Green-minded (EDITING) ✔

T H I R T Y - E I G H T: I do

*Tony's POV*

A gentle breeze blows Ash's veil as she gracefully rides a white horse from the house. It may sound cliche but it's true, she's like a princess from a fairytale. We've decided to have a very private wedding at home, the venue is in between the serene lake and the ranch. There are about twenty chairs lined perfectly, ten per side and five per row.

I see Ash's friends from work--Jessie, Sierra, Patty, and her boss, Travis. Trixie came with Ashton as her date. She had encouraged Ash to have their Dad Ron, come to our wedding but my bride refused, saying that she's not yet prepared to talk to him. Her Grandma, who seems more excited than ever, sits in front with their other close relatives. Kelly, Tim, Greg, Nurse George, and Dr. Bill sit together on the other side.

Ash portrays beautiful elegance as she walks down the aisle, donning a pristine white bridal gown with silver beads exquisitely placed on the strapless sweetheart neckline. I take in all of her as I unknowingly stare more than I should-- her short hair with sexy waves that's been recently colored back to brown, lighter than the original color of her hair but this suits her better, her ravishing no-makeup-makeup look under the veil, her porcelain-doll-like skin, her small hand holding a bouquet of red and white roses, the long trail of her lace gown, most importantly, the woman of my dreams draws nears to me, walking towards a future with me. I fight the tears from forming in my eyes but I failed. She threads the pathway decorated with pink, purple and white roses while holding my gaze, her face is with a curved smile.

She's unimaginably pristine and mesmerizing, I can't believe that she agreed to marry me. She smiles at Mom, meeting her halfway on the aisle then she places her hand to hers. Mom is wearing a sunshine yellow knee-length dress and she's absolutely gorgeous.

In a few seconds which for me feels like forever, she arrives at my side and I kiss Mom while she whispers in my ear, "Remember your promise."

I nod, "Certainly."

Ash gently places her hand around my arm as we turn and step up to the altar. I say, "You look strikingly beautiful, Ash."

She blushes, "So are you, love."

My heart picks up speed the moment she mentioned 'love'. When can I get used to this? Maybe never. I run a hand over my kempt hair making it slightly disheveled.

I'm wearing a tailored-fit, classic three-piece navy suit, a silver tie, and brown leather shoes. This flatters my proportions and the jacket is neither too long nor too short. Ash seems spellbound just as I am when she takes a gander at me, "I take it as we're truly meant to be."

She pinches my arm lightly. I exaggerate my reaction by frowning as I whine, "Ouch. We should've laid out a clear set of rules regarding domestic abuse."

She sneers and speaks very softly, "Let's just not push through with the marriage then." She's about to remove her hand from my arm but I grip it.

"No turning back, love. You can pinch, whip or spank me, anyway or anywhere you like but I prefer these to be done inside our bedroom."

Her eyes widen and scorn, "Perv."

The town pastor clears his throat, noticing us not listening to his message about marriage. I bite my lip in embarrassment and Tony bows his head while muttering 'Sorry, Pastor.'

The Pastor continues to preach, "Marriage is like a trip to an amusement park. Initially, you're both excited and looking forward to an amusing time with the pleasurable rides, games, and activities. There are series of ups and downs, also twists and turns, then, in the end, you'll become exhausted and sick of the highs and lows. Sometimes you'll realize that you shouldn't have gone in the first place, sometimes you feel regret about participating in it, however, most of the time, it's the opposite, you want to stay or come back for more. Why? Because you love it, not just the thrill nor the fun but the thought of being together and not facing the heights and fears alone. That's love--being there for one another during your best and worst, supporting each other when challenges come, and bearing with one another when your partner decides to dive into risks." The Pastor proceeds with some verses from the Bible until it's time to exchange vows.

"Ash Marie, you're a one-of-a-kind strong and beautiful woman. Whenever you enter a room, heads turn because of the incontestable loveliness you carry but I see more than that, I perceive someone with a good heart, someone with a pure soul, and someone with the determination to push through life in spite of her fears and losses. Your love gives me the courage and your presence takes my nightmares away and that's when I knew that you're the one I need in my life. Thank you for not giving up on me and trusting me once again, not just with your love but with the rest of your life. I promise to treat you with respect as my partner. I'm not superior and you're not inferior in our marriage. I'll be faithful and honest. And in spite of my condition, I vow to build a wonderful life with you and our future children. I do." He places the white gold band on my finger. Small diamonds are embedded, forming an enthralling infinity symbol.

Grandma claps as tears fill her eyes. She laughs with all her heart. Mom, on the other hand, wipes her eyes with her handkerchief.

"Tony, you're a famous celebrity all around the world. People love and adore you, who wouldn't? They want to get to know you but they can't and in spite of your fame, you've given me the privilege to see the real you, to be loved by you and to love you. Thank you for the countless times you've rescued me, now is my turn to help you in the simplest way I can. I promise to submit and be loyal to you. I vow to be a caring wife and mother to our children. I do." I place the plain white gold ring to his finger.

Grandma is now hugging Mom and crying loudly. Mom is laughing while tapping Grandma's back. The other guests are clapping and laughing while teary-eyed.

The Pastor announces, "You may now kiss the bride!"

I lift the veil and I got to see the radiant, smiling face of my wife. Oh my God, is she beautiful! Cupping her face with my hands, I kiss her passionately. She responds with the same amount of affection.

It took a while before the kiss ended then the Pastor announces, "Congratulations and Best wishes, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Green!"

Whistles, applause, and cheers flood the venue.

*****

The reception is held at the garden located on another side of the lake. We're surrounded by hundreds of big sunflowers that stands tall and planted firmly on the ground. There are also plenty of colorful butterflies and birds flying in the air and the weather is neither hot nor cold, it's just amazing.

A huge, six-layered white wedding cake with edible pearl design sits at the far left side of the reception.

The guests heartily eat the food prepared by the best chefs in my hotels. The menu ranges from Appetizers such as Shrimp cocktails, Salmon Jalapeno tartare, Salads of Greens, Entrees including Roasted prime rib, Seafood manicotti, Seared beef, Steamed sea bass, plus baked potatoes, vegetables on the side and many more.

When it's time to throw the bouquet, single ladies line up. Patty, Kelly, Jessie, Trixie, and Sierra jump high, stretching their arms to get the bouquet but the lucky girl is Trixie.

When Trixie raises the bouquet while doing her victory dance, my eyes didn't miss a tattoo on her wrist. She's wearing a long sleeves top but the sleeves fell when she lifted her arms. It looks like half of a heart and I immediately feel chills run down my spine.

No, it's impossible. It's not her, it can't be her.

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Note:

Hey, Lovelies!

I'm sorry, I wasn't able to update for the past two days. Thanks for your patience!

Love,
Miss*s Happy 💗