Letters - Michael Gray

Mrs Gray

Valarie had been dreaming of her wedding day ever since she was a little girl. She imagined a big wedding with many celebrations. However, that wasn't happening. Michael had asked Jeremiah Jesus if he could marry them soon and he agreed to do it. They decided that it was just going to be them, Jeremiah, Polly and Alfie. They both agreed that the last thing Tommy needed right now is a wedding on his mind. That's also why they didn't bother to tell anyone other than the people who would be at the wedding.

Valarie was sat at a dressing table while Polly did her hair.
"I can't believe my Michael is actually getting married" said Polly as she was putting the finishing touches to Valarie's hair.
"I can't believe I'm getting married today. I always thought that my dad wouldn't let me get married, especially to a Peaky Blinder" replied Valarie
"Well I've seen stranger things happen. Anyway let's get your dress on, we need to leave soon"

In no time at all Valarie had her dress on and was walking to the church with Polly with their arms linked. When they arrived at the church they saw Alfie waiting outside for his daughter. He couldn't believe how grown up his little girl had become, to him it didn't seem like five minutes ago since she was a baby.
"You look beautiful Darlin'" said Alfie as his daughter and her mother in law walked towards him.
"Thanks dad, you don't look to bad yourself"
"I'm gonna go and see Michael, see you in there" said Polly while giving her soon to be daughter in law a hug.
"Nervous?" questioned Alfie
"I'm terrified, is that normal?" replied his daughter
"Trust me you're not the first bride to feel like that on her wedding day and you won't be the last"
"You know I'm gonna be living here now?" asked Valarie while looking at her dad worried
"I know I've just pushed it to the back of my mind. You're gonna be a married woman in less than an hour. How can I expect you to not want to see him?" said Alfie who was avoiding eye contact with Valarie "I just always thought you would be my little girl forever. Now you're a grown woman. I always knew I would have to let you go one day, but I thought it was gonna be in London and to a man I would be able to scare the shit out of. Instead you chose to marry a gypsy and move to Birmingham. However, I'm happy for you and I wouldn't want anything more for you". At this Valarie was shocked she had never heard her dad say anything like this to her. But before Valarie had the chance to respond the sound of church bells filled her ears giving her the signal that she would soon become Mrs Valarie Gray.

Valarie felt like it took her hours to walk down the aisle and reach her future husband.
"You look beautiful" mouthed Michael as Valarie stood in front of him.
"You look handsome" mouthed Valarie. Nothing could wipe the smile off the young couples faces, they were so happy to be finally getting married.

The ceremony didn't take long and before they knew it Michael and Valarie were hearing the words they were waiting to hear "you may now kiss the bride". Polly couldn't stop her tears from flowing, she was so proud to be gaining Valarie as a daughter. Alfie could see Pollys' tears and took a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her, which Polly gratefully took. Valarie was so caught up in the moment that she didn't realise that Michael was picking her up bridal style and walking down the aisle. At this they couldn't hold in their laughter. Nothing could bring the young couple down, they were so happy and in love with each other.

A wedding reception wasn't planned as the wedding was a secret and that Alfie had to go back to London. So, along with Polly, Michael and Valarie made their way to Tommy's house where the rest of the family were currently at. On the journey to Tommy's their wedding rings glimmered in the sun and Valarie spent the whole journey looking at her ring finger. She was nervous at what everyone would say about them getting married. She loved the family and she knew they loved her but that didn't put her mind at ease.

It wasn't long before the three of them were walking through Tommy's grand door and entering the lounge where the family were sat.
"Where have you lot been?" questioned John with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
"Nowhere that concerns you" replied Polly, she knew that it was up to Michael and Valarie to tell the family about their marriage themselves.
"Alright keep your hair on" laughed John. Valarie saw Ada with an empty seat by her and immediately went to sit by her while Michal poured himself a glass of whiskey.
"How come you're all dressed up?" asked Ada as soon as Valarie sat by her.
"Oh I just felt like it"
"What you just felt like wearing a white dress?" Ada clearly didn't believe her and Valarie knew it wouldn't be long before everyone knew that she was an official member of the family. Lucky Ada didn't question her anymore and poured her a cup of tea. It was as Valarie was taking the tea from Ada, that Ada saw Valarie's ring finger and screamed causing the family to look.
"When did you get married?" asked Ada as she took Valarie's hand and was inspecting the ring. Valarie didn't know that to say and Michael saw this and jumped in to save his wife.
"About an hour ago"
"What!, why didn't you invite us?, who was there?, why did you get married in secret?" all these questions came at once. Michael knew that Valarie would want him to answer the questions so that's what he did.
"Well" said Arthur "I think this calls for a celebration. A wedding is meant to be a big family day where the family comes together and that's exactly what we'll do. Tommy!"
"What the fuck do you want Arthur?" asked Tommy as he entered the room.
"Meet our new cousin, Mrs Valarie Gray"
"You got married?" asked Tommy
"Yea" replied Michael
"Well, this calls for a celebration. Finn get the champagne out. Welcome to the family officially Valarie". Finn was soon rushing in with the champagne and glasses for everyone. Glasses were soon filled.
"To Mr and Mrs Gray" said Tommy while raising his glass.
"To Mr and Mrs Gray"