Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Chapter 41 Marriage

Dakota is breathtaking.

Her hair is soaked in the sun, and her eyes, the very same ones that captured my heart, glitter like the most precious of rubies. The gentle wind tugs at her dress, making it flow slightly.

Her eyes gaze at me with the same passion.

"Ace, do you take Dakota as your wife?" The pastor asks.

"I do." Without a doubt, I do.

"And do you, Dakota, take Ace as your husband?"

"I do." She says, her voice gentle.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

We seal our marriage in a kiss. Her lips are soft and warm against mine as she kisses me gently. All too soon, we pull away and everyone cheers.

She smiles radiantly at me, and I can't help but smile back at her.

We are married.

We are finally married, and I couldn't be happier. Standing here now, it's almost unbelievable. Everything I've been through, everything she's been through.....it's crazy how life takes us on a journey.

Years ago, I was tormented by my parent's and sibling's death. I was miserable, in pain, and even suicidal. I lived on the streets. I managed to survive.

Years ago, Dakota was abused by her father. She was trapped, with a bleak future ahead of her. She went through many painful trials, but ended up here.

And so, here we are.

Two people brought together by fate.

Our destiny has been sealed with a kiss, and our future promises both pain and prosperity, but I'm happy I get to be with Dakota every step of the way.

And so when the dances begin, I take my queen in my arms. One of my hands is on her waist, and the other gently holds her small hand. Her other hand rests on my shoulder, and we sway to the song that we had picked for our dance.

We hold each other's gazes the entire time. Her eyes are large and hold many expressions. A hope for the future. Joy, because of me. Many more emotions dance in her eyes just as we are dancing now, and it's a beautiful sight.

She lays her forehead against mine, our closeness knows no bounds.

It's as if we're the only two people in the world. Time seems to stand still.

The end of the song nears, and I kiss her gently once more as people clap and cheer around us.

And so the wedding carried on. People danced, people ate, people talked, and in the end, it was a great wedding that no one will forget. I can easily say it was one of the happiest moments in my life.

My men were happy for me.

Jordan gave me a slap on the back and as for Drew....well, he was wiping away "sweat that certainly wasn't tears" from his eyes, as he called them.

When the wedding was over, Dakota and I rode away in a little old buggie. The back of it said "Just married."

We were then whisked away to our honeymoon in the Caribbeans, and Dakota was beyond excited. Her joy brings me my own joy.

She had never been on a plane before, so her reaction was priceless.

"W-what's happening?!"

"We are taking off, Dakota. My jet is just lifting off of the ground." I reply.

"Just? What do you mean by just? This....this hunk of metal is about to fly hundreds of feet above ground and you're just saying as if it's nothing?" Dakota exclaims.

"Yes."

"Unbelievable! You're unbelievable I-"

"Calm down," I say, setting my hand on hers, "A plane is the safer to travel in than a car. Besides, you'll like the view once we get up there."

"Up there? As in hundreds of feet in the sky up there?" Dakota chuckles nervously, "I don't think so."

I smile a knowing smile.

And sure enough, I was right.

"Everything. Is. So. TINY!" Dakota exclaims, smashing her fingers excitably against my private jet's window.

I laugh, and stretch out on the chair. Where's the popcorn when you need it?

"And that cloud! Oh, and that cloud, and that one too! We are flying right through them! They're so fluffy!" She shrieks.

So cute. "I told you you would like it. Seems like Ace knows best-"

Dakota throws her head back in laughter. "Don't even say 'Ace knows best,' remember that one time I told you to wear sunblock but you insisted you don't need it but came home as red as a stop sign that night? You whined about it all night to me complaining because you couldn't sleep on your back because it was too sensitive."

"Uhm. No?" I lie through my teeth.

Dakota rolls her eyes. "I know you probably want to forget that to preserve your manly ego Ace, but the truth still stands."

I scoff. "You sure know me well."

"Of course I do. I married you, didn't I? Obviously I know you well otherwise I wouldn't have done so."

"Point taken."

The plane ride continues.

For eight more long, tedious hours.

I've managed to fall asleep several times, as so has Dakota. The low humming of the plane and the soft breaths of Dakota had lured me to sleep.

And finally, we are landing. The landing was a whole new experience for Dakota once more, in which she whipped out her phone and excitably recorded the entire descend from the air.

* * *

Dakota's POV:

The view of the resort Ace booked was stunning. It overlooks the quiet, private oceans it sits on. The waves kiss the sandy shore gently, and the tropical sun sits high in the sky like a proud king.

The resort itself if nice. It has a large living room, kitchen, and several bedrooms with their own bathrooms.

I can't believe things this nice actually exist. I've known nothing but the four walls of my bedroom all my life so all of this is just amazing.

I am going to spend two weeks here with the one I love.

"Thank you so much, Ace." I say, my emotions are really starting to get to me.

"For what, exactly?"

"There was a billion fish in the sea, and you chose me. You chose me with all my scars, baggage, my dark past. You wanted me, even though many considered me used and dirty. You could have had someone pure, someone innocent. But you chose me instead."

Ace cracks a small smile. "And you chose me. Why? I will never know. You chose me, even though I was both mentally and emotionally broken. And you chose me, and decided to take the heavy baggage off of my back and carry it on your own. We may come from two different worlds, but love wasn't the only thing in action here. Destiny was, too."

I smile at him, and his eyes sparkle back at me before I throw myself into his arms and hug him tightly. "I love you so much."

"And I love you so much, too Dakota."

Pulling away from the hug, I look around at the gorgeous resort before me. "This must've costed a fortune."

"And it was worth every penny." Ace says, winking.

"Well thank you. I really appreciate it."

"It was my pleasure." Ace replies.

Suddenly, everything grows quiet, and nothing but the sound of the tropical breeze remains.

"Hey Ace, can I ask you a question?"

"You just did."

I roll my eyes. Smartass.

"Okay, how many kids do you want?"

Ace smiles a smile ear to ear. "However little monkeys your heart desires."

I laugh. "Did you just call our future kids monkeys?"

"That I did." Ace says, chuckling.

"I've always wanted a large family, if that's okay with you?"

Ace nods. "Of course it's okay with me." He says, smirking and winking at me.

I roll my eyes. "I know that look."

"What look?"

"That...perverted look."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Ace says, shrugging.

"Yes you do-"

"Because I prefer the term sexy." He says, flashing is teeth and winking awkwardly.

I bite my lip. "Well, that is true." I say quietly.

"What? I couldn't quite here you." Ace says, turning his head and cupping one of his ears.

My face reddens. "Let's go to bed, Ace."

Ace's face lights up and he gets that perverted look on his face.

"Let's go to sleep, Ace."

* * *

The first day in the Caribbeans was spent unpacking, blissfully flirting, and sleeping. Due to the time difference, we were exhausted.

The second night, however, was a whole other story....

Why?

Because I have decided.

I have decided to do it. And by "it" I mean the real deal. That's right, I'm going to sleep with Ace. I'm going to go all the way tonight with him. I am ready, I am more than ready, even though I am a little nervous. Heat rushes to my cheeks when I think about the act, though.

But I've made up my mind.

I love Ace, and he loves me. I trust him.

I remember the lessons my therapist has told me. I remember my triggers and will avoid them. I've let Ace know about those triggers so that way he doesn't accidentally set them off. I remember to keep eye contact with Ace. Ace's face, especially his eyes, tends to comfort me.

So, I made a plan.

I made the plan. The plan of all glorious plans.

I forced Ace to go buy milk that we don't even need, but due to his kindness, he went to get the milk any way.

They say when the cat's away the mice will play.

So indeed I did.

Pulling the lingerie out of my bag (which Ace tried several times helping me unpack, in which I slapped his hand away, telling him his present was in there, and he can't see it yet) I lay the three I picked out, trying to figure out which one I should wear.

I go for the red one.

I like the red one the best, and putting it on, I do look.....hot. I hope Ace likes this. I've never done this before.

I take a deep breath to calm my nerves before walking out into the living room and sitting on the couch, waiting for Ace's return. I had drawn all the curtains closed to keep away prying eyes that may by chance walk by.

Ace enters through the door, whistling happily as he sets the milk down on the counter. Having not glanced to the side yet, he hasn't seen me.

And then he turns around, and calls out. "Dakota! I got your mi-" He stops talking when his jaw drops to the floor.

I stand up from the couch, looking at him seductively. His eyes rake over every inch of my body, he takes in all the details like an artist.

I slowly stalk over to him, and run my fingers down his chest. His eyes are wide, full of shock and lust. "Wow....you're gorgeous." He says, his voice husky.

I kiss his lips, his touch seems to light my skin ablaze with newfound passion I've never known before. Ace returns the kiss eagerly. I thread my fingers through his hair, slightly tugging as the kiss heats up.

The bedroom soon finds us.

The back of my knees touch the edge of the bed, and Ace pulls away. Both of our breathing is labored as he studies my eyes.

"Are you sure about this?" He asks.

I nod my head. "Yes, I'm sure and I'm ready. I want this."

And with a nod, Ace is back on me again. He lays me down onto the bed, kissing me softly on the lips and peppering gentle kisses on my jawline and down my neck. His teeth gently scrape my earlobe, and I moan quietly.

He dips his face down into my neck, softly sucking, the sensation causes desire to bloom in my body.

He pauses his kissing, and tenderly takes my head in his hands, and looks me right in the eyes. "If at anytime you feel uncomfortable, please tell me to stop. I can promise you one thing, though, and that is I will make this good for you."

I smile at him and he smiles back in reassurance before taking off his own shirt.

I've seen him shirtless before and each time I'm delighted at what I see, and Ace knows this and smirks proudly.

I laugh and pull his head down to meet my lips once more. "You're such a dork." I murmur.

"Only for you." He replies.

His hands start to fumble with the back clasp of my lingerie, and he looks at me as if to ask for permission. I nod slightly, and that's all the reassurance he needs and soon, I am topless. He stares at my body for a moment and I resist the urge to cover myself up, but I decide against it.

He loves me just the way I am, even though I am scarred.

"Beautiful." He says.

As time flies, our clothes do, too. They now litter the floor and both of us are completely bare. When he said he'd make this good for me, he meant it. I'm beginning to understand why people like this, now.

He crawls back on top of me, his arms are on either side of my head, as if to cage me in his arms of protection.

"Are you ready?" He asks.

I kiss his cheek. "I am."

And with those words, we become one. He's slow and gentle and kisses my neck sweetly while doing so. He even holds on of my hands in his gentle, strong grasp, squeezing it occasionally in reassurance.

He lovingly and gently takes me in what becomes a night full of passion and real love. I had my worries, but they soon become nothing more than a vapor tossed in the ocean when he shows me his true kindness and passion for me.

He made me feel loved and cherished, and after our time of lovemaking, I lay my head down on his shoulder and trace light circles on his bare chest. Glancing up into his beautiful, hazy eyes, I know that this was one of the best decisions of my life.

He looks at me in adoration, and kisses my cheek. His lips are light and feathery against my skin. "I love you so much." He murmurs.

"I love you so much, too. I love you more than you could ever know."

And so that night, I fell asleep soundly in his arms that wrap around my bare waist, pulling me closer towards him. His touch is warm and comforting, and I slept soundly with the man I love all through the night.

He's my comforter, my protector, my savior, and my lover.

And I wouldn't trade him for the world.