Loving Gwen Baker (Thomas Shelby/Peaky Blinders)

Chapter Twenty

Although it was understandable for Gwen to be worried, (the Shelby's and the Lee's were enemies!) She was relieved to find that the wedding was going ahead, and that there would be peace between the two families.

John lucked out and was obviously relieved that his new bride - Esme - was a beautiful young woman. The two couldn't take their eyes off of one another as they knelt down at the front of the altar.

Gwen stood between Polly and Ada, and once the couple sealed their marriage with a heated kiss - both Shelby and Lee families hollered and cheered as the dancing and drinking commenced.

Gwen danced with Arthur and two of the Lee men, before Tommy found her. She was flushed with excitement, and her eyes were sparkling from the embers of the bonfire that was burning ceremonially.

"Pol passed on my invite then." Tommy said, as he led her across the field in a quickstep dance.

"Yes, thank you." She beamed up at him, "I can't remember the last time I went to a wedding." She laughed as Tommy span her, "I have to admit, as soon as I realised where we were going, I was worried."

"Aye." Tommy agreed, "I didn't tell John what was going on until we arrived. He almost bottled it."

"Well, can you blame him?" She questioned, "You did arrange a marriage, and didn't tell him."

"Yes." Tommy said, obviously worried that Gwen - his sweet Gwen - was about to chew him out. "But a man needed a wife, a woman needed a husband, and two families needed peace."

"I hope they can grow to love each other." Gwen said, looking away from Tommy and towards the married couple who were sitting happily on a wagon together - sharing a sweet kiss. "Although, perhaps it was love at first sight."

"You believe in it?"

"I do." She said with a smile, "Don't you?"

"Of course, I do." He murmured, his eyes locking with hers.

She blushed, and bit her lip. She was about to say something, but found herself speechless. Gwen Baker had never been rendered speechless in her entire life! She chuckled, "I don't think I've ever been stumped on what to say."

"I'm honoured to be the first man to do so." He said, "You look breathtaking, by the way."

She blushed again, "Thank you. Pol helped me pick something out."

"You could've worn a sack, and I'd think you looked beautiful."

Her face flushed scarlet, "I didn't realise you were such a charmer, Mister Shelby."

"All in a days work, Miss Baker." He replied with a grin, he twirled her once more before the song came to an end. "My aim is to please you."

She placed a delicate kiss on his cheek, "Thank you, for the dance."

He took her by the hand, and led her off to the side. She smiled as she caught Polly's eye, but blushed when the older woman shot her a cheeky wink.

"I want to ask you something." Tommy said, once they were away from prying ears. He ensured that they remained in sight to others, for he didn't want Gwen to feel as though he had taken her away to take advantage of her - she could probably smell the whiskey on his breath.

"Of course," She replied with her lovingly beautiful dimpled smile. "You can ask me anything, Tommy."

No amount of alcohol could have prepared him to ask her out, and he was kicking himself for being at a loss for words again.

"Tommy?" She gently pressed.

"I'd like to take you to the races." He rushed the words before he could wimp out, "I don't have any business, nor do I have one of my horses racing. I just want to go, with you. I'll take you to dinner, and then we will dance and watch the races-"