His Secret Obsession
Chapter 107

(Emery)

After MacKenzie left, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief in knowing my best friend was finally back. I know I still need to be a little guarded, but the Mack I saw last night was so open and raw, I honestly saw such a big change already.

It will be hard for MacKenzie to cut her parents out completely, so I think doing it one step at a time is the right move for her. Carson has always had my dad to be a huge support for him and MacKenzie doesn't really have that type of parental figure. Don't get me

wrong, my dad cares about her a lot, they just don't have much in common.

I told her she should talk with Carson soon and she agreed. I could see she was finally feeling remorse over her actions and I know Carson will see it too. Asher on the other hand..he still doesn't like her. But he said he would respect my choice of wanting to stay friends and wouldn't interfere. Well, unless she becomes toxic again.

I told him everything she said with reason but I feel like he already knew..he was totally standing outside of the door eavesdropping without a doubt. Because as soon as MacKenzie said she should get going Asher popped out of nowhere and said he would walk her down. I couldn't help but roll my eyes...but I get it, Asher is worried about me after everything.

It's the next day now and before leaving the house to meet up with Jackie, Mack, and Asher's mom Tina at the bridal shop a little ways away from here, Asher practically clung to me and didn't want me to go.

"Is it really that bad of luck to see the dress?" Asher pouted, his hands gliding up and down my stomach as we lay in bed together. Surprisingly I slept pretty well last night. I did end up having one bad dream but Asher quickly pulled me against him and I felt safe once again. I know it won't always be this easy, but today..today I am pushing it from my mind and making this only about Asher and me.

"I know you want to come baby, but I want to stick to tradition with this part..we already have pretty much flipped the script on everything else." I grumbled, my eyes locking onto Asher's as I couldn't help but kiss his full juicy lips sweetly. How the hell did I land such a handsome guy like this?!

"Fine..what time is Jackie coming to get you? And are you sure you want my mom to go? I understand if you feel uncomfortable.." He spoke softly and I just nodded my head before wrapping my arms around his neck.

"She said one, since we are getting the marriage license at eleven..Also, I want your mom to be there..that way we feel like we did this right." I explained while watching him nod his head tentatively.

Asher had been reaching out to both his mom and dad since everything happened. I think he is coming to terms with things and he doesn't want to hold any more grudges. Obviously, things with his dad are still awkward, but his mom kept apologizing profusely and Asher finally gave in. I could tell he missed talking with her though.

I let out a deep sigh as I laid back slightly and closed my eyes, just letting everything settle in as I tried to take in this quiet moment with Asher.

"Are you okay my love?" He asked, making me flutter open my eyes as I peeked up at him, seeing worry etched all over his face. I lifted my hand, placing my palm against his cheek as I relished the smoothness of his skin.

"Yeah, I think I am." I said honestly, feeling numb about the whole thing from yesterday.

"You are the strongest person I have ever met Emery Lewis." He whispered before his lips delicately brushed mine, making my heart race as his words settled in. Yeah, I'm strong Asher McNeal..but only because of you..you are my reason to keep going..you are my reason for everything.

We stayed like that until it was time to go to get our marriage license. The whole experience was like floating through a dream. Asher held me the whole time as we turned in all of our paperwork. His mouth and hands were fused to my body as he played with my engagement ring absent-mindedly, and after we got the paperwork, he spun me around and kissed me passionately. I swear he made the old lady behind the desk blush multiple times. This is exactly what I needed though and it just confirmed everything even more for me. It was hard to leave and go with Jackie to replace my dress, but I was super excited as well.

Now I was at the most luxurious store I had ever seen as all four of us girls began looking for dresses. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if my mom was here. I wondered what type of dress she envisioned me in and if she would've liked Asher or not... Okay..I know without a doubt she would loved Asher, because honestly if I am so much like her like my dad says, then she would've definitely approved.

"Oh Em, you have to try this one on too." Mack squealed before pointing to two white gowns that looked like they were meant to be on some type of runway. One had a huge flower off the shoulder and the other was held together by strings of pearls. "Okay." I squeaked, watching as the lady who worked here grabbed the two dresses and put them on a rack with the rest of the dresses we picked. I honestly didn't mind the different styles because I was curious to see what would look good on my new body. The last time I wore a dress like this was in high school at prom and I was three sizes bigger. Well, the dress wasn't exactly like this but you get the point.

Suddenly Asher's mom walked next to me as she smiled warmly.

"Thank you for inviting me, I know we didn't necessarily get off on the right foot." She admitted, making me turn my head towards her as I chuckled lightly.

"Let's look at this as a fresh start. Besides, I know it means a lot to Asher to have you here as well. Even if he doesn't quite admit it." I laughed, making her join in with me.

"That kid of mine..he was always so serious, even as a baby." She grumbled but I could see the way her eyes began to glisten with tears as she averted her gaze and started looking through dresses.

"So what type of dress were you thinking of wearing?" Tina asked curiously and I turned my gaze back to the expensive fabrics in front of me.

"Well, since we are getting married in the courthouse, I was thinking something shorter but elegant. Not too revealing for Asher's sake.." I added, smirking to myself as I could picture Asher having a heart attack if I wore half the things Mack had been pulling out. "Oh, what about this one?" Jackie asked from behind us, she was a few feet away as she pulled out a beautiful off white A-line dress that had a satin top with a v-neckline and a tool skirt. Wow, it was stunning. It wasn't over the top and the dress looked perfect for our type of wedding.

"It's beautiful." I breathed and the lady walked up, grabbing it before adding it to the rack put aside for me.

"Shall we try some of these on then?" The woman asked with a huge grin as I nodded my head and looked between the girls. Mack clapped her hands excitedly as we walked towards a huge section that was surrounded by white curtains and had mirrors all along the wall with a stage connected to it. There were comfy chairs to the side and a small table with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on it.

"You ladies get comfortable while I get the bride-to-be ready." The woman announced cheerfully as I followed her back.

I ended up trying on a few of the dresses Mack picked out first. I had to admit they were beyond stunning, but they definitely weren't me. Maybe if I was having a big wedding I would feel differently but considering it's small I think I wanted a more modest style. Next, I tried on some of Jackie's picks. She chose mostly boho-type dresses. They were definitely an outdoor wedding vibe..I just couldn't stop thinking about that one dress she showed me though..and when I finally went to try it on..I knew..I knew immediately that this was it. It clung to my bust and flared out at my hips, showing off my hourglass figure flawlessly. Even the woman helping me gasped when she saw the dress. But I wanted to make sure everyone else agreed..

So I walked out behind the curtain, and I swear the room filled with silence. Mack looked at me with her mouth wide open as Jackie slapped her hand to her chest and let out a gasp. Asher's mom couldn't help but cry as she looked at me and that's when the tears started streaming down my own face.

"That's the one Em..that dress was made for you." Mack breathed, making me nod my head as I looked into the mirror with wide eyes..I looked stunning..a word I never thought I would use when describing myself. But I felt it..I felt absolutely beautiful and this was the one. Asher was going to love it..