Bella felt really down the next few days.
She tried to leave the house as little as possible. Afraid that more people of Small Heath hated her like that woman does. And she didn't believe her heart could take another incident like that.
Still trying her best to help Tommy figure out the Italians as fast as possible, but now she was more hesitant with her suggestions, not wanting anyone else being hurt in the process.
When she was out, she stayed close to Tommy but always longed to be home with Charlie and Baby.
Tommy hated seeing her so anxious all the time. It wasn't the Bella he knows, and he would to anything to take it away from her.
Which is why he had tonight planned.
It wasn't much. He couldn't do a lot without being able to leave the city. But he worked with what he has and what he believes Bella would like.
Three days ago after the incident in the market, Tommy called Charlie, planning to have them set up down at the yard.
He knew it wouldn't take away any pain or guilt she felt, but he does hope it shows her how much he appreciates her.
So he was currently leaving the factory conference room as fast as he could. He told Bella to stay home today, telling her to rest.
Polly agreed to watch Charlie, so she wouldn't have anything to worry about.
The sun was setting as he walked into the house and not a second later he saw Bella's head peak around the corner of the kitchen with a smile.
He couldn't help but sigh in relief every time he saw that she was okay.
He knows she wouldn't do anything rash, especially with being pregnant. But sometimes he couldn't help but think about that terrible night on bridge. The night he almost lost her...
"Hi Tommy." She greeted him quietly
Putting his suitcase down on the table, he made his way over to her "Hi peach."
"Anything new?" She asked leaning her back against the counter as he rested his hands on it around her
He shook his head. "Unfortunately, no not yet." Then leaned closer kissing her lightly.
"But no more business tonight, come we have somewhere to be."
Furrowing her brows, not knowing where they could possibly be going.
"Where?"
Standing up straight, he held out his hand for her "you'll see. Promise it's not far."
"Oh okay." She said taking his offered hand, still confused about the situation.
Following him to the car. He helped her get in then made his way to the other side.
Bella sat in silence, still not understanding where they're going. If it was for business, she wants to be informed before they got there... but he told her no more business tonight, so she was at a lost.
Soon the car came to a stop and She recognized where they were right away.
They were at Charlie's Yard.
As normal, she waited until Tommy came around to help her out.
Taking his hand, looking up at him as she stepped down, "why are we here?"
"I have something to show you." Was all he told her, then placed a hand on the bottom of her back, leading her into the stables.
When they rounded the corner, what she saw made her stop in her tracks.
"What it is?"
A couple feet in front of them, stood Uncle Charlie and Curly. With a very nicely set table, candles, a small fire close to it and lovely pink rose in the center.
"A dinner for you, Ms. Bella." Curly answered, playing with his hat nervously.
Bella's mouth was agape and she instantly looked up to Tommy. Who nodded and gently pushed her forward when she didn't move.
"Yo-you set all this up for me?" She couldn't believe this was all for her.
Charlie nodded, "Tom called. Asked us to get it all sorted for you two. The birds are cooking, and we'll get out of your way."
"Thank you, Charlie." Tommy nodded at his uncle.
"Wo-would you like some music, Ms. Bella?" Curly asked politely, always happy to see his old friend.
She shook her head "oh no Curly, I don't want to put you through any trouble."
"No, Curly, go through some trouble. Bella likes music." Tommy interjected before the men could leave.
"Course." Curly agreed, scurrying out of the stables with Charlie following not far behind.
Bella felt her eyes well up with tears watching as they left. Only to have Tommy place his hand under her chin, flicking her eyes over to him.
"Thank you, Tommy."
Turning to fully face her, he wiped a single fallen tear.
"No more tears, love. This wasn't meant to make you upset."
Instantly shaking her head. "I'm not upset. Not at all. I just can't believe you did this for me."
Feeling relief in his stomach, but just as he was about to speak again, Curly came running back into the stables with a gramophone.
Quickly setting it down on a crate,
"It's all whined up for you, I-I be out of yer way-"
His panicky explanation was cut off by Bella going around Tommy and wrapping Curly in her arms.
She wishes to spend more time with the simple man. If it wasn't for him she never would've met Tommy.
"Thank you, Curly."
He pet her hair as he nodded, "welcome, Ms. Bella."
"Thank you, curly. That'll be all." Tommy thanked him as well.
Then with another nod, Curly was gone leaving the two alone.
"Come, sit." Tommy told her as he moved to pull the chair closest to her out.
And she listened, with a small smile taking a seat.
Tommy went to check on the birds cooking over the fire.
"Since I brought you here, thought I would cook as well."
Bella smirked, playing with a piece of her hair.
"Are you taking me on a date, Thomas Shelby?"
"Aye, suppose I am." He looked at her, taking in her attire for her evening.
Although she didn't know this was happening tonight, she still looked as marvelous as ever.
Wearing a long, dark dress, clothes that fit comfortably over her baby bump.
Finally tearing his eyes away from her, he went to serve them dinner.
Placing the place in front of her and a kiss to her forehead, he sat down in his seat.
"It looks wonderful, Tommy." Bella complimented the meal. It was very rare that he cooked. Why would he when he had a house full of cooks to do that for him?
But he was good at it, and Bella appreciates when he does.
He lifted up his glass of gin, while she picked up her glass of water.
"To you, peach."
Then took a slip and started eating.
Bella softly shook her head with a small smile, while doing the same.
The two shared light conversation through out. Bella eating every bite and on the rare occasion she actually felt full.
The music was playing and the atmosphere was comfortable as Bella leaned back in her chair, watching the small flames of the near by fire.
It wasn't until she felt his eyes on her that she looked away. Only to find Tommy staring at her with wonder in his eyes.
"What?" She smiled at him
With a small wave, he just barely above a whisper in spoke,
"Come here"
Holding his gaze for second before she started to get up. He waited patiently, knowing she can't move as fast as normal with their growing baby. But soon enough she was taking his hand as he helped her sit down on his lap.
Bella instantly wrapping her arms around his neck, smiling down at him.
"What's all this for?"
He was quiet for a moment before looking at her. "I want you to know how much I appreciate you and how much I love you."
Scratching the back of his neck as he spoke, smiling as she listened,
"You tell me all the time how much you love me. I know it to be true. And I love you too."
He hummed, gently rubbing her thigh.
"I know, Bell, I know. The other day...-"
"I'm sorry about the other day, I've been very emotional recently." She cut him off knowing what he was talking about. Her being upset after the incident at the market. She knows Tommy tends to blame himself when things involving the peaky business hurts her. But she would never blame him for this.
"No. I need you to listen to me.-" he spoke kindly but forcefully.
"The other night...you told me you didn't know if you were fit to be a mother and that broke my heart more than I ever could have guessed."
Bella dipped her head down, she did say that and that part of her emotional breakdown remains true. She didn't know if she was.
Tommy reached out then, placing his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"You are more fit to be a mother than any other woman I know. Strong, kind, understanding, forgiving, these all describe you peach. That little boy or girl is going to grow up so thankful to have you as their mother. I know Charlie is. And I wouldn't pick anyone else to be having my child...you said you didn't know if you were a good person, but I think you're the greatest person I've ever met."
Biting her lip to stop the tears from spilling out, instead leaning down to kiss him, pulling away a second later to rest her head on his.
"Thank you, Tommy."
Just then, she felt the baby kick. As if they heard the conversation their were having.
Bella's eyes lit up as she grabbed Tommy's hand, placing it right over where they were. Watching as Tommy's face melted into one of excitement, ridding them of the tension from their conversation.
His smile warmed her heart. Looking up at her, kissing her lightly, but never moving his hand.
"I still believe it's going to be a girl."
Bella nodded in agreement, secretly hoping he's right. But even if he isn't she would love them all the same.
"Care to dance, peach?" He asked after a few silent moments.
His question caused Bella to smirk,
"Didn't know There will be dancing tonight."
His smirk matched hers "I've been hoping there will be." Holding out his hand,
"Well, Mr. Shelby, I'm not sure if I'm the best dance partner. As you can see, I have a bit of a belly." She giggled as he helped her up,
then pulled her as close as possible.
"I would rather never dance again, than not dance with you." He told her
She giggled, "you know, there was a time where you told me I'd only ever get one dance with you, and look at us now."
Holding tightly onto her hand, he nodding remembering that night at the Garrison. When he showed up late and found her being drunkingly spun by John.
He wishes he cherished that moment more when he had the chance.
"And now I'm constantly waiting for our next."
She loves that they both find comfort and peace, slowly dancing in each others arms.
"This is where we first met." Tommy spoke quietly, pulling her out of her thoughts.
She smiled, it wasn't often Tommy was so soft and open, reminiscing on their past. She loved when he was in this mood because it was saved for her only.
"You mean the best night of your life?"
Tommy laughed at the comment, carefully spinning her around, then pulling her close again.
"I suppose it was, unknowingly at the time."
Giving him a tight lipped smile, placing her hands on his cheeks.
"And you've been my hero everyday since."
"And you've been mine, peach."
***Author's Note***
A happy chapter 😊
100 votes and I'll post the next chapter!