HIGH ON LOVE// ASHTRAY x OC

Epilogue

I stood in front of the mirror as I smoothly brushed my hands over the fabric of my dress. It was beautiful, a satin dress that stopped a little below my knees that allowed for the bottom to move with the breeze.

I grabbed my necklace off of the dresser, it was a tear drop shaped opal necklace with a gold chain and absolutely beautiful. As I tried to put it on, I felt my shoulder not allowing me to do so. Ever since I got shot, my mobility in my shoulder has been limited. Some days I can do everything and other days I can't do anything.

"Let me," I feel as my boyfriend's delicate hands come up from behind me, grabbing the necklace carefully.

"You look so handsome Ash," I smiled at his reflection. He wore a classic black suit, his bow tie hanging limply around his neck. I watched as he finished securing my necklace before he leaned down to kiss my bare shoulder.

"And you look as beautiful as ever princess," He smiles back at me, just as happily. "You almost ready?" I nodded as I turned towards him, a giddy feeling in my stomach for the event that was only a couple of moments away.

I leaned into Ashtray's touch, wrapping my arms around him as he kissed me. I don't care how many times we kiss, I'll always feel these damn butterflies and come out of it breathless and blushing. As I pulled away, I see he's the exact same way.

"I love you," He murmurs, tucking a loose curl behind my ear.

"I love you too," I reply shyly. Two things I will never get used to; kissing him and us saying those three words.

"Cmon, they're all probably waiting on us," He says, nudging his head towards the hotel door. I grab his hand and make sure to grab my flowers as well. Ashtray and I walked side by side as we entered the elevator and made our way to the lobby.

"This place is like a mansion," I murmured as the doors opened. Grand marble statues, gold accents and whole decor tied in the whole look of this fancy hotel.

"Fancy as shit," Ash responded as we took in the lobby. We walked down the grand staircase, hand in hand.

"Look who decided to show up," Fezco's voice rang as we met up with the group. "Thought my best man bailed on me," Ash rolled his eyes at his older brother.

"You wish," He said, jabbing his side. "Now help me wit this bow, shit's annoying as hell," I watched as Fez helped Ash properly secure the bow around his collar.

"These heels gon fuck me up," Rue mutters as she comes to stand next to me. "And why does the maid of honor have to wear a different color? I feel like a waking target." Rue went to mess with her strip lash in annoyance.

"If you so much as touch your makeup Rue Bennet," Maddy snaps as she slaps Rue's hand to her side. "I'll literally kill you," Maddy wore the exact same dress as me except she filled out in places I didn't, I think we looked equally as beautiful though.

"And stop messing with your hair!" Cassie exclaims, readjusting the barrett in Rue's hair. "It took me like half an hour just to get you to sit still!"

"You guys seemed to have had a good time getting ready," I smiled at the three. They were all definitely nervous and anxious for this wedding to start. The last two weeks have been nothing but preparing for this day and if I hadn't taken energy shot, I'd probably be knocked out on the floor.

"Bitch please," Maddy groaned. "I can't take your sarcasm," I laughed at her dramatic self. They must've really had a rough time.

"Okay ladies, let's get moving!" Suzie, the Howard sisters mother exclaimed. I watched as the groomsmen all got ushered away first, Ashtray finding my eyes as he sent me an amused wave goodbye.

~

The wedding was small and intimate, only about fifty guests were in attendance as Lexi and Fez only wanted close friends and families in attendance.

Also Fezco said and I quote 'I ain't fuckin with the fakes' when Lexi asked him why his side of invitees only had around fifteen people, some of which overlapped with her guests. The alter was beautifully set up, a round beam that had greenery that tied into the whole theme felt as if there was a huge halo around the couple.

Because Rue and Ash were the maid of honor and best man respectively, I had walked in with Lexi's cousin, Jonah. Bright smiles were plastered on both of our faces as we linked arms, ready to walk on cue.

"Lover boy's gonna eat you up girl!" Jonah excitedly whispers into my ear just before we walked in. A soft and subtly music played as my eyes scanned the crowd. Everybody was smiling at us in pure happiness but I couldn't help but feel my eyes gravitate towards where I knew Ash was standing.

He looked so good at the alter, if I let my imagination run wild, I could've dreamt that it was him at the alter and I was walking up to be married to him. We kept eye contact the entire way. His eyes gleamed as he looked at me, a loving undertone was evident.

I got into my spot at the alter as I glanced at Fezco. I wasn't surprised but seeing him so nervous, so emotional right now, it made me realize how much he truly loves Lexi.

Speaking of Lexi, the entirety of the room stood up as the usher announced her arrival. A slow and melodic voice rang through the room as Can't Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis began to play.

Lexi walked in as soon as the lyrics began and looked absolutely breathtaking.

She wore a long white dress with beautiful and delicate lace and beading. The shoulders came off slightly, accentuating her collar bones and her dress flowed as she walked slowly. Her mother, Suzie walked arm in arm with her.

So take my hand, take my whole life too

Everyone's eyes followed as Fezco reached out for her, tears brimming his eyes as he helped his future wife onto the platform. It was as if everybody was moving in slow motion. Lexi and Fez both had looks of absolute love and admiration.

On cue, everyone awe'd as Lexi wiped away Fezco's tears, not bothering to wipe her own because she was selfless like that. I took a chance to wipe at my own tears and peered up at Ashtray.

I've only ever seen him cry once before, this would be the second. He watched his brother and soon to be sister in law with nothing but love, pure love. He must've caught me staring because he looked at me.

"I love you," I mouthed towards him softly. His soft smile wavered as he let out an inaudible laugh.

"I love you too," He mouthed back lowly. Nobody could see this exchange between us unless they were looking really hard, so it felt as if we were the only two in the room.

The ceremony was as beautiful as the couple. Everyone watched with nothing but care and happiness as the two said their vows, which by the way, made us all cry and laugh.

"You may now kiss the bride,"

🖤
love,em