Too Late To Say Goodbye | Tommy Shelby {1}

45.

Tommy carried her through the house, and out the stables, where she saw that her favorite horse was all ready for a ride.

Jumping down from his arms, making her way over to Monaghan Boy, petting his snout once in reach.

"We're taking him for a ride?" She asked turning back to the man. Who Nodded in return, and gestured to the stool he left out for her to climb onto the horse.

"After you, love." He said, putting his hand out to help her

With a smile and a peck on cheek, she did as she was told. Climbing onto the horse with a little too much excitement.

Just like the first time they were on the horse, Bella had a hard time balancing until, Tommy joined her. Sitting with her back to his chest, just like all those months ago.

Reaching around her to grab the reins, he rested his chin on her shoulder
"Ready to go, peach?"

Nodding and turning her head slightly to look at him "I am."

With that they started their journey throughout the fields behind the Arrow House.

Bella wouldn't stop squirming to the point Tommy was convinced she was going to make them both fall off. So he eventually wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her tight against him, using only the one hand to control the horse.

Finally relaxing into him "sorry. I'm still not use to being up here."

Squeezing her waist, he brought his face down to hers "never apologize"

Looking forward, in the distance, Bella was able to make out a little Picnic by a lone tree. Feeling the smile creep on her face, she rested her hand on Tommy's thigh.
"You did this for me?"

Coming up next to the tree, he nodded "had the stable boys and the maids come out here to set it up"

He stopped the horse, and swung his leg over to jump down. Looking up, holding his hands out for her.

Smiling, she leaned down to hold his shoulders as he helped her off the horse.
Once her legs were firmly planted on the ground, she quickly turned towards the blanket that was spread across the grass.
On it was a bouquet of pink and white roses, mini sandwiches, wine, strawberries and of course peaches.

Feeling Tommy's hand on her waist, she looked up at him in awe.

"Happy Birthday, peach" he told her, with a kiss to the forehead.

*****

The two laid on the blanket. Bella on her back looking up at the passing clouds. Tommy on his side, propping his head up with his hand, watching her.

They ate the treats Tommy had put together for them. Bella gushed about how much she loved the flowers and the wine. Over all, it was a lovely morning.

Tommy reached for a strawberry. Bringing it up to her lips, watching as she took a bite of it. Never in his life did he think he'd be a man to go on a picnic, eating fruits and watching the clouds. But he'd be lying if he said he wasn't enjoy it.

Swallowing the berry, Bella turned her head to look at him. As usual, he was already looking at her.
"Where did you want to be, Tommy?"

He was confused by her question, furrowing his brows
"I want to be here, Bell"

Softly shaking her head "no that's not what I mean. I meant when you were a child, Tommy, what did you want your life to be, before this world took a toll on us?"

She looked up at him with her doe like eyes, patiently waiting for his answer. He looks deep in thought, really thinking about her question.
Adjusting his cap, finally looking back down at her.
"Not sure, peach. Before the war I was working with horses, suppose I'd still be doing that. What about you, where did you think you'd be?"