His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 115

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow in Thomas's room.

Sitting on his bed with Ellie beside him, Thomas cradled Finley in his arms, gently swaying back and forth, trying to soothe his crying son.

As Finley continued to cry, Thomas began to tackle the source of his discomfort. Setting his son down carefully on the bed, he reached for the small basket filled with baby essentials. With practiced hands, he unbuttoned Finley's romper, revealing the tiny, squirming bundle beneath. The cool air caressed Finley's sensitive skin, causing him to whine in protest.

Thomas carefully laid Finley down on the bed in front of him. He knew exactly what his son needed. "Alright, little man," Thomas murmured, his voice filled with tenderness. "Let's get you sorted, shall we?"

As Thomas began to undress Finley, the cold air against his delicate skin made the baby whimper. Thomas leaned in closer, his touch soothing and gentle. "Shh, it's alright, my love," he whispered, his fingertips caressing Finley's tiny body. "Daddy's got you."

Gently cradling Finley's head with one hand, Thomas reached for a fresh cloth nappy. His fingers moved with practiced ease as he unfastened the soiled one, trying his best to keep Finley calm amidst the discomfort. Finley's cries intensified as Thomas removed the nappy, revealing evidence of a messy nappy.

"Oh, my sweet boy," Thomas murmured, affection lacing his words. "Looks like we've got quite a mess, haven't we?"

Ellie, sitting beside her father, watched intently. She may not have fully understood the situation, but she knew that her brother needed their help. With a small smile, she leaned closer to Finley and reached out her little hand, attempting to offer him comfort in her own way.

She had grown up understanding the importance of love, patience, and acceptance. She was his little angel, always eager to lend a helping hand.

As Thomas worked swiftly, he cleaned Finley's tiny bottom with utmost care, all the while murmuring reassuring words. "There we go, my boy. We'll have you cleaned up in no time. Just a little more, and we'll get you all fresh and snug."

Finally, Thomas secured the clean nappy around Finley's delicate frame. He fastened the buttons on his romper, making sure everything was in place, a sense of relief washed over him. Finley's cries had softened into soft whimpers, his discomfort alleviated.

Thomas gently lifted Finley from the bed, cradling him against his chest. Finley's tiny body instinctively curled up, his limbs tucking in which was a cute sight to see. 

Thomas kissed Finley's forehead gently, his heart swelling with love for his precious children. "There, there, darling. Daddy's got you."

~

Later that morning had since gone downstairs with Anna when she had come up to check on the Barrow family of three.

While gently rubbing Finley's back, Thomas marvelled at the tiny bundle of joy before him. The little baby cooed and babbled, his little arms and legs moving in sync with his innocent babbling. Thomas couldn't help but smile as he watched his son's every movement.

"Hello there, my little Fin," Thomas whispered lovingly, his voice filled with awe and tenderness. "You're just beginning to explore this big, beautiful world, aren't you? And your big sister Ellie will be there every step of the way, guiding and protecting you."

Finley's eyes met Thomas's, and for a moment, it felt as if a profound connection had formed between father and son. In that instant, all the tiredness and exhaustion seemed to fade away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love and responsibility.

"You've brought so much joy into our lives, little one," Thomas continued, his voice filled with gratitude. "Your sister Ellie may not have the easiest path ahead, but with you by her side, I know she'll find the strength to overcome any challenge that comes her way."

As he spoke, Thomas's thoughts drifted to his beloved daughter, Ellie. At four years old, she had already faced her fair share of hurdles due to her cerebral palsy.

Thomas remembered the day Ellie was born as if it were yesterday. It had been an unconventional journey, one that defied societal norms and challenged their own perceptions of family. As a gay man, Thomas had faced his fair share of struggles and prejudices, but none of it mattered when he held his daughter in his arms for the first time.

From the moment Ellie came into the world, Thomas became her rock, her protector, and her biggest cheerleader. Thomas had learned to adapt, educate himself, and advocate for Ellie's needs, all while juggling his duties as a footman at Downton.

With Finley's arrival, Thomas knew his responsibilities as a single father had only increased. He would now have two little hearts to nurture, protect, and guide through life's ups and downs. It was a daunting thought, but one that filled him with a profound sense of purpose.

Gently rocking Finley in his arms, Thomas made a silent vow to be the best father he could be. He promised to support both Ellie and Finley in every way possible, to celebrate their individuality, and to ensure they never felt limited by their circumstances.

Thomas leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on Finley's forehead. "Welcome to the world, my sweet boy," he whispered softly. "We may face challenges along the way, but together, we'll create a life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities."