A week. Tommy kept her waiting for an entire week before she got a phone call. It was quick and all Tommy said was he would arrive around noon the next day and then hung up. It aggravated Olivia but she could also understand the hesitancy. She altered his life in a matter of minutes. He is a father now. He is responsible for another human. A human that shares his blood. He will have to teach him life lessons Olivia can't. He will have to teach him how to be a man . He also missed the first five years of Oscar's life. She was sure that laid heavy on Tommy conscious.
She was so scared that Tommy might bail on them because it would be just too much. She wouldn't blame him. He had his life planned out with his future wife and it didn't include a son that came out of thin air. The only thing that made her feel slightly at ease was Polly. She was kind to her at the hospital. Consoling her when Tommy ran out. She knew if Polly accepted them then Tommy and the others would too. Olivia wanted Oscar to have a happy childhood filled with family that loved him unconditionally. She knew how close the Shelby's are and wanted that for her son. A big loving family filled with uncle's and aunts and cousins.
A knock jolted Olivia off the couch. She quickly went to the door and looked out the side window. To her surprise it was Polly. Olivia moved to the door and just stood there. Here it was. Judgment day. It felt like Polly was about to get her ready for the executioner that would be Tommy. It was time to pay for her sins. Olivia moved her hand to the door knob but couldn't turn it to let Polly in. Maybe if she quietly stepped back she could make it up the stairs and pretended not to be home.
"I know you're at the door I saw the curtain move."
Well so much for sneaking off. With a deep breathe Olivia readied herself and unlocked the door.
"Hello Mrs. Gray what brings you here. I thought Tommy was coming." Olivia said with a slight waver in her voice. Polly took her sun glasses off and just smirked.
"I just happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to pop in for some tea. So are you going to let me in."
" I don't have much choice do I ? "
"Smart girl." Polly waltzed in and started handing Olivia her belongings. Olivia was a bit miffed by her actions but just went along. She didn't want to piss off Polly right now. Olivia hung up her hat and coat in the foyer closet. They just stood there for a few minutes. Polly was observing the place and Olivia was observing Polly. The atmosphere was tense and awkward. Polly turned to Olivia.
"Did Tommy send you in his place ? "
" No , he is outside waiting for me to meet the child, to make sure. "
Olivia eyebrows raised in slight shock and anger. How could Tommy send in his aunt and not come inside himself. He demanded this meeting with not a full 24 hour notice and he was going to have his aunt do his dirty work.
"So where is the boy ? "
" Oscar , his name is Oscar , not the boy. And he is upstairs playing. Since the accident he has been laying low not doing anything strenuous. I don't want anything upsetting him.
" Olivia was irritated with the way her son was referred to. He wasn't just some random boy off the streets. He was her and Tommy 's son.
"Alright . We should have some tea before I meet Oscar." Polly was happy that Olivia already stood up to her. She appreciated her boldness that didn't border on rudeness. She can't say the same for Grace . Olivia walked them into the living room. Tommy let Polly read the file on Olivia and was very impressed of how well she has done for herself. She could see that in the home. Olivia had somewhat expensive and tasteful decor and furnishing.
"Take a seat while I go and get the tea." Olivia felt stiff while walking into the kitchen . She can only imagine what Polly was doing unattended. She had to keep her ears open in case Polly decided to find Oscar or if he came down stairs from his bedroom. The tea kettle screamed while Olivia put the tray together. There was an assortment of biscuits, macaroons, and a few scones. She put the tea pot and cups on the tray and headed for the living room.
Polly was beginning to think Olivia ran out the back until she came back with the tea. She was once again impressed with Olivia . She was doing her best to make her feel welcomed.
"I hope you like lemon lavender tea. I get it special ordered from the Provance -Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It's like a whole other world there. I have an aunt who lives in saint Tropez , she is ten years younger than my father, and I spent a summer with her when I was thirteen. She lost her husband young and inherited his sizeable trust fund and never had children so she decided to take me traveling all over the region. We toured vineyards , we hiked the alps , stayed in small villages , and the lavender fields was magnificent sight to see. I can still smell and see it like it was yesterday. The region is on the Mediterranean sea and the water is just beautiful. My aunt had to drag me out of the ocean because I didn't want to stop swiming. Oh and flamingos. I can't believe I got to see them. They are funny looking things."
Polly grabbed Olivia hand to shut her up. The poor girl was rambling while serving. Polly felt Olivia shaking a little.
"Please don't take my son. I know I've kept him from Tommy for five years but please don't take him. I will be happy to work out a schedule for visitation and Tommy can come here when ever he likes. But I don't think I have it in me to fight in court. I will if I have to but I don't want to drag Oscar through that. I also don't think I would win. Tommy has power here and I'm sure a judge would side with him. "
Olivia's eyes started to water. She thought she had everything under control but soon as she started rambling about her aunt she knew this was going down hill. She couldn't bare it if Oscar was taken away. Thomas Shelby is an OBE , he heads a large company and has wealth on his side. He had changed so much since the last they saw but in her heart she could see that he was the same Tommy. At least she hoped there was still a piece of him in there.
Polly set down her tea and pulled Olivia into a fierce hug. She understood the fear Olivia was feeling ,when her own children were taken away from her. Thank God she got Michael back.
"Look at me." Polly pulled back so she could look Olivia directly in the eyes.
"I can promise you that Tommy will never take Oscar away. I know that you're scared but there is no need to be. He just wants to know his son and be a father to him. Besides if Tommy screws up or causes any problems I will be the first to slap him."
That made Olivia giggle . Polly was just what Tommy described . She was a force to be reckoned with but once she let you into her heart you would never leave it. Olivia felt the warmth coming from Polly . In that moment she knew her son would always be safe and loved with his aunt Polly. Olivia took a napkin and dab her eyes. She and Polly both straightened themselves up.
"Hurry up and finish your tea." Polly request broke Olivia out of her fussing. She furrowed her brows at the request . Why did she have to finish the tea.
"Don't give me that look. Just drink it and hand me the cup when you're done." Polly tone left no room for argument. She felt like her own mother was sitting a cross from her. Olivia quickly drained the cup and set it back on the saucer . She looked down at what was left in the cup and it hit her.
"You want to read the leaves."
"Tommy used to tell me stories about your family. He said you could read tea leaves and you tried to teach him and his brothers, but no one would sit still long enough to pay attention.''
Polly was impressed . Firstly , Tommy told her family stories that he rarely shared and secondly , she wasn't met with judgement. Which was rare coming from an outsider.
" I'll be honest with you Polly. I don't believe much in that kind of thing. I hope you're not offended. "
"Just trust me sweetheart. Drink up."
Olivia drank the warm liquid and handed the cup over. She was raised to have an open mind to all beliefs and religions but this wasn't something she was opened too. The devout Catholic child inside her was slightly freaked out. She could hear Sister Mary denouncing Polly as practicing witch craft. She also thought of someone could see the future why didn't they see how the war turned out. Why didn't anyone stop the assassination of the duke that started the damned war .
Polly swished the cup around a few times and a grin crept on to her lips. This was exactly what she wanted to see. Polly set down the cup and cradled Olivia face in her hands.
"Answer me honestly. Do you still love Thomas ?"
Olivia had a knot in her throat. She had to tread carefully with her response.
"I will always have a place in my heart for him. I'm not in love with him. Our time to be together has passed. "
The lie tasted awful on her tongue. Yes is what she wants to shout. Yes I'm still in love with Tommy , but she can't ever say that out loud. He belonged to another.
Polly knew Olivia was lying . That was good. It meant she should work her magic behind their backs. By the end of the year she was going to make Olivia a Shelby. That blonde devil was standing in the way but she shouldn't be much of an obstacle anymore. How could Grace compete with the mother of Tommy first born child.
"Now I would like to meet my great nephew."
Olivia was watched Polly practically skip to the stair case. What ever she saw in the leaves boosted her mood. It made her curious but she didn't have courage to ask.
Olivia called out to Oscar.
"Chérie , descends. Il y a quelqu'un qui veut te rencontrer."
(Sweetheart come down. There is someone who wants to meet you.)
Polly saw a little head pop out from the behind banister.
"Come on." His mother encouraged him. Oscar held onto the banister and slowly made his way down. The little boy had a mature aura about him. Possibly too grown up for his own good. He made his way to Olivia and latched his tiny fist on to the back of her dress. Olivia patted his head and introduced them.
"Oscar this is Polly Gray. Your father's aunt."
He looked up at Polly and shuffled his feet. He was nervous. Polly crouched down and stuck her hand out to shake his. The best approach was to treat him like an adult and not baby him. Just like she did with Tommy when he was Oscar age.
"It's lovely to meet you and call me aunt Polly. We are family after all."
Oscar inspected Polly. If he was a dog he would be sniffing her hand. Everything about him screamed Shelby. If she wasn't sure before , she defiantly sure now. From his eyes to his facial features down to his mannerisms. He was one hundred percent Shelby.
Oscar straightened himself and stuck out his hand to shake polly's.
"I'm Oscar Charles Shelby . "
Polly could help but to giggle at Oscar. He was so polite and grown up. She shook his hand and stood up.
" I'll go get Tommy. " Polly walked out the front door and waved to Tommy. He was standing against the car smoking. He quickly ran across the street and up the stoop. Polly took the cigarette out of his mouth and flicked it away.
"Thomas look at me. Do not fuck this up ,understand. " She fussed with his tie and made sure he was presentable. She took his cap and shoved it into his coat pocket. Tommy swatted his aunt away.
"Is he my boy ?"
Polly fisted his lapels and brought him closer to her face.
"Yes he is your son. Oscar is a kind respectful little boy who deserves a father. A father who asks him about school , who holds him when he has nightmares , who will support him even when he screws up. Be the father your's wasn't."
Tommy took Polly hands into his.
"I know Pol. I promise I will be better."
Inside the house Olivia was preparing Oscar.
"This is it sweetheart. Your father is here and wants to meet you , if you feel uncomfortable let me know. I will tell him to leave and you can hide in your bedroom if you want."
Olivia had waited till she got the call from Polly to tell Oscar. During his bed time, the night before , Olivia told Oscar his favorite bed time story of Tommy. How his father was a brave British soldier who dug tunnels to help the allied forces. He valiantly fought off the mean Germans and doing so was injured. That when he came to Olivia field hospital , they fell in love and made a precious little boy. She romanticized every detail she could. It made her sick but Oscar was too young to hear the truth. The truth was almost shameful to Olivia. She had sex with a man she had only know for a few weeks. A child was conceived out of wedlock. Most of society would see her as a whore and Oscar as a bastard .
Olivia explained to Oscar how she found Tommy and he wanted to meet him . His head shot up from his mother's chest at the revelation , Olivia saw the excitement and curiosity all over his face. He jumped up and down on the bed while loudly babbling about his father. It took Oscar nearly two hours to settle down for the night. Five long years and he would have his father. She was happy that her boy would have a whole family but it brought on a feeling of melancholy. She would have to share her son with a person who is practically a stranger now. Weekends , holidays , and summers would be spent on Birmingham , a city that was two hours away. She had to fight the urge to run back to France with him. She wanted to be selfish and keep Oscar to herself . It was too late now. Tommy would go to the ends of the earth to find them. There was no where she could run.
Olivia sat on the stair steps comforting Oscar when the front door opened. Tommy was a menacing figure in the entry way. Tall with a fresh sharp hair cut ,wearing a black long coat with a small glimpse of red lining , black driving gloves and a peaked hat in his pocket. A quick flash of metal from the brim of his hat had Olivia curious. The air was thick with awkwardness and the adults didn't know how to break it. Thankfully the five year old had courage and walked up to Tommy , gave him a once over , and spoke.
" I'm Oscar. "
Tommy looked down at the boy and was baffled by him. His heart felt like it was about to beat out of his chest. Living breathing proof of his love affair with Olivia was standing in front of him. A poised proper young man , who certainly is a Shelby.
"My name is Tommy."
Tommy wasn't sure how to interact with him. He had plenty of nieces and nephews but this little guy was completely different from his past experiences. The usual tactics wouldn't work. Oscar wasn't an enemy who he had to be five steps ahead of. Deep breaths in and out , that's all he had to do. Breathe.
"You're my papa ,right?"
" Seems so. " It was a vague and stupid thing to say instead of a straight yes but it's all Tommy could get out. He saw Olivia narrow her eyes at his answer and had to rectify it.
"Yes . I'm Tommy Shelby. Your father."
Oscar became overwhelmed and three his arms around Tommy waist. His little body started to shake with tears. Tommy pried Oscar off of him and wiped his tear stained cheeks. Tommy looked at him and felt so much love. He picked Oscar up and held him. He was being choked but didn't care. Tommy rubbed small circles in to his back and whispered romani in his ear. The same way Tommy calmed spooked horses.
Oscar pulled back and smiled. He stared at Tommy and could see the similarity between them. Polly had made her way over to Olivia and they held hands , enjoying the moment. Polly broke away and went to the coat closet.
"Tommy , I'm going to take the car to visit with Ada. I will be back by four ."
Tommy hummed a small alright. Oscar smile attracted him like a moth to a flame.
"Tommy , would you like to take him into the living room ? Have some tea and biscuits ."
"No mama we have to go to the park ! Papa and I can play then we can get ice cream."
Oscar squirmed to be put down and ran up the stairs to get ready for the park. He made it to the top of the stairs when he shouted.
"I will be a moment don't leave yet papa."
"He was jumping up and down last night excited to meet you." Olivia Hughes herself and shuffled her feet slightly heartbroken to see her son falling in love with Tommy . He isn't just hers any more .
She watched Tommy and noticed he wasn't listening , staring up the stairs waiting for Oscar to come back down. A dumb smile hadn't left his lips. She walked over to him and touched his arm to break him out of his stupor.
"I can tell him we shouldn't leave if you feel more comfortable here in the house than at a park. "
Tommy waved her off.
"No no . He wants to play at the park so we will."
"Tom , I understand that this situation could become overwhelming , so I need to know that you plan on being a father to him. A constant in his life , you can't pick and choose when you want to be involved. You have to be fully committed to him. I won't have you break his heart or abandon him. "
He knew what Olivia was saying was out of protection for their son , that didn't mean it didn't hurt. He was better than that. He was going to love his son as much as he possibly could. He didn't care if he worked himself to death , he was going to give Oscar a better life than he had. In this moment , Tommy couldn't understand his father. The need to hit , lie , and steal from his own flesh. Completely tear down his own son to the brink of suicide. He wanted to vomit , thinking about inflicting that on his own innocent child.
A door slammed and hurried footsteps bounded down the hall onto the stairs. Olivia had to catch Oscar before he tripped.
"You need to be careful darling , you don't want to end up in the hospital again do you ?"
" Sorry mama. I got my ball so papa can play . " Oscar held up his ball for the adults. He had felt like it was Christmas morning . His father found them and was going to stay forever. The mystery man has been a silent figure in his life. His mama told him stories but he saw a sadness in her eyes. A sadness that he knew was because she missed his father. He would pray every night God would reunite them to become a real family. He wanted the sadness gone from his mama. She did so much for him she deserved to be happy. He had given up hope until today. God had answered his prayers and he would have his mama and papa together. This was truly better than Christmas .
"Come on mama get your coat."
Olivia couldn't help the grin and went for her coat. Her boys walked out on to the side walk while she locked up. Her boys ? No . She had one boy. Oscar. Tommy wasn't her's. He was engaged to be married , in love with another woman. Her heart kept breaking with each step walking behind them. Watching Tommy hold Oscar hand , listening intently to the ramblings of his child. She made a giant mistake in not coming to Birmingham like she had promised. She fought the urge to cry out and scream at her stupidity . It was too late for them but not for Oscar. He was all who mattered . She could live with her own misery.
Once they arrived at the park , Tommy found a bench to place both his coats on. It had been years since he kicked a ball around , long before the war. He felt free. Kicking the ball back and forth ,hearing his son giggling. He felt the weight off his shoulders. He was surprised at how fast Oscar warmed up to him. For the past week he was worried that Oscar wouldn't care to know him. It would have killed him if Oscar was indifferent towards having a father.
"Papa do you have horses ?" After kicking the ball for over an hour , they rested on the bench.
" I do. I have three that race and the other four are cobs. You ever seen a cob ? "
Oscar had a funny quizzical look on his face. It made Tommy chuckle .
"No I don't think I have. What to they look like ?"
"They are beautiful massive beasts. Mine are black and white. Piebald with long mane hair. They're used to pull vardos."
" What's a vardo ? "
"It's what we Romani live in when we travel."
"You lived in a traveling house ?" Oscar asked with wonderment.
Tommy chuckled.
"Yes I did. Me family traveled all over England when I was your age. We hunted for dinner and bathed in streams. It was beautiful at night when the stars lit up the sky. It was one of the happiest times of my life." His heart warmed at the memories. The pure bliss of running free with his siblings and cousins, happy parents who loved me cared for each other. His boy needed those memories.
"I slept outside once in a tent but I got scared when I heard howling. Mama said it was a just a dog but I still think it was a wolf. "
Tommy brought his son in close and held him close.
"I'll take you traveling next summer . You don't have to worry about any wolves. I'll be there to protect you. "
"It will be an adventure like in Alice in wonderland."
" oh yeah. You like that story? "
"Mmhhmm , mama reads it all the time."
While Tommy and Oscar continued to bond Olivia took another lap around the park. She decided to walk and clear her head while they spent time together. Half way through the walk she hid behind a tree to cry. For years Oscar belonged to only her. She had built their own tiny world that is now expanding. A new city , New family . She would have to share her boy with a man she doesn't know that well anymore. She didn't want to lose that close relationship she has with Oscar. It was selfish but she wanted to keep Oscar hidden. Safe in the bubble that she worked so hard to maintain.
"You look like You could use a stiff drink."
Olivia nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden familiar voice. She looked over the the road and saw Polly leaning on a car.
"Dear lord. Are you trying to kill me by fright?"
Olivia place her hand over her heart to calm herself.
"And what are you doing here ? I thought you went to visit with Tommy sister ."
"I did ,said hello and then came here."
" does she know about me and Oscar ? "
Polly linked Olivia arm with hers and started in a leisurely stroll.
"She does and is happy for him. You know when Tommy came back he told us about you. Only me and Ada. He thrashed his bedroom. His beautiful French Nurse didn't come for him. He was heartbroken , just like with Greta death."
Olivia wanted to cry again.
Polly pulled out a cigarette.
"Dear God , I broke him didn't I ?"
"No sweetheart you didn't. Greta death and the war did that. I will be honest you didn't help , then there was the mess with Grace. "
"What mess ?"
"Right you don't know well... "
Polly stubbed her cigarette and went into a full anti Grace tirade. She told Olivia about the events surrounding grace's introduction to the family and her return. Polly wanted her to know every nasty detail. It was a risk , possibly scaring Olivia , but at the moment Polly didn't care. Olivia needed to know what kind of woman would be around her son. She needed to know what she was up against.
The tale that Polly was telling shocked Olivia. How in the hell did he get mixed up in that mess. How did he turn himself and his family into what sounds like gangsters. He was honest about the betting shop , that wasn't something she would ever hold against him. Simple betting on horses or football games wasn't such a big deal. Stealing guns from the British government , going against inspectors and bigger more dangerous gangster was worse. That wasn't the life he wanted for himself. He wanted to train horses. The life he described was a peaceful one. What in the hell happened and how was she going to protect her boy from what she despised most. Senseless violence and killing .
Oscar kicked the ball past Tommy. It hit a dog. A massive bullmastif . The dog sniffed it and just say down to chew. Tommy went to get the ball back when he was startled by the dog. He looked directly into Tommy eyes and the look was too familiar . Only one person He knew had a dog like that.
"It's not nice to take things that don't belong to you. Naughty boy you are Cyril."
Alfie bent over to pry the ball out of his mouth. He straighten up with a grunt and used his cane to push the ball towards Tommy.
"Hello Thomas." Tommy was flabbergasted . Alfie was absolutely the last person he wanted to see right. From what Tommy noticed about alfie demeanor , this wasn't an accidental meeting. It was planned. Tommy felt like an idiot for leaving his gun in the car.
"Hello Alfie. You following me now?"
"I do have a life mate , The world doesn't revolve around you."
Tommy balled up his fist . He was going to punch alfie when Oscar interrupted them.
"Can I pet the dog papa ?" Oscar tugged on Tommy. He could see alfie eyes widen a fraction in surprise. He didn't know who Oscar was untill now. Alfie had leverage over him. He would kill himself if asked too. Anything to protect Oscar from a kidnapping .
"Of course you can. He loves children , kick the ball and he will chase after."
Alfie have Oscar a smile. Surprisingly genuine. Tommy pushed Oscar along to play with Cyril.
"Why the fuck are you here ?"
"I make it my business to know everything about my associates , right, all the down to what time they take a piss at night . This ." Alfie pointed to Oscar and cyril.
" This is a big fucking surprise . I don't like fucking surprises. "
"Leave him out of this and get to the fucking point ."
Tommy was suddenly only inches and seconds away from bashing his face in.
"You got in some nasty trouble near my borders with those Italians. American mafia Italians ,the worst kind to shoot down in public and in broad
daylight."
" I am handling it. Don't bother yourself. "
"Don't bother myself. Of course I'm going to fucking bother. You started a shit storm near my territory. I helped you with Sabini , that did enough damage. I'm not doing it again. You really love chaos don't you . "
"You didn't help me , you almost got me brother killed. The problem with the Americans is mine and mine alone. It will be taken care of but don't you dare think of sticking your now where it doesn't fucking belong."
"Mama look , his name is Cyril." Oscar giggled.
" He is big like a pony. "
Tommy stepped away from Alfie and turned to look towards Olivia. To his surprise Polly was with her and giving him a dirty look.
"What a handsome fella. Who does he belong to? " Olivia asked while petting the gentle giant.
"He belongs to my associate Mr. Solomons."
Alfie and Olivia looked at each other in recognition.
"Mr . Solomons , I'm glad to see you're healing well." Olivia said cooley. She didn't know what to think in the moment. Tommy being one of biggest London gangsters associates made her head hurt. It had to be the worst time to second guess herself but she was. Danger seemed to lurk around every corner that Tommy was near.
"How the fuck do you know each other ?"
"Surveillez votre langue et votre ton vous me parlez."
( watch your language and tone when talking to me.)
She wasn't going to be disrespected in front of her son. Tommy was getting uglier by the minute.
"Mr. Solomons was a patient of mine , about a week ago."
" Stitched me right up. She has the touch of an angel. " Alfie gave Olivia a very flirtatious smirk. Man he loved pissing off Tommy.
She could see how angry Tommy was getting and decided to was time to leave.
"Sweetheart , it's time to leave. Say thanks Mr. Solomons for playing with his dog."
"Merci" Oscar grabbed Olivia hand and waved at alfie with the other.
Olivia left with Polly. She didn't care at the moment that Tommy was left behind. The stress was starting to become to much. He hadn't been in their lives for a full day and yet she was exhausted. It also worried her that He could change his temper so fast. What if he turned that temper on their son ?
"Come on papa." Tommy heard Oscar yell. He waved and turned back to Alfie.
" I will see you tonight, at your office and we can talk. I swear on me fucking life if I hear you've talked about my boy I will... "
"Yeah yeah , you will fucking kill me I get it. I won't go after the boy or his beautiful mum. I'll keep your little secret.Tonight at ten o'clock." Alfie gave Tommy a hard pat on his shoulder and left with Cyril.
Tommy quickly gathered his coats and hurried to his his family. He snapped at Olivia once again and he had to explain. Explain who alfie was. He was going to do something he hadn't done since he was a boy. Pray. Pray that Olivia would be understanding and not take his son away.
"Mama, can papa and aunt Polly stay for dinner ?"
Oscar had asked , rousing Tommy from his troubled thoughts.
They stood in the entry way of Olivia home. Oscar eyes were wide and full of want. A family dinner would be a perfect way to end the day.
Tommy wanted to stay but based on the dirty looks Olivia was giving , she didn't want him too.
"Sorry sweetheart we can't." Polly told him regretfully . "But on Tuesday your papa is having a big family dinner to introduce you to everyone. You can sleep over with all your cousins. How does that sound ?"
Oscar gave Polly a toothy grin and hugged her .
"It sounds wonderful."
"I'm not sure about that."
" oh please mama. I'm sure papa wouldn't mind if you stayed too. "
"Umm''
" We can figure the details later but I will see you on Tuesday alright. I love you." Tommy crouched down in front of Oscar. He squeezed and squeezed. Tommy didn't want to let go.
"Love you papa."
" You need to go wash up for dinner. " Olivia patted Oscar on his head before he ran up to his bedroom. She had to talk to Tommy before he left but she felt this discussion would last for hours.
"I need a moment Tom." She walked into the living room. Polly have him a chuckle and left the house. He took a deep breathe and followed Olivia. She tore into him before he was able to sit down.
"Polly told me a great deal about your business and about Grace."
" Fucking hell. " Of course Polly went behind his back.
"Watch your language Thomas."
" Now I might not know much about Mr. Solomons but I know enough. I saw the tattoo on his hand and have heard the rumors about him. I know he dangerous. "
Olivia was pacing in front of the fire place.
"I never thought less of you or your family for the gambling , you did the best with what you had , but my God Tommy. Gang wars, going after an inspector , stealing guns , and all for what hmmm?
For you to end up dead before you turn forty. How would Oscar feel knowing his father was taken from him too soon because of a foolish rivalry."
Every word Olivia was telling felt like acid in his ears. All of it was the truth. He could die by bullet tomorrow morning by some kid he had never met , following orders of a boss wanting to make a name for himself. Just how he killed Kimber. He never care untill now. He has a real reason to live.
Tommy stood up , grabbed Olivia, looked her in the eyes.
"I know I'm not the man you once knew but I promise I'm not going die soon."
A hollow promise.
"You can't promise me that. Why Tommy ?"
Olivia sorrowful eyes threatened to break Tommy soul.
"I did what I to. I did what I had to bring my family out of the streets and put respect on the Shelby name."
"But was it worth it. The never ending violence , looking over your shoulder. What if your enemy decides to hurt Oscar."
" I won't let that happen. "
"Stop making promises you can't keep."
" I can fucking keep this one. No one will ever hurt Oscar. "
Tommy bowed his head. Their foreheads touched. A promise flowed between them . A vow in keeping their precious child safe and innocent from all the dangers in the Tommy's world.
"What about Grace ?"
Tommy tensed up. He took a step back and let go of Olivia.
"What about her ?"
" Thomas I don't want to pry or come between you two , but Polly told me everything. She didn't paint a pretty picture of Grace. A spy who betrayed you , left you heartbroken to marry another man. Polly also said her husband killed himself because she left him for you. "
"Get to the point."
Olivia rubbed her forehead. She could feel a possible fight if she isn't careful.
"Can you trust her around our son ?"
No I can't. I will always keep an eye on her around Oscar.
"Yes. Grace has changed. She loves me and she will love my son."
" Are you sure ? How did she react when you told her ? " "
"Haven't told her yet . I wanted to make sure before I told her and the family."
His reasoning was understandable . Why tell your fiance about a child that might not be yours. The other part was slightly sneaky. She would want to know about the other woman her future husband was in love with. She had hoped he told her the whole truth about their relationship. The last thing she needed was to look over her shoulder while near Grace. She didn't want a jealous woman around her son.
A loud knock broke the tense conversation. Polly was yelling for them to hurry up. Olivia walked him to Polly .
"I forgot to ask, Why was Oscar in the hospital ?"
Tommy felt like an idiot for not checking on his son's well being from the start.
"He was thrown from a horse. A beautiful one. Named Mahogany boy. He reminded me of you."
Olivia caught Tommy hand in hers. She rubbed her thumb back and forth against him. She loved his hands. Rough and strong from hard labour but also soft. A gentleness to them. The type of hands that could throw a proper punch and also caress your body. A sudden imagine of her sucking on Tommy finger broke her of her dirty thoughts . She let go of his hand as if it was on fire. Her cheeks heated from a blush.
" Phone me with the details for Tuesday. Goodbye Polly. "
Olivia gave them both hugs and walked back in the house. She and Oscar were enjoying a hot bowl of stew he almost made Olivia choke on a potato .
"When will you and papa get married?"
That question shouldn't of taken Olivia by surprise. All Oscar knew was his father was in their lives and it was natural for a moment and daddy to be married. It what he saw with his grandparents and his uncle. Happily married people who share children. She had to crush his dream. It broke her heart.
"Papa and I won't be getting married."
Oscar face fell.
"Why not ?"
"Because he is getting married to another woman. Her name is Grace and she is going to be your step mother soon."
Stepmother. She would have a stranger mothering her son. That was going to be a hard pill to swallow.
"I don't want a step mother. I want you and papa to get married."
Oscar threw his spoon back in the bowl. A tantrum was coming and it was going to be a bad one. Olivia pushed out his chair to get her point across.
"Even though your father and I aren't together doesn't mean we aren't a family. We love you so much , I promise we are a real family ."
Oscar slept in Olivia bed that night. She loved on him with all her might. She had to think positive. Her son had his new family. He would learn new traditions he could carry on when he was married with kids. Grace would be an added bonus parental figure. A woman that would comfort him if she wasn't there. Yes the situation was a positive one, right ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~BIRMINGHAM~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tommy parked his car in the drive and sat there. The sun was rising and casted a picturesque view. A peaceful sight that was about to be shattered. After a long arduous night with Alfie he was ready to pass out right where he sat. He sat through three mind numbing hours of Alfie lecture on not fucking with the mafia. By the end of the speech Tommy pulled a gun on him , threatening to never bring his new family into their business. Alfie just laughed him off but did promise. Despite their past issues he didn't believe Alfie would intentionally hurt an innocent woman and child.
A knock on the car window woke Tommy up. He had dosed off without realizing it. He handed the keys to one of his many nameless employees and walked inside to be greeted by Frances.
"Welcome back Mr.Shelby. "
She took his coat.
"Frances have the room across from mine prepared. Order a bed and find furniture from the house . A dresser , night stand , make it look welcoming . Also he will need bedding."
" Mr. Shelby that room is meant for a nursery. "
Tommy stopped and saw the questioning look on Frances face. He never paid much attention to Grace when she would talk about babies. He vaguely remembers Grace mentioning painting and decorating the room across from them. To have it ready for when the times comes. She wasn't going to be happy .
"Clean the room and have it prepared for a five year old boy understand."
" Yes Mr. Shelby. "
"Have it finished by Tuesday morning also tell the cook there is a family dinner that night. Understand ."
" Yes Mr. Shelby. "
Tommy took a bottle of whiskey out of his office and ran to the bedroom. Grace almost fell off her vanity seat when Tommy barged in . He was slightly frantic. Pacing like a caged tiger. Taking sip after all of whiskey. He didn't hear Grace calling to until she was right in front of him.
"Tommy stop and tell me what happened. You are frightening me." Grace gently took the whiskey bottle of our his hand and placed it on a dresser. She then guided him to the bed . He took a minute to look at her , really take in his fiance. The was the defining moment that could break them. It would test Grace's love and commitment towards their relationship. He gave her a deep passionate kiss.
"I love you . Please remember that."
"Tom ?"
"I lied about my feelings towards Olivia. We were in love. I don't know how it happened but somehow we found each other in that hell. "
Grace looked like a fish with her mouth open .
"We promised that each other after the war should we both survive , that she would come to Birmingham and we would be together. I never heard from her after leaving that hospital. No letters or phone calls nothing. I was going to find her when I came home but then you and Campbell showed up. I got distracted and never bothered after that."
" Um .. Uh. What are , Why Tom. "
Grace wasn't able to articulate her thoughts. It was too early in the morning and too much information to process.
"The reason I am telling you this now is because I found her last week. It was by accident. She works and lives in London."
"Oh dear God . You're leaving me. "
Grace had angry tears running down her cheeks. He was pulling the rug from out from her. She tried to jump up and flee the room but Tommy stopped her.
"No I'm not leaving you. Please just listen."
"She has a son. My son. He was conceived during my stay at the hospital. I didn't know she was pregnant or she had a child , not in till I saw them at the hospital. "
"Are you sure it's yours ?"
" Yes I'm sure . He looks just like me and Polly says he is mine. "
Grace huffed and rolled her eyes so hard they almost fell out of the sockets .
"Polly would say anything to keep us apart."
" Listen to me Grace , Polly would never lie about Oscar being my son . Do you understand ? "
"Oscar. "
The boy had a name.
"I love him so much Grace. He is smart , kind , and so pure. I never thought I could create something so beautiful and innocent."
"He is coming in Tuesday to meet the family and his room is across from ours."
Tommy felt a sharp sting on his left cheek come out of nowhere. She had slapped him.
"How could you do this to me Tommy ? Give that boy the nursery meant for our children . Move him in here without asking me."
" I don't need to ask for your fucking permission Grace. He is MY son. "
"I thought I would be the first and only woman to bare your children. Now you bring some stranger onto our home and expect me to become a mother and you lied. You swore she didn't mean anything to you but now I find out you were set to marry her . How could you do this to me."
"He already has a mother and he isn't going to live with us permanently. I can't turn my back in him. I need him Grace , I fucking need him."
They held each other foreheads touching.
"Why didn't you tell me about her ?"
" For the same reason I never talk about Greta. It's to painful. Ghost of the past that I don't want to see anymore. I will spend the rest of my days apologizing to you. "
"That woman isn't a ghost . She is living with your son. What if .."
Tommy stopped her with another kiss, a slow loving one. He knew what she was about to say. He needed her to stop so he could come up with the perfect response .
"I have no feelings for her anymore. She would never come between us. Ok."
" mmmhmm "
"I have to call a family meeting and on Tuesday you get to meet them."
" Them ?! " Grace asked a little too high pitched.
"Yes . Olivia will stay for dinner and Oscar is spending the night. I love you that will never change."
He kissed her forehead and walked off.
Grace stood in the bedroom and she was beyond shocked. Her reality had been blown up in a matter of moments. He had a son with a woman he cried out for in his sleep. Tommy had slept with plenty of women and loved one ,well now two. She felt superior to all of them because she had the chance to become a mother. The mother to his first make heir. That dream was what kept her going through the hard times. A perfect family for Thomas Shelby OBE and soon to be parliament member .
Grace took a swig of the whiskey and hurled the bottle at the wall. That French whore stole her future with a bastard. She wouldn't let that woman and her mutt steal her place. No not now. Not when she had gotten this far. There were many was to get rid of them. The bastard could be shipped off to boarding school and the whore could have an accident. If she had to commit murder it didn't matter . Grace Burgess was going to become queen Shelby and no one was getting in her way.
Thank you for all the love. It always amazes me when I get new hits on this story . I'm truly grateful for all of you.