Defending Zara (Mountain Mercenaries #6)(97)

“Oh, I’m sure it will,” she said. “But it’ll be different because you’ll be with me. I won’t be alone.”

“Damn straight,” Meat said with feeling.

Last night, after he’d put his ring on her finger and after she’d agreed to marry him, they’d talked into the night about their future. In addition to the charities she would support, Zara also wanted to write a book about her experiences, with proceeds going to the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which focuses on preventing crimes against children and providing resources for children, parents, and families alike when needed.

He pulled up to The Pit and found a place to park in the packed lot. He went around to help Zara out of the car and held her hand as they headed into the run-down bar, and they were immediately greeted by choruses of hellos. Knowing they were running late—because he’d caught a glimpse of Zara in another brand-new bra-and-panty set and couldn’t keep his hands off her—Meat pulled her straight into the back room.

Gray glared at him, but Allye simply rolled her eyes. Meat kissed Zara quickly before escorting her to stand next to Everly. Then he took his place next to Ball across from where the women were lined up. The wedding wasn’t traditional, meaning there would be no walking down the aisle, and no one was wearing anything fancy, but Ro, Arrow, Black, Ball, and Meat all stood next to Gray, while Chloe, Morgan, Harlow, Everly, and Zara attended Allye.

After everyone quieted down, Dave, who was usually standing behind the bar but had gone online and gotten ordained just for the occasion, started the ceremony. Noah Ganter had been manning the bar when they arrived, handing out fruity virgin drinks to the kids and soft drinks to the adults. Once the reception started and the bar was officially open, he’d serve alcohol.

Meat couldn’t take his eyes from Zara as Dave went through the traditional words for the wedding ceremony. She seemed to glow. She had on a dress, which she’d sworn she was changing out of immediately after the ceremony, but he’d do whatever was necessary to convince her to keep it on. She’d considered and discarded the idea of growing out her hair, and it was freshly trimmed. She’d even let her new stylist put in a streak of red for the occasion, to match her dress.

Meat had never really understood his friends’ almost obsessive attachment to their women, but he got it now. He’d literally do whatever it took to keep Zara safe and happy. She’d been through hell, and it was time she relaxed and enjoyed what life had to offer. He couldn’t bring back her parents, but he could make sure she had the family she wanted. Her grandparents were missing out on the best part of life, knowing their grandchild, but that was their problem, not hers.

When Dave got to the part about anyone objecting, Gray growled at him and turned to glare at each and every one of the Mountain Mercenaries. At one point, Meat might’ve said something just to fuck with his friend, but the thought of anyone doing anything, even in jest, to keep him from tying Zara to him for the rest of their lives was enough to make him break out in a sweat.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” Dave said with a huge smile.

Gray grabbed Allye and tipped her backward and proceeded to kiss her as if they were alone at home instead of in a public bar.

Meat didn’t even wait for his friend to finish his kiss. He strode across the floor and pulled Zara into his own arms. He may not’ve married her today, but he would soon. And he couldn’t wait another second before putting his lips on hers.

Of course, not to be outdone, Ball crossed to Everly and did the same.

Soon, each of the men were claiming their women. Everyone clapped and cheered, and Dave threw up his hands in exasperation and headed back out to the bar in the front room.

Eventually, the men were able to peel themselves off their women, and they all mingled throughout the room. Meat couldn’t help but notice how much Zara enjoyed the children in attendance. She paid attention to their every word, kneeling down to their height to talk. She was a natural—and suddenly he couldn’t wait to see her belly round with his child. She’d make an amazing mother, probably overprotective, but he didn’t mind.

After an hour, the parents with children slowly started to head out, and around three in the afternoon, Dave announced that the bar was officially open.

A cheer went up, and Meat put his arm around Zara. “Want something to drink?”

“Maybe a mimosa?” she asked. “It’s kinda healthy because it has orange juice in it, right?”

Meat laughed. “Sure, Zar, whatever you want to think.” She would never be a heavy drinker, which he was all right with. He liked her exactly the way she was.

They walked toward the bar and squeezed in between two other couples. Meat stood behind Zara, protecting her from being jostled from behind. She fit against him perfectly. She was tiny compared to him, but somehow they seemed to just work.

“What’s with all the pictures?” Zara asked, gesturing to the hundreds of Polaroids tacked up behind the bar.

“I guess it started when Dave first opened the bar. He took pictures of some of the regulars, and pretty soon everyone wanted their picture on the wall.”

Zara leaned on her elbows as she studied the many faces smiling down at them—then Meat felt her stiffen in his arms, and he was immediately alert.

Leaning down to speak into her ear, he asked, “What’s wrong?”