He threatened moving towards me with his index finger pointed straight at me. The very finger he uses in his meetings or with his men to get his way.
“Damn it Tommy” I growled, stomping my foot like a child. “I’m the perfect alibi for you. What’s going to happen when that man is killed? They are going to look for you. We both know Campbell has a problem with you. This, this mission won’t be a simple kill and get away you know this”
“I’m not dragging you into this” Tommy shook his head.
“I already am. The minute I gave you my virginity all those years ago, you dragged me into this. You made me fall in love with you. You proposed marriage to me and got me pregnant. I am involved whether you like it or not Thomas”
“Thomas?” Tommy chuckled smirking as I built up his ego. He loved the idea that a sweet innocent girl from Small Heath fell for the gangster of the town. He loved that it was him I chose out of all the other men. He loved seeing me round and swollen with his child. It just did something for him.
I was his and he knew it.
“Who is going to question a man when his pregnant girlfriend is there to provide an alibi?” I sighed. Tommy walked over to me, placing his hands carefully on either side of my stomach.
“We are going to have to change that” Tommy sighed caressing my bump carefully, his eyes looking into mine deeply.
“Change what?” I asked confused.
“Girlfriend, you need to be Mrs Shelby. The one woman I have by my side” Tommy grinned leaning down, capturing my lips in a soft, yet passionate kiss. “But you're still not going to the Derby” He pulled away with a smirk.
He moved over to the coat hook, putting on his coat and fixing his collar. He put his peaked cap over his head looking over at me with a soft, delicate look.
“I’m just protecting you Stace” He walked over kissing my lips softly before leaving the apartment. No doubt telling the men on the door to watch me and make sure I didn’t leave.
I stood in my spot watching him leave, biting the side of my cheek. I was going to that Derby one way or another.
******
I was quite nervous when I arrived at the Derby in Epsom. I was dressed in a beautiful teal dress with black gloves. A hat over my head as I looked around, completely lost. It was so busy. I was completely out of my element and I felt so alone.
“Ana, Ana dear what on earth are you doing here? Thomas informed me you were staying home today.” Polly had somehow managed to find me through the overwhelming sea of people.
“He decided I was staying home, I wanted to come and see a derby for once in my life before my priorities completely changed. This is for me.” I tell Polly, my head held high as if I was trying to convince not only her but anyone listening.
“Tommy doesn’t know you’re here?” Polly asked, brushing down her white and grey checkered jacket and skirt. She looked delightful today. But there was a darkness in her eyes, a sadness over her entire aura.
“Um no he doesn’t, not yet at least,” I explain as she guides me through the crowd. “But I assume he will at some point”
“You’ve become such a strong-headed young lady the past few years.” Polly chuckled, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. “A match for our Thomas. You keep him right, you hear me?”
“Of course Polly” I smiled softly noticing her odd behaviour. She hadn’t been the same for the last few weeks, not since that night I discovered her in a bathtub in the middle of her living room.
Polly never responded, she just looked around as if she was looking for someone. Following her gaze, I decided to look around myself, seeing Tommy in the distance talking to May Carleton. The horse trainer. I bite my cheek, excusing myself from Polly and walking in that direction.
May was the first to notice me, smiling over at me which caught Tommy’s attention. The minute he locked eyes with me, his tongue swiped along his bottom lip. He wasn't happy to see me.
“I told you not to come.” Tommy pointed that same index finger, he had pointed earlier at me.
“And I told you I was coming regardless,” I tell him. My eyes took in May’s appearance, I couldn’t help but feel jealous of her. Over the past few weeks, it seemed that Tommy had been spending more time with her than me, preparing for this Derby.
Tommy stared at me running a hand down his face in annoyance. He slowly licked his lips, his mind working overtime. I could tell he was trying to find a way to get me to leave but that wasn’t going to happen.
“You stay away from up there” Tommy pointed towards what looked like a small restaurant filled with special forces and army men. “You understand me?” He asked completely ignoring the presence of May which made me internally happy.
“I understand” I nodded, grateful he hadn’t called one of his men to escort me home.
“She can stay with me” May spoke up offering me a small smile. I look over at May before back at Tommy who just nodded at the suggestion.
“I’ll find you when I’m done. Stay out of trouble Stace” Tommy warned walking away, I noticed him pulling on Lizzie’s arm.
He had whispered something into her ear. I trusted Lizzie. I knew she lusted after Tommy and had slept with him before but we had developed a friendship over the years. She wouldn’t hurt me. She was happy with that Italian man, Angelo. At least that's what I'd tell myself.
“So you're expecting Thomas Shelby's child… you must be excited” May asked trying to start a conversation with me. Her eyes fell to my swollen stomach and back up. I could instantly feel the jealousy radiating from her. I wasn't sure if it wasn't because she wanted a child or a child with Tommy.
“Indeed, a baby is a blessing and the fact it’s the man I love baby makes it all the better,” I tell her stroking my stomach. “You never wanted to be a mother?”
“Not right away no” May shook her head. “Then my husband passed and without him making a baby would be impossible” She spoke with a distaste in her tone.
“I, I apologise,” I tell her softly. I held my stomach rubbing my bump. “Tommy did say you lost your husband. That must be difficult”
“Quite” May nodded “He died in the war”
“I am sorry Mrs Carleton,” I tell her sincerely. I shifted awkwardly on my feet unsure how to get out of this type of conversation. May simply nodded at my condolences.
“Thomas cares about you greatly. I understand a man of his standing in today’s society isn’t exactly trustworthy but despite the social expectations of him, he is loyal to you” May informed me looking down at an information book in her hand. I looked down at the page she had opened, it was a listing outlining the races which would be running today.
“I don’t give him enough credit” I tell her nodding sadly. Over the past few weeks especially, my trust for him was fickle. I felt at times like I had betrayed him. But he always assured me I hadn't. He always had my back.
“It’s hard when everyone tells you differently. But may I suggest, the lack of trust and jealousy you maintain inside will only push him further”
“And into awaiting arms like yours?” I look over at May causing her to chuckle. I could feel my dislike for this woman grow.
“Thomas Shelby would most definitely be a thrill to have in the bedroom” She chuckled “But he isn’t worth waiting around for”
“Excuse me?”
“I simply mean he is always caught up. His mind wanders to the next best thing. He spends more time on business than he does with you I assume. I’m not trying to be cruel to you. Please don’t think I am. But Thomas Shelby appears to be a man of power and control. Never satisfied. Men like that will never be kept. They will continue to want more and more”
I licked my lips slowly as I digested her words. “Tommy is an ambitious man that is true and it's one of the reasons I love him. I do not judge him for wanting more. He wants a better life for his family and his people. He wasn’t raised with money like you so do not try and speak like you know what kind of man he truly is.”
“I meant no harm…” May spoke, her voice breathless as she realised she had insulted me with her words.
“You may think you know him from the way society and the papers have portrayed him. But he is much more than that. He is striving for a better world for everyone who has dirt kicked in their face because they are perceived as not good enough. Something you wouldn’t understand.”
Before May could respond, a gunshot was heard and the panic started. I noticed people running in fear as police rushed towards the direction of the gunshot. I stood frozen for a moment as chaos erupted around me.
I barely had time to think when I felt someone take my arm and pull me away from the madness that had surrounded us. I looked to my right noticing Polly, she marched me along, her eyes staring straight at me as she pulled me from the scene.
“It happened hasn’t it” I whispered, my heart beating widely in fear. Tommy had just killed someone. And I knew that for certain this time. Polly nodded her head pulling me away. I glanced down at her white jacket noticing blood. “Oh my god Polly your hurt”
“It’s not my blood” Polly answered quickly and quietly, holding her arm and black handbag over the red stain as we moved through the crowd.
“What happened?” I asked once we came to a stop just before the racetrack.
“I killed a snake” Polly looked me directly in the eyes. Her tone was cold, with no remorse in her eyes at all.
“Campbells dead?” I whispered leaning into Polly to make sure I knew exactly what she was talking about. Polly answered my question with a quick nod, a sense of what I could only describe as relief changed her face and a small smile tugged on her lips.
Campbell was dead.
******
Later that evening I was at the betting shop. Pacing the floor up and down. Tommy’s family had all returned from the races, even his men but no Tommy.
“Where is he?” I asked for the hundredth time as I walked back and forth along the betting shop floor. My small kitten heels clicked off the wood, like a ticking clock in the silence of the room.
“Charlie and Curly have gone back up to the Epsom to try and find him. He can’t be far” Arthur spoke. He was sat on one of the wooden tables, his feet resting on a chair. His hands were cupped in his lap, offering me a sympathetic smile.
“But he did what he had to do. The soldier is dead as is Campbell. The mission is complete, where did he…where did he go?” I started to panic. “He was supposed to be with you” I pointed to Arthur and John.
“He probably had to tie up a few loose ends. The soldier thing was Irish business, Tommy didn’t involve us in that” Arthur sighed, John simply lit up a cigar, nodding in agreement. He was sitting on a chair, his feet perched up on a table.
“Just relax Ana, Tommy will be back. Today has been a good day. We got our business back and Sabini is no more” John grinned, a big puff of smoke escaping his lips from the cigar.
Feeling a sharp pain, I held my stomach. My nose scrunched up in discomfort and I had stopped walking. I rested my hand on the top of a chair exhaling softly as I rubbed my stomach. I was feeling a strange sensation, almost like a tugging and a pressure at the same time.
“You’re finally starting to relax. That's good to see Ana” Arthur grinned. He placed two glasses on the desk, roughly pouring two large measures of the brown liquid into the glasses. The whiskey sloshing over the sides and spilling on the dark wood. A mess that will not be cleaned tonight.
“You okay there Ana?” John asked getting suspicious. Being a father himself he could tell when something wasn’t right. His feet slipped from the table as he sat up straight ignoring Arthur completely as he watched me carefully. “Arthur go get Polly”
“Why?” Arthur asked completely clueless. He knocked back the large pour of whiskey he made for himself. His eyes glanced over to me and back to John with confusion as John spoke once again.
Interesting chapter. I see that Ana found a way to the races. Nice of Polly to kill Campbell. That man deserved it. Great to see that their enemies are dead for now. I'm sure Tommy will say something about Ana being at the Derby.
Ana has lived with Thomas long enough, so she has learned how to be sneaky when needed. Tommy will most definitely want to say something to her about her not listening to his instruction but when he returns I think his mind will go to his baby and the whole thing will be forgotten lol. Thanks again for your reblog and comment 💙
