Olivia sat hunched over her desk with only the desk lamp on. Most of her day was spent shuffling through new applications for nursing positions. A perk of her job was she had been given the power to overhaul the nursing program. She took inspiration from her schooling in Boston and applied it.

She wanted to push the women to their fullest potential. She wanted them in the thick of things. From her own personal experiences society wasn't kind to women in the medical field. Nurses provided a critical service but they were not respected.She came close to punching a doctor for calling herself nothing more than a secretary. Demeaning to both professions. Olivia had great pride in her work and wanted others to feel the same.

Olivia arose from her chair to stretch her aching muscles. She slapped her bottom to get the feeling back.

"Well that is attractive."

Olivia jolted and knocked her knee into the chair. When she turned to the door way Peter stood there smirking.

"You should have knocked."

"And miss this show. Is this what you do in your free time? Spank yourself."

"That is enough from you." They giggled and Olivia playfully slapped him.

"I surrender I surrender."

"Are you ready for a late dinner?" Peter asked

"Yes, let me lock up these files and we can leave."

Peter helped Olivia into her coat and they left.

Olivia held on to Peter arm during the silent walk to the pub. The Fox and Parrot pub has been a convenient favorite of the hospital works since it's within walking distance. The pub had a calm atmosphere. Olivia was relieved for that as they sat at a booth. They both ordered the classic fish and chips.

"May I ask about Tommy now?" Peter hadn't broached the subject of their reunion yet.

"Everything is fine between us. Oscar is fitting in well with his family. They all love him dearly.He is spending four days with Tommy and I will see him again on Tuesday. Couldn't have asked for a better result." Olivia took a large chug of her beer.

Peter knew her though. She could force herself into being agreeable for the sake of peace. She was being too nice.

"You are lying Mon cher. Something bothered you. I will take a wild guess and say it's his fiance." Peter looked her sternly in the eyes. She was stubborn but he wasn't backing down. Olivia huffed.

"Grace did not give the best first impression."Olivia told him hesitantly.

"Mhm. I thought as much." He rolled his eyes.

"She did apologize , not only to me but to Oscar."

"What did she do to my boy?"

"MY son is just fine. He has Tommy there to protect him when I'm not around. Like I said she apologized for her rude behavior."

Peter considered himself as Oscar unofficial god father.

"Oscar is the closest thing I have to a nephew. I love him as my own blood. I don't take any harassment towards him lightly." Peter blood was boiling.

Olivia folded her hand over Peter's to calm and comfort him.

"She explained why she was so rude to us and I understand her feelings. I believed her sincerity."

"Then explain to me. Why would she be rude to a little boy? Her future step son."

" Calm down Pete."

"Her world has been tilted from Tommy actions. Polly filled me in on what he has done since the war. Everything you neglected to tell me. So much danger has followed him and just as she has settled now she has a step son."

Peter saw Olivia starting to blame herself for Grace bratty behavior.

"Stop it Livy. None of this is your fault."

"Why didn't you tell me? I am having a difficult time reconciling the two Tommy's. The soldier in France and the gangster here in England."

"I couldn't. I just.." Peter trailed off. Olivia moved closer to him and hugged him some.

She knew Peter was protecting Tommy. Protecting the both of them.

"Polly also told me who Grace is really is. How she met Tommy. I don't particularly like the circumstances but if he has forgiven her then I am putting my trust in that. Judge not lest ye be judged. I have plenty of skeletons in my closet. I wouldn't want people to look down on me because of my past."

"Your skeletons are minimal compared to hers."Peter retorted.

Shouting broke out. A young woman being roughly handled by a drunk brute. Another man attempted to subdue the drunk. It didn't work.

A beer mug smashed over the good civilian head. Blood dripped down his head to the bottom of his face.

"We need to go now." Peter stood up and grabbed onto Olivia wrist to pull her up. Olivia stood but stopped when she saw the bastard slap the woman and she fell to the ground. Her instincts kicked in and Olivia ran into the fight. Peter tried to hold Olivia back to no avail.

The drunk bumped into another patron who fell off his stool. That lead to a massive fight. More men joined in and were hurting each other for no reason. Olivia had to crawl to the woman who was curled up on the floor. Men were tripping over both of them and the frightened woman screamed when her hand was crushed.

"Shh I can help you. What is your name." Olivia had to yell over the chaos.

"Melissa." The young woman whimpered.

"Stay with me Melissa." Olivia took Melissa by the shoulders to move her. The closest safe spot was behind a knocked over table. They made haste and watched the fighting. Melissa kept crying while Olivia felt her heart rapidly beat , skin crawling, and clammy skin. Another panic attack. She couldn't see Peter in the mix but she could fairly hear a man call out her name.

Two loud guns shot into the ceiling silenced the crowed.

"You have thirty seconds to clear the building, otherwise the police will be on their way and you all will be hauled in." Another shot rang out. Olivia flinched. Bile rose up into her mouth and she swallowed.

Men scurried out the door when two sets of feet ran their way to the table. Olivia held the shaking woman to her chest.

"Livy!" Peter dropped down to the floor. He pulled her to her feet. Melissa joined them.

"What were you thinking. You could have gotten killed."

"I had to help her."

"Fuck" The stranger coughed up blood.

Olivia walked over to the man with a napkin she took off the floor. She applied pressure to his head.

"We need to get them to the hospital now."

Olivia went under the man arm to hold him steady. His head rolled to the side.

"Thank you." He said to her as the four of them hurried to the hospital.

"You're welcome. Can you tell me your name. What city you are in?" She needed to keep him talking in case of a concussion.

"Atticus Davenport and in London. Birch street if can recall." He gave her a painful grin. His head was killing him. Olivia noticed his green eyes that sparkled under the street lights. He was tall and handsome. Even with the blood staining some of his hair it was perfect. Styled with a slight wave. Sandy blonde. He was handsome.

Olivia scolded herself for thinking about this stranger's looks at a time like this.

"That's good Mr.Davenport. Your cognitive ability seems seems to be functional. Once we get you into the hospital the doctor will run tests to make sure there is no damage."

"Are you my guardian angel?"

Olivia cheeks blushed at his question.

"No just a nurse."

When they arrived at the hospital Peter called out for help. A few orderslies helped them into separate rooms. Peter stayed with the young woman while Olivia stayed with Atticus.

"I didn't think you were the fighting type Olivia."

"I'm not. A drunken fool was harassing an innocent woman,Melissa. Mr. Davenport stepped in to defend her. What are their injuries?"

Olivia and the doctor on call stood out in the hallway.

"I am about to discharge Melissa. Her hand is sprained and a few scrapes but she is fine. Mr.Davenport is asking for you. I am wanting to keep him for the night for observation.His head wound is clean. I was about to have a nurse stitch him up."

"I will be there in a moment. Thank you." She patted the doctor on the arm.

Olivia entered Melissa room. Peter was helping her with her coat.

"You should drive her home." Olivia suggested to Peter.

"Oh no you don't have to bother. You both have done so much already."

"Nonsense. You need to get home safely. It's late."

"Are you sure Livy? "

"Of course. Don't need to worry about me." Olivia kissed him on the cheek in a goodbye. Melissa crushed her in a hug and thanked her.

Olivia walked down the hall back to Atticus room.

"I can take over." Olivia nodded to the other nurse who left the room.

"How is your head feeling Mr. Davenport?"

"Atticus. Mr. Davenport was my father. It's not so bad the medicine doctor gave me is helping." He smiled at Olivia.

"That's wonderful."

Olivia inspected his cleaned wound.

"A clean cut. You won't need too many stiches. I will give you a numbing shot now."

"I don't think I'm going to feel it."

Olivia smiled at him. As she got to work she couldn't help eyeing him. He was a stranger , she shouldn't be oogling him. There was something about him though.

"How is the young lady fairing?"

"Minor injuries. She is on her way home."

Atticus nodded.

"You were very brave tonight. Not many people would come to the rescue of a stranger."

"Not brave just the right thing to do. I couldn't stand there and do nothing while that jackass was accosting her." Atticus stated with conviction.

"Still a noble deed." Olivia gave him small smile.

"All done." Olivia taped the bandaged over his wound.

Atticus stood up. Olivia had to steady him from falling over. She helped him lay down.

"I will send the doctor in now. He will.."

Atticus took Olivia hand before she could finish. He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles and then kissed her hand.

"Thank you Guardian angel for keeping me safe tonight."

Olivia blushed and swooned. The way he caressed her hand. His lusty eyes made her feel wanted in that moment.

"I am Olivia Dubois a simple nurse , not close to an angel at all."

"Don't underestimate yourself." Atticus was about to make a bold move when the doctor entered the room.

"I have to leave now. You are in good hands Atticus. I wish you a speedy recovery."Olivia quickly left , she heard him say thank you as she exited.

She should have gotten a cab home but Olivia wanted to walk off the night. Her adrenaline was wearing off , her nerves were frayed from the fighting and gun going off. The long walk also let her contemplate her interaction with Atticus. Her loneliness was coming out in an inappropriate way. He was a patient. Just like Tommy was. She never had romantic feelings for any patient before. She didn't suffer from nightingale syndrome. Did she?

Tommy was an exception. The extreme environment of war could let you bend the rules. The other exception was she fell in love with him. Their broken souls found each other , bonding over shared trauma.She is cemented to him forever through their boy.

Atticus was a stranger. A stranger that wouldn't be a patient by the end of tomorrow. He stood up for a woman in need without question. He was charming and handsome. Olivia didn't want a serious relationship that could lead to marriage, she wanted to be a free woman. As much as a single mother can be.She could discreetly date while Oscar was in Birmingham. The man didn't have to meet him. She could pull of a casual relationship. She hoped at least.

Olivia wanted to slap herself with all this over thinking. Atticus would be discharged and back to his own life. His head injury was the reason for his flirty behavior. Olivia was sure of it. That didn't stop the fluttering in her belly.

Olivia could hear the telephone ring when she entered her home. She tossed her coat and shoes at the bench in her foyer. She hurried over to answer.

"About time you answered. I was about to head over to you." Peter gave her a huff.

"No need to worry my dear. I stayed with Atticus for some time and then walked home." Olivia told him in a light tone. It made Peter pause.

"You sound different and who is Atticus?"

"The man we helped."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you stay with him for so long?"

Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose. She loved Peter dearly but the protective brother act was getting on her nerves. If she wanted to deal with that she would go back to France and visit with her own brother.

"I'm tired Peter, I thank you for checking on me. I am home safe and it's time for bed. Goodnight Mon petit chou."

"You don't have to call me that. I am not a cabbage."

"Goodnight Peter." Olivia smiled while hanging up the phone.

Olivia crawled into bed wearing only her slip ,to tired to dress in proper pyjamas. She stared at the ceiling as her bones started to feel heavy and fell into sleep easily. Her recurring dream started off the same as usual with Tommy but at some point he morphed into Attiucs shockingly. They danced, laughed and kissed. The dream she would seek solace in with Tommy now didn't belong to just him. When Olivia woke, she woke in a state of calmness. The sense of loss that she would wake with was gone. It felt her subconscious was cutting the ties with Tommy. She wanted to love again but she needed a push. Her dream and interaction with Atticus was just the thing.

~~~~~~~~~~ Two days later.~~~~~~~~~~

"Someone has an admirer." Nurse Mabel sat a large bouquet of flowers at the nurse station. Orange lillies set in a crystal vase. It was clear the vase was real and very expensive. A white envelope was nestled in the center with her name written in perfect cursive. She opened it to see a note card inside.

"Thank You My Angel, Atticus."

On the back he had written his phone number.

"Who is he?" Mabel sidled up to Olivia , looking over her shoulder , trying to snatch the card from her.

"No one." Olivia put the note back into the envelope and into the pocket of her uniform.

"You need to stop being nosey Mabel."

"Now why would I do that? I have a piece of juicy gossip on you now." Mabel gave Olivia a cheeky smirk while Olivia hurried the flowers towards her office. Her heart thumped the whole way.

She sat at her desk and stared at the card. His number calling out to her. Take the plunge. Take the plunge she heard over and over. He obviously was interested in her. She still could feel this hand in hers. He sent flowers. She had to test the waters. Without a second thought she picked up the phone receiver and dialed. By the fourth ring she started to lose her confidence. By the sixth ring she wanted to hang up, before she could she heard a familiar voice answer.

"Hello?" He asked a second time. Olivia was frozen. She was swept up in the moment she hadn't thought of what to say to Atticus.

"Hello?"

"It's me." Olivia voice cracked. She wanted to smack her self.

"Olivia." She cleared her throat.

"I wanted to thank you for the flowers."

"It was the least I could do"

They both went silent, nervously unsure what to say next.

"So"

"Um"

"You can go first." Olivia told him.

"If you aren't busy tonight, would you care to join me for dinner tonight?"

"TONIGHT?" Olivia screeched . Tonight was too soon. It was also about the only night she can go out for another week. Oscar had decided to stay two extra days with his father. Dinner with a man. With a stranger.

A stranger who felt she was attractive enough to date. Date.might be going to far. A thank you dinner? Her heart slumped some at the possibility the dinner could only be a friendly one and not romantic.

"If you aren't able to."

"No no I'm free. What time?"

"Seven thirty?"

"That sounds wonderful. I will see you then." Olivia gave him her address and quickly hung up. She didn't want to lose her nerve and back out.

She had a date or a friendly thank you dinner. Still she would have to dress up. What would she wear? Looking at the clock on the wall it was four -forty five. Fifteen minutes until end of her shift which would be cutting it close by the time she got home to get ready.

"Shut up." Loud whispering could be heard outside of the office door. Olivia got up and saw several nurses standing next to the door. Her friends looked guilty for eavesdropping. Mabel didn't. She was smug.

"You need to leave now."

"My shift isn't."

"Oh who cares about fifteen minutes." Marble cut her off.

"Go home now and I want details tomorrow."

"We are having dinner that's it."

"GO NOW!" Mabel shoved the vase into Olivia arms and pushed her towards the exit stairwell.

She left in a hurry and made her way home in record time. She placed the flowers on the foyer table and ran up the stairs.

Olivia was panicking. The bedside clock read seven o five and she still hadn't picked out a dress. She took a bath, styled her hair, put on a subtle yet alluring amount of make up, and perfume. She also had specialty made lingerie on she bought from a Parisian boutique. She didn't plan on Atticus seeing the undergarments but it made her feel sexy. The only thing she needed was her dress.

She had a wide variety of dresses. Sunday best, everyday work, a few formal, and several dresses that could be considered sexy, not trashy. She narrowed down to two and placed them on the bed. Seven fifteen was glaring at her. Telling her to hurry up. The first dress was dark maroon color ankle length. The style was more in tune with the current London modern woman. She didn't particularly like the dress not having a proper waist but it was all the rave. Far Less constricting than pre war fashion.

The second dress was more her French style. A forest green that flowed a few inches below the knee. The neck line was demure enough but showed some chest skin. Shoulder butterfly sleeves and the waist line hugged her perfectly. This was the dress. She knew she would turn Atticus head. She put on the dress and went for her large jewelry armoire,as her son called it, that stood next to her vanity. Small stud earrings with a matching necklace. A silver bracelet and a ring.

Olivia hand hovered over her rings. Sitting there next to her grandmother diamond ring in the top drawer was a well polished but worn out gold band. She brushed over it with her finger tip.The pang of longing came back.

Knocking from down stairs jolted Olivia.

"Fuck" She yelled out loud. Seeing her clock. Seven thirty exactly. She shoved her feet into her heels , grabbed her purse and ran down the stairs. She stopped herself from tripping down the stairs and took a deep breathe, looking in the hall mirror.

"You can do this. Just dinner." She pep herself up and opened the front door. Atticus was certainly handsome. His hair was slicked back and was wearing a freshly pressed navy blue three piece suit. Dare she say he looked better than Tommy?

No. No thoughts or mentions of Tommy. Her mind was running a million miles at the moment and she didn't need Tommy taking up any space.

"You look gorgeous." Atticus complemented Olivia.

"Thank you. And thank you once again for the lovely flowers." Olivia moved and pointed so he could see where she placed them.

"It warms my heart that I brought you joy."

"Shall we go?"

"Yes let me get my coat." As she was about to put on her coat he took it from her to help. Olivia felt the heat in her cheeks and couldn't stop smiling at him as they left.

"I made reservations at Antonio's. Have you been there before?"

"No. I only recently moved to London."

"From France if I hear your accent correctly."

"Yes a little obvious." Olivia smirked and batted her eyes at him.

"Your voice is like music. I don't think I could ever get tired of it."

Olivia heart swooned. They arrived at the restaurant and Atticus was the perfect gentleman. Opening doors, pulling out her chair. He ordered for the both of then which would usually bother her but it was the first date and he knew the restaurant better than her. Once the drinks started flowing Olivia loosened up. She spilled every detail of her life. Well almost every detail . She conveniently left out Oscar and Tommy. There was a small pit of guilt in her stomach but she didn't know the man well enough and it wasn't his business right now.

"I have been rambling all night tell me about you." Olivia leaned forward.

"My life seems boring compared to yours."

"Start with your family then. Do you have siblings." Olivia asked with eagerness. The date was going so much better than she had expected.

"No I am only child. I do have many cousins on both parents side. My parents wanted more but they were always busy."

"Oh really?"

Atticus saw the sympathy flash in Olivia face. He moved his hand closer to hers. His pinky brushing the tips of her fingers.

"My parents work for my mother family business. Importing spices and teas. My father is COO while my mother ran the logistics department before she retired . My Uncle Bennett currently runs the company. Within a few more years father and uncle Ben want to retire also and hopefully I will be able to take over."

"That's wonderful."

Atticus chuckled.

"Like I said. Very boring compared to you."

"No it's not. I do like tea and use plenty of spices when I cook. I would love to know more about how the are transported and farmed."

"Now you are just humoring me."

He leaned closer to Olivia. He hooked her with the simplicity of his life. It was true for the most part. He didn't mention his father military career or Irish connections. The alleged backhanded deals made with governments for cheap imports collected in inhumane ways. Give her enough to be charming but not enough that could put him on Tommy radar too quickly.

"I still think your work is quite interesting."

They flirted over the rest of the dinner and into desert. Both told stories and antics of their youths. One comment by Atticus made Olivia pause.

"I would love to visit the Eiffel Tower some day. Never been to France." Atticus was very flippant with the comment. He didn't mean to let it slip, knowing what that meant to a veteran like Olivia.

"You haven't?"

Olivia felt a knot in her stomach. It was foolish but she had to temper her judgment and anger when she met men who didn't fight in the war. Her feelings would always be jumbled. She didn't think it was fair so many men were forced to fight in that God awful war but she also didn't think it was fair that some men stayed home in their warm beds. Not having to commit heinous crimes in the name of their King or government.

"Did not serve?"

Atticus wanted to slap himself. He was losing her.

"I volunteered in the ministry department. Due to my family connects I oversaw food supplies to the frontlines. I pushed for a military position. To be a soldier but they needed me to keep the food supply going."

" Uncle Bennet lost two sons. I think about them everyday. Knowing that could have been me." Atticus did his best with a sorrowful look.

"I greatly admire your service."

His put his hand over Olivia and squeezed.

"You helped with the war effort. That's what matters."

Olivia felt the urge to kiss him but the waiter interrupted them with the check.

He paid and they left the restaurant. The atmosphere in the car was thick with a romantic tension.

Once they stopped in front of Olivia house Atticus was quick to jump out and open the passenger door. He walked her to up the steps to the door. It was a magical night that her conscious wouldn't let her enjoy so she blurted out her secret like an idiot.

"I have a son." She could see his slow reaction to comprehend what she just said.

"You said you weren't married."

"I'm not."

"Widowed?"

"Um no." How could she do this to herself?

"I fell in love with a British soldier and was supposed to meet after the war in his home town and marry. I never found him after and found out I was pregnant. Oscar is his name. Been a single mother this whole time. Until moved here and found his father. That's where he is now."

"You have a son?" He practiced this part in the mirror.

"I am truly sorry for not being truthful in the beginning. I just." Olivia trailed off , starting to regret this entire evening.

"You were afraid of what I would think of you."

"That is a small part of it. The other part is I want to constantly protect him. I haven't been with any other man than his father. I'm so sorry."

Atticus pulled Olivia close. Brush her hair behind the ear and pulled her chin up. He kissed her with such passion Olivia had to force herself to breathe. Seconds, minutes, hours that had passed Olivia didn't know and didn't care. She only felt bliss. He pulled back and stared into her eyes.

"Thank you for telling me the truth. I don't think any less of you. You are brave. Raising a child on your own."

"Really?"

"Yes. I hope to learn more about him in the future maybe meet him one day."

Olivia couldn't believe what she was hearing. A man who saw her as attractive and didn't look down on her for having a son out of wedlock. She wanted more of him. She had to be careful and not hurt her heart or her son in the process.

"I would like that."

Atticus kissed her for head and waited for her to enter her home.

"Will you call me tomorrow to set up another date."

"Of course." Olivia jumped at the chance.

"Have a wonderful night my beauty."

As Olivia undressed and removed her jewelry she spotted the gold ring. Her fake wedding band with her fake marriage to Tommy. When people asked about the father she spun the story of her British soldier husband who was lost during the war. A fantasy she created that did help her with the grief of Tommy absence. It was time to get rid of that ring. She tried to throw it away but settled with burying at the bottom of her underwear drawer.

She was moving on officially with a wonderful man. She wouldn't introduce her son anytime soon but the thought that he would accept Oscar and Oscar would accept him made Olivia tear up. She wasn't alone anymore. She could have what Tommy had. A love to share the rest of their lives together.

~~~~~~London Pay Phone's ~~~~~~~~~

On the second ring the other line picked up.

"The date was a success. I will be having another date. She told me about the boy. I was amused she was so apologetic about having a bastard ."

Atticus couldn't help his smirking. This Olivia was an easy mark.

"Good just be careful . Soon as Tommy hears about this he will look into you." The light Irish accent held concern.

"I know Grace. I planned for that. Talk to next week."

Atticus hung up and left for home.

He felt bad because Olivia really was a jem. Beautiful intelligent. She obviously could breed well. Such a shame he has to get rid of her. She could have been a match for him but his true alliance was with Grace. Soon he can have his love back in his arms and Tommy Shelby will be destroyed.


Thank you all for waiting. I apprecate you all so much . Please leave comments to let me know how you feel and if you enjoy it. I did my best with this chapter. Thank you all so much