My Husband Died......Then Came Back

Ashley's Pov “You are probably the most beautiful bride I have ever worked on.” The makeup artist said proudly, stepping back to admire me like I was a finished painting. “Mr. Dale is the luckiest man in the world to have such a beautiful woman like you.” “Thank you.” I said softly, wondering how many brides she must have told the very same thing. I knew for certain I wasn’t special. Or maybe I was. Not every bride paid her makeup artist the small fortune I was paying her. Then again, not many were about to marry the heir to a billionaire dollar empire. As she gathered her brushes I stared at myself in the mirror, trying to calm my nerves. There was a soft knock, and my bridesmaids and best friend Linda came in. “Wow! You look beautiful Ashley.” She exclaimed. I smiled shyly. “Ready?” She asked I nodded, swallowing nervously. “Nervous?" She looped her arm through mine. "Don’t be. Today will be a success. You have worked too hard to make sure of it.” “I still can’t believe it’s happening.” I said as she led me to the waiting limo. “Why can't you? Adrian loves you, and you love him. Deciding to get married was easy.” She explained. I sighed softly. Nothing about our love had been easy. His family had called me a gold-digger. His ex had fought and schemed to keep is apart. The whispers and judgements from his friends had never stopped, but neither had our love. And today proved we'd won. The limo rolled to a stop in front of the church. Giddy with excitement, I clutched my uncle's arm and we mounted the steps. The doors swung open, and the scent of roses and polished wood rushed out, filling me with a strange calm. As I walked down the aisle, my fingers locked around my bouquet so tightly that the stems bit into my palms. All around me where, white lilies, crystal chandeliers, and smiling faces. But all I saw was my true love Adrian. He stood at the altar looking so handsome. His black designer suit fitting his tall, broad-shouldered figure like it had been sculpted onto him. The late-afternoon sun streamed through the windows, turning his dark hair to gold and when his eyes found mine, I could see them burning with love and desire. My knees nearly gave way. As my uncle walked me forward I barely noticed the guests leaning to catch a glimpse of my expensive wedding dress, or the phones that flashed as photos were taken. All my eyes were on Adrian. When I reached him he stepped closer and took my hand. His hands felt warm and steady. “You look good enough to eat,” he murmured into my ear. “You don’t look bad yourself,” I whispered back. He chuckled softly. The priest began reading the vows. His soft voice was a gentle drone in the background talking about about love, eternity and faith. We barely heard them. We couldn’t stop staring at each other. Then Adrian leaned close, mischief in his eyes. “I have asked for our honeymoon suite to have sound proof walls.” He whispered, “and asked them to have a dozen extra beds on standby. I am going to make those cheeks clap hard babe.” I blushed bright red at his bluntness. “Your gutter mind should remember we are in a holy place.” I said. He smirked. He loved talking dirty and loved my reaction to it even more. His best man Mark stood besides him, a sly grin on his face. I wasn’t sure if he could hear us but I hoped not. Then it was time to say our vows. Adrian went first, his voice steady as he promised to love me until death. My own voice trembled as I said the words back. Rings were exchanged and with a final blessing, the priest smiled. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The church erupted in cheers as a grinning Adrian pulled me into a deep, hungry, kiss. I moaned softly. “Save some for tonight!” Someone in the crowd yelled. There was laughter. Adrian pulled away while I blushed again. It was perfect.