As the morning sun bathed the grand house, sparking the dawn of a new day, Thomas held his newborn son, who was now just thirty minutes old, after a long and exhausting night of labor the lack of sleep didn't matter at this moment as his loving gaze never left his son's face. The little one slept soundly on his father's chest, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the skin-to-skin contact.
News of the birth of Thomas's son quickly spread throughout the house, and both the Crawley family and the household staff came to his room to congratulate him. Among them was Mrs. Hughes, who now sat at his bedside, keeping him company now that it was just the three of them. She had sent Anna to bed after the latter had stayed up all night with Thomas, supporting and comforting him through the labor.
Soon, there was a soft knock at the door, and it opened to reveal Daisy and Ellie and Thomas couldn't help but smile at the sight of his daughter.
Thomas's eyes lit up as he saw his daughter's face light up at the sight of him holding her baby sibling.
"Daddy!" Ellie exclaimed happily, her eyes widening with excitement. "Is t - that my baby s - sibling?"
Thomas nodded, tears of joy welling up in his eyes. "Yes, Ellie, You have a baby brother sweetheart."
Ellie's curiosity got the better of her, and she carefully climbed up on the bed beside her father, careful not to disturb her new brother. She looked at him with wonder, her little hand reaching out to touch his tiny fingers. "He's s - so tiny, Daddy. What's h - his name?"
Thomas smiled and gently rubbed Ellie's back. "Well, my darling he doesn't have a name yet. Would you like to pick one for him?"
Ellie's face lit up with excitement, and she nodded eagerly. "I - I want to name him F - Finley "
Thomas was touched by Ellie's choice. "Finley it is then, Finley Barrow" he said, his voice filled with affection, remembering it was the name she had thought of those some few months ago when they were still living in the cottage after reading a book about a brave knight as the memory of that day flooded his mind and it was clear that the name had stuck with her.
Ellie showered her little brother with endless affection and adoration. Thomas watched with awe, her touch so delicate yet filled with a deep sense of protectiveness.
Ellie's affection for her sibling knew no bounds. She carefully interacted with Finley, touching his tiny hand, which spread out like a startled starfish in response. Ellie couldn't help but giggle as Finley wrapped his tiny fingers around hers as he made adorable cooing and gurgling noises, a connection forming between the siblings.
Her gentle touch and soft whispers seemed to have a calming effect on Finley, even as he slept.
Ellie beamed, and with great care, she reached out to touch her brother's delicate head. "I love h - him, Daddy," she said.
"I love him too, sweetheart," Thomas responded, his eyes filled with tears of joy.
As the morning light continued to fill the room, Thomas thought back to the challenging journey that led him to this moment. Being a single father was not the conventional path, but he wouldn't have it any other way. He had faced judgment and misunderstanding from some, but he knew that the love he had for his children was more profound than any societal norms.
"You know, Ellie," Thomas began softly, "your brother has a very special name, Finley. It means 'fair warrior,' and I have no doubt that he will grow up to be as brave and strong as his big sister."
Ellie's eyes lit up with excitement, and she giggled. "I'm a w - warrior, Daddy!"
"Yes, you are," Thomas affirmed, his heart swelling with pride. "You're my little warrior."
The room was filled with warmth and affection, and Thomas couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. He had come a long way since his days of struggling, and now, he was a father to two beautiful children, each with their unique strengths and challenges.
As the morning sun continued to rise, Thomas knew that their journey as a family was just beginning. There would be ups and downs, moments of joy and challenges to overcome, but he was determined to face it all with unwavering love and strength.
~
She observed the peaceful features of her brother. Her own experiences had taught her to appreciate the small joys in life, and this moment was no exception. With a tenderness that only a sibling could possess, Ellie traced the outline of Finley's nose with her tiny finger, her touch so delicate it seemed as if she were imparting a silent promise of protection.
Thomas, his heart swelling with an indescribable mix of emotions, watched the bond between his children unfold before his eyes. As a single father, he had faced numerous challenges, but his unwavering love for Ellie had guided him through the darkest of times. Now, with the arrival of Finley, a newfound joy embraced their small family, intertwining their lives in ways he had never imagined.
Soon Finley became restless. His tiny body squirmed and fidgeted on his father's chest, signalling his need for comfort. With a soft sigh, Thomas adjusted his hold, his experienced hands instinctively finding the perfect position to soothe his son. Rocking gently, he whispered soft words of reassurance, his voice laced with a love that knew no bounds.
"It's alright little one," Thomas murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here, daddy's here. You're safe my sweet boy. Shhh, don't worry, everything will be alright."
Thomas's touch, warm and secure against Finley's delicate skin, seemed to work its magic. The baby boy's cries quietened, replaced by the soft sound of his father's voice and the steady rhythm of Thomas's heartbeat. As Finley settled, his bright eyes blinked open, seemingly searching for the source of comfort. Thomas met his gaze, a wide smile forming on his tired face.
"Hello Finley," Thomas greeted, his voice filled with affection. "My beautiful boy."
Ellie, ever the observant one, looked at her father's face and then at her brother. She sensed the need to be calm and quiet, even at her tender age. She watched with wonder as Thomas lovingly tended to Finley, her little eyes full of admiration for her father.
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His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow
FanfictionThis 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...