Page 86 of The Southern Submission

“Let’s get married now. I want to call you my wife as soon as possible.”

She sits up and turns to look at me, shock replacing the sex haze on her face. “Right now, when your cum is still sticky on my thighs?” she questions.

“Tonight, tomorrow, as soon as we can make it happen in a way you’re happy with. I need you as my wife and I need to be your husband more than anything.”

Talk about post-nut clarity. I came so hard I realized I don’t want a fiancée. I need to start this chapter of our lives immediately.

“What about my family, the dress, and all the traditional things that weddings need?” She worries her lip until I pull it free.

“What about us is traditional?” I challenge. “Our relationship started out fake to appease my family. We have the kinkiest sex life and you’re my collared sub, calling me Daddy while I use your perfect set of holes like the fucktoy you are. You wrote an anonymous gossip blog calling my family out on bullshit with our business for years before you were finally outed for it while dating me. None of that screams white chapelwedding with a reception at a country club where Meemaw leaves before the DJ starts playing Ludacris, but I’ll do anything you want if it makes you happy.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t need any of that.” Her lashes lower and she peeks up at me like she’s sharing something secret. “I do want a pretty dress and a delicious cake and the location to be meaningful to us, though. What about at the lakehouse? Just our families and closest friends. A ceremony at sunset and a reception by the pool.” She sounds wistful like she’s thought about this.

“That’s perfect.” I can see the picture she’s painted and I want that, knowing it’ll make her happy. “What’s our first dance song?” She’s probably thought of that, also. She begins to shiver now that we’ve cooled down. I reach for my jacket and pull it over her like a blanket.

“‘Never Let Me Go’ by Florence and the Machine,” she answers softly. I’m vaguely familiar with the song, but if she likes it, it’s perfect. Hell, I’d dance with her to a banjo rendition of a Taylor Swift song if she asked me to.

“I like the way that sounds. A lakeside wedding with you in a beautiful dress in front of the people we love.”

“And cake.”

“Can’t forget the cake. Chocolate, I assume?”

“Of course.” She stiffens against me and I feel her hard-earned relaxation fleeing. “God, there are so many details and things to consider even if we do it quick and simple.” Anxiety pitches her voice higher.

“Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll have a team on it tonight if you want. The only thing you need to do is make sure the dress you want to wear fits. I think Paige has a place she loves that does fast work.”

“Haute Belle,” Ainsley says absently, picking at her cuticles. “We could do this fast and not worry about the details? It would be everything we wanted without the stress?”

“Yes, my love. I’d make your dreams come true. Say the word and you’ll be my wife.”

She looks up at me with eyes full of trust. “I want to be your wife. Let’s do it.”

And that’s exactly what we do.

Fifty

Epilogue

Ainsley

One week later

The string quartet plays "Ocean Eyes"by Billie Eilish as I walk down the dock on my dad’s arm toward Payton, standing in a charcoal suit silhouetted against the lake at sunset. I’m wearing a simple white, sweetheart neckline dress that hugs my curves and flares from my hips in a mermaid style without additional adornments. It’s lightweight, soft, and feels divine on my skin. I knew it was perfect as soon as Angela at Haute Bride buttoned me into it. I feel beautiful, and the way Payton is looking at me, he thinks so. His deep blue eyes are shining with tears and happiness,and I can’t look away.

We stop in front of the flower-covered arch as the music fades out. I can hear my mom sniffling behind me. My family is here, all four sisters included, which is a miracle given the short notice and everyone's busy schedules. Payton’s family mixes in with mine, and a few of our friends are here—Luca and Della, of course, Javier from Olympus and his wife, Paloma, along with their two children, Diego from Olympus, and Octavius Rex, who keeps looking at my sister, Serena, like he’s been smacked in the face. Lilah, who’s become a great friend, just like I thought she would, is sitting with Knox Contraire, a football player from the Atlanta Condors who's a friend of Harlowe’s and has become close with us over the years. It’s an intimate crowd and exactly what I pictured for my wedding to the love of my life.

I pass my bouquet to Della, who squeezes my hand. I turn to Payton and sigh as I take him in. He looks amazing every day, but it’s extra special today. The sunlight halos around him, giving him a burnished glow that sets his skin on fire and warms me from the inside out as the air cools around us. “I love you” he mouths to me, and I say it back. Suddenly, my dad passes my hand to Payton, having answered the officiant to begin the ceremony.

“Hello, my darling.” Payton cups my cheek as he takes my hand and we face each other in front of the arch.

“This is happening, not a dream?” It doesn’t feel real. Everything’s in soft rose gold tones from the setting sun and the dock shifts softly under our feet. As excited as I am, there’s anxiety creeping in, wanting to dull the glow and steal my happiness even now.

“It’s as real as my love for you, Princess,” he assures me. “Look at me, baby. Focus on me and the best thing to happen to us.”

I suck in a shaky breath and nod, signaling the officiant to begin the ceremony. Payton rubs soft, comforting circles along the backs of my hands, becoming my anchor in the storm of my thoughts, mooring me to the moment and allowing me to be present. Soon, we’re exchanging vows, and tears stream down my cheeks the moment he begins speaking.

“Ainsley, you’re the love of my life, the compass that sets my course, and the wind that fills my sails. I’ve been in love with you from the day we met and patiently waited for you to catch up, knowing I only wanted to spend my life with you. You’re precious to me, and I’m grateful every day that you chose me.”

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