The wedding was supposed to unite two families. At least, that's what everyone said. In reality, it looked nothing like that. Your family sat in the front pews, upright, cold, almost motionless. Noble names, impeccable manners, and faces on which it was impossible to find even the faintest trace of happiness. As if they had come not to celebrate, but simply to fulfill an obligation. On the opposite side stood them. The Peaky Blinders. Men in elegant suits, marked by scars, cigarette smoke, and Birmingham written across their faces. Gangsters. Smugglers. Men your family considered beneath them. And yet, they were the ones laughing, clapping each other on the back, exchanging knowing glances, looking as though they had been waiting for this moment for years. They were the only ones who were genuinely happy for the two of you. Long ago, they had stopped being only Thomas's family. They had become yours as well. They loved you not because of your name, your fortune, or your upbringing. They loved you simply for who you were.

You stood before Thomas. Your wedding dress fell softly to the floor, a delicate veil covered your face, and although you tried to hide it, your hands trembled slightly. Thomas wore a dark, perfectly tailored suit. No flat cap. His hair was neatly combed back, and his blue eyes never left you for a single moment. Without thinking, you glanced toward your family. Somber faces. Tight jaws. Not a single smile. You felt the stress tighten around your throat as joy mixed with sadness. At that very moment, Thomas gently took one of your hands and slowly brushed his thumb across it. He didn't say a word. He only gave the slightest nod toward the people standing behind him. You looked. Arthur was grinning from ear to ear. John gave you a playful wink. Polly quietly wiped away a tear, while the others watched with pride, as though their entire family's dream was finally coming true. And suddenly, you understood. They were your home.

The priest cleared his throat softly and rested both hands on the open Bible. Silence settled over the church. He looked at Thomas and spoke in a calm voice.

"Repeat after me, Thomas."

Thomas never took his eyes off you.

"I, Thomas Shelby, take you as my wife. I pledge you my love, my faithfulness, and my honesty. I promise to stand beside you in peaceful days and in the days that will put us to the test."

He fell silent for a brief moment. His hand never once let go of yours.

"I will respect you. I will protect you. And no matter where my life takes me... I will always find my way back to you."

The church was so quiet that the only sound was the steady breathing of the guests.

"I swear to remain your husband until the day death parts us."

The priest gave a gentle nod with a faint smile before turning toward you.

"Now you. Repeat after me."