“We lost our way for a little while, but my love for you never died,” she says. “I can’t ever imagine my life without you in it, and now I’ve experienced it, I know for sure. Chad and Ash are always meant to be. I love you, and I promise to show you every day through my actions and in my words.”
Ash sniffs as we exchange rings, and I slot a thin band alongside Jase’s band on her ring finger. It’s only a placeholder until I get a custom fit one to sit perfectly in between her other rings.
Her hands are shaking as she slides a black tungsten band on my finger. I’m trembling with powerful emotion when the officiant says, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Without wasting another second, I sweep Ash into my arms, lifting her up as my lips press to hers and I can finally breathe.
ChapterThirty-Seven
Ashley
Our guests crowd around us, offering congratulations, hugs, and kisses. Rhett is brief in his congratulations, still pissed at being one-upped by us. He makes an excuse and leaves, and there’s a collective sigh of relief. Mom quickly follows suit. I hate the disappointment that flows through my veins. When will I get the memo she doesn’t care? It seems so obvious now, and I wish it didn’t hurt. But it does.
“Fuck her.” Chad pulls me back into his chest, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. “She’s a shitty mother, and we don’t need her here.”
Ares hangs back behind Jase’s family with his head bent and his hands shoved deep in the pockets of his dress pants. He looks lost, and my heart instantly aches.
“Can you take everyone inside?” I ask as Jase swipes a flute of champagne off a tray a waiter is carrying and hands it to me. “I need a moment with Ares.”
“Of course, wife.” Jase flashes me a blinding white smile, hypnotizing me in his usual way. He chuckles before leaning in to my ear. “I will never tire of saying that.” He pecks my lips. “Love you, wife.”
I stretch up and kiss him. “Love you too, husband.” I grab a second glass of champagne from the waiter before he walks off.
Angling my head, I press my lips to Chad’s inviting mouth. “Love you.”
“You’re my world,” he simply says, returning my kiss with longing. He nuzzles his nose into my hair before walking off with Jase.
I take a sip of my champagne before walking toward Ares.
Everyone else walks around the side of the house toward the other veranda, where the small dining room opens out onto the gorgeous grounds.
“Take a walk with me?” I ask, handing Ares a flute.
He jerks his head as he accepts the drink. I slip my free hand in his as we set off.
We walk along the small stone path leading through the rose garden. Every color and type of rose imaginable surrounds us, grouped in pretty designs and situated around stone features and wooden decorations. We don’t talk at first, but the silence is comfortable. Ares’s hand is solid and warm in mine, and I’m more content than I can ever remember.
“You look stunning,” he finally says, ushering me toward the gazebo at the back of the garden.
“Thank you.” I beam up at him as we enter the gazebo and sit down on the cushioned love seat. It sways gently as we sit side by side drinking our champagne, admiring the stunning view, and swimming in a myriad of emotions.
“Was that hard for you?” I ask, tipping my face up to his.
He shrugs before sliding his free arm around my back.
“Talk to me,” I implore in a soft voice. “Please don’t shut me out.”
“This is your special day, Ashley. I don’t want to sully it.”
“You being here means so much to me, Ares.” I move closer and twist my body so I’m looking at his handsome face. Butterflies run amok in my chest, and my heart beats erratically as I pull my big-girl panties on and admit my truth. “I wish I could have married you too.”
His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat as his fingers toy with the ends of my hair. “I’m so fucking jealous,” he blurts after a few beats of silence. “I want to hate those motherfuckers for taking what’s mine, but I can’t. Not anymore. Especially when they make you so happy.”
“They’re not the bad guys,” I say, placing my hand on his thigh.
“I know that now.” Taking my half-empty flute, he sets it alongside his on the small end table. His fingers curl around mine, and he wears the most intense expression on his face as he stares at me. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Ash. Inside and out.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” My flirtatious smile is an attempt to lighten the heavy tension, but it’s no lie. Ares in a suit is an ovary-pounding experience. He is so goddamned hot. All three of my guys are today, and I’m a lucky bitch.
