His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 99

Thomas Barrow stirred in his bed, his eyes slowly fluttering open as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. The events of the previous day lingered in his mind like a dark cloud. The nosebleed, the dizziness—Doctor Clarkson's words echoing in his head. Anemia. It was not something he had expected to hear. He knew pregnancy could have its complications, but this was new territory for him.

As if on cue, there was a gentle knock on his bedroom door. Thomas turned his attention to the sound, wondering who it could be. The door creaked open, revealing Mrs Hughes.

She entered the room, carrying a tray with a bowl of steaming porridge.

"Good morning, Thomas," Mrs Hughes greeted him, her voice warm and comforting. "I thought you might be in need of some sustenance after yesterday's events."

Thomas managed a weak smile as he propped himself up against the headboard. "Thank you, Mrs Hughes."

Mrs Hughes placed the tray on Thomas's lap, and he inhaled the familiar scent of warm oats and honey. His appetite, however, seemed to have vanished amidst his worries about Ellie. He took a spoonful of porridge, the taste comforting but bittersweet.

His concern for his daughter's well-being was evident as he asked, "How is Ellie? I haven't seen her since yesterday morning."

Mrs Hughes leaned against the foot of the bed, her eyes filled with understanding. "Ellie is just fine, Thomas. She's been well looked after and entertained by Daisy."

"I'm glad to hear that," Thomas replied softly, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Daisy has always been wonderful with Ellie."

Mrs Hughes nodded, her gaze filled with empathy. "Indeed, she has." Mrs Hughes nodded understandingly. "But don't forget you've done an incredible job raising Ellie, Thomas. She's a remarkable child, and you should be proud of the father you've become."

A mixture of emotions swelled within Thomas. Pride, gratitude, and a hint of sadness. Pride for the daughter he adored and the love he poured into her upbringing. Gratitude for the support he received from the people of Downton Abbey, who had embraced Ellie as one of their own. And sadness, for the knowledge that life hadn't always been easy for Ellie, who faced obstacles most children her age could never comprehend.

Thomas set down his now empty bowl, his appetite suddenly diminished by the weight of his thoughts. "Sometimes, I wonder if I'm doing enough for her," he confessed quietly. "I worry about her future, about the challenges she'll face."

Mrs Hughes reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Thomas, I've seen you with Ellie. You are a dedicated father who loves her unconditionally. That, above all else, is what she needs. Yes, life may present difficulties, but Ellie has the strength to overcome them. And she has you, a father who will be there every step of the way."

~

Once Mrs Hughes had left, a short while later there was another knock at his door.

Thomas turned his gaze toward the door, and as it swung open, he was greeted by the sight of his daughter, Ellie, clutching Daisy's hand.

"Daddy!" Ellie's face lit up with pure delight as she saw her father lying in bed. She let go of Daisy's hand and hurriedly climbed onto the bed, her small frame barely making a dent in the mattress. In an instant, she wrapped her arms around Thomas in a tight embrace being careful of his belly.

Thomas welcomed the embrace, feeling the warmth of his daughter's affection envelop him. He held her close, cherishing the connection they shared. Despite his weakened state, his heart swelled with love and gratitude for his remarkable little girl.

"I've m - missed you, Daddy," Ellie whispered, her voice filled with a mix of concern and love. "Are you feeling a - any better?"

Thomas smiled, his eyes shining with tenderness as he looked into Ellie's bright eyes. "Yes, my darling, I am feeling a little better now."

Ellie beamed, her face glowing with joy. She had inherited her father's strength and resilience, and her love for him was unwavering. In her innocent embrace, Thomas found solace and the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Daisy quietly watched the heartwarming exchange, her eyes filled with admiration for Thomas. She had witnessed his unwavering dedication and love for Ellie, a bond that transcended the ordinary. It was a reminder of the beauty that could arise from life's trials and the strength that resided within the human spirit as she turned and quietly left the room.

~

The room was filled with a soft ambiance, as if the universe itself knew that this was a moment to be cherished. Ellie nestled into his side, providing him comfort and solace in her own innocent way.

As he lay there, Thomas ran his fingers through Ellie's soft hair, her delicate breath tickling his skin. She was his rock, his beacon of hope in a world that often seemed uncertain.

In the quiet stillness of the room, Thomas felt a gentle kick from his unborn child, a tiny reminder that life was flourishing within him. He couldn't help but smile, despite his weariness. "Did you feel that, Ellie?" he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "Your little brother or sister just said hello."

Ellie stirred slightly, her eyes opening to reveal the same striking blue eyes that mirrored Thomas's own. She shifted her small body, wrapping her arms gently around his middle, as if to shield him from the world's worries. Her head came to rest on his belly, a place where her sibling was growing with each passing day.

Thomas marveled at the connection between his children, one yet to be born and the other already a cherished part of his life. It was as if they knew they were bound together by an unbreakable bond. His heart swelled with love and gratitude for the blessings he had been given.