His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 71

He stayed with her for a while, holding her close and trying to calm her down. As he left her room, he knew he needed to take a moment to himself.

He headed down to the servants' kitchen, making his way to the back door that led out to the courtyard. As he stepped outside, he lit a cigarette needing some time alone to process his emotions.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The smoke from his cigarette mixed with the cool night air, and he closed his eyes for a moment, trying to find some peace.

The stars shone brightly above, and he felt a small sense of comfort knowing that there was something bigger than himself out there. He took a deep drag of his cigarette, feeling the smoke fill his lungs before he exhaled it into the cool night air.

Thomas knew that life was hard and that there would be many more challenges ahead for him and Ellie. But he also knew that he was strong enough to face them, as long as he had his daughter by his side.

Thomas thought back to the day he had found out he was going to be a father. It had been a shock, to say the least. He had never expected to carry a child, let alone raise one on his own. But from the moment he had held Ellie in his arms, he knew that he would do anything to protect her and keep her safe.

He took another drag from his cigarette and blew the smoke out slowly. As he watched it dissipate into the night air, he made a silent promise to himself. He would do whatever it took to make sure that Ellie never had to suffer like this again. He would be there for her, no matter what.

The sound of footsteps approaching pulled him out of his thoughts, and he turned to see Mrs. Hughes, standing behind him.

"Mr. Barrow," she said, her voice soft. "Is everything alright?"

Thomas nodded, taking another drag from his cigarette. "Just needed a bit of fresh air," he said, his tone clipped.

"I heard from Mrs Patmore what happened to Ellie," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Thomas."

Thomas nodded, blowing out a cloud of smoke. "It's tough, Mrs Hughes. Seeing my little girl in pain and knowing there's nothing I can do to make it go away... it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to deal with and it's not the only one. But life isn't always easy and there are many ups and downs to it, that much I do know."

Mrs Hughes nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "I can't even imagine. But you know, Thomas, you're doing an amazing job. And you have been from the moment you knew about her existence you didn't turn your back on her and from the moment she was born you opened your heart to love, and what I saw that day four years ago I will never forget. But sometimes when I watch you I still think you are too hard on yourself and you need to give yourself more credit than you do lad.

You've come a long way, you're not the man you used to be, Thomas. You're much happier and brighter now. You show your emotions and you're more open with people.

Thomas felt a flicker of warmth in his chest at her words. He knew that he had come a long way since the days when he had been cruel and closed off to those around him. Becoming a father had changed him in ways he could never have imagined. Ever since he became a father to Ellie, he had learned to let go of the past and embrace a new future. He remembered the moment he gave birth to Ellie and held her in his arms for the first time.

"I remember when she came into the world," he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "My hair was out of place and stuck to my forehead, and I was trying to catch my breath. But when I saw her face for the first time, it was like everything else faded away. Her cry reminded me of a little kitten, all soft and delicate."

Mrs. Hughes smiled at the memory. "You're a good father, Thomas," she said. "And Ellie is lucky to have you."

Thomas wiped away a stray tear that fell as he looked up at the night sky, his mind filled with memories of his daughter. He knew that Mrs. Hughes was right. He was a different man now. And he had Ellie to thank for that.

~

When he was ready, he headed back inside. He went back up to his room and found Ellie still fast asleep in her bed.

He quietly changed out of his footman uniform and into his pyjamas. As he laid back down beside Ellie instead of his own bed.

Ellie stirred slightly at his presence, and sensing her father's warmth, she snuggled close to him, just like she used to when she was a baby. Thomas smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "It's okay, my sweet girl," he whispered. "I'm here."

With that, he closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of his daughter's body against his own.