AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We walk out of the gazebo and into the garden.
"Oh, wow!" She takes in the heaters that have been placed at strategic locations around the lawns. Chairs have been placed in rows, with an aisle in the center. It leads to an arch made of pampas grass, with yellow and purple flowers dotted at intervals.
"When did you do all this?"
"Technically, it’s Abby and your team who helped set it up." I nod my thanks at Abby, who clasps her hands together. "I hope you like it."
Kate walks over to join us. "And if you don’t, too bad; it’s the best we could do in the little time we had while you guys were in the press conference."
"Oh, shush!" Steve draws abreast on the other side of Abby. "We had a fun time doing it, didn’t we?"
Kate rolls her eyes. "If you say so. But it’s for your wedding, Zara. Never thought we’d see the day, by the way—but since you are planning to be married, I’d say choosing the person who could be the leader of the country is a damn good move."
Zara chuckles. "Thanks, Kate."
The journalists begin to pour out onto the lawns; Abby, Kate, Casey and Steve guide them to the chairs. Our friends take their seats in the front row, and Edward walks around to wait for us at the top of the aisle.
I take Zara’s hands in mine and bring them to my lips. "See you on the other side."
Zara
Had I really thought I could pull another surprise on my man and get away with it? He’s known as the sharpest politician of our times for a reason. All along, I thought I was a step ahead of him, but he’s outwitted me at every turn. He bugged my phone and my computer, placed cameras in my apartment and office—and I hadn’t been aware of any of it. Sure, I got back at him by springing the surprise of my past to the press, and revealing I was pregnant. But he’d already guessed I was.
He proposed to me, and I accepted.
Once more, he’s gotten ahead of me. He guessed I had something up my sleeve when I agreed to have the press conference at his place. He roped in my entire team to help with the arrangements for the wedding. Good thing I have this last chance to catch him off guard.
I nod toward Abby, who walks over to Cade. She engages him in conversation. He frowns as she gestures in Hunter’s direction. Finally, with reluctance writ in every angle of his body, he follows her to where Hunter is speaking with Edward. The four huddle in conversation. I step back, and head inside, toward the guest room at the end of the corridor. I step in and, shutting the door behind me, I walk over to where my dress is laid out on the bed. It’s a simple white sheath created by an up-and-coming British-Asian designer. Someone whose career I’ve been following with great interest and whose designs I love. I strip off my pantsuit and step into the dress. As I slide the sleeves over my shoulders, the door opens.
"Am I too late?" Abby bursts in and comes to a halt behind me.
"You’re just in time."
She zips me up. I step into the white-satin stilettos, by the same designer. I pat my hair, which I put up earlier this morning, then place the one-tier vintage style veil on my head. Abby helps me fasten it. I draw the netting down over my eyes, then freshen up my makeup.
"How do I look?" I glance at my reflection in the mirror.
"Gorgeous. You look both sexy and understated. Hunter is a lucky man."
"I think we’re both lucky we found each other." I meet her gaze in the mirror. "Not to mention, it’s a miracle we made it to the altar without killing each other."
"I think you’re both going to be very happy," she says in a soft voice.
"As you will be, if you and my brother decide to look past your differences."
"Eh?" She blinks rapidly. "There’s nothing like that between us." She waves her hand in the air. "Also, he’s my brother’s best friend. No way, can we get together."
"Hmm." I decide not to push the point. Each of us has a journey to get through to find our HEA, and given how Hunter and I put each other through the wringer… Well, I’m not sure I’m the best person to give her advice. Still, I can’t help but say, "Anytime you want to talk, I’m here, and not just as your boss."
She seems taken aback, then nods. "When I first met you, I thought you were a scary figure. Now, I realize that under all that woman-of-the-world persona, you have a soft heart. You take care of your friends and your team. I’m lucky you took me under your wing."
"Don’t count your blessings yet. We have a lot of hard work to be done for the upcoming campaign."
"I look forward to it." She hands me my bouquet. "But first, we have a wedding to attend."
* * *
"Zara, you look—" Cade shakes his head. For once, my cocky, smartass brother seems to be at a loss for words. "You look absolutely gorgeous." He leans forward and kisses me on my cheek. "I’m sorry Mum and Dad chose not to attend."
