Too Late To Say Goodbye | Tommy Shelby {1}

59.

Dinner was wonderful.

The four of them sat at the small table in Eleanor's kitchen. Eating everything Bella and her mum spent the afternoon preparing.

Baby wouldn't leave Charlie alone, even while eating, the pup rested his head in the boys lap.

It was later on and they were Now in the living room, Charlie jumped around with Baby by the Christmas tree. Tommy relaxed on the couch with an arm around Bella, while she rested her head on his shoulder.
Eleanor went to bed not long ago, tired from the day.

Bella yawned, wondering how the young boy had so much energy.
Charlie helped put the cookies and milk out, and Bella planned to sneak down here after he was sleeping to put the rest of the presents under the tree, now all that needed to be done was to get Charlie to sleep...
A little sniffle from above caught her attention.
Turning to look up, she noticed Tommy had a running nose and watery eyes.

Bella tried to hide her smile, she completely forgot he was allergic to the cat! He never said anything and didn't complain at all.

He looked down at her, already knowing what was coming, he knew it would happen, but wouldn't turn down the invite over the sniffles.
"What?"

Bella smiled, "nothing. Just glad you're here."

He squeezed her shoulder, "me too, peach, me too."

Bella looked back over at the two by the tree, both of them slowly loosing energy.
"Maybe it's time we put them to sleep." She suggested, knowing the boy will be awake early.

Tommy nodded, adjusting her so he could stand.
"Charlie boy, time for bed." He told his son, who looked up at him with tired eyes.

Bella stood then too, "gotta get to bed so Father Christmas will come."

Charlie's eyes lit up at that, nodding his head in agreement. Bella smiled, bending down to pick him up.
He'll be sleeping on the small love seat in Bella's room.

Adjusting the boy in her arms as he laid his head on her shoulder. Tommy rested his hand on Her back, making sure she had her balance while walking upstairs.

As soon as Bella rested Him on his pillow, Baby jumped up with him, snuggling his head onto Charlie. Both instantly asleep.

Smiling down at the duo, she turned to Tommy, feeling his presence behind her. "I think they like each other."

Raising his brows and nodding, he agreed "I think so too, peach."

Quietly giggling, she tugged on his collar, pulling him towards the bed
"Best get to sleep, lord only knows when we'll be up."

Placing his hands on her waist, stopping any movement. Closing his eyes, leaning down to rest his forehead on hers again.

With no hesitation, she slid her hands to the back of his neck, lightly scratching it like she always did
"What's on your mind Tommy?"

"I'm so glad you pick up the phone." He confessed.

Giving him a tight lipped smile, watching as he opened his eyes to look at her
"Me too."

He held her gaze to for a long moment. Looking over her every feature, still trying to convince himself that this was really. That he was really here with her.
"I promise you, Bella. I'm going to be a better man. A better man for you and a better man for Charlie. Only legitimate business from now on."

She respected and appreciated what he promised. She knew it was what was best for Charlie's safety.
But part of her worried about herself and Tommy. They have both admitted and accepted the fact that their lifestyles are what helps them have control over their minds...but after the priest, things have to change.