Page 46 of Forever Zara

“I love you. So much.” She told him in a whisper.

“Fuck, Zara. You sweep the fuckin’ air out of me; you know that? Let’s get inside before you change your mind.”

“Unlikely.” She poked him.

One more surprise when they were inside, and she brushed off the ankle-length padded coat, handing it to Gia. She had brought little with her, keeping all the wedding fanfare for tomorrow, but she’d bought a small posy of white roses and baby’s breath. When she turned around, Rider’s eyes were hot and hooded, skimming over her.

She knew what he was seeing.

It wasn’t the same, but it was similar enough to touch his memories.

Hot all over and a little shy, she smiled when he shackled a hand around her wrist and roped her in until their bodies were aligned. She was wearing a strapless sunshine yellow dress that fell to her ankles. A dress so parallel to the one she was wearing the first time they’d met at his club party, Rider groaned by her ear. “My sweet, innocent Icy-baby. It’s like looking back in time. I feel like I’m about to defile you all over again.”

Zara shuddered. Reaching up on her tiptoes, she pressed their closed lips together. It felt right somehow to take them back to that day, bringing their love full circle.

Tomorrow was for the white designer gown, table decorations, and a party to end all parties. Today was sunshine yellow, a biker-man in sexy denim, and promises given to each other.

Their fingers locked together, Rider’s eyes deeper and more loving than ever.

This was right, she thought.

It had been a whim to plan something private for the two of them. And now she couldn’t imagine anything better.

An hour later, Rider slapped Hawk’s hand while Gia and Zara celebrated with a tight hug.

They were married.

Oh, my god. She was Zara Marinos.

She’d married her hero. Man of her dreams.

It was strange. She’d been happy with him for years. She was well used to contentment and joy. But this new peace, this elation tingling her skin, was brand new, and she could hardly contain her squeal as she launched herself into his arms. Naturally, Rider caught her, their mouths met, and it was sweet.

A married kiss. The second one after the celebrant declared them husband and wife.

“I love you, Mrs. Marinos.” He rasped. The emotion he was feeling in his voice brought tears to Zara’s eyes.

“Oh, my god, Rider. You’re my husband.”

“Thought I’d been that all along?” He smirked.

“Now it’s official.”

“Worth the wait,” he gruffed by her ear, keeping her close where she always wanted to be. She curled her arms around his waist and let out a sigh, unable to stop smiling.

Yeah, she agreed. Some things were worth waiting for. Worth going through hell to reach the other side.

The piece of paper and rings would not change their day-to-day life.

She felt loved today in the same way she did yesterday. Wholly.

But their lives were different now. In small ways. In huge ways.

No one could accuse Zara of being fast out of the starting gate. She’d taken her time saying yes to his many proposals, and then it was her who did the asking.

But she got there in the end.

Loving her biker-man.

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