Chapter 234: Home Coming

Thomas stuffed the last of the clothes into his suitcase, sighing in relief.

"All done! Too bad we have to leave tomorrow."

Emily chuckled, bringing her husband into a embrace.

"All good things must come to an end, my love. At least we have the pictures so we can shove our vacation in Gordon's face!"

Thomas laughed, imagining upset Gordon would be.

"Oh, that'll be fun. Come on, we'd better get some sleep. We've got a long flight tomorrow."

Emily pouted slightly.

"Ah, do we have to? I thought we could have some fun..."

Thomas chuckled, knowing exactly what she had in mind.

"Well, I guess its not that late..."

"Yay!"

It was late by the time they landed in Heathrow Airport. They stayed the night at a hotel, and the next morning made their way to Station to catch their train home. At first, the journey went smoothly. But all of a sudden, the train came to a stop right out in the middle of the country side. The passengers began to murmur before the guard appeared, looking rather distressed.

"I'm sorry for the delay, folks, but there's a problem. The driver has fallen ill."

"Oh my, is he alright?"

"If by alright you mean puking his gut out in my compartment, then yes. I've called control, but there's no one available. I'll have to send for a bus, I suppose."

But Thomas stood up.

"I can drive it. I'm an engine driver on The Island of Sodor."

"Are you sure? This isn't the same thing."

"Only one way to find out."

"Be careful, Thomas. Sir Topham Hatt won't like being sued if you break it."

"Don't worry Emily, I've got this. How different can it be from driving a steam engine?"

As it turns out, very different. It took him a moment to find out how to start it, but fortunately he didn't have much trouble after that. Once they reached Barrow, the guard came up to speak to him.

"Well son, I guess I was wrong. Someone from Sodor will be here shortly, and I've sent for an ambulance for the driver. You did good."

Before long, Gordon came to take over the express. Needless to say, he was surprised to see Thomas stepping out of the cab.

"Thomas? What're you..."

"Long story, please don't ask."

Gordon shrugged, and Thomas and Emily took their place in the coaches. When they reached Knapford, Thomas and Emily was surprised to see a huge party for them. From the canopy hung a banner reading "Welcome Home!" They were so happy they nearly cried.

"Oh, you guys!"

Sir Topham Hatt pushed his way to the front, clearing his throat to make an important speech.

"Welcome home, you two. I trust you've had a good vacation. Now, I expect you'd like a few days to rest and..."

"Um, actually sir, I think I'll need a bit more than that."

"Oh? And why is that, Emily?"

Emily smiled, her hand resting on her stomach. Everyone's eyes went wide with realization.

"Wait, do you mean..."

"I'm pregnant."