Page 75 of Mafia Captor

“Yes? But I never thought it would happen.” A glimmer of hope tightens my throat. “Are you thinking it’s something you might want to look into?”

“I am. Ashely was here before they left on their trip. She casually mentioned the idea, that you’d shared it with her over wine one night. She also said you’d be miserable behind a desk,” he says. “She’s right.”

Just when you thought you were marrying the most incredible woman in the world…

She fucking tops herself.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Ashely

I standbeside Boston on the brick patio behind the kitchen. The mini moat was finished just in time, defining the space for this moment. Little candles float along the water, their flames flickering against the bright petals of recently planted flowers as they pass by. We’re surrounded by the Bachman family, ready to perform the ceremony that will officially bring me into their fold. After all these years, I can’t believe I’m finally becoming a Beauty.

Rockland, Tess’s husband and the head of the family, looks handsome in his black tux. He hands a red leather Bachman’s Jeweler box to Boston. Rockland gives me a warm smile.

Boston turns to me. “All Bachman women wear this necklace. It is a symbol of our creed, the way we live our lives, the eternal care of a man for a woman. For as long as the stars have lit the sky, men have cared for and loved the women they have pledged their lives to. And women have loved and obeyed those men, accepting them as the headship of their family. Choosing to give the gift of their submission to these men—men who would lay down their lives for the ones they love. The sword is our symbol—the length we are willing to go to, the sacrifice we would willingly make.”

Boston takes the necklace from the box, a platinum setting with blue gems that match my eyes. He steps around me. His body brushes up against my back. He brings the chain around my neck. The little charm sits heavy against my chest. His fingers are at the back of my neck, clasping the delicate necklace into place.

“Ashely, I freely give you this symbol, and pledge my very life to you. Do you accept?”

Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup. Happiness wells in me as I say, “I do.”

He kisses me and when we break away from our kiss, I see everyone passing out white candles. I’ve ordered them for the family before, but never seen them in use. Each person with a flame turns to someone’s unlit candle till the night is filled with candlelight.

Rockland holds a candle high as he speaks. “Fire, also as timeless as the Earth, symbolizes the Bachman family’s pledge to one another. To guide, care for, and protect one another above all others. Bachmans, do you accept the union of these two?”

We do, the hushed voices reply.

Finally, I think. Finally, I’m home.

“And Bachmans, do you pledge to care for and protect Boston and Ashely as you would your own blood?” he asks.

We do.

“And how long will you hold these two in your care?”

Forever.

I walk through a barrage of hugs and congratulations, eager to find my brother.

Beckett’s waiting for me at the wall of the garden. He has a bodyguard on either side of him, their job to ensure no non-Bachman guests witness the ceremony.

“Beckett!” I go to him, happy to have him wrap me in a big hug. “Can you believe it? I’m married.”

“Hello, Mrs. Bachman. So nice to see you. You look beautiful.” He leans down, kissing my cheek. I get a waft of his cologne.

“Thank you. You’re looking handsome.” He wears a blue suit, looking every bit the grown man that he is. Boston was right. Beckett doesn’t need me to be his mom or bossy big sister.

I’m so glad we’re friends.

I don’t know if he’ll join the family or not but how can I discourage him when I’ve just joined myself? It’s his decision to make.

Boston takes my hand. I link arms with Beckett as we lead the family down the path that’s alongside the garden wall, toward the gates that will take us to join our other guests. They’re already enjoying the festivities. A smile plays at my lips as I hear the whispers as we enter the garden. The entire family is shocked by the event they arrive at. It’s nothing like the traditional reception they pictured prissy little Ashely having.

This reception? This is all sex-goddess Ashe.

I thought today it was only fitting to tap into the Ashe that Boston made me into. After all, I’m marrying the tatted bad boy that broke me out of my shell. He deserves a wedding that reflects his spirit and personality as much as mine.

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