Zak - Three Months Later
Today’s the day. Nadia thinks we’re just having a romantic dinner at home. She has no idea what I’ve been planning.
When I head downstairs. She’s in the kitchen with Crabby, who got even fatter. Bastard owns this whole fucking house. Everyone loves and spoils him.
“Ready?” I ask.
She turns, and like every time my eyes land on my wife, my heart seizes. She’s wearing a sexy black dress that molds to her mouthwatering curves. Hair down. So fucking beautiful I have to rearrange myself in my slacks. Fuck, wish we had time for a quickie… She eyes me knowingly and I shake my head, returning her smirk.
We walk down the hallway to the dining room. I open the door, and she freezes. The room is filled with people. My parents, my brothers and sister. Nadia’s parents, her sister, her best friend, Leah. Everyone dressed up and smiling. There are flowers everywhere, lit candles, and soft music playing over the sound system.
Nadia’s mouth falls open. “Zak, what is happening?”
“A wedding,” I reply calmly, taking in her gorgeous face, soaking up her emotions.
“But we’re already married!”
“I know.” I pull her closer, my hand low on her back. “Baby, the first time was a mess. A group ceremony? Me bleeding…” Her big brown eyes widen. “I want to do it right.”
“Baby…” She sounds choked up.
“I want to marry you again. In front of the people we love and the entire world.”
Her eyes fill with tears as she nods, cupping my face. Then, because she’s my Nadia, she punches my chest. “You, asshole. If I knew, I would’ve worn something nicer!”
I laugh, grab her hand, and kiss it. “You’re perfect.”
She shakes her head, laughing through her tears. “I’m gonna kill you.”
“Later. Right now, you’re marrying me.”
Her sister, Mira, rushes over, smirking. “We’ve been planning this for weeks.”
Nadia’s mouth falls open. “You knew?”
“Everyone knew,” Leah interjects, joining us. “It’s been so freaking hard to keep it secret!”
Nadia looks at me, at our families and friends, the decorations, and starts full-on sobbing.
“Hey,” I say softly, wiping her tears with my thumbs. “No crying, baby.”
She sniffles, looking so damn cute I want to throw her over my shoulder and walk out of here, leaving everyone stranded.
“They’re happy tears, you idiot.”
I chuckle, leaning to press my forehead to hers. “So you’ll marry me? Again?”
“Yes.” She laughs through her tears. “Yes, I’ll marry you again, you crazy man.”
* * *
The ceremony is beautiful and totally us. Nadia’s still glaring at me between tears, but also smiling.
When it’s time for our vows, I take her hands.
“Sweetheart.” My voice comes out heavy with emotion. “Three months ago, you accidentally became my wife.” She laughs along with everyone else. “Best fucking accident of my life,” I continue, garnering more amusement. “You patched me up, gave me shit, made me laugh.” I pause to cup the side of her face. “You made me want things I never thought I did.” I rub the pad of my thumb over her cheek, soaking up the reflection of my own love shining through her pretty eyes. “You’re brave, fierce, and stubborn. You don’t take my shit.” I take her hands and squeeze them. “You make me a better man.” She lets out a choked sound. “I will protect you, provide for you, fucking worship you. Until the grave and beyond.” I lean closer, lowering my voice for her ears only. “And I promise to keep you so full of me you forget where you end and I begin.”
She chokes on a watery laugh. “Zak!”
