The highly anticipated day had finally arrived – it was at last Charlie's birthday.

A day that Verity had been restless over for both the wrong and right reasons. She tried not to let her own doubts plague her that morning, as they all sat in the snug living room together. Verity, Tommy and Charlie. For a moment it would seem they were the picture-perfect little family, both adults beaming away at the sheer joy and excitement coming from a little boy he had been expecting very little for his birthday, opening each gift with wide eyes and even bigger smiles.

For a single moment, Verity's worries were melted into absolution when Charlie threw his arms around her so tightly. The vivid memory of his beaming smile, twinkling eyes and sweet laughter – the outpour of 'thank you's were enough to trick Verity's conscious mind into thinking there could be nothing that could disturb the feeling.

-

After a hearty breakfast, eggs and bacon arranged into a smile lovingly by Francis, who gave her own little gifts and cuddles to young Master Shelby, Verity was surprised to find both Tommy and Charlie in the hallway.

"Where are you two going?" she asked with a smile, hands on her hips. As she watched Tommy slip his dark grey longline coat on, she couldn't help but think about the decorations she needed to put up ahead of the party tonight in the main ballroom.

"Me and Daddy are going for a ride, Verity!" Charlie said excitedly, practically jumping up and down on the spot out of sheer enlightenment.

The news melted Verity's irritation away – she was initially annoyed Tommy wasn't going to lend a hand with any of the planning – but the fact his time would be otherwise spent with his son, Verity didn't mind at all. She knew how much that meant to young Charlie.

"Okay," she smiled, humouring herself for a moment as she locked eyes with Tommy. Dare she say she laid eyes upon the man and there was a look in his eyes as if he sought confirmation it was okay with her? The Tommy Shelby who does as he pleases? It just made her grin further.

"Be careful." She smiled, about to turn to make her leave with the sound of rushing footsteps towards her halted that. Before she had much time to react, Charlie had thrown his arms around her waist, face pressed against her abdomen (where his height allowed him to) and squeezed her tightly.

"Thanks again Verity," he said sweetly and politely, with all the charm of a boy that every Shelby wasn't, it seemed. He was like a diamond in a very rugged rough. "This has been the best birthday."

The way his eyes looked up at her so dotingly, it filled Verity's heart with so much joy. She'd really grown to love that boy, dare she say like a son? Of course, she'd never had children but being around Charlie made her feel as if she'd been a mother her whole life. It made her rethink a lot of things about herself.

"Come along Charlie," Tommy said gently, prising his son off Verity as he looked up at the singer who's face was filled with the most heavenly smile. "The horses won't wait forever." He stated, guiding Charlie to the door, the little boy buzzing with energy.

Rushing out into the mild March air, Charlie ran off towards the stable without any form of hesitation. His shoes could be heard frantically crunching in the gravel for a number of seconds.

Tommy hung back, faltering by the door for a moment or two. His eyes naturally led back to Verity, like she was some form of energy source, and enigma that drew him in like a moth to lamplight. His brain stumbled over it's own thoughts, he wanted to say something – but for the first time in a long time... he actually cared about how these words came out.

He wanted to thank her, not only for Charlie's joy and happiness but also just be out with all these circling thoughts that had drifted around his mind like a stormy cloud for a number of months. Thank her for making him realise that sometimes, it wasn't all about keeping his business front up everywhere. Reminding him that feelings were human, love was human. That the past doesn't condemn the future-

"Forgotten something?" Verity smiled in a puzzled fashion, slightly self-conscious at his burning stare, but not the slightest clue of what was going on in his head.

"No." Tommy brushed it off, "Thought I had but it's at the stable block." He lied, forcing a wry smile.

"Better get going, otherwise Charlie will've galloped twice around the field before you get there." She teased, her pretty hazel eyes twinkling behind that delicate smile.

Tommy nodded, letting himself slip out of the door and into the sunlight. He stilled himself for a moment – hanging his head low and forcibly getting his thoughts together. He hated feeling like this, so caged by his own limitations and fears to say what he wanted to say. He usually had no problem laying down his thoughts in a meeting, or when dealing with a client – so why was this so different?

Why did Verity have to be such an exception?

--

That evening~

Arrow House had undergone quite the overhaul. It's usual bare dark wood was adorned with honey golden lights, golden and silver banners lining the ballroom and enlightening it with an elegance it had been deprived of for so very long.

For her efforts and help, Verity had given Francis the night off and then snuck off to get herself ready.

The party was already starting it seemed, and Verity had rather missed not catching Charlie's reaction when he saw the place – but the last minute touch-ups and finalisation meant she had to scurry off to try and make herself look half presentable.

Dressing in her satin dusky rose pink dress and matching shawl, Verity then tied her hair up into an half up/half down style – her natural waves forming a flattering look. She applied a little more glamorous makeup then usual, thinking she like to not be wiped across the floor by Scarlett's ever present glamour.

As she tied her diamond necklace around her neck, a present gifted to her by Scarlett after they wrote a song together – Verity could hear the hum and buzz of conversation loudly downstairs. She crept to the large, rectangular window and peaked out. A car was pulling up as she did so – out stepped two women and two lads.

Verity pushed the curtain back a little further as she studied them – trying to workout which Shelby family members they might be...

A knock fell at the door, making her jump back from the window in some alarm, the long curtains drifting back into place.

"Verity?" it was Tommy, surprisingly. Taking a deep breath to make herself sound collected, Verity paced to the door and opened it slowly – feeling a sudden pit of anxiousness seconds before the door exposed her. Why did she feel so apprehensive about him seeing her?

"Is everything alright?" she asked, her fingers resting on the side of the door whilst she smiled nervously at the Blinder stood before her.

Once again, Tommy's face was the perfect mask for concealing the thoughts going on his mind – his earlier troubles regarding feelings surrounding Verity flew back like a flock of starving seagulls at a seaside town. She looked stunning in that pink floor length gown, the material hugging her figure in classical and beautiful fashion. She was so effortlessly radiant, with her shiny hair and her cherub-like features, a singer starlet right before his eyes who could crush his heart in an instant if she wanted to. He wondered if she knew that...

"Everyone's arriving now, if you're ready to come down." He said, stepping aside. Verity knew by everyone he meant 'important family' considering there were already guests here, she could hear their booming laughter and even louder conversation.

"Of course." She smiled politely in agreement, stepping out onto the landing as the two walked side by side towards the grand staircase.

The walk felt like the longest in history, as the pair made their way to the summit of the stairs – glowing softly with the lights below.

"You look lovely, by the way." He said, in that oh so casual tone that made Verity smile.

"Thank you, Thomas," she replied, as he held out his hand to accompany her down the stairs in a gentlemanly fashion. "I'd say you do too, but you always look nice." She teased, it was true – she knew every day of the week the man was impeccably dressed in bespoke suits. The remark seemed to of amused Tommy too, who hid a secret smirk as they made their way downstairs.

"Wow! Verity looks like a princess!" Charlie shouted up as his father and the angel that was Verity reached the bottom of the stairs. The young boy was currently holding Scarlett's hand, having embellished her too with many compliments that she looked like a princess.

"Then you are the handsome prince." Verity smiled as she crouched down so she was eye level with the young boy. "Do you like the ballroom Charlie?" she asked for her own affirmation, she so hoped this day was everything for him.

There were no hesitations from the Shelby child, as he squealed excitedly and gripped onto Verity's hands tightly.

"I love it!" he jeered, looking as sweet as ever in his smart black suit.

Before she could say much more to Charlie, Verity heard footsteps across the hall floor and she turned to their direction. Immediately met with four faces she'd never seen before.

"Aunty Polly!" Charlie raced away from Verity like a blinkered horse in a blind panic, rushing towards the woman with clustered dark curls. She was fairly old, her face seemed hardened in some way – like a woman who had seen some things and dealt with some awful shit. Not that that would surprise Verity considering she clearly was a relation.

"Hello poppet," she replied to the young boy as she swooped him up in her arms for a hug. "Happy birthday."

As she set Charlie down, Verity couldn't help but notice she was different in the sense that... well, most women her age would be likely to cover up under the strict pressures of society, but she was wearing a beautiful champagne coloured gown, backless and with a scoop neckline. Verity was getting all the indications of a woman who truly meant business.

Trailing eyes met up, and an instant lodge of nerves lodged in Verity's throat. God, the way this woman was looking at her, it was like being sized up by a lion.

"So... this is your new squeeze then, Tommy?" she remarked, her steps swaying and imposing and a discerning look on her face. Verity didn't much appreciate being looked over like a piece of dirt.

"Aunt Pol, this is Verity Grant, one of the singers from the club." Tommy introduced; a little disappointed embarrassment laid upon his low tones. He gestured his hand to the small of Verity's back to guide the two women closer – but like two magnets, this force couldn't have felt any more repelling.

Verity was about to exchange a nicety to break the ice, before Aunt Pol strode away – her head held high, clutching her purse in her gloved grip. Never before had Verity felt so... alienated. All she could do was helplessly glare on as this Aunt Pol glided off in the direction of the ballroom, past Arthur and Scarlett. She then understood Scarlett's earlier saying – the poor girl had her eyes down as Arthur conversed with his relative. The entire air felt so tense it was almost unbreathable.

"Don't worry, she's like that with everyone." A younger voice came, as Verity turned to look at a young lad – soft gingerish-brown hair, freckles littering his rather innocent face. He didn't look rough and ready enough to be a Shelby. Sure he dressed like one though, in his well fitted suit. However, he emanated the aura of a gentle little fox cub.

"Good to know." Verity laughed, offering her hand to shake but was instead surprised by the well-mannered nature of the boy who pressed a chaste kiss to her knuckles.

"I'm Finn, by the way." He started, "I'm Tommy's younger-"

"That's enough." Tommy remarked, swatting away at Finn. The smile on his face was such a rarity, Verity felt a sense of warmth when she got to witness it. "Enough with the fucking charm."

Cheekily, Finn was grinning as he eventually wandered off to talk with Arthur and Scarlett. Which left Tommy and Verity faced with a young couple. From the first glance at them both, Verity felt such a hostility in the air. It was uncomfortable, awkward and incredibly confusing to say the least.

"Michael, Gina." Tommy broke the silence first, for if they stayed locked in this glare for any longer it would been unbearable. Their stares were containing, cold and assessing of every little move. Verity felt increasingly smaller and insignificant with each and every second.

"Tommy." The chap named Michael replied, his tone stoic and withheld –reflecting that of Tommy's. Another few uncomfortable seconds followed. Verity dared her eyes to divert from the two men for just a second, and instead found her gaze snared within the serpent-like glint of the woman at Michael's side, her white gloved hand snaked tightly through his arm. Her punctual red lips were puckered slightly, a surveying, degrading and hoity look on her face. What was it with the other women in this family?

Luckily for Verity – Scarlett had snuck over and was tugging at her arm like a kid. It seemed her disappearance wasn't exactly a huge issue in this uncomfortable tense passive aggressive argument and onslaught of judgemental glances.

In the doorway to the ballroom, Scarlett huddled with Verity and exhaled a hefty and burdened sigh. It was like a secret cove, a hideout – the wall between a strained family relationship and a lavish party unfolding alike.

"Thanks for that," Verity said gratefully, her mind clocking back to the time she and Tommy had talked at the club. "I've heard Tommy mention Michael before, but that was just... unbelievably awkward." She stated, Scarlett nodding along earnestly in agreement.

"Michael used to be a sweet guy, then he went off to New York and got married to Gina." Scarlett hissed, peeking around the door and the blonde-haired vixen in question. "She changed him, she wants power and for that to happen, Michael has to be in control."

The singer then ducked back behind the door, sighing deeply as she clutched onto Verity's hands and smiled sweetly at her.

"I didn't get the chance to tell you how beautiful you looked before." She remarked kindly, button brown doe eyes sparkling with nothing but genuine sweetness.

"And you!" Verity replied with the same vivacity, Scarlett looked amazing in her black tulle dress – she imagined Arthur was probably very much in approval with it's incredibly low v shaped neckline. She was ever the picture of the divine woman – and Verity was incredibly proud she could call such a generous, kind and reliable person her friend.

"Come on, let's enjoy the party." Scarlett urged after a few moments, leading the way into the ballroom as she rolled her eyes playfully. "I've had enough miserable Gray and Shelby's to last me a lifetime."

-

The enormous ballroom was filled with happiness and elation it had been lacking in recent years, lights shining and bodies dancing happily along to the jovial swing of the talented brass band, who had come up from the Eden Club especially for the party.

Verity couldn't recall how long she had been jiving and laughing away carelessly with her best friend, but her champagne glass had been topped up far too many times – strangely enough, she couldn't even recall Scarlett touching the stuff. At some point Charlie had come to join them, holding hands with the girls in turn and twirling them like the true gentlemanly dance partner.

On the edge of the wonderous party, Tommy Shelby's feet remained firmly planted. It was strangely comforting to see Arrow House's ballroom returned to it's former glory. Despite the luscious decorations and glimmering lights, Tommy's icy eyes never once strayed too far from the sight of Verity, Scarlett and Charlie dancing the night away.

His clutch tightened slightly on the whisky glass in his hand, cigar just drifting at the periphery of his lips – as if he was holding at this moment for as long as possible before he dared take a draw. He didn't even notice the subliminal smirk tugging temptingly at the corner of his lips.

"They're dangerous, y' know Tommy."

Arthur's rough and gravelled tones pulled Tommy from his hazed daydream, returning him to the parquet flooring beneath his feet.

"What is?" he replied, an evident blunt edge to his voice.

"Women like Verity." Arthur replied back with little hesitation, his eyes also trained on his darling Scarlett enjoying the best possible time.

"I haven't seen anyone get into your bloody head like she has."

Was it really that obvious that his brother could even see it? Tommy dropped his gaze for a moment and cleared his throat.

"Women shouldn't be allowed the intelligence she has, don't forget – she was the one who held Scarlett back from me for so long." Arthur said, his tone matter of fact. "She's pretty, and she can fucking sing, but she's dangerously smart Tommy."

Letting out a deep sigh, Tommy at last lifted the cigar to his lips and took a long and thoughtful drag, the end glowing a fiery orange.

"Don't I know it." Tommy replied, studying the way the deity of a woman in question held hands, dancing innocently with his son, who's smile had been gone for so long. Like a cloud finally passing the sun, Tommy had seen some real childlike joy. Verity was rainbow after a long and turbulent storm... did he really that taken away from his life?

-

Breathless, heart racing and champagne clouding her head a little – Verity only stopped when her vitals told her to. She and Scarlett were laughing, laughing like two young girls without a care in the world. Charlie had gone off to see his Aunty Ada some minutes ago, all his close family so happy to see the little boy enjoying his birthday party.

"I could dance like this the whole night, but I can't forget I need to get ready for my set." Scarlett reminded Verity, trying to catch her breath back. "Then I've gotta tell you something important, okay?"

Verity nodded, the huge smile on her face a potent mixture of peak happiness and the strike of alcohol.

"Just try not to drink anymore of that." Scarlett remarked, her words lost somewhere in a giggle. She chastely kissed Verity's cheek and then disappeared off to get ready for her promised show.

The lights around her whirred past her vision in bright smears of gold, as Verity drank in the atmosphere of the party. In her quiet moment of solitude, she felt a pang of sweet disbelief. Who would've thought a few months ago she would be enjoying a party at Thomas Shelby's house? Who would've thought all those months ago her average life could be turned into one of stardom.

Hands landed on her upper arms to steady her, and she suddenly halted. Her cheeks burned hot at the thought she might've been possibly stumbling about the place.

"Someone's been taking advantage of the champagne." Tommy's usual dry and sarcastic voice rung, and despite the loud music his definitive voice was crystal clear in her ears. Verity's hazel eyes settled on him as best they could, with the bold rush of alcohol surging through her system.

"It wasn't me, it was Scarlett." She laughed, covering her face with her hand as she laughed at her predicament. "I've not had this much to drink in a long time." She chuckled, her every sense acutely aware when Tommy's hands left her arms – the way her skin felt cold without the contact.

"Perhaps ease of for now, eh?" he suggested crassly, and even through the hazy curtain of alcohol unsteadying her sense of sight, she could clearly identify that charming smirk. "That way you might make it to 10 o'clock."

She burst into laughter then, she really had been tipping the drinks back a bit too earnestly.

"Sorry, this is about Charlie's birthday and look at me..." Verity sighed with a sheepish laugh, not aware of how intently he was looking at her.

"He is having the best bloody time, Verity." Tommy exclaimed, "And for what it's worth," he added, clearing his throat a little – glance swerving to the side to avoid the draw of her enchanting eyes.

"It's nice to see you smiling too."

The words seemed to fall unto her as clearly as they would be noted down in black and white on the page of a book. It centred her spiralling system in a mere matter of seconds. The confident nudge of the alcohol had her subconscious focusing on her heart more than the usual defiant lead of her head.

The pair just looked at one another, Verity didn't have the words for once to say something in response. Not that she was even sure what to say. Her heart that had only just steadied after the dancing was racing like wild horses all over again –

The new cue of the upbeat band, cheering and clapping drew the two out of their moment – as none other than Scarlett emerged onto the stage, upholding her usual glamour and vivacity that she displayed each night at the club.

The moment had dissipated for now, but even as Verity proudly watched her friend singing boldly and beautifully – her head lingered on each look, each hammering heart beat in the throng of that moment.

For one of the first times in her life – she couldn't see sight of a reason to restrict herself of what her heart wanted.

And right now, she wanted him.

-

The drums thrashed wildly, the piano keys played at such a rapid speech as Scarlett closed her set of songs with an impressive belted note that had a crowd of mostly awe struck partygoers hooting and jeering.

The moment she had stepped off stage, it was like the two friends were drawn together like magnet and metal.

Arms thrown around each other, Verity buried her face in Scarlett's neck and hugged her as tightly as anything. Maybe her pride and adoration was amplified by the alcohol, but it was sincere as it always was.

"You were amazing." Verity beamed as she pulled away, holding Scarlett out at arm's length by her shoulders, a doting motherly look on her face.

"I can always count on you to be my fan." Scarlett giggled, pulling her brunette pony tail over her shoulder and fiddling with it – the air had changed a little. "Can we talk outside? I think I need some air."

~

Like two fairy tale princesses, the women abandoned the dazzling lights and crowded dancefloor with the quiet, crisp cold of the night air. Heels crunching on the driveway stone, Scarlett guided Verity over to the concrete flowerbed centre piece of the carriage driveway, the two women sitting in the peaceful night time calm.

Verity's ears rang loudly from the noise of the party, so stepping out into the night where there was nothing but the gentle whirr of the breeze and the occasional chirp of an animal – it was a great relief.

"What did you need to talk about?" Verity asked Scarlett as they sat side by side on the concrete edge of the flower bed, "Don't you feel well?" she asked, growing in concern, going to rest her hand on Scarlett's forehead like a mother checking for a fever.

Scarlett couldn't help but giggle at Verity's actions, gently guiding Verity's wrist down and away from her forehead.

"I'm fine, Verity." She snickered, amused at how Verity's kind and maternal traits were multiplied when she'd had a drink. "I just wanted to tell you..." she drew in a deep breath, dainty hands tightly linked together in her lap. "I'm pregnant."

Watching on for a reaction, Scarlett winced as Verity merely gawped at her in total disbelief. It took a few seconds for the information to register, but when it did – Verity leapt on like a cow prodded by a hot poke, squealing like a kid.

"Really!?" she screamed, gripping Scarlett's hands tightly as she jumped up and down on the spot. The news had even caused her to spill some joyful tears. As much as Verity had been sceptical of Scarlett's happiness with Arthur at points, at the end of the day she was a grown woman and her best friend – and Verity would be happy as long as she was happy.

Pulling her in a for a tight hug, Verity dried her own tears and whispered congratulations into her friend's ear.

A sweet moment was only to be interrupted.

"Was wondering why I hadn't seen either of you ladies tonight." None other than Eli Valentine drawled, his voice called from the large stone doorstep, where he sat, smoking a cigarette casually.

Verity couldn't help but frown as she looked at him, and she couldn't help but notice Scarlett appear uncomfortable in the man's presence.

"Party ain't that awful that you've had t' come out 'ere?" he mocked, his dark hair slicked back out of his slight features, dark brown eyes staring intently between either woman.

He rose to stand, crushing his discarded cigarette out under the black leather shoes on his feet, dressed impeccably in a black suit, crisp white shirt buttons undone some way, exposing his chest. He sauntered over like a man who thought himself a god, chin jutted out slightly.

"Your business is with Arthur, no?" Verity remarked, the alcohol once again playing it's part in her already brash confidence. "So why are you out here talking to us when it's no secret you couldn't give less of a shit about either of us?"

"Verity..." Scarlett pleaded, squeezing her friend's hand.

"No one's ever said that, love." Eli's smirk was so malicious in that moment, tucking his hand lazily into his suit pant's pocket.

"No one has to say it. I know it." Verity retorted back, "Arthur may've invited you here but you're not welcome. Not to me."

"You talk like the lady of the house, Verity." Eli chuckled, irritatingly nonchalant in the face of her anger. He swaggered a few steps forwards. "You must be fucking the man of the house."

Verity was about to lash out, how anyone could want to tolerate this man was idiotic. She so wanted to raise her hand, to hit him, knock the stupid smirk off his face – but then she realised that would make her no better than him.

And she would remember Charlie's birthday for all the wrong reason.

Instead, she broke away and ran back for the house – clutching the skirts of her satin dress like a princess running from the sources of hurt in her life.

Watching her finery clothed figure rush indoors, Eli turned back to face Scarlett, a sly smirk on his face which caused the woman to cower.

Her high heels had barely hit the hard surface in the hallway before she practically ran into Tommy, who was searching her face and reading the signs of anger written on her expression.

"What's going on out there? I heard shouting." He asked in a matter of fact tone, peeking over her shoulder.

Verity exhaled heavily, her stare dead certain as she said the words:

"Did you mean what you said earlier about? About seeing me happy?" she asked, her chest heaving a little still from the confrontation outside, as she swept a strand of her dark hair from out of her face.

The question faltered Tommy; he wasn't expecting her to say anything like that. It wasn't often he was visibly caught off guard, his words unable to form in his head let alone escape his mouth.

After a few seconds, he eventually managed to formulate a sentence of some description.

"Yes, what does it matter?" he questioned her, brows furrowing in confusion at her presentation. He'd never quite seen her like this before. She seemed impulsive, spontaneous and a far cry from the usual well thought out, logical person he had known her to be when they had first met.

"Okay." Was all she said, drawing in a deep breath. Like a blinkered horse in a blind panic, she acted on carnal control. Her heart dominated all other reason she threw her arms around his shoulders, like was her saviour and she the damsel. Her lips were on his only a matter of seconds later, a flurry of emotions sweeping them both respectively. She could taste the whisky that lingered on his tongue, her grip tightening against the expensive material of the suit that sculpted perfectly over his shoulders. A desire that burned in the pit of her stomach, something completely selfish and longing took a hold of her conscious.

"Since when was the change of heart?" that cocksure voice smirked into her ear as the two pulled apart – even in the heat of a moment he had longed for, he couldn't help himself. Verity looked at him with a scolding look which melted into a smile within a matter of moments.

"Who said anything about something as serious as that?" she hummed sarcastically, her fur shawl slipping further down her arms as she took a few steps back, looking at him with inviting eyes that seemed to growl – take control, if you want this.

Party disregarded; formalities far gone – he rushed towards her with a feverish hurried step.

The temptation far too strong to deny, the pair fled away from the noise and the lights and into the dark seclusion of the second floor.

━━━━━━━━┛ ✠ ┗━━━━━━━━

END OF PART THREE

-

A/N: sOOOOO much happened in this chapter, and it's a lot to ingest – but it all links up to further events that will some cascade.

Hope you enjoyed 😊 At long last we're going to get some Verity/Tommy moments.