The afternoon was unusually quiet at Arrow House.

The manor was filled with family, friends, and guests. Laughter and conversation drifted through the rooms as servants moved between them with trays of food and drink. Gatherings like this were rare. Thomas was usually too busy for them.

And yet, there he was.

Observing. As always.

Thomas Shelby stood apart from the others, hands in his coat pockets, a cigarette slowly burning between his fingers.

His gaze settled on you, his daughter.

Things between you had never been easy. Thomas knew how to deal with criminals, politicians, and businessmen. Personal relationships were another matter. Especially when it came to someone he cared about.

There was always work. Always another problem waiting at the door.

Still, he tried to be present in the only way he knew how.

Arthur appeared beside him with a glass in hand.

"Are you going to give her the gift or are you going to stand there staring at her all day?"

Thomas said nothing. He stubbed out his cigarette and walked away.

Some time later, after the birthday cake had been brought out, Thomas approached you, interrupting one of John's jokes, and motioned for you to follow him.

Curious, you followed him to the front of the estate.

Then you saw it.

Johnny Dogs, Thomas's most loyal ally, was leading a beautiful dappled gray mare along the gravel path. An Andalusian purebred—rare in England, elegant, and perfectly suited for dressage and show jumping.

The horse was his gift to you.

Thomas remained a few steps away, watching quietly, hoping to catch some sign of what you felt, even if part of him believed he hadn't earned it.