White Wedding for a Southern Belle (17 page)

“Yes. Could you say it again?”

He captured her gaze. All the sincerity of his heart was in his eyes. “I love you.”

“That's better than any sunset I've ever seen. I love you too.” She leaned down and kissed him. When they finally broke apart she said, “You know, you don't have to marry me. I know how you feel about marriage. That doesn't change how we feel about each other.”

“Yes, I do. Because I want everyone to know you are mine. I know you would never betray me. You are faithful to those you care about. A commitment with you will last forever.”

“I'll not fail you.”

“Nor I you. So you will marry me?”

“There's just one more thing.”

Kiefer sighed. “Heavens, woman, it takes a lot to get you to say yes. What else?”

“About you being overprotective...”

“I'm going to try—”

She put her hand over his mouth. “We'll work at a compromise, something we can both live with. I understand where you're coming from, and as part of my love I'll try very hard to not make you worry unduly.”

“As part of my love I'll resist calling in the army when you are a minute late.”

She chuckled. “I would appreciate that. Now, if you'll ask me that question again, I have an answer.”

“Ashley, you will make me the happiest man alive if you will marry me. Will you?”

“Just try to stop me.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

* * *

Two months later, Ashley stood in the doorway of the Tybee Island lighthouse. Her father reached out a hand to help her descend the steps. She lifted the long skirt of the flowing white wedding dress she'd fallen in love with the minute she'd seen it. She felt like a princess going to meet her prince. Kiefer certainly was hers.

Taking her father's hand, she stepped down and placed her arm in the crook of his. Kiefer was waiting for her along with all their friends and family. Much of the community of Southriver had been invited to the wedding. Because of her position on the council, the media were also present. She didn't care. The only person who mattered was Kiefer.

They'd chosen to have a simple wedding. No attendants. Just them. She'd surprised Kiefer with deciding on the lighthouse as the venue and they had agreed on a dusk ceremony, knowing how much they both enjoyed sunsets. As she walked across the grass and around the corner of the building, thoughts of how far they had come and what they had overcome went through her mind. She'd almost lost Kiefer. She would never take him for granted.

The large white tent came into sight. Kiefer would be waiting at the end of the white aisle runner. The man who would protect her, the man who would stand beside her and the man who would let her cry in his arms when she was hurt.

She and her father paused before entering the tent. Kiefer stood tall and handsome in his dark suit. A smile formed on his lips and his gaze held hers. If she hadn't felt like a princess before, she did now. The love in his look was crystal clear.

Half an hour later she was Mrs. Kiefer Bradford.

The reception was every bit the party they had hoped for. Kiefer swung her around on the dance floor and Ashley giggled as he brought her close for a kiss. He couldn't seem to stop touching her and she had no complaints about that.

“I love you. Do you know that?”

“I do. And I love you. Thank you for giving me this.” Meaning the wedding. Her happiness. Him.

“Hey, there, mind if I meet the bride?” A man who favored Kiefer stood beside him.

Kiefer let her go for the first time and enveloped the man in a bear hug then stepped back. “Jackson, my man, it's so good to see you. I'm glad you could make it.”

“Wouldn't have missed it.”

“Ashley, this is my cousin, Jackson Hilstead the Third.” Kiefer put emphasis on the last word. “You know—the one from California—Aunt Georgina's son.”

Ashley smiled at Jackson. “It's so nice to meet you. I'm glad you could be here. You're the one who missed out on the name Kiefer.”

Jackson grinned. “Guilty as charged.” He shifted and put a hand on a pretty woman's waist and brought her closer. “This is Charlotte Johnson.”

“Hello, Charlotte, we're so glad to have you here,” Ashley said, as Kiefer and Jackson went into a deep discussion.

“You're a beautiful bride,” Charlotte offered. “Gorgeous dress.”

“Thank you. I think anyone must look beautiful when they're in love.”

Ashley noticed the other woman glance at Kiefer's cousin. “I guess they are.”

“Is there another wedding planned in the near future?”

The men turned back to them before Charlotte could answer. She clearly had it bad for Jackson. Ashley recognized that look because she'd seen it in the mirror since she'd met Kiefer.

The men joined them again.

“Ashley, I want you to make Kiefer bring you out for a visit sometime soon,” Jackson said.

“We'll put it on our calendar. It sounds like fun,” Ashley assured him.

Jackson glanced back. “I see Mother signaling to us. Better go see who else she wants us to meet.”

Kiefer and Jackson exchanged a hug again.

“That's a woman in love,” Ashley said as Jackson and Charlotte moved away.

Kiefer kissed her. “You think everyone should be in love today.”

“That could be true but what I do know is that I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Ashley took his hand. “Want to go to the beach and watch the sunset with me?”

“Every day. For the rest of my life.”

* * * * *