Page 40 of Don’t Fall for the Billionaire

Chapter Forty

Ashton

The crisp autumn air swept over me as I stepped out of the limousine, buttoning my jacket. Charlie followed, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Are you ready for this?” He grinned.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”

The Mall and Literary Walk stood before me like something out of a dream.

American elm trees lined the brick path with their elongated branches and leaves in shades of crimson, amber, and burnished gold.

From a distance, guests were already taking their seats, which were dressed in satin white covers with dahlias, roses, and a touch of eucalyptus tied to the end of the rows.

Ahead of me was the rustic wooden arch, decorated with ivory and burgundy fabric with autumn flowers woven in.

“Looks like you and Charlotte pulled off the wedding of the century.” Charlie smiled.

I chuckled. For once in my life, it wasn’t about winning or control. It was all about her. The woman who, in a short time, would walk down the path and change everything I thought I knew about love.

“You nervous, friend?”

“Terrified.” I smirked. “But it’s the best kind of terrified I’ve ever felt.”

As we started down the path toward the arch, I couldn’t help but think that today wasn’t just perfect. It was ours.

“There you are!” Carlos ran over. “Take your spot, Ashton. Your bride is waiting for you. Chop. Chop.” He clapped.

“He’s a little over the top. Don’t you think?” Charlie asked.

“A little.” I chuckled. “He and Charlotte have a special connection, so I believe we’ll be seeing a lot more of him after the wedding.”

I stared as my father, Margo, and my baby sister, Amelia, took their seats, my mom and Raphael following behind.

I had already warned the two of them to stay away from each other, and if they did anything to ruin our day, they would be disowned and never see me or their granddaughter again. I wasn’t taking any chances.

The string quartet switched gears, and the ceremony began. Melissa walked down the aisle first, bouquet in hand, and took her place. The moment the bridal march was strummed, guests rose from their seats, and I stood there, my body tight and my heart beating out of my chest with anticipation.

Then I saw her—my daughter. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress, holding a basket of petals, which she tossed down the aisle, her grin wide and proud.

A tear sprang to my eye for she looked so grown up, and I had visions of her on her wedding day.

Then Charlotte stepped into my view, and all time stopped.

I’d never seen a more beautiful woman in my life.

I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but the tears won as my daughter and the woman I loved most in this world were walking toward me together.

My world, once closed off and dark, was now as colorful as a rainbow.

When they reached where I stood, Eloise took Charlotte’s hand and placed it in mine.

“I give to you your bride, Dad.” Eloise smiled.

Leaning forward, I kissed her cheek, and then my eyes met Charlotte’s.

“You are so beautiful.” I smiled.

After a beautiful ceremony where we both cried, we took off for photos before heading to the Loeb Boathouse for the reception. I pulled Charlotte to a spot where we could be alone, if only for a few moments.

“Hi, Mrs. Cross.” I grinned.

“Hi, Mr. Cross.” A bright smile crossed her lips.

“You have single-handedly made me the happiest man alive. I hope you realize that.”

“I know I have. Just as you have made me the happiest woman alive.”

I placed my thumb on her chin and leaned in for a kiss.

“There’s something I have to tell you, Ashton. I won’t be drinking tonight.”

“Why? Wait a second.” My eyes widened. “Are you—” The grin on her face widened as she nodded.

“Yes. I’m pregnant. I took the test last night because I suspected.”

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, holding her tightly.

“This is amazing, sweetheart. I’m so happy.”

“Me too.” She grinned. “In eight months, we’ll have a screaming baby in the house.”

“And I can’t wait.” I kissed her.

“What are you two doing?” Carlos ran over. “Your guests are waiting for you. Chop, chop, Cross Family.” He clapped his hands.

Charlotte

Mrs. Ashton Cross. What a beautiful name and feeling.

When I sat in Central Park a year ago, wallowing in self-pity with my cupcakes, I never imagined I’d meet the man of my dreams. And now, I was pregnant with his baby, and we’d become a family of four.

A few months ago, when I thought I was pregnant, I wasn’t ready.

But now, nothing gave me more joy than to have Ashton’s baby.

The reception at the Boathouse glowed with candlelight, laughter, and music.

I’d just set my glass of water on the table when I heard my name.

Turning around, I saw Kitty heading toward me.

I braced myself, ready for the usual backhanded compliment or jab about my dress, my hair, and my life choices.

“Charlotte, you look absolutely stunning. I mean it. That gown is perfection.”

“Oh. Thank you, Kitty.”

“And that arch in the park? Gorgeous and elegantly decorated. I was prepared to be unimpressed, but you’ve done this wedding beautifully.”

My jaw hit the floor in shock. She was being cordial, and I didn’t know if she was sincere or had something up her sleeve.

“Thank you.” I smiled, waiting for the catch. But there wasn’t one. The tone of her voice was warm, and for the first time since I’d met her, I didn’t feel like she was calculating ways to take me down.

“I do think you may belong in our world.”

“That means a lot coming from you, Kitty.”

She held up her champagne glass. “Enjoy every moment, Charlotte. Weddings are grand and fleeting, but true love stays forever. Remember that.” She smiled and walked away.

“Did Kitty Corners just compliment you?” Ashton asked, walking up from behind.

“I think she did.”

“See. Weddings bring out the best in people. Maybe you two can become BFF’s.” He smirked.

“Don’t push it, Cross.” I smiled, kissing his lips.