Dress on side of Layla's wedding gown, and the song "Thinking Out Loud" By Ed Sheeran played during the wedding dance.
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1 Year Later....
"Layla get your ass home right now!" Kacey yelled through the phone. I quickly pulled it away from my ear not wanting to be deaf.
"Kacey why? I still got stuff to do here." I said.
"Have you forgotten it is your 1 year anniversary?" She asked.
"No I haven't." I haven't in fact i've been looking forward to today all week. Ashton and I decided that our year anniversary would be on the same day as our first date.
"Well than get home so I can help you get ready." With that Kacey hung up on me. I shook my head setting my phone on my desk. I grinned down at my screensaver, it was a picture of Ashton and I in London about a month ago when we went of business. I was grinning at the camera and Ashton was smiling widely down at me, it had to my favorite picture of us.
To say this year has been crazy is an understatement. After Ashton and I worked things out, it took a few good weeks before I forgave him, we became an official couple, and I still work as his PA. His parents were happy we were together, his mother more than his father. And I am pretty close with Ashton's sister Ariel. We met the weekend after Ashton and I got together to have dinner with his family, we got to talking and clicked. She is now part of Kacey, Neena and I's little group.
There was even a cheating scandal that happened when reporters found out I was with Ashton not Alex. I hadn't realized that the New York magazine or even the newspaper cared so much about Ashton and I's relationship but apparently they did. Thankfully though after Ashton made a few calls things settled down and we could be out together without people taking photos of us.
After a few months of dating Ashton asked me to move in with him which I did say yes to but only after Kacey threatened to cut all my hair off. I felt bad leaving Kacey by herself but that didn't last long. As my love life was picking up so was hers. Her and Nick became an official couple a few weeks after Ashton and I, and 2 weeks after moving in with him Nick asked Kacey to move in with him. I was over the moon for my best friend and her boyfriend. They were perfect for each other and I couldn't be happier that they were together.
While Kacey and I were happy with our boyfriends Neena was just as happy with Liam. They are still going strong even though they are opposites. With Neena being sarcastic and blunt like always Liam was more of the laid back, quiet until spoken too type. They even each other out though. About a week before Ashton asked me to move in Liam asked Neena. It is actually weird but cool that all in just a few weeks of each other we all had moved in with our boyfriends.
Deciding that I better get home before Kacey came here to get me I logged off of my computer and gathered my stuff. Turning off the lights to my office I made my way to Ashton's to say bye for now, and to maybe get out what we are doing tonight. He has been very secretive about his plans for our anniversary and no matter how much begging, bribing, or even kisses he wouldn't budge. I knocked once before entering his office. He sat behind his desk his suit jacket sitting on the couch and his light grey shirt rolled up to his elbows.
"Hey." I said setting my stuff on the couch before heading towards him. He looked up ad grinned at me pushing his chair a little bit aways from his desk. I walked to him and softly sat down on his lap smiling back at him.
"Hi. Are you leaving?" He asked kissing me softly on the lips. Even though it has been a year I still can't get enough of his kisses, I don't think I ever will.
"Yeah Kay called and demanded I come home so she can get me ready." I said laying my head on his shoulder. Some would think it's weird that I am still his PA when we are together but it really isn't. If anything work is better and easier now.
"You better go than, if not she'll come here like last time." I almost laughed remembering what happened last time I ignored Kacey. She wanted me to come out with her, Neena and Ariel but I told her I was busy at work. I ignored all of her texts and calls which was not a good idea. Since I hadn't replied she came here, somehow knowing what floor I worked on, and starting yelling my name across the whole floor until I came out. It was really really embarrassing and she wouldn't stop until I agreed to leave and go out with her and the girls. It was those moments I really wondered why I was friends with her. Ashton has come to really know her and knows what she's like.
When they first officially met Kacey hit him, threatened him, than asked him a million questions. By the end of the night Ashton's arm was bruised, his voice practically gone from all the questions he's been asked, and his ego deflated. Now it is funny but than it was so embarrassing even though Ashton reassured me it was fine.
"Okay yeah I better. Are you still not going to tell me what we are doing tonight?" I asked hoping he will tell me.
"Nope you're going to have to wait. Now go home and get ready. I'll be there in an 30 minutes or so." With that he kissed me one more time on the lips. I sighed getting up and grabbing my stuff.
"See ya soon." I called over my shoulder and left his office. "Goodnight Judy." I said once I passed her sending her a wave. She called a goodnight back to me and waved. I've come to love Judy even more in the last year. She was almost as happy as Ashton's mother when she found out we got together. I finally got to meet her husband Bill officially after me and Ashton. I loved watching her and Ashton because she was like his second mom making sure he ate lunch, or that he didn't stay to long here at the office.
When I reached the lobby I looked around for Neena but didn't see her. Shrugging I walked outside and saw Clark standing there waiting for me. I grinned as I walked over to him.
"Hey Clark."
"Layla." He said with a nod and a smile. Over the last year Clark and I have gotten to know one another more and I finally met his wife. She was so sweet and nice, and seeing her and Clark together I knew they truly loved one another. He looked at her like she was his world and she did the same. He opened the door for me and I slide in nodding in thanks. During the ride home I thought about everything Ashton and I have been through and how my love for him as grown.
Yes we fought every once in a while but it usually didn't last long, our longest one was not talking for a day but at the end of the night we both were apologizing. Still a year later Ashton makes me feel like my body was tingling, and I felt perfect next to him, like my body was made to fit his. I made the right choice being with him despite what he has done.
"We are here Layla." Clark said interrupting my thoughts.
"Oh thank you." Sending him a smile I got out and headed inside bracing myself for the whirlwind of Kacey. Opening the door with my set of keys I stepped into the apartment and Kacey was there in a second.
"There you are! Lets get going its going to take me forever to get you pretty."
"Thank you so much for the compliment Kay." I said sarcastically as she pulled me upstairs and to the bedroom.
"Now go shower while I grab the outfit." I tried protesting that I didn't need a shower but with a hard glare at me I closed my mouth and went and showered. Not even 10 minutes later I emerged wrapped in a towel with my brown hair hanging around my shoulders.
"You shaved right?" Kacey asked not even glancing at me. Not even surprised I answered with a yes. "Okay put these on." She handed me a pair of lace red panties and matching strapless bra. With a raised eyebrow I went back to the bathroom and put them on. For some reason she was acting weird, or weirder than normal. I came back out partially dressed. "Here you go." She handed me a gorgeous deep red strapless gown. I ran my fingers across the silk and smiled over at Kay.
"Where did you get this?" I asked staring at it in awe. It was so gorgeous. All of it was red with a little bit of silver studs around the waist. It was kind of like a mermaid style dress with the bottom flaring at around my calves.
"I didn't get it." Was all she said before gesturing for me to change. I dropped the towel than stepped into the material pulling it up. Kacey came up behind me and zipped me up. I stared at myself in the mirror in front of us and loved the look of the dress. Pulling me to the vanity Kay started on my hair lightly curling it than pulling it half up. With a little bit of makeup and eyeshadow she pulled away to grab a matching pair of red pumps.
"All done." She said stepping away from me leaving me to gawk at how pretty I looked.
"Thank you Kay." I said hugging her. I pulled away just as Ashton entered the room looking sexy in his grey suit.
"Wow don't you look stunning." He said stepping towards me and wrapping his arms around my waist. I grinned up at him wrapping my own arms around his neck.
"Well thank you. You don't look to bad yourself mister."
"I knew I had great taste." He said kissing my forehead before pulling away.
"Good taste? You picked out this dress?" I asked running my hands down the dress
"Yes I did." He grinned.
"You do have great taste." I knew he had to have had help from Kacey but I didn't say anything.
"We better get going." He reached his hand out and I put mine in it.
"Bye Kay. Thank you so much." I said looking over my shoulder at her after grabbing a matching small hand bag she must have put together. She stood there grinning widely at us holding her hands to her heart. Ookayy that's not weird. With one last smile I let Ashton pull me out of the apartment and towards the car.
Sliding in the car I grinned over at him as he pulled away from the curb and drove to wherever we were going. Knowing Ashton wasn't going to tell me where we were going I kept quit loving the feeling of his thumb rubbing across my knuckles. A few minutes later we pulled up to a familiar place but I couldn't really see where we were. I waited as he came around the car to get me grabbing his hand as I got out. I looked ahead and almost gasped at where we were. We stood at the entrance of the Aquarium, the place we had our first date.
"No way." I breathed out turning to Ashton. He grinned at me before pulling towards the doors. He held the door open for me and I walked in looking around at the dark aquarium. "Are you sure we can be here?" I asked.
"Of course. I got permission." Ashton said grabbing my hand once again and leading me further into the room. As we walked through the tunnel with all the fishes I smiled at the memory of coming here on our first date and talking about Finding Nemo. We walked out of the tunnel and entered an open room that was surrounded with glass fish tanks. The room was dark but candles were everywhere lighting it up. Right in the middle a table was set up with two more candles. flowers and two place settings. I walked ahead slowly turning taking everything in.
"Do you like it?" Ashton asked behind me. I turned in his direction.
"I...absolutely love it." I breathed. I walked to the table and Ashton pulled out my seat for me before lifting the cover that was over our plates. I expected to see a fancy dish before me but instead it was multiple slices of pizza. I laughed shaking my head looking at him. He took his seat across from me and shrugged.
"I know how much you love pizza and figured it would be to much if there a different meal."
"It's perfect." We sat there eating our romantic pizza talking about our day and random stuff. After we finished Ashton suddenly got quiet. "Hey are you okay?" I asked reaching my hand over and laying it on top of his.
"Yes I just...Layla you do not realize how happy you have made me. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I don't ever want to let you go. This past year has been the best year of my life and I am so lucky to have someone like you in it. You get along great with my family and they love you like their second daughter." He took a deep breath. "You are absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change a thing about you. So..." He stood up and came to my side before slowly going down on one knee. I couldn't help but gasp and put a hand against my mouth.
"Layla I love you with all of my heart and everything that I have. I know I am not perfect but you make me perfect, you are the other half of me. Yes we fight and argue but I wouldn't have it any other way. You make me want to be a better person. I want to be your happy ever after. So Layla Kingston will you marry me?" He pulled out a velvet box and opened it showing the biggest diamond ring I have ever seen. Tears ran down my face as my eyes went back and forth between him and the ring.
"Yes! Yes!" I yelled and sobbed out wrapping my arms around his shoulders crying into his shoulder. He stood up carrying me with him pulling my feet off the ground and twirling me around. "Yes I will marry you." I whispered in his ear. He set me down on the ground and pulled away grabbing the ring of the box. I held out my shaky left hand and he slipped it on my ring finger. I stared down at the huge diamond than back up at him. Without any warning I practically jumped on him wrapping my arms around his neck, his arms around my waist kissing him hard.
7 months later....The Wedding
"Oh my god you look absolutely incredible!" Neena's voice rang out through the room. I turned around and grinned at her. She walked through the door way and made her way towards me. I wrapped my arms around her being careful of the dress and my finally curled haired.
"Please be careful of her hair!" Kacey interjected behind us. I pulled away from Neena and smiled at her. She was wearing the pretty light blue/teal bridesmaid dress, same with Kacey. When we went wedding dress shopping we had found these gorgeous blue/teal strapless dresses that went perfect with the color scheme of the wedding.
Today is finally my wedding day, May 17th. I guess I really shouldn't say finally because we actually put this wedding together in only 7 months. Ashton's mom helped plan the entire thing helping me decide the colors, the cake, the invitations. If it wasn't for her this wedding wouldn't be happening. And as you have guessed Neena and Kacey were my bridesmaids as well as Ariel, Ashton's sister. Kacey was my maid of honor and of course did my hair and makeup making me look like a princess.
Stepping away from Kacey helping Neena with her hair I stared at myself in the mirror. Never in my life have I felt so beautiful like I did in this moment. My long brown hair was curled down my back in perfect waves, and a vale clipped onto my head with it mixing down in my dress. The only jewelry I had on was a simple silver heart necklace Ashton had gotten me on our 10 month anniversary. My makeup my natural with darker eyeshadow making my grey eyes pop and light red lipstick graced my lips. And my dress was absolutely gorgeous. It was a simple white strapless gown, the upper half had a small light grey ribbon wrapped around with some rhinestone like things as well, the top hugging my upper body and the rest flowing down and trailing behind me. I had on a pair of matching white heels but they couldn't be seen. The moment I saw this dress I knew it was the one. It was simple yet elegant just what I wanted.
"Okay it's time." Clare, Ashton's mother, said coming into the room. My stomach clench with nerves and my legs felt shaky. For some reason I was nervous that when I walk down the aisle Ashton will run away. Taking a deep breath I turned away from the mirror and to the 4 girls standing in front of me.
"Layla you look stunning." Ariel said grinning over at me.
"Thank you." I said nervously.
"Here you go." Kacey handed me my bouquet of flowers. It was a mix of orange lilies and yellow roses. The bridesmaid had similar ones; Ariel had just lilies, Neena just roses, and Kacey lilies with 2 yellow roses.
"Ready to go?" Clare asked looking at me. I nodded feeling butterflies in my stomach.
"Its going to be great Layla don't worry." Kacey reassured me squeezing my hand. With a little bit of confidence I smiled and nodded.
"Okay I'm ready." Clare nodded and lead the way out of the room. Our wedding is being held at Ashton's parents beach house. I followed behind all of them as we made our way through the house and to the doors leading outside to the beach. I looked through the window and saw a little bit of the guests seated.
"Layla honey you look breath-taking." Mark, Kacey's father, said making me tear my eyes away from the window. Since I hadn't invited my parents I asked Kacey's father, if he would walk me down the aisle. After telling Kacey's parents I was engaged her mom, Quinn, hugged and cried on me. Since Kacey's father was more like my own I wanted him to walk me down the aisle instead of anyone else.
"Okay lets go." Clare said one more time stepping out and nodding to the orchestra that was going to play the wedding march. Mark weaved his arm through mine and grabbed my hand. I shot Neena, and Kacey a small smile before they met up with their grooms men. With one last deep breath and a smile to Mark we stepped through the door and walked towards the alter.
The sun licked my exposed skin and a very light breeze washed over me. One of the photographer we hired walked in to the side of me snapping endless photos. We hired 3 photographers so one could take pictures at the alter, one on the side as I walked, and another that would stand in the back. We rounded the corner and I saw all the guests standing and staring in my direction. I ignored their stares as I caught sight of Ashton waiting for me at the alter. He was dressed in a traditional black tux, his brown hair slicked back but still a little messy like how I liked it. I watched as his face light up and his eyes running all over my body.
I didn't hear the orchestra playing, or the sounds of the guests whispering and awing over my appearance; instead I focused fully on Ashton and his face. Seeing him standing there waiting anxiously for me I felt a small weight lift off of my shoulders; he is still here. Mark and I finally reached the alter, he leaned down and kissed my cheek grinning at me before handing me to Ashton who had his hand waiting for mine. I handed Kacey my bouquet before grabbing Ashton's hands.
I gripped his hand as he pulled me to stand where I was suppose to in front of him, holding both of my hands in his. Smiling at him I briefly heard the minister saying the things he had to say until I felt Ashton softly tapping my fingers; it was time for the vows. Taking a deep breath I said mine.
"You know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow you still manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I'm the one who gets to marry you. Ashton you are everything I have ever wanted and even more. I love you with all my heart." I said trying hard not to cry but my voice still quivered.
"Layla I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving. I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I will always try to make you happy even if I have to make you mad at first. And most of all...I love you." Ashton said smiling down at me. A few tears escaped my eyes and trailed down my face.
"Now Ashton repeat after me" The minister said. "I Ashton, take thee Layla, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health until death parts us, I promise to love and cherish you." Ashton repeated after him the whole time smiling lovingly at me.
"Now Layla repeat after me." He turned to me now.
"I Layla, take you Ashton, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health until death parts us, I promise to love and to cherish you." I said.
"Can we now have the rings?" I turned to Kacey while Ashton turned to Nick. Placing the ring in my hand she shot me a smile before I turned back around to face Ashton. He went first and placed a silver band on my ring finger. I grabbed his hand and slowly slide on the matching platinum silver ring on his finger. I went to the ring store with Kacey and she helped me pick out the perfect ring for Ashton.
"Now Ashton do you take Layla to be your wife?"
"I do." Ashton said.
"Layla do you take Ashton to be your husband?"
"I do."
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." The minister finished. With a wide grin Ashton leaned down and captured my lips with his. I kissed him back with so much passion that I almost forgot we had an audience until the sounds of yelling and whistling could be heard around us. We pulled apart and I blushed while Ashton chuckled.
Hand in hand we walked back down the aisle towards the house as all the guests clapped and shouted congratulations at us. We finally made it inside and Ashton lead me down and to his room. Once we reached it he pushed me against he wall and leaned down to whisper in my ear.
"Hello Mrs. Miller." He warm breath tickled my ear. I shivered and breathlessly said.
"We can't do that. We have guests waiting for us at the reception." I reluctantly said. Oh how I wanted to forget about the reception but I knew we couldn't, we had to see and greet the people who came.
"They can wait." He said placing a kiss on my neck.
"They can but your mother can't. She'll probably be here in a minute telling us to go." With a sign he rested his hand against my shoulder.
"Fine but don't think that your going to get any rest tonight." Ashton whispered huskily pulling away and smirking at my flushed face. With a chuckle he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room and outside towards where the reception was being held. On the way I stopped and took of my heels not wanting to walk in the sand in heels. My dress trailed behind me as we walked hand in hand.
The moment we got to the reception we were surrounded by tons of people saying congrats and wishing us a happy marriage. After 20 minutes we finally broke away walking further in. I saw Kacey standing beside Nick and with her was Neena and Liam, I immediately pulled Ashton towards them. Just as I was a few feet from them Neena saw me and gave Kacey a look before they both practically ran towards me engulfing me in a big hug. Once they let me go Nick hugged me and so did Liam.
"You look amazing." They both said.
"Thank you." I grinned at them. They didn't look so bad themselves dressed in black suit with matching flowers as Neena and Kacey pinned to their suit jackets. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Alex standing next to Ariel.
"Excuse me for a minute." I said to everyone smiling at Ashton before making my way towards Alex. A few months after I broke things off with Alex he ended up dating Ariel, Ashton's sister. Ashton wasn't at all fond of it and after me talking to him for weeks about it he accepted the idea and is slowly coming around on Alex; still not fully liking him. Seeing him and her together I knew I did the right thing by him. They looked perfect with each other and he seemed to really like her. Ariel knew about me and him but since we didn't do anything but kiss once she didn't mind. They now live together and I wouldn't be surprised if they get married soon.
"Hey." I said getting their attention hugging Alex.
"Hey. Layla you look..." He trailed off grinning down at me.
"Thank you. And thank you for coming too." I said.
"I wouldn't have missed it." He reached and wrapped his arm around Ariel's waist. Not wanting to bother them anymore or to leave Ashton's side any longer I said I'd see them later and went back to Ashton; who in turn made sure to kiss me as soon as I got to his side. Stupid jealous man.
"Can I have everyone's attention." Clare said standing up on a makeshift stage holding a microphone, a band behind her. "Can we please clear the dance floor for the bride and grooms first dance." Slowly people began to move away and Ashton lead me to the dance floor. I was nervous about falling and embarrassing myself in front of all these people but one look from Ashton I forgot about it all. "And to welcome the newly weds we have a surprise singer here to sing. Everyone welcome Ed Sheeran." I gasped and looked at the stage as Ed Sheeran walked out hugging Ashton's mom. I turned to Ashton with wide eyes.
"I wanted it to be a surprise." Was all he said before wrapping his arm around my waist. My heart wanted to explode out of my chest as I grinned so hard up at him.
"Congratulations Ashton and Layla Miller. This is for you." He said and the band starting playing. I instantly recognized the tune and leaned into Ashton wrapping my arms tight around his name. "Thinking Out Loud" starting playing as we swayed back and forth.
I closed my eyes feeling safe and loved in the arms of the man I love. He is everything that I will ever need or would ever want. I would not go back and wish I didn't meet Ashton at that bar that night; if I had I wouldn't have found the love of my life and be so happy. I wouldn't be dancing while Ed Sheeran sang to me on my wedding day surrounded by my new family and new friends. It's okay parents aren't here because I am loved by an amazing man who I will never give up. I am right where I want to be.
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There is epilogue part 1. I am super sorry it took me longer to post instead of what I said. Instead of writing these last 4 days with my parents gone I've just stared at my screen. I hope you guys liked this, sorry if I didn't go much detail at first or that I didn't add to much about Neena, and Kacey's life. Also sorry if the part where the minister talks is wrong. I looked it up to make sure I was right but than added stuff I've heard on TV and at my friends wedding. Part 2 will be up soon too.
I am almost finished with the first chapter of my new story. I will also be posting that soon once I have finished it and edited it. I hope you guys like it too :)
Thank you everyone for all the comments about loving this book. It means a lot and thanks for those who are now reading this and adding it to their reading lists :)
I will be announcing the winner to my contest either tomorrow or Wednesday :)
As always VOTE, COMMENT, READ, AND BE HAPPY!
<3
-Ken