Chapter 26

A month later

Morgan

The past few weeks had been absolutely wonderful. The media frenzy had begun to die down, especially after Richard's arrest. From what I heard through the grapevine, he'd made bail, but he stayed quiet after that.

Even the chatter about the whereabouts of Hunter's uncle began to die down too. There was a rumor from the news stories that he'd made it somewhere out of the country. Only Hunter knew where, and I didn't ask any questions.

Honestly, I didn't want to know.

My company was doing great. After successfully fielding Hunter's company PR disaster, I had clients flooding in. So much so that I had to hire several more PR consultants. There was plenty of work piling up, especially because I'd taken the day off from the office, but it wasn't time to focus on any of that.

It was time to find the dress.

Satin and lace surrounded me. It would have suffocated me, but luckily, I had Zara at my side to help me navigate the upscale dress boutique in the middle of downtown Seattle.

She was especially excited because I'd officially asked her to be my maid of honor, which meant she got to pick out a dress all of her own.

Zara, ever the tease, nudged me playfully. "So, have you decided on a dress style yet? Or should we just pick the one that makes that massive rock on your finger look even more dazzling?"

I laughed, glancing at the engagement ring that sparkled on my finger. "Knowing Hunter, he'd probably say go big or go home. But I want something elegant, something that feels like me."

We wandered through the racks of dresses, our conversation drifting to the details of the upcoming wedding.

"What about the venue?" Zara asked, pulling out a dress with intricate beadwork.

"We're thinking a beach ceremony. I love the idea of getting married by the ocean," I replied, my mind painting a picture of the idyllic setting.

"Beach wedding with billionaire Hunter Blackwater. It's like a page straight out of Fifty Shades, isn't it?" Zara quipped with a wink.

I blushed, unable to suppress a smile. "Hunter does have a few things in common with Christian Grey, I suppose."

"Oh, is that so?" she asked, raising both eyebrows with vivid curiosity. I giggled, shaking my head. There was no way I could tell her about some of the things that Hunter had in mind for us when we finally got away for a honeymoon. My cheeks burned even thinking about it.

"Come on, you've got to give a girl more than that," she whined.

Grinning, I playfully swatted Zara's arm. "Zara, you know I can't spill all the details! Let's just say, our relationship is… passionate. Hunter knows how to keep things really fucking hot."

"Oh, I bet he does," Zara teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I laughed as I fingered a chiffon gown with delicate lace detailing.

"He definitely keeps me on my toes. But honestly, beyond all the billionaire glamour, Hunter's just Hunter. Kind, caring, a little overprotective, but always loving."

Zara helped me into the gown, zipping it up carefully. "Overprotective, huh? Sounds like he'd fit right into a romance after all. Does he have a secret room too? One with paddles and straps and crops?" she asked with a sly grin.

Blushing, I replied, "Zara!"

"Hey. I'm just looking out for my girl," she winked, and I rolled my eyes.

My mind wandered back to Hunter and our nights in the office. Those were memories that would stay with me forever. I remembered his fingers, trailing along the skin of my shoulder. His lips, brushing against my cheek. His belt across my ass.

"Well, there was that one time with his belt," I offered, and her mouth dropped wide open. A laugh burst from her lips, and she grinned.

"It's not like that!" I protested. "Okay, well, not just like that…"

"Fuck yes, girl, I'm proud of you," she quipped, and then with a happy sigh, she looked in the mirror. "Well, what do you think?"

As I took in my reflection, my breath caught in my throat at the sight of the beautiful dress, and I felt a surge of happiness. "This is the one. It's perfect."

Zara stepped back, admiring the gown. "It's stunning, just like you. He's going to be speechless."

I smiled, thinking about the moment I would walk towards Hunter, the man who had become my world. "I can't wait to see his face."

I was ready.

I was ready to say yes.