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...
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After spending time with her father and baby brother she had since left the room with Mrs Hughes after she came up to Thomas's room to check on them and Ellie wanted to go and play with George and Sybbie.
His loving gaze never left his son's face as Finley slept soundly on his father's chest, the warmth of their skin-to-skin contact soothing for both.
By evening, there came a gentle knock at Thomas's door as Mrs. Hughes had returned and entered the room carrying a tray. On it sat a bowl of soup, Mrs. Patmore's culinary creation for dinner downstairs, and a cup of tea. As she stepped closer, Mrs. Hughes smiled warmly at the sight of the new father and his precious baby.
"Here you go, Thomas. A nice bowl of soup and some tea for you," she said, her voice full of care and concern. "You must be exhausted after the night you had."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hughes," Thomas replied gratefully, appreciating the gesture of her thoughtful care. "I'm a bit tired, but I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything in the world."
Mrs. Hughes nodded understandingly. She had seen Thomas go through many challenges during his time at Downton Abbey and had come to know him as a devoted and caring individual. She was pleased to see him embracing fatherhood once again with such love and tenderness.
Thomas's gaze shifted to his son, who had stirred slightly in his sleep. He gently adjusted Finley's blanket, ensuring the baby was warm and comfortable. A surge of love and protectiveness washed over him, filling every fibre of his being.
Thomas set Finley down gently on the bed next to him and accepted the tray from Mrs. Hughes. The aroma of the soup filled the room, bringing a comforting and homely scent that mingled with the love that enveloped them.
Mrs. Hughes gave him a tender smile before leaving the room, allowing Thomas to savor the moment with his son once again. As he savored the first spoonful of soup, he glanced at Finley, his heart swelling with pride and determination.
~
While Thomas attempted to eat his soup, Finley's restlessness became apparent. The little boy, missing the warmth and closeness of his father's skin, started to fuss and cry. Thomas, his heart aching at his son's distress, immediately put down the half-eaten bowl of soup on his bedside table and gently scooped up Finley into his arms.
"Oh Fin, It's alright darling," Thomas whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "I'm here. Daddy's here." He cradled Finley against his chest, rocking him gently back and forth.
His lips pressing soft kisses to his baby's head as he continued to whisper soothing words. "Shh, little one. Daddy's here. Don't you worry; I've got you."
The warmth of Thomas's embrace and the steady rhythm of his heart soon calmed Finley, who nestled against his father's chest, finding comfort in the familiar heartbeat that had soothed him in the womb.
The sound of his son's cries began to subside, gradually replaced by small hiccups and sighs.
As Finley settled against him, his tiny hand grasping his father's finger, a sense of gratitude washed over the footman. He was grateful for the opportunity to be a father, to experience the joys and challenges of parenthood. And he was grateful for the love that filled his heart, the love that he poured into every interaction with his children.
As he held his son, Thomas's mind wandered back to his firstborn, Ellie.
Ellie had brought a new dimension to Thomas's life, teaching him compassion, patience, and unconditional love. She was the reason he had sought to better himself and prove that he could be a capable father, despite the challenges life had thrown at him.
Now, with Finley in his arms, Thomas felt blessed to have not just one, but two incredible children who were the center of his universe. He knew there would be sleepless nights, worries, and uncertainties ahead, but he was ready to face them head-on, drawing strength from the bond he shared with Ellie and the one he was building with Finley.
Finley's small body relaxed against Thomas' steady heartbeat. The rhythmic patting and the familiar scent of his father calmed him, providing the comfort he craved. Thomas felt a surge of relief as he watched his son find solace in his arms, knowing that he could provide the love and support Finley needed.
The warmth of his father's skin against his cheek had provided solace for Finley.
In a soothing voice, barely above a whisper, Thomas began to murmur soft and sweet words to his son. The sound of his gentle reassurances filled the room, as did the rhythmic patting of his hand against Finley's back. Each kiss pressed against the baby's downy head was a testament to the boundless affection Thomas held.
Gently moving Finley in front of him, still ensuring proper support for his son's head and back and watching his son's tiny face, Thomas couldn't help but smile as Finley opened and closed his eyes, pulling adorable expressions. "You've got the most expressive little face, haven't you, sweetheart?" Thomas chuckled softly, utterly enchanted by the sight before him. He pressed another gentle kiss, this time to Finley's tiny nose, causing the baby to wiggle slightly in his arms.
The room was filled with the sound of gentle hiccups as Finley's little body adjusted to life outside the womb. Thomas chuckled softly once more, brushing his thumb over his son's cheek. "You'll get used to this strange new world soon my boy."
