Too Late To Say Goodbye | Tommy Shelby {1}

44.

She had just finished putting Charlie to bed.

He was a tough boy to get to sleep, but once he was, he'd sleep through the night. So Bella didn't mind.

Rocking him as she sat in the chair in his room, watching while his eyes slowly drift off as she brushes his hair back, was something she'd never get tired of.

Leaving the boys room, Gently closing the door behind her, hearing the front door open.

Almost feeling embarrassed about the smile that instantly came onto her face, making her way towards the stairs.

At the bottom was Tommy, handing his coat and brief case over to the maids.

Walking down the stairs, it was easy to see that he looked stressed and tired. The day must not have gone as smoothly as he hoped...

But once he noticed her on the stairs, the tired lines were gone and replaced with a soft smile.
They met at the bottom step. Instantly wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

They stayed like that, Tommy rested his head on hers and closed his eyes. Glad to finally be with his peace.
While Bella softly rubbed his back, hoping to release any stress he was carrying.

"How are you, Tommy?" She asked softly. Getting a hum in response, still not moving from his position

"Better now."

Bella pulled back so she could look at his face. Knowing that he was hiding something.
"What happened?"

He stared at her with a tired expression and that was when she knew he wasn't about to share anything with her.
Signing and scratching the back of his neck, making sure he was looking at her
"Please, don't keep things from me Tommy..."

It was easy to see the worry in her eyes. Sighing, and Kissing her forehead, he nodded "let's go up stairs, I'll tell you what we're dealing with."

Bella sat patiently against the head board. While Tommy took his time getting ready for bed.
She could tell that he was taking longer than normal on purpose, that way he didn't have to tell her about the business just yet.
So she stayed put, playing with her fingers in her lap, not letting this go until she knew everything.

Tommy rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands, feeling his headache coming back. But he'd power through for her.

Finally coming to sit on the bed next to her, feeling her stare into the side of his head, he turned to her.

He knew then, looking at her beautiful, comforting face, There was no lying to her.

"There's going to a robbery..."

******

Tommy told Bella all about the planned robbery, the inside man that was spilling secrets for the priest and the dinner he had with the Russians tonight.

Although he's been dreading talking to her about all this, especially the priest, he has to admit that he felt a weight lift off his shoulders when voicing it.
Like he's said before, she was good at this. She had many points to add and voiced the things she'd be skeptical about.

Throughout the conversation Bella slowly scooted closer to him. Now they sat with Tommy leaning against the head board and Bella straddling his lap.

She gently rubbed the back of his neck, helping him relax. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, enjoying it.

"Do you think everything will be okay?" She asked

Tommy's eyes opened at the tone she used. He didn't want her to worry. Especially about him. Admiring her for a second, he wants to promise her nothing bad will happen. That she never had to worry. But he knows that's not true. And he knows she's too smart to believe that.