Cross my heart - Tommy Shelby

•epilogue•

"Tommy for the love of God- go to work." Eliza was sick of this happening, the incessant hovering was making her go insane.

"But what if you go into labour while I'm away?" He fought back, spewing several 'what if' scenarios that made Eliza roll her eyes- the excuses that rolled off of his tongue were becoming more and more exaggerated.

"Love, you could just admit you're worried you'll miss the birth." Eliza's words were soft and not at all patronising.

Tommy sank down on his knees and rested his head against Eliza's bulging belly. She was nearing the 38th week of her pregnancy- the same amount of weeks as Ada had been when she gave birth.

He didn't want to admit it- let his hard, manly facade crumble before the girl he loved. But the nudges and kicks that he felt on his face made it awfully difficult to keep the facade up.

"I just-" Tommy began, "I don't want to be like the man who I'm forced to call 'dad'"

Eliza simply ran her fingers through his raven locks, in all of the time they had spent together- Tommy had only mentioned Arthur Sr a handful of times.

"I don't want to be like him and miss the birth of my own flesh and blood because I was too occupied with 'business' to see the most life-changing to happen in my life."

Eliza heaved herself up from her place on the bed and wrapped her arms around Tommy's neck and cuddled into him as much as she could. His heart was beating steadily- something that the baby apparently found soothing. As it kicked its body in happiness.

"Tom my love, you're not going to miss it. The betting shop is just downstairs- if I do go into labour I'll let you know okay?"

"But-"

"Thomas." Eliza said firmly, "Don't make me call on your brothers to come and collect you."

Finally, the dark-haired man gave in to her wants. He gave a final kiss to Eliza's lips and her belly before Tommy begrudgingly parted and exited the room.

"Right baby," Eliza spoke to the life inside of her, who had kicked and punched at the sound of their mother's voice, "Let's take a nap, hmm?"

//

"You're late." Polly's stern voice came from her spot at her desk when Tommy looked over- she hadn't even bothered to look up at him.

Before he could explain himself, John had interjected cockily, "He didn't want to leave Liza by herself. Again."

"Christ Tommy she's pregnant, not incapable." Polly drawled back again.

It was obvious that she could see where he was coming from, but could see the woman's point of view too, "Stop smothering her."

Tommy rolled his eyes in response, "She's due any day now- So John you can stop taking the piss." He pointed to where his brother was stood leans against one of the betting shops desks, "And Pol, you can stop being patronising."

The older woman stood up, stepping towards her nephew.

"It will all be fine Tom- soon you'll meet your child."

John once again interjected, "yep, and then we won't stop hearing about 'em for the next 18 years or so."

"Shut up Joh-"

Finn suddenly burst into the room, red-faced and seemingly out of breath.

"It's Aunty El!" He spluttered, "She says the baby's coming!"

//

4 hours. It had been 4 hours since Finn had burst through the doors of the betting den and declared that Eliza had gone into labour.

4 hours Tommy had been pacing around anxiously, nursing several glasses of whiskey to calm his nerves.

Each time he heard a scream or groan, Tommy found himself flinching at the sound of his girl in pain.

That was until it stopped. And the silence was broken by a shrill cry.

Immediately Tommy scrambled up the stairs and burst through the door to his old bedroom.

And there, in all her glory was Eliza drenched in sweat, cradling a small body against her chest which was wrapped in blankets.

He dropped to his knees tears leaking from his eyes, his happiness immeasurable.

"She's here Tommy." Eliza spoke softly, "You have a daughter"

Tommy for the first time since France felt renewed like he was the same young man from before the war.

Someone that could start a family, love freely, settle down. Be happy.

This was his new family. It wasn't much- but it was enough.

At that moment Tommy made a promise to himself, he'd treasure and love his girls.

He crossed his heart and swore by it no matter what.