Underneath My Feet [T. Shelby]

Merry Go Round

Amelia stood in front of her parents house as Tommy discussed the plans with the contractor. Her eyes scanned the large windows as she tried to remember what the original building looked like. There had never been any connection to this house other than the land it was built on.

In just under a year the building would be extended and changed in Finns honour.

James and his family had declined Amelia's offer to take her house in Small Heath. They had family in the country that they wanted to be closer to. Amelia has wished him the best and sent him away with enough money to start a new life.

The truth was James didn't want his family around the Shelby's. Amelia couldn't blame him, he had done so much for her that it was easier to let it go with a smile and a warm hug.

The Shelby Family had been overwhelmed by Amelia's gift in Finns name. Truthfully she felt it was the least she could do after Finn died trying to save the man that she loved.

Polly had agreed with Tommy that she would manage the children's home to ensure no child needed for anything. This meant Amelia could focus on her nursing work in small Heath.

Amelia let her eyes drift over to Tommy who was finishing up with the contractor. It was amazing to see him work, to get what he wanted while remaining composed.  Tommy in the past few days seemed lighter, whether it was down to her or Changretta she didn't care.

All she cared about was that his hand was in hers and she soon felt him return to her side.

"Everything is set. The work begins tomorrow" he said as he squeezed her hand.

Amelia looked up at him and wondered if his eyes had always been so bright.

"Good. Come on let's go home" and she began to pull him towards the car. The snow was on and off and Amelia's cheeks where starting to numb.

—-

Two weeks later.

It was Christmas Day and every fire in the house was lit. Each room had been decorated by Amelia and Mary and even Tommy had helped decorate Amelia with the tree.

The whole time Tommy had moaned that they had people to do the decorating now but Amelia would shove him playfully and remind him that he wasn't too good to do it himself.

Tommy had secretly enjoyed watching her get excited about Christmas. It was like a big kid in a toy shop. The whole family would be coming over to celebrate with them but before they did Tommy wanted to give her a gift.

Looking all over the house he found her at the stables, tending to Winnie and The Wind who where lovingly cuddled up to one another.

Amelia was brushing down Winnie's nose.

"You just can't stay away" he said as he came up behind her and wrapped her in a warm embrace.

"Can you blame me?" She laughed.

"I can when it's freezing out here" he mumbled as he kissed her neck.

"Always the worrier!" And she turned in his arms, leaned up on her tip toes and kissed her. "Anyway while you're here I can give you your present" and she grabbed his hand and began pulling him out the stable.

Winnie huffed behind them in excitement.

Tommy followed as she continued to pull him towards the back of the house. It hadn't even dawned on him that Amelia would get him a gift, it was enough that she had chosen to forgive him.

Quickly she turned to him and asked that he close his eyes. Slowly he closed his eyes with a smirk on his face, enjoying the soft kiss she placed on her lips before she pulled away.