50. Fifty
Fifty
Epilogue
Ainsley One week later
T he string quartet plays "Ocean Eyes" by Billie Eilish as I walk down the dock on my dad’s arm toward Payton, standing in a charcoal suit silhouetted against the lake at sunset. I’m wearing a simple white, sweetheart neckline dress that hugs my curves and flares from my hips in a mermaid style without additional adornments. It’s lightweight, soft, and feels divine on my skin. I knew it was perfect as soon as Angela at Haute Bride buttoned me into it. I feel beautiful, and the way Payton is looking at me, he thinks so. His deep blue eyes are shining with tears and happiness, and I can’t look away.
We stop in front of the flower-covered arch as the music fades out. I can hear my mom sniffling behind me. My family is here, all four sisters included, which is a miracle given the short notice and everyone's busy schedules. Payton’s family mixes in with mine, and a few of our friends are here—Luca and Della, of course, Javier from Olympus and his wife, Paloma, along with their two children, Diego from Olympus, and Octavius Rex, who keeps looking at my sister, Serena, like he’s been smacked in the face. Lilah, who’s become a great friend, just like I thought she would, is sitting with Knox Contraire, a football player from the Atlanta Condors who's a friend of Harlowe’s and has become close with us over the years. It’s an intimate crowd and exactly what I pictured for my wedding to the love of my life.
I pass my bouquet to Della, who squeezes my hand. I turn to Payton and sigh as I take him in. He looks amazing every day, but it’s extra special today. The sunlight halos around him, giving him a burnished glow that sets his skin on fire and warms me from the inside out as the air cools around us. “I love you” he mouths to me, and I say it back. Suddenly, my dad passes my hand to Payton, having answered the officiant to begin the ceremony.
“Hello, my darling.” Payton cups my cheek as he takes my hand and we face each other in front of the arch.
“This is happening, not a dream?” It doesn’t feel real. Everything’s in soft rose gold tones from the setting sun and the dock shifts softly under our feet. As excited as I am, there’s anxiety creeping in, wanting to dull the glow and steal my happiness even now.
“It’s as real as my love for you, Princess,” he assures me. “Look at me, baby. Focus on me and the best thing to happen to us. ”
I suck in a shaky breath and nod, signaling the officiant to begin the ceremony. Payton rubs soft, comforting circles along the backs of my hands, becoming my anchor in the storm of my thoughts, mooring me to the moment and allowing me to be present. Soon, we’re exchanging vows, and tears stream down my cheeks the moment he begins speaking.
“Ainsley, you’re the love of my life, the compass that sets my course, and the wind that fills my sails. I’ve been in love with you from the day we met and patiently waited for you to catch up, knowing I only wanted to spend my life with you. You’re precious to me, and I’m grateful every day that you chose me.”
His smile is soft as I sob. I’m a complete mess, whereas he’s composed and in control as ever. He reaches out and smooths the tears from my cheeks before he continues.
“I promise to love you as deeply as the ocean, with all its mystery, beauty, and power. Like the waves that crash against the shore, my love for you is unending and unstoppable. My love for you is like the sea, fathomless and infinite.”
I hiccup and he pulls me into his chest, letting me hide my face against him while he whispers soothing words into my ear and smooths his hand along my back. The emotions are so raw, his words so beautiful and heartfelt. I feel each line branded onto my soul.I take a deep breath, his intoxicating sea salt and amber scent fortifying me like it always does, and pull away, grateful for waterproof makeup when his white shirt is streak-free. He gives me a questioning look, checking in. I nod to continue. Noses are blown from our group of family and friends, but I don't dare look. This is all about us.
“I promise to push your boundaries to help you grow, to believe in you ceaselessly when your faith in yourself is wavering, to champion your causes and make your dreams come true. I’ll be the mirror that reflects your accomplishments, talents, and abilities to ensure you know how capable and amazing you are when doubts creep in. There won’t be room for imposter syndrome with us. The storms of life may toss us on turbulent seas, but my love will not waver. I’ll stand firm in my protection, guarding our love against all that rises up against us. You’re my greatest treasure, and I’m your faithful servant forever.”
I smile, knowing how true his words are. He’s always been my biggest supporter, believing in my capability even when I didn’t. He’s the most wonderful man imaginable, and I’m incredibly lucky that he loves me this deeply and this well. He takes a ring from Zander and slides it onto my finger. He recites the vows we decided on together.
“I, Payton, choose you, Ainsley, to be my wife. I will respect you, care for you, and grow with you through good times and hard times, as your friend, companion, and partner, giving all that I can to fulfill our lives together.”
The officiant turns to me and I gulp, knowing the heartfelt words I wrote now have to be spoken out loud, in front of more than just the person they’re intended for. Great.
“Payton, I tried my best not to fall in love with you. I attempted to push you away and tell you I wasn't worth the effort. I wasn’t ready for the kind of love you’re so good at providing and didn’t know what to do with an overly smiley man intent on talking to me even when I growled at him.”
I hear teary giggles along with knowing chuckles from my family and Della. I’m not worried about that because it’s all true.
“Instead of being deterred, you showed me with every action what true love, care, and affection is. You have become my calm before and after a storm. Your patience keeps me grounded when my world is spinning out of control. I promise to share myself with you in every way. To allow you into my thoughts when I’d rather stay silent. I promise to follow your lead, knowing you want the best for me in everything and will challenge me to be better. You’ve taught me to set aside my pride, to release my prejudices, and to accept that there is more to a person than meets the eye, and for that I’m eternally grateful.”
Payton’s eyes are bright, a tear tipping over his dark lashes as he blinks. I reach up and cup his cheek, his hand covering mine and moving it to his mouth to kiss my palm. When he releases my hand and I pull it back, he mouths, "Thank you, my love." I clear my throat and try not to get choked up. I swipe under my eyes and take another breath, determined to continue without completely losing it.
“I promise to give myself to you body, mind, heart, and soul, knowing I’m safe in your hands. I am yours and you are mine, and our love is a boundless ocean with currents we’ll navigate together. I promise to trust you, to support you, to always keep you on your toes, and discover new things together.”
I hear a snort that quickly turns into a cough that has to be from Zander. I smile mischievously at Payton and he returns the look. I absolutely meant it in a bedroom capacity to tease him, but I wasn’t sly enough. I giggle to move past the silly moment and find my seriousness again with a reassuring squeeze of Payton’s fingers. I give him a grateful look before turning to Della and taking the ring she hands me. I slip it onto Payton’s hand. Holding it tightly, I look up at him with all the devotion in my heart as I recite my vows.
“I, Ainsley, choose you, Payton, to be my husband. I will respect you, care for you, and grow with you through good times and hard times, as your friend, companion, and partner, giving all that I can to fulfill our lives together. ”
The officiant closes out the ceremony with words that don’t even register until he pronounces us husband and wife. Payton sweeps me back and kisses me, my hands coming to his face and holding on to kiss him back. This feels like a revelation, life-changing in the best way. With a few simple words, our lives are changed and we belong to each other forever.
The cheers from our family and friends erupt around us as Payton pulls me back to my feet and kisses me several more times. This man is a hands-on, deeply sentimental, sappy romantic, and he will take every opportunity for a public display of affection he can get. I’m laughing as Della hands me my bouquet and we walk back down the middle of the dock, starting our life together as Mr. and Mrs. Payton Olsen.
Thank you so much for reading The Southern Submission! If you enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could leave a review on the platform(s) of your choice. Reviews are so valuable to authors, and each one helps share our stories with others!
If you enjoyed seeing the other Olsens in this book and want to know more about them, you can read their stories! Hayes and Paige's story is told in books one and two, The Bourbon Bride and The Bourbon Bargain , and Zander and Harlowe's story is told in book three, The Southern Thirst Trap .
Interested in what's next? The Gods of the Ice series will follow the Atlanta Hydras, the Olsen brothers' new hockey team, with book one featuring the goalie, Ryder Kingston. Keep reading for a sneak peek!