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When we emerged from my office, my entire team clapped. They’d seen the clips from the impromptu catch-up with the journalists at the entrance to the café, followed by me hauling Zara to my office, and had come to their own conclusions. Then there was the ring she was wearing. The ring that announces to the world she belongs to me. That she’s mine, under my protection, joined to me, and that I’m never letting go of her. So, it’s clear to everyone that we’re together.
Now, I turn to my fiancée, who’s seated on the chair next to me. "That’s for Zara to decide."
The journalists’ gazes swing in her direction.
"Given that I like dropping surprises on the minister—"
A titter runs through the group.
"I would only be conforming to my tendency to shock and awe him by saying that I have, indeed, set a date."
Everyone holds their breath. I watch her with pride.
This woman—she could rule the world if she wanted. Yet she’s chosen to rule my world, instead. Every day, I thank the powers responsible for making our paths cross. She makes it all worthwhile. She gives me purpose. She’s the thread through my thoughts. The rhythm to my walk. The cadence to my words. The color in my dreams. The only reality worth living in. She…belongs to me and that makes me the luckiest man in the world.
"Hunter?"
I blink, realizing she’s looking at me. "Whatever you want," I murmur.
"So, you’re okay if we get married right now?"
I blink. "Now?"
"We have our attendees" —she nods toward the assembled journalists— "and as for friends..." She smiles at someone past me. I turn my head to find Liam and Isla entering the gazebo from the side door. They also seem to have brought along their dog—a Great Dane who strains at the leash held by Liam.
Behind them are Sinclair and Summer, then Michael and Karma. Weston and Amelie—both of whom confessed to me and Zara that they’d set us up, and who couldn’t be more delighted at how things turned out— wave at us.
Behind them are JJ & Lena and Saint & Victoria..
Bringing up the rear is Cade Kingston, on his own. His gaze is fixed on something—or someone—on the other side of the podium. I follow his line of sight to find Abby scowling at Cade. She tilts her chin. Then, in a deliberate snub, turns her back on him. She leans in to speak to one of her fellow team members, Steve, I think. I glance back to find Cade’s brow is thunderous. His jaw tics, and he seems to be having a hard time controlling himself. He takes a couple of steps forward, but just then, Lena turns to say something to him. He tears his gaze off of Abby and replies to Lena. A new face, one I’ve not seen in many months, walks into the room behind Cade.
"Is that—"
"Edward Chase, one of the Seven," Zara confirms.
"What’s he doing back in the country?" The last I’d heard from Sinclair, Edward had renounced the priesthood, and left to travel the world.
"He happened to be visiting, and considering I decided only this morning that we should get married today, it seemed like a sign to ask him to officiate the wedding."
"He’s no longer a priest."
"He can still marry us," she points out.
"And as soon as I can arrange it, we’re going to the registry office to get our marriage validated."
Her lips curve. "Not taking any chances, are you?"
"Not gonna stop until you’re mine in every possible way."
Her golden eyes spark. The pulse at the base of her throat beats faster. I lean in closer, and so does she. Our breaths fuse. I lower my head until my eyelashes brush against hers.
Someone clears their throat. I glance up to find Abby glancing between us. "Uh, we’re ready for the both of you."
Zara frowns. "I hadn’t planned on anything else."
"But I have." I rise to my feet and hold out my hand. "You’re not the only one who can pull surprises, Fire."
She looks taken aback, then chuckles. "I wouldn’t have expected anything else from you."
