55. 55 - Zella
T he breeze skips over my skin, the scent of salt and sand and warmth sinking into my nose as I inhale deeply, my eyes closed as I tilt my face up to the sunshine.
Adjusting the large green sunhat on my head, I squint at Enzo’s sleeping figure on the sun lounger next to me. His eyes crack open, star-filled irises staring back at me.
They’re always filled with stars, now.
“Little prey,” he murmurs. “What are you doing?”
“Watching you,” I say softly. He looks more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him. This trip has been good for all of us.
A hoarse shout comes from the sea in front of us and I twist, laughing as Maverick throws himself at Ryder, shoving him under the waves until he emerges with a cursed splutter.
They both turn, and I get the absolutely joyful experience of watching them both strut out of the sea, chests sparkling with water and trunks plastered against their legs.
I beam up at Ryder as he pelts past Maverick, reaching me first and throwing himself down, making me squeal as he shakes his head like a dog and sprays me with droplets. “Ryder!”
He turns until his head is planted in my lap, and I push damp strands of hair back from his forehead as he bats his eyelashes mournfully. “Little thief. Maverick tried to drown me.”
“Trust me,” he says drily, “you’d be dead if I tried to drown you.”
Leaning down, he tips my chin up for a kiss. I hold on when he moves to pull away, and he smiles against my lips. “Patience, future Mrs. Brooks.”
“You’re not even supposed to see me today,” I tell him solemnly. “It’s against the rules.”
He settles on the lounger next to me, taking a sip from the ice-cold bottle of beer on the table next to us. “I’ve waited a whole year for this,” he says firmly. “I’m not letting you out of my sight for a moment.”
Ryder sighs. “I told you, it was only a joke. We didn’t actually elope.”
We’re in Mexico now, but we were in Scotland last month. They have this place called Gretna Green, and Ryder told me it would be an adventure to sneak out without the others.
Maverick caught us right before I said my vows. I don’t think he’s quite forgiven Ryder yet.
“This is perfect,” I murmur. “The perfect place for a beach wedding.”
“Have you got your dress?” Maverick asks, and I dig my nails into Ryder’s shoulder when he starts to wheeze.
“Yep!” I say brightly. It might not be a traditional white dress, but when I saw it, I immediately knew it was the right one.
I didn’t even know they did that shade of yellow.
And it glows in the dark.
Sighing happily, I settle back in the sun, listening to Ryder and Enzo argue over who’s going to the main groomsman, Maverick’s patient voice telling them to shut the fuck up and you’re lucky you’re invited at all .
“Sorry, Daddy Mav,” Ryder mutters, and I bite my cheeks against a laugh.
My life is perfect. Maybe it didn’t start out that way, but somehow, I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
And I’m just getting started.