by Kat Mizera
He thought about it. “Honestly? A traditional wedding dress. Not like the huge, frilly Cinderella things, but something white and sexy and reflective of your personality. Maybe tight and sleeveless? But there’s no way you’re going to find that today.”
I laughed. “Dude. My best friend is in town and I have money—give me an hour and I just might.”
“First we get the license. Without that, we can’t do anything else. Once we have the license, we can walk into an all-night chapel, so that’s our priority.”
“Deal.” I quickly kissed him and then called out to Lindsey, who’d slept on our couch. “You awake, girlfriend? We have shit to do!”
Two hours later, we’d gotten our marriage license and Zaan went home while Lindsey and I set out on a wedding dress adventure.
“The good news,” she said, “is that you’re slender and all those window display dresses will most likely fit you.”
“Yeah, but the chances of finding what he’s envisioning is going to be tricky.”
“We can make it happen. And remember, it doesn’t have to be a wedding dress, per se, it can be a fancy dress we find at a department store.”
“We don’t have all day, though.”
“Trust me. I made some calls while you were getting the license… They said they have a ton of dresses in a size four at this place.” She read off a name and address to me. “Let’s start there.”
I turned the Mustang in that direction and my phone rang as we parked. “Hey, Mack,” I said happily.
“What’s the plan?” she asked. “Do we have a time in mind?”
“I’m about to try on a wedding dress,” I told her. “We’re going to try two or three places. If they don’t have anything that works, I’ll wear something I already have.”
“Well, let us know. Is there a dress code for the rest of us?”
“Absolutely not. I mean, maybe not shorts and flip-flops, but one hundred percent casual.”
“Perfect, because your brothers don’t have anything but shorts and jeans.”
“Jeans or shorts and a polo shirt is fine,” I said.
“Okay, keep me posted.”
“Thanks.” I disconnected as we walked inside.
Lindsey told the woman who greeted us that she’d called, and the woman nodded. “Yes, I’ve pulled every sleeveless white dress we have in your size. I understand you have a timetable.”
“The plan is to get married this afternoon,” I told her, “so I appreciate your efforts.”
We went to the back to a dressing room where a dozen or so dresses had been hung up, waiting for me to try them on.
“I can’t remember the last time I sold a dress off the rack that didn’t need alterations,” the woman said, “but I’m willing to give it a go. Also, I have a size bigger and a size smaller in several of them, so go ahead and get undressed and let’s see what happens.”
I gazed at the dresses, looking them over carefully. I knew which one was my first choice immediately. It was a little fancier than I’d envisioned, but it was perfect, made with silk and chiffon, sleeveless, and a corset-style top that laced in the back. Zaan would love it and I did too.
“That one,” I said softly. “Is that one of the ones you have in other sizes?”
The woman smiled. “It is.”
I put it on and closed my eyes as the attendant laced me up. It fit like a glove and when I turned to the mirror, I knew the wedding gods were smiling on me because it was exactly what I wanted.
“Ohhh,” Lindsey breathed. “That’s beautiful.”
“Goodness, that’s amazing,” the attendant said.
“I’ll take it,” I told her. “I don’t need to try on anything else.”
She wrapped it in a garment bag as I got dressed and I handed her my credit card as Lindsey and I talked about our plans for the rest of the day.
“I don’t have a nice dress with me,” she said. “I didn’t know I was going to be a maid of honor.”
“You want to see if there’s anything here you like?” I asked her.
“I’m not model-thin like you. The chances they have something off-the-rack for me are slim to none.”
“You’re what, a size eight or ten?”
“Yeah, but I’m curvy. I have hips and thighs and—”
“You’re lovely,” the attendant said, overhearing us. “And I have something I think would look perfect on you that isn’t overly formal. Give me a moment.” She disappeared and Lindsey looked at me.
“It’s not your fault, but I always feel huge next to you.” Lindsey looked a little dejected.
“Oh, honey, why? You’re beautiful.”
“Last night at the Whiskey just drove the point home. Stu Killorn is fucking…gorgeous. I tried to talk to him a few times and while he was polite, he couldn’t get away from me fast enough.”
“He was probably distracted. This was his first live performance in more than two years and he was mobbed after the show.”
“I know. It’s no big deal, just… I don’t know. Do I embarrass you now that you’re famous?”
“Jesus, no!” I was so shocked I could only stare. “Why would you think that? You’re not tiny, but you’re not fat, Linz, and anyway, even if you were, I don’t care.”
“But I do. Like I said, it’s not your fault, but I might be a little intimidated by how famous you are.”
“I’m still me,” I whispered, hugging her. “And we’re still besties. That’s never going to change. I promise.”
“Here we are.” The attendant came back with a light blue dress. It was a simple sheath with a sheer overlay. It was knee-length and while probably not something I would have chosen for myself, it was elegant and perfect for Lindsey, who was a little shy to begin with.
“I guess I can try it.” Lindsey looked dubious but I nudged her.
“Go.”
When she came out, I smiled. She looked beautiful and I hoped she liked it as much as I did. “It’s perfect. Do you like it?”
“I guess.” Lindsey looked torn. “It’s kind of boring…isn’t it?”
“It’s elegant and classy,” the attendant said. “Something you can wear again, to a nice restaurant and the like. That way it’s not just another ugly bridesmaid dress.” She coughed lightly. “Not that any of our dresses are ugly.”
We chuckled together. “We’ll take it,” I told her. “Ring it up.”
We made a quick stop to buy shoes and by three o’clock were on the way home. I’d told Zaan to get dressed at my dad’s house so there would be at least a tiny element of surprise with the dress, and Lindsey and I hurriedly got ready.
“He’s going to love the dress,” Lindsey said, grinning.
“I hope so.” I put a final swipe of mascara on my lashes and looked in the mirror. About an hour from now, I was going to be a married woman. It felt surreal, but really good, and I had zero concerns about it. This had been coming for four long years and now that it was happening, I was ready. There was no way to know what the future would bring, but after everything we’d been through, I trusted that we would find a way to weather every new storm together. We had to. There was no one else for me and I was positive he felt the same.
I stepped into my shoes and grabbed a small silver evening bag Mack had dropped off for me, tossing in my license, a credit card, lipstick, my phone, and car keys. We were meeting everyone at the chapel Zaan and I had chosen. The ceremony would be short and sweet and my dad had made reservations for us to go to dinner afterwards. Tyler, Bash, and Stu were going to be with us, along with a handful of Zaan’s teammates, Jamie and Viggo, and Coach Wylde. Casey had opted not to come because she needed a full security detail anywhere she went, now that she was queen, so it would be too much of a hassle, and Jayson had bowed out as well, but that was okay.
Impulsively, I texted Tyler, an idea brewing in my mind. I didn’t like how insecure Lindsey felt around me and my famous friends and Tyler was the kind of guy who would do something simp
ly because I asked him to.
LEXI: Hey, would you do me a favor?
TYLER: Of course. Anything for the bride.
LEXI: LOL This isn’t about me. My friend Lindsey is feeling very out of place with all my famous friends, athletes and rock stars and such… Would you pay a little attention to her so she doesn’t feel left out while I’m busy being a bride?
TYLER: The pretty brunette from Minnesota? Why does she feel out of place? She’s adorable! So hell, yeah. Is she single?
I chuckled as I put my phone away.
The look on Zaan’s face when I walked into the chapel and he saw me in the dress for the first time was one I would never forget. Nothing about this day was traditional, but the look on his face? Yeah, it was everything any bride could fantasize about. His eyes softened, then darkened, and then he looked a little emotional as my father walked me down the aisle to him. We’d decided not to create our own vows or anything after the sweet contract he’d written for me, so we let the officiant recite boilerplate lingo. Once we were alone, probably later tonight, we’d agreed we would have a private exchange of vows that were meant just for us.
As the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, tears stung my eyelids. There had been many times in the last four years where I’d doubted this day would ever come, but now that it was here, I was ecstatic. And super emotional. I didn’t want to cry, but a tear leaked out anyway and my sweet, wonderful husband gently wiped it away, one arm wrapped around my waist.
“You okay?”
“I’m wonderful. Just a little overwhelmed that this is really happening.”
“I love you, Mrs. Hagen.”
“I love you more, Mr. Hagen.”
We chuckled and then turned to our audience, where a cheer went up. We were immediately surrounded by our friends and family. After a thousand hugs, kisses and handshakes, we got in my Mustang, with Tyler and Lindsey in the back seat, and sped off to the restaurant.
As we sat in the private back room Dad had booked, Zaan slid his arm around the back of my chair, pulling me closer to him.
“I wasn’t sure about the impromptu wedding,” he said, “but now I’m really glad we did it this way. Low-stress, minimal cost—even though that wouldn’t have been a thing if you wanted a big wedding—and most of the people we love. I’m bummed my buds are all in Scotland already, but we’ll see them in a few days. I texted Tore right after we left the chapel and my phone has blown up with messages from the guys.”
“I forgot all about Ian and Everly—do you think they’re going to feel upstaged by us?” I asked nervously.
He shook his head. “I talked to them before I proposed and they were super excited for us.”
“Oh good. And, you know what? We can have a party when we all get back,” I said softly, staring into his eyes.
He reached out and gently caressed my face. “You’ve made me a very happy man, Lexi.”
“And you make me an incredibly happy woman.”
Someone started tapping a fork on the side of a glass as my dad got to his feet. “I’d like to say something,” he said, glancing in our direction. “To Zaan and Lexi. May your lives be filled with love and laughter. Thank you for loving my daughter, Zaan. I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law. And Lexi, you’ve been one of the brightest lights in my entire life. You and your brothers are the best part of me, and I’m so glad to call you my daughter. Congratulations, you two.”
We all lifted our glasses.
34
Zaan
I’d put some thought into our wedding night and booked a suite for us at a hotel. Rob and Mack had stopped at my condo and delivered our suitcases to the hotel for us so we could leave for the airport tomorrow without having to do anything except drop Lexi’s wedding dress off at home since she didn’t want to bring it to Europe with her.
It had been a wonderful day and we both kept staring at the rings on our fingers, often catching each other and laughing together. There was a bottle of champagne cooling in a bucket with two glasses, and a hotel employee had just dropped off a plate with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Lexi was smiling at me, her eyes never leaving mine as she brought one to her lips, slowly and seductively taking a bite. She licked the chocolate off her lips and swallowed, her eyes glittering as she watched me watching her.
“Someone looks horny,” I teased, opening the bottle of champagne and pouring us each a glass.
“Horny. Happy. In love.”
I reached for her hand, bringing it to my lips and gently pressing kisses along the back.
“What shall we drink to?” she asked, smiling at me.
“To us. To forever. To a lifetime of love, laughter and compromise.”
“To love, laughter and compromise,” she echoed, moving closer to me as we drank.
“May I undress you?” I asked quietly, one hand cupping the side of her face. “I can’t wait to make love to my new wife.”
“I can’t wait either.” She drained her glass and refilled both of them.
“This looks complicated,” I noted when she turned her back and I started unlacing the corset-type top.
“It’ll give me time to get drunker.” She chuckled.
“Why do you need to be drunk?” I asked curiously. “Not like we’ve never done this before.”
“No, but I didn’t expect to be a virgin on my wedding night and I kind of am. At least for some things. So I’m going to need liquid courage.”
I paused, a strip of silky cloth in my hand. “Are you talking about anal?”
“What else?”
“I thought we were working up to that?”
“We have been.” She glanced over her shoulder at me. “Well, I have been. Even while we were apart. Because I had faith we would find our way back to each other.”
“Really?” I slid my hands into her dress and around front, to cup her breasts.
“You bought me a ring before we were officially back together.”
“I did.” I leaned forward, kissing the curve of her neck, the soft spot behind her ear, the line of her jaw. “When we decided not to write or say our own vows at the wedding, I tried to think of what I’d say to you in private. And you know what? I don’t have any words. I mean, I do, but they’re all things you know. You are my second half, probably my better half, but from the moment we met there was something between us that transcends words of love or wedding vows or anything else. You’re my Lexi. Then, now, always.”
“And you’re my Zaan.” She turned to face me, her eyes soft and shining with warmth. “Absolutely the best part of me. My other half, my best half, the half that gives me strength when the other half falters.”
I leaned in to kiss her, my mouth capturing hers with equal parts intensity and tenderness. Though I could differentiate the pain of rough sex from actually hurting her, I worried about doing that tonight.
“Babe?”
“Hmm?” She gazed up at me.
“You sure you want to do butt stuff tonight?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Because even if you’re prepared, it’s probably going to hurt, or at least be uncomfortable. I’ve only done it a few times so I don’t know that much about what I’m doing.”
She shook her head. “I want to try. If I don’t like it, or if it hurts too much, we’ll stop. I trust you and really want to do this on our wedding night.”
“Then let’s get this dress off. These laces are ridiculous.”
With her giving me some basic instructions, I managed to unlace the whole thing, only to discover a zipper beneath them. “Hey,” I protested. “Are you telling me I could have just unzipped it?!”
She burst out laughing and ran to the bedroom with me on her heels.
“That was so uncool!” I said, laughing as I playfully tackled her on the bed.
“I was testing your patience.” She laughed.
“And now I have to spank you,” I said, shaking my head as if I was truly pained by the thought.
Her eyes crinkled as she giggled. “Oh, wow, that’s going to hurt, huh?”
We both chuckled, too playful to even muster up any level of role playing. “Probably not as much as anal will.”
“Oh, hush. It’s going to be fine. I’ve been wanting to try for ages—let’s go!” She flipped onto her hands and knees and wiggled her ass at me.
This was nowhere near as romantic as I’d envisioned our wedding night, but we’d had lots of romantic sex over the years, so if tonight was going to be more playful and experimental, that was fine with me. I grabbed a condom and lube, and then reached out to pull down her thong. I leaned down and trailed kisses along the bumps of her spine, the small of her back, the slopes of her ass cheeks. Her skin was soft, her sex warm and inviting, and our playfulness quickly turned into need.
She had a plug I’d never seen before in her ass and I toyed with it as I continued kissing different places all over her ass, back and thighs. I spread her legs and ran my tongue along her slit, loving how she immediately pressed against my face. I took my time, coaxing her into arousal, taking her right to the edge and then pulling back. I didn’t want her to come until I was deep inside her ass, because my gut told me my new wife was going to push all our sexual boundaries.
“Zaan!” She let out a squeak of protest when I pulled away. “I was so close…”
“I know.” I reached down and slowly pulled out the plug, dropping lube on the puckered hole and gently pushing two fingers inside. Her ass was tighter than her pussy and I nearly groaned, imagining how it would feel once my cock was inside of her. She was as ready as she was going to be and I quickly sheathed myself with the condom, anxious to give her what she wanted.
“Ready?” I asked her, moving over her, running one hand down her back.
“Yes.” She dropped her head, turning it to the side and I noted her eyes were closed.
I pressed the head to her entrance and pushed until I felt her clench in protest. “Easy,” I whispered. “Relax.” I brought my hand around and found her clit, coaxing it back into a state of arousal, until she was moaning and panting. I had her on the brink of orgasm again, but when I stopped this time, I pushed firmly, getting past her initial resistance.