This is the story of Thomas Barrow.
Thomas Barrow has been working as the first footman at Downton Abbey for years. He's always been careful to keep his personal life hidden from the prying eyes of the other staff members and the Crawley family. Bu...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
After the incident with the nanny, he had become more protective of his little girl, unwilling to let anyone else care for her. As a result, Ellie spent most of her days in her father's company, whether he was doing his duties, except when he, Mr Carson and Andy were serving at meal times or had a day off.
As Thomas was off-duty, he retreated to his room with Ellie in his arms. He held her close to his chest, feeling the weight of her tiny body against his own. He rubbed and patted her back gently, soothing her as she burbled contentedly. Ellie's head rested on his shoulder, and her tiny hands gripped his shirt.
He continued to hold her, feeling a sense of overwhelming love and protectiveness wash over him. He knew that he would do anything to keep Ellie safe and happy, no matter what the cost.
As he held her, he thought about the nanny who had treated him so poorly and had stoped him from touching and holding his own baby. He had trusted her with Ellie, and she had let him down. He was determined never to let anyone else come between him and his daughter again.
"I promise, Ellie," he murmured, "I'll always be here for you. I won't let anyone hurt you, or take you away from me. You're my little girl, and I love you more than anything in the world."
Ellie gurgled in response, her tiny fingers still gripping his shirt. Thomas smiled, feeling a sense of joy. Despite all the challenges he faced as a single father, he knew that he had the strength and determination to provide for Ellie and give her a good life.
He would often talk to Ellie about his day, telling her stories about the people he worked with and the things he had seen. He loved the way she would look up at him with her big pale green eyes, that were the same as his, as if she understood everything he was saying.
Thomas had never been more content in his life. He had found a new purpose, and that was to be the best father he could be for his daughter. He knew that he had a lot to learn, but he was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that Ellie had a happy and fulfilling life.
As he rocked Ellie to sleep, he knew that he had made the right decision. Being a single father wasn't easy, but it was worth it for moments like these.
Ellie's tiny hands moved before they were gripping his shirt once again, and Thomas couldn't help but smile at the sight. "You've got a good grip, haven't you?" he said, chuckling softly. "You're going to be a strong one, I can tell."
Ellie let out a little sigh and snuggled even closer to him. "That's it, my love," he murmured. "Just relax and know that you're safe with me."
~
As he held her upright against his chest, he couldn't imagine his life without her. She was only three months old, but already she had become the center of his world.
As he walked around his room, gently swaying from side to side, he tried to soothe her into sleep. But Ellie was having none of it. She was wide awake, her big pale green eyes staring up at him.
Thomas couldn't help but smile as he looked down at her. "What are you looking at, little one?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle. "You should be sleeping."
Ellie let out a little coo, and Thomas laughed softly. "You've got me wrapped around your little finger, you know that?" he said, kissing her head. "But you need to sleep, Ellie. Daddy needs his rest too."
He continued to sway back and forth, humming a soft tune under his breath. As he moved, he caught a glimpse of them in the mirror on the wall. At one point in time it would have been a sight he had never thought he would see - himself as a father, holding his precious daughter.
He couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion as he looked at them. "We make quite the pair, don't we?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You and me, Ellie."
Ellie let out a little yawn, and Thomas felt his heart melt. "That's it, little one," he said, placing a hand on her back and gently rubbing it. "Just let yourself drift off to sleep. Daddy's here, and he'll always be here for you."
As he continued to rock her back and forth, Thomas felt a sense of peace.
