Chapter 51

51

Hunter

"Minister, have you and Zara set a date for the wedding?" The journalist asks.

We’re in the small conservatory attached to my townhouse in Primrose Hill. We agreed the best way forward was to hold a press conference to which we’d invite a select number of news people.

We drew up a list of those who we knew would be sympathetic to our cause, as well as those we knew would have tougher questions. It was Zara’s idea to do that. She also said it would be best to hold the press conference in a location that was personal. It would mellow the media and make them feel like they were our guests, rather than adversaries. I suggested the gazebo attached to my living room, and she agreed. I was delighted. It meant she’d be on my turf, in my house, even though she hasn’t yet agreed to move in with me. Something I’m working on. This, I’m sure, will give me a head start in convincing her.

I left it in her capable hands to manage the entire event. She’s still the Head of Communications for my campaign. In addition, she’s also my partner. After I proposed to her the second time, and she accepted, we ended up kissing and making out, right there in my office—again. The best use I’ve put my desk to in all the time I’ve had it.

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 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."