Epilogue
Ashton
It’s time. I’ve claimed my woman in every sense of the word apart from the official one. I’m an old-fashioned fucker, and I want the piece of paper that says she’s mine and I’m hers.
Ivy didn’t want an extravagant ceremony. She just wants me however she can get me—words she uttered two nights ago as I buried my face in her sweet pussy until she screamed my name.
While Ivy may be happy with a non-traditional wedding, she was adamant about sticking to the tradition of not seeing each other the night before the ceremony. It’s bad luck, apparently. I don’t believe in bad luck—I believe you make your own luck. It’s an unshakeable belief that’s put me at the top of my profession.
I wasn’t happy about being away from Ivy for twenty-four hours, but it was important to her. And there’s nothing I won’t do for my soon-to-be-wife. So, last night was the first time we didn’t sleep in the same bed since I brought her to my apartment three months ago.
Three months of fucking bliss with the woman who owns every part of me. I’d move heaven and earth just to see her beautiful smile. And I’d sell my soul to the devil to make sure she’s safe because, without her, there is no me.
I shove my shaking hands into the pockets of my expensive suit while I wait for Ivy and Kathy to arrive at the registry office. Kathy took me to one side to give me her blessing when I dropped Ivy off at her house two days ago. It lifted a weight from my shoulders that I hadn’t realized I was carrying. The last little splinter of guilt has been removed, and I’m ready to claim the woman I love.
As if my thoughts have summoned her, I turn to see Ivy walking toward me. She’s a fucking vision in a white dress that clings to her curves and shows a hint of her generous cleavage. My God, she’s stunning. She steals my breath, weakens my knees, and hardens my cock.
The primal part of me that’s always close to the surface when it comes to Ivy wants to rip that dress from her gorgeous body and slide home—because that's exactly what she feels like. Home. We’ve had each other in every conceivable position during the past three months, but our desire for each other is never sated for long.
All her emotions are laid bare in her honey-brown eyes as they fix on mine—happiness, desire, excitement, but above all, love. We fit. It’s as simple as that.
She smiles at me, and I’m complete.
Time to make her my wife.
Ivy
My entire life has led up to this moment.
I was made to be Ashton’s wife.
My eyes fall on him, and my breath stalls in my lungs. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever known. His suit fits him to perfection, making my mouth water. His eyes kindle as they take me in, skimming over my curves in my simple white dress.
I can barely believe I’m marrying the man of my dreams. Ashton Stanbrook is about to become my husband. I spent so long loving him from a distance that this all feels surreal.
“You look so beautiful,” he growls as I reach him, my mom at my side.
She’s fussed and primped me to within an inch of my life over the last few hours. It’s been wonderful spending some time together. I know she was opposed to this union at first, but she’s come around now that she sees how much Ash and I love each other. The fact that she’s here by my side on my wedding day speaks volumes.
“So do you,” I murmur, smiling so hard that my cheeks hurt. My heart is overflowing with love for this passionate, growly, possessive man who’s given me so much.
I give him a smirk. “Wanna get married?”
He reaches for my hand. “Thought you’d never ask.”
I squeeze his hand, elation flooding my entire body so that it feels like I’m walking on air. as we make our way through the double doors toward our future.
The wedding ceremony is short, poignant, and perfect. I lose myself in Ash’s eyes as we say our vows, our words crafted with love and spoken straight from the heart.
Later, Ashton carries me over the threshold into our hotel room, an exquisite suite he’s booked for two nights before we head off on our honeymoon to Europe.
“This feels crazy to me,” I murmur as he places me on the enormous bed.
Ash frowns. “Crazy, how?”
“I’ve loved you for an eternity, never dreaming you’d be mine, yet here we are, husband and wife, planning a future together. I can’t wait to do all the things with you. You’re my wisdom, my heart…” I pause, cupping his face in my hands as he leans over me, “…my Ashton.”
He turns his face, kissing my palm. “And you’re my fucking everything, Mrs. Stanbrook. From now to the grave.”