Chapter 17: Tommy

"Can I ask you something?"

It must've been around midnight now, and I was trying not to think about having to be at work in six hours. It was nice to indulge in one night of luxury, and we were taking advantage of the amenities. We had went through half the bottle of champagne, and were enjoying the large claw foot tub, and it came to my mind that I had never seen a tub that could fit two people in my life.

The hot water was more than refreshing, the stress of the day dissipating. And frankly, there was no better feeling than holding El in my arms at that moment. Running my fingers through her hair, damp from the water, and admiring her every inch of her, I couldn't help but be reminded that I was the luckiest man in the world.

"What's on your mind, lass?"

"What would we do-" El paused for a moment, turning her big green eyes towards me, "if you happened to get me pregnant?"

"Uh," I couldn't help but laugh awkwardly, caught a bit off guard by the question, "That's somethin' you probably should have brought up about two hours ago."

"I know, I know," she rolled her eyes, "I just-I mean...I wouldn't be necessarily upset if it were to happen. We're both adults, it's the risk you take when you indulge in...what we've been doing," she blushed a bit and I couldn't help but smirk at the formality she still had in her, "And believe me, I want a family with you. I'm just wondering how we could juggle it with your job and now with Rose due any moment...could we do it?"

This was something we never discussed in detail. We talked about kids, sure. But we never really came up with a plan.

"I look at it this way El. My mum raised me and eight other kids in a dilapidated shack. Were there nights when we didn't have food on the table? Sure. But we did alright. The love and support was always there," I paused for a moment, "If they were able to swing it, then so can we," I placed my hands on her shoulders, massaging them gently.

"I just don't know how we could."

"I'll work more hours if I have to."

"You already work an insane amount of hours," she exclaimed.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, alright?" I kissed the top of her head, "If we're meant to have children, we'll just make it work. Millions of people do it."

"The thought doesn't scare you?"

"Of course it does. But the thought about raising them with you puts my mind at ease," I smiled at her, tucking a bit of her hair behind her ear.

"I don't know if I would be any good at it."

"Have you seen the way you are with Lizzie and James? You'll be a natural."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

She smiled so warmly, I could swear there was a glow around her.

"You'll be a great father too, you know."

"I hope I end up being half the father mine is."

"You will be. I know your family instilled great values in you. You're hardworking, dedicated...we've only been married a few hours and I can already say you're a fantastic husband."

"Eh it's all a show to get ya stuck with me. Can't turn back now," I smirked. She rolled her eyes.

"You're ridiculous."

"I try."

She snickered, nestling herself closer to me.

"I wish this night didn't have to end."

"It doesn't have to. We could go away for awhile."

"You'd lose your job."

"What, a man can't be entitled to a honeymoon? Let me dream for a bit."

"Where would we go?"

"Anywhere."

"On what dime?"

"You know what fortune we have that's doing nothing but collecting dust," I chaffed. "We could go wherever you want."

"Alright, fine. Anywhere you say?"

"Anywhere."

"Ireland would be our first stop."

"Seriously?"

"I have to meet your family sometime."

"Fair enough."

"After that then we can go to a destination of your choosing."

"My only request is somewhere warm. It's cold in Ireland, and it's cold here in New York."

"Only because it's winter now."

"Eh well, I'd like to go somewhere it's warm all year. Never stepped on a beach in my life."

"Somewhere tropical then."

"And far away," I grinned, "A place where we can really escape and get away from everything and everyone."

"An island perhaps?"

"Out in the Caribbean. Or Fiji."

"Thats halfway across the world, are you crazy?"

"Exactly why it would be perfect. Secluded, away from the madness of the city. It'll be like having our own private island. We could make love on the beach every day and drink from coconuts."

El laughed, shaking her head at me.

"You have a wild imagination, dear husband."

"I was taught to have high hopes, dear wife. It's the reason I'm here."

"Well I'm glad you are."

She leaned in to kiss me and the thought of selling that damned necklace and running away became even more enticing.

A man could only dream.

My hopes were shattered when there was a frantic pounding at the door. The two of us looked at each other, knowing exactly what that meant.

"You better get dressed," I directed, getting out of the tub to dry off quickly.

"I'm not prepared for this," El's voice was becoming as frantic as the door pounding, "I don't have any clothes to change into. If I knew we were coming here, I would've packed a bag, I think I only have my wedding dress and-"

"Settle lass," I tossed her a towel, "I packed a small bag for ya and dropped it off when I made the booking. You're fine."

"Oh thank God," she sighed with relief, wrapping the towel around her body.

I retreated to the bedroom, grabbing a robe from the closet before answering the door. There my uncle, a normally very put together man, stood before me, completely disheveled and out of breath.

I couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the sight of him as I invited him in.

"You look like you ran a marathon to get here, John."

"I did," he leaned against the wall by the door, catching his breath, "Thank God you're decent. I hate to bother you both on your wedding night, but Rose's waters broke. She's in labor."

"How is she?"

"She alright, she's hanging in there," he took in another deep breath, running his hand through his hair, "But the midwife isn't to be found. I think she may be handling another birth, I don't know."

"Oh Jesus."

"Rose doesn't know yet, we don't want her panicking. Again, I hate to bother you but Sarah and I agreed she needs her sister."

"It's fine, El would have your head otherwise."

"It Rose alright?" She called from the bedroom.

"She's in labor, they can't find the midwife," I called back to her. She groaned in response.

"Wonderful. Can you come here for a second?"

Telling John I'd be back quickly, I retreated to the bedroom at her request.

"Can you please tell me why there are no undergarments in this bag?"

"Must've forgotten those," I replied with a smirk. Her face flushed a bright red in frustration.

"You are incorrigible."

"And you wouldn't have me any other way."

She scowled, pulling her cream blouse over her head abruptly and shimmied into her long navy skirt.

"You're lucky this isn't a thin blouse. I don't need eyes on me."

"I think everyone is going to be concentratin' on your sister."

El rolled her eyes, attempting to dry the ends of her hair with her towel.

"Well I don't see you moving along, are you coming?"

"I don't think so."

"Why not?"

"I don't see what help I would be," I shrugged, "I'd probably be as useful as a houseplant."

"Well I suppose she wouldn't want her brother in law watching her give birth."

"I'd appreciate being spared. I still remember my mother's screams birthing my siblings. Kinda sticks with ya." I shuddered. She let out a small chuckle.

"And here I thought you weren't the sensitive type."

"I'm not! Just a woman's business."

"Sure, Tommy," she rolled her eyes again before grabbing her coat.

"I have work in a few hours anyway."

"Oh god, that's right. I nearly forgot," she said as she buttoned her coat hastily, her fingers fumbling all over.

"Here, here," I drew her close, buttoning the last few. I could see the nervousness in her eyes, "Rose will be alright, I know it."

"I don't know how I can help her."

"I think just being there to support her is all she'll need to make it though. You're her sister, no one knows her better than you do."

"You're right," she replied quietly, nodding her head, You're right."

"And my aunt will be there too, she's done this twice. I would think she would know what to do."

"I know," she nodded, "This is just...so much is going to change."

"For the better."

"I just feel so sad that Jack isn't there with her. I can't even think about bringing a child in this world without you next to me."

"Then that's why we have to be there for her the best we can. You're a great sister, you've been there for her through this as much as you could be. You just keep doin' what you're doin.'"

"Alright," she took in a deep breath, "I'm sorry our wedding night took this turn."

"Not like babies care about anyone else's schedule."

She let out a small laugh.

"I should've known this was going to happen. Rose was acting suspicious all day."

"If the roles were reversed you would've tried to hide it too."

"I guess you're not wrong about that, especially if it was her wedding day," she took my hand tightly, "Walk me out? I think I'm all ready to go."

"Of course."

We headed back towards the sitting area where John was, still looking as panicked as he did when he got here.

"Is she alright, John? How is she holding up?" El asked once she saw him.

"She's working through it, Sarah is there with her. The baby isn't about to come just yet, there's time."

"Ok, does she need anything?"

"Just the midwife."

"Well let's try and stop by her place on the way home incase she's returned. Worth a shot."

John nodded in agreement.

"You coming along, Tommy?"

"I gotta be at work in about..." I paused, glancing at a clock above the fireplace, "Five hours."

"Fair enough. Once I have Ellie settled I'm getting the kids from my parents and most likely not go into the office tomorrow."

"Enjoy the room while you can," El said, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek, "I'll see you when you get home."

"See you then. Good luck."

"Rose is the one that needs that," John laughed uncomfortably.

"Wait-" I quickly ran back to the bathroom, grabbing the bottle of champagne left by the tub, still half full, "Give her this," I handed it over to John, "She needs it more than we do."

"Doubt it's strong enough," El shuddered at the thought.

"At least it's something, "John shrugged.

"Exactly. Send her my best."

"Will do," El gave my hand one more quick squeeze, "Go get some sleep.

"Gladly," I responded, waving them off as they made their way out the door.

The day had finally caught up with me at that point. Collapsing on the bed, I thought sleep would come easy.

It didn't.

Guilt ate at me, thinking of how I got married today while Jack couldn't be there for the birth of his child. It was one of those moments that almost made me feel selfish to be alive. He deserved to be here, more than me. Rose needed him, his child would need him.

These thoughts didn't cloud my mind every night, but when they hit, they hit hard.

Jack wouldn't be laying around if El was having my child. He would do something to help, that's how he was.

"Fuck this," I groaned, throwing myself out of bed.

Sleep was a lost cause anyway. I could at least try to help somehow, rather than just lay in bed.

Jack would want that.

So sorry for a long update, free time is a rare occurrence. Please please please leave a review! They always make my day, and I love to know who's reading and I enjoy talking to other writers and readers on here as well! Always love messages in my inbox! Thank you for your time if you're here!!!