Chapter 52

52

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."

I raise a shoulder, trying to pass it off, but in truth, it did hurt that, once again, my parents chose the shop over me. You’d think their daughter’s wedding would be more important than keeping the store open, but apparently, not.

"They did message me to say I’m most welcome to visit and bring my new husband with me," I murmur.

"That’s something, huh?" He tucks my hand through the crook of his arm. "It’s not that they don’t love you."

"They just weren’t happy about me becoming a teenage mother, and then turning my back on the legal profession to pursue what I love."

"They did support you, though. They were ready to adopt Olly as their own."

"Not that I’d have allowed it." I shift my weight from foot to foot. "You’re right, though. When all is said and done, they didn’t disown me. They were there for me when I most needed them. They’re just not happy with my life choices, that’s all."

"Will you go visit them with Hunter?" Cade asks.

"When he’s won the election and becomes Prime Minister. He’ll probably be good enough for them as a son-in-law then."

We both laugh.

Footsteps sound. Abby reaches us. "We’re ready for you." She ignores Cade and addresses her remark to me.

"Thanks, Abby."

She nods, then turns and leaves. Cade watches her go with a frown on his forehead.

"What’s that all about?" I nod in her direction. "Something up with the two of you?"

"Nothing's up between us. My best friend, Knight, is her brother. Trust me, he’d be more than pissed off if there was anything between me and Abby."

"When has that ever stopped you?" I scan his features. "Or wait. Maybe you actually feel something for this girl. Is that why you prefer to trade smoldering glances with her than act on what you’re feeling?"

"Smoldering glances?" He shakes his head. "Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean the entire world has to follow suit."

"Aha!" I smile smugly "So you are falling for her?"

"Eh, no, of course not. I don’t intend to be romantically involved with anyone, anytime soon."

"Famous last words." I pat his hand. "I’ll remind you of it when you’re standing in my position."

"I don’t think my tastes tend toward white, gowns."

I laugh. "You know what I mean."

"I’m not getting married. Not for a long, long time. And speaking of" —he turns toward the doorway leading to the lawns— "you don’t want to be late for your wedding."