Forever Zara: (novella 9.5) by V. Theia (ebook reader txt) 📕

Outside of the courthouse, the snow fell softly. She loved snow almost as much as the man standing before her, anyone knew that.

“We’re getting married?”

“Yes. Just you and me. With Hawk and Gia as witnesses. I planned it all. Are you surprised?”

“Yeah, baby. You could say.” He half-smiled. “What about tomorrow?”

“Oh, we’re still having that ceremony tomorrow too! Today is for us, honey.” Curling both arms around his waist, she felt at peace when his two hands touched the base of her spine, and he brought his lips to her forehead. “Are you okay about it?”

She knew his answer even before he smiled his rogue smile. Her heart knew too because it was lazily rolling over in her chest at his nearness.

“Zara, I would marry you any fuckin’ day. You know that, want you for my old lady.”

“I’ve been your old lady forever,” she pointed out, and he smirked so sexily.

“Wish I’d known so I could have dressed better.”

“That would defeat the purpose of a surprise,” she told him with a smile etching the corner of her mouth. Because he so rarely looked unsure, she was enjoying seeing his surprise. “Besides, you always look sexy.” He smirked at that. Ego biker-man. “You’re perfect. So, are you going to marry me today?”

For a big man, tall and intimidating to everyone but her, he crumbled so gracefully as he let his neck fall, and their foreheads came together.

He breathed in. And she breathed out.

“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.

She’d loved him before she knew him, loved him every second since.

“Got you.” She gloated up at him, and he dropped his head, kissed her soundly until all she tasted was him.

“Yeah, you do.” He replied. “Let’s buy ice cream on the way home.” He added, and her insides flamed at the memory flickering through her mind.

The same dirty memory Rider wanted her to have.

She hoped they didn’t break their kitchen table this time.

Gia would see that she got Zara’s car back to her house. Zara wanted to be on the back of Rider’s motorcycle more than ever. He climbed on and helped her onto the seat, her arms instinctively twirling around his waist.

She had so many memories of being on the bike with him.

That first terrifying time when she clung tight, traumatized yet relieved. And all the times in between when they went for rides to be alone. Riding for the first time as his wife was going to be her favorite memory.

It might be cold and a little snowy, but