Page 34 of Protected By Her Daddy

I bite my lip, wary of a future I can’t quite grasp yet. I’ve been at the mercy of the people around me for most of my life, and the idea of being dependent on anyone or giving them power over me is terrifying. But I’ve been so alone. I can’t continue to cower from the world, from love. Risking my heart and claiming the life I want takes courage. And I’m not a coward.

Unlike Gregory and Jerry, Gabriel doesn’t want power over me. Surrendering to him in the bedroom doesn’t make me weak. It makes me strong because I can relinquish my fears and know he’ll always take care of me. That’s true empowerment. It’s about having the freedom to make my own choices, to fulfill my desires and life goals. And I know beyond doubt that this incredible man will support me in reaching my full potential because he’s given me the gift of shaping my own destiny.

“Do you see kids in your future?” Gabriel asks, trailing his fingers down my arm.

Everything in me softens. “I see kids in our future,” I answer without hesitation. “Getting my degree and doing something useful with it is important to me. But creating a loving home and nurturing a family are things I’ve always wanted because I’ve never had them.” I sigh. “Maybe wanting those things isn’t progressive in today’s society, but I think they’re just as significant as any professional achievement.”

“Who gives a fuck what society deems progressive? There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of success. It’s about living authentically and pursuing what genuinely makes you happy.”

I playfully pinch his bicep. “Such a wise man.”

“I’m a damned lucky man.” Gabriel rolls me beneath him. “Marry me.”

“What?” My eyes widen in shock. “But… it’s too quick? Isn’t it?”

His deep brown eyes capture mine. “Trust me.”

Two words that hold so much meaning.

I take a deep breath and jump off the cliff, knowing he’ll catch me. “I do.”

Two days later, I stand in front of the registry office, excitement and nerves twisting in my stomach. Of course, Gabriel being Gabriel, got a special license for today, as if worried I might change my mind if he waited any longer.

The sky is a clear blue, the air crisp with a hint of winter, and everything seems surreal. It’s like I’m floating in a dream, unable to grasp how I’ve ended up here, on the cusp of a new life with Gabriel.

I smooth down the front of my dress—nothing fancy, just a simple white shift that I picked out on a whim. It’s understated, but it feels right, like it’s me. I glance at Gabriel, standing beside me, looking impossibly handsome in his dark suit. He catches me staring and flashes a grin that melts some of my tension.

“You look beautiful. You ready?” he asks, his voice low.

I nod, though my heart is pounding in my chest. “As I’ll ever be.”

Ed stands off to the side, a broad smile on his face. He gives me a wink, and I can’t help but smile back. He’s been so supportive, so genuinely happy for us, and it means the world to me. In some ways, he’s become the brother I never had but always wanted, and having him here makes everything feel more grounded, more real.

We step inside the registry office, and the world narrows to this moment, this decision. The room is small, intimate, with a few simple decorations—a vase of fresh flowers on a table, a few chairs lined up along the wall. It’s not grand or extravagant, but it’s perfect for us.

The registrar stands at the front with a warm, welcoming expression. She asks us to take our places, and as I stand beside Gabriel, the strength of his presence and his calm confidence seep into my bones. It steadies me, reassures me that this is right, that this is where I’m meant to be.

“Are you nervous?” Gabriel whispers, leaning closer, his breath warm against my ear.

“A little,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly.

His hand finds mine, lacing our fingers. “Me too.”

His admission, so honest and unguarded, makes my heart swell. It’s a reminder that we’re in this together, choosing each other, flaws and all.

“This all feels like a dream.”

He lifts my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. “If it is, I don’t want to wake up.”

The registrar begins to speak, her words a soft murmur in the background of my thoughts. I can barely focus on what she’s saying; all I can think about is Gabriel, his hand in mine, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand, grounding me, anchoring me in this moment.

When it’s time to exchange vows, I look into Gabriel’s eyes, and everything else falls away. It’s him and me, two people who’ve found something rare and precious in each other.

“Wren,” he says, his voice steady, full of emotion, “I promise to love you, to stand by you, to catch you when you fall, and to always, always remind you of how incredible you are. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. I take a deep breath, my heart so full I’m afraid it might burst.

“Gabriel,” I begin, my voice shaking but sure, “My heart has been tied to yours since that night in the alley. I can’t wait to build a life with you full of laughter and, yes, even challenges because I know we’ll face them together. You’ve given me so much, including the strength to believe in myself. I love and trust you with everything I have.”

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