Chapter 12

Ashleigh trembled as the guests rose, her father escorting her down the aisle. Somehow, Slate had really managed to pull it off. Surprised her with the romantic, small wedding of her dreams. She’d dressed at the venue, her sister bringing the wedding gown and shoes. Anna had touched up her hair and makeup, and now she was walking down the aisle—right toward the man she loved more than anything.

Violin music began to play, and tears of happiness smarted her eyes. She looked around in wonder at the small crowd who’d come to witness their union. Her family. Close friends. One of Slate’s entire SEAL teams was there with their wives or girlfriends, along with a few of his older military buddies.

“Aunt Ashleigh is a princess!” a little boy called out, and her gaze slid to Anna and Jett’s oldest son. Anna was shushing him but winked. She’d told Ashleigh earlier that Slate wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself after seeing her in this dress. The form-fitting mermaid gown that Ashleigh wore was sleek and stunning, cupping her breasts perfectly and dipping low to accentuate her cleavage. The gown was low cut in the back as well, the material hugging her bottom. Sexy stilettos peeked out from beneath the material, and Ashleigh did indeed feel like a princess today.

Her gaze swept forward as she took the last few steps down the aisle, and the look in Slate’s eyes nearly made her stumble. The heat and possessiveness in them probably should’ve scared her, but the love and protectiveness he felt for her shone through. Her body grew warm as his green eyes raked over her, and his muscular hand was steady as he took hers in his own, her father giving her away.

She took a quick glance out to their guests. Ashleigh’s sister and brother-in-law were seated in the front row beside her mother and father, along with her niece and nephew. Jett, Anna, and their boys sat on the opposite side, and the rest of the small venue was filled with their closest friends. Slate smiled down at her, slow and sexy, as they turned to face one another in front of the officiant. Slate looked handsome as hell in his dress uniform, gruffly commanding even now, his attention focused only on her.

“Is this okay?” he asked quietly before the ceremony began, his lips brushing against her ear. “Jett and Anna had a big wedding. I thought you’d want something more quietly romantic.”

“It’s perfect,” she told him, tears smarting her eyes.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered.

And then the officiant began the ceremony, the minutes flying by as Ashleigh stood before their family and friends with the man she loved.

“I do,” she said, her voice trembling as Slate slid the wedding ring on her finger.

“And do you, Slate, take Ashleigh to be yours now and forever?”

“I do,” he said huskily, warmth shining in his gaze. Her hands shook as she put on his ring, but then it was gleaming on his finger, a sign for all to see that he was hers.

“Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!” the officiant declared.

Slate took her in his arms and kissed her slowly, dipping her low as she clutched onto him while their friends and family cheered. They were married now, joined together as one forever. She was flushed and beaming when he finally let her up for air, and then his lips were at her ear while the crowd rose. “You’re finally mine, Mrs. Hutchinson,” he said, his voice deep and husky.

She could feel rather than see his smile, and pressed slightly closer to his big frame. “And you’re mine,” she declared, listening to his small huff of laughter.

“That I am, Ash. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”