Ryley Pastor William McCree showed up not long after the women disappeared upstairs and I was able to take a shower and change clothes. His white hair was combed over to the side and his glasses were so huge they took up most of his face. He was dressed in a dark gray suit and blue tie, much like the rest of us. I never wore that kind of shit, but today was a special occasion.

When my mamaw came down the stairs, I knew it was almost time. Danny and Ashleigh's dad conversed over beers, but I sat there and let mine get warm. Mamaw squeezed my arm and kissed me on the cheek. "She looks amazing. I'm so glad you two decided on this."

"Me too" I replied.

She strolled over to William and whispered in his ear. When he looked to me for confirmation, he nodded and went to stand by the Christmas tree. About that time, my mother and Ashleigh's mom marched down the stairs, both with tears in their eyes. Oh fuck.

"Mr. Jameson, if you wouldn't mind standing by me, please," William suggested. I did as he said and stood beside him. My granddaddy and Danny were in my corner, along with my mother and mamaw. Across from me stood Ashleigh's parents, both with their eyes focused on the stairs.

The second I heard Ashleigh's footsteps, my pulse spiked and my palms began to sweat. The dress I picked out for her wasn't just any off the rack maternity dress. While she was asleep, I took a set of her maternity clothes and sent the measurements to a very special wedding dress designer. I had it custom made to fit her and told the designer what I wanted. I assumed it fit since she was coming down the stairs. Ashleigh loved the snow, which was why I had the dress embroidered with diamond encrusted snowflakes on the bust and hem. And was also the reason I bought her the snowflake necklace.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes to gather my thoughts. When everyone gasped, I knew it was when Ashleigh came into view. The second I looked at her, nothing in the world existed except us. Time stopped in that moment. Her dress fit perfect and she had her dark hair pulled back in a snowflake clip. She was so fucking beautiful.

There were no flowers, but she rested her hands on her stomach with the hugest grin on her face. Her father hugged her tight and whispered something in her ear that made her eyes glisten. They exchanged a few words and then he handed her off to me with a slight nod. I nodded back and took her hands in mine.

"You are so damn beautiful," I whispered.

Her lips trembled and she smiled. "Thank you. But I think we have a problem. I don't have a wedding band for you."

Squeezing her hands, I pulled her in closer. "Don't worry, angel. I got you covered. Are you ready to do this?"

"More than anything."

Chapter Eight.

Ashleigh For the most part, I had kept it together during the ceremony, until Ryley's eyes began to mist. After that, I turned into a blubbering idiot. My mother held a box of tissues in her hands and kept passing them to me when I needed to wipe my eyes. I used the pregnancy hormones as an excuse for my breakdown. I don't think anyone believed me.

My wedding band was gorgeous, with a row of diamonds and sapphires. The one he picked out for himself was a black tungsten band, thick with sideways ridges to give it some edge. I loved it. It was perfect for him.

Now that everyone had left, it was just me and Ryley-my husband. I had the signed marriage certificate in my hands and the house was quiet. I set the paper on the dresser and stared at it while I unhooked the snowflake clip, letting my hair fall down my back.

"Do you need me to help you out of that?" Ryley asked. I looked at his reflection in the mirror as he glanced down at my dress. He already had his tie off and his shirt unbuttoned. My stomach fluttered when he came up behind me and caressed his fingers across my bare shoulders.

"Sure," I replied breathlessly. After he unbuttoned my dress and slowly zipped it down, I stepped out of it, clad only in my garters and white stockings. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed his body against my back. His cock stirred to life and he moaned, lifting his hands to my bare breasts.

"You have no idea how happy you've made me today," he murmured in my ear.

I smiled and tilted my head to the side. "Probably as happy as you've made me."

Guiding me to the bed, I sat against the headboard and watched him as he unclasped my stockings and slid them down my legs, along with my underwear. He took off his shirt and unbuttoned his pants, tossing them on the floor. His hard cock was thick between his legs and when he noticed me staring, he palmed it in his hand and stroked himself. My breasts grew heavy and all I wanted was to feel him inside me.

Like a tiger stalking its prey, he crawled across the bed and started at my ankles, kissing his way up my body. When his mouth found my nipples, I tilted my head back and moaned. While kissing his way up my neck to my lips, he spread my thighs and rubbed my clit. A deep rumble of satisfaction sounded in his chest. I was so fucking wet.

Knowing we didn't have many options since I was pregnant, I lowered to my side and he got into position behind me. Taking my chin, he tilted my head and closed his lips on mine while gently pushing into my opening. He gripped my thigh and spread me open, so he could go further, deeper. Gently, he pushed in the rest of the way and made love to me, slow.

"I love you," he whispered gruffly in my ear. His breathing picked up the harder he thrust.

"I love you too."

He hooked my leg over his and brought his hand to my center, working his fingers fast. My insides clenched as I shuttered with an orgasm. With a few more thrusts, he followed behind me, shooting his release with a loud grunt. His breath was warm against my neck when he pulled out and turned me around to face him. He rested his forehead to mine and kissed my lips, parting them with his tongue. My eyes started to burn and the tears fell.

"When I look at you, my wife, I don't think the word 'love' even comes close to the way I feel. It's so much more. I can't even begin to describe it."

After he brushed the tears off my cheeks, I kissed him again. "I know how you feel. But now we have the rest of our lives to try and explain it."

His deep chuckle made me smile. "You got that right. You're my wife, the mother of my twins, my every existence. I'm going to spend the rest of my life taking care of you."

"And I'm going to spend the rest of mine making you happy. I don't want to ever lose you again."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Even though he'd told me that numerous times, I still wanted to hear it every chance I got. The pain of leaving him once before still left a scar on my heart. I had been stupid, but I was going to spend the rest of my life making it up to him.

Chapter Nine.

Ashleigh (Three Days Later) The snow had let up a bit outside, making it easier to get down the mountain to the main road. Not only did I have to go to the DMV to get my license changed to my new name, I also had a doctor's appointment. I was now thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Apparently, the doctor's office already knew I had changed my name and had the paperwork ready for me to sign. The nurse at the desk winked at Ryley when we checked in.

"Did you tell them?" I asked, signing my new name on the line.

Ryley winked. "Actually, my mom called Christine and told her." Christine Wyatt was my doctor and one of his mother's good friends.

As soon as we sat down, my name was called. Julie, the red haired nurse I loved so much, was waiting by the door. She was my nurse at every single appointment and I'd grown to like her quirky personality. I felt comfortable around her.

"Hey Julie," I said, smiling wide.

"How you feeling today? Any contractions?"

My stomach tightened just thinking about them. "Yeah, a little, but nothing too painful. I don't think these little ones are going to want to come out." I rubbed my stomach and got a kick in response. Julie smiled at me and led us to a room where she took my weight and blood pressure. I'd gained thirty pounds and my blood pressure was a little elevated. Hopefully, there was nothing wrong. Once Julie left, all I had to do was undress from the waist down and wait on Christine to show up.

Ryley took my hand and stood beside me while I sat on the bed, covered with a sheet. "Are you okay? You looked alarmed at the elevated blood pressure."

I shrugged, hoping it was nothing. I've had a bit of swelling in my ankles, but nothing major. It was probably just nerves making me skittish. "I think I'm fine. It's just up from last time and I've read it's not good to have high blood pressure."

"I'm sure it'll be fine, angel. Anything could make it spike. I mean, come on, you're in a room with me," he said with a wink.

I smacked him on the arm. "Ha-ha."

Christine knocked on the door and entered. "Well, if it isn't the newlyweds. Congratulations are in order, Mr. & Mrs. Jameson."

Ryley and I both said, "Thank you." But then I continued with, "There's still going to be a wedding in October. You'll have to come to it."

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it," she said. "So how's it going? You ready for this to be over?"

"More than anything. Are you still going to induce me if I go to thirty-eight weeks?" She had told me once before that it wasn't ideal to continue a twin pregnancy past thirty-eight weeks.

"Yes," she claimed. "Today I'm going to check to see if you've dilated, and we'll also do another ultrasound to make sure the babies' heads are down. If so, then you'll most likely be able to deliver naturally."

Breathing a sigh of relief, I smiled and lay back on the bed, resting my feet in the stirrups. I didn't want to have a C-section if I could avoid it. Ryley stayed beside me, holding my hand while Christine gloved up and stood between my legs.

"Now this might be a little cold at first, but I'll be done in a jiffy." She inserted her fingers and felt around. I cringed at the awkwardness. It was always uncomfortable when someone other than Ryley had to insert something inside me. When she slipped her fingers out, she took off her gloves and grinned. "It doesn't look like it'll be long now. You're four centimeters dilated and fifty percent effaced."

"So what does that mean? Are we talking tomorrow or days?" I asked.

Christine pursed her lips and shrugged. "It could actually be either-or. I've seen some women stay dilated for weeks and need to be induced. I'm hoping in this case you'll go naturally. But like I said, by this time next week if you're not showing signs of improvement, we'll induce. Just be prepared for that when you come back."

I looked up at Ryley and he nodded. "Okay," he said. "We'll be ready."

Christine wrote everything down in my chart and wheeled the ultrasound machine over. "All right, I have you down. Now let's take a look at these little Jameson's." As soon as she put the jelly on my stomach and placed the wand down on my skin, we heard the heartbeats loud and clear. The twins looked so big now, and thankfully, their heads were down. "Judging by the look of them, they look big and healthy. I know our main concern is their lungs, which are usually fully developed by the thirty-seven week mark. If you can get through the rest of this week, they most likely won't have to see any time in the NICU."

She printed off some pictures and handed them to Ryley before wiping the jelly off my stomach and helping me up. "But, if you want to move things along, I have a suggestion."

The mischievous smile on her face had me curious. "And what would that be?" I asked.

"Sex always makes things progress. And semen can actually help your membrane thin out more." Her face blushed and she held up her hands. "But that's just a suggestion."

Ryley chuckled. "I don't think we have a problem with that, doc."

Christine shook her head and finished writing in my chart. "I didn't think as much," she laughed. "All right, you two, you're done until next week. Not unless I get the call saying you've gone into labor. If so, then I'll see you at the hospital."

Once she left, Ryley helped me put on my pants and we left. It wasn't going to be long now. When we got out to the car, Ryley opened my door and helped me in. "What do we have to do to finish up the nursery?" he asked.

We started out of the parking lot and headed home. "All we need to do is wash the new clothes they got for Christmas and their crib sheets. It shouldn't take long."

Ryley took my hand and kissed my palm. "Don't worry. I'll get it done."

Before I could say thank you, his phone rang. He answered it from the button on his steering wheel. "Hello?"

"Ryley, it's Shelby. How are you?"

"Doing good. Ash and I just out of the doctor's office. It looks like our twins will be coming soon."

"Well, then I guess it's a good thing I called. Do you mind if we do the interview in two days? I've talked to everyone and they said that works for them."

Ryley glanced over at me and I nodded. "Sure thing. If we're not at the hospital, we'll be good and ready."

Shelby laughed. "Well, hopefully, those babies will give me these two days so I can get your story. If not, then I'll be seeing you in the hospital. Gabby's been chomping at the bit to come out there."

Speaking of Gabby, I hadn't told her Ryley and I had married. She was going to be pissed.

"I bet," Ryley said. "When you guys get out here, Ash and I have some good news."

"Oh yeah? I can't wait to hear it. I actually have some news as well. We'll all see you in two days, okay?"

"Sounds good. Be careful on your way here. There's been a lot of snow." After they said their goodbye's I sat back in the seat, my heart pounding. I was excited and nervous all in one.

"Is it just me or are you nervous about telling Gabby that we're married?" Ryley asked.

I gasped. "Oh my God, I'm terrified."

He chuckled. "Trust me, if I knew she wouldn't have told you about my plans, I would've included her. Just don't tell her that. We need to make her think it was a spur of the moment thing."

We both laughed, but I understood his reasoning. If he would've told her about his plans, there was no way in hell she'd be able to keep that kind of a secret from me. It was nice having just our close family with us, but Gabby was a part of my life too. Hopefully, she would understand.

Chapter Ten.

Ashleigh (Two Days Later) Gabby: I hope you're ready for me, biatch!

Me: More than ready. I miss you.

Gabby: We'll be there in thirty minutes.

By 'we' she meant her and Paxton. A lot had happened with them in the past couple of months, but that was another story to tell. If I thought me and Ryley had it rough in the beginning, nothing could compare to what those two had to go through. That was part of the reason why Shelby wanted the interview with us all. The stories of our lives could be made into movies, or even written into books. That was how crazy this past year had been. Luckily, we all came out of it alive, but some of us, barely.

"Ash, it looks like Matt and Shelby are here," Ryley called. I rushed to finish flat ironing my hair and joined him downstairs. Once I was by his side, he answered the door. "Merry late Christmas," Shelby shouted, passing me a present.

"Thank you," I said, setting it down on the table. It wasn't until the present was away from her stomach that I noticed something different about her. I saw her not too long ago, but never paid attention to her belly. Now she was wearing a fitted, purple sweater that definitely accentuated the bump.

"Oh my God, are you?" I started and stopped.

Shelby with her shiny complexion and honey colored eyes beamed at me. Matt shook Ryley's hand and slapped him on the shoulder. "Yeah, we're pregnant again. I guess there's something in the water. Just as long as Gabby doesn't show up pregnant, we'll be fine."

I laughed. "Trust me, that's not going to happen. She's not ready for that yet." I turned my attention to Shelby. "Does anyone know? I haven't heard anything about it."

"No one knows, not even Gabby."

Ryley and I both groaned and I said, "This isn't going to be good."

"Why not?" Shelby asked.

I sighed and held out my hand, letting her see my wedding band. "Because Ryley and I got married and didn't tell anyone. We were going to tell you all today."