Page 35 of Protected By Her Daddy

He smiles at me, that crooked smile I’ve come to adore, and for a moment, I forget anyone else is in the room. It’s just the two of us in this little bubble of love and commitment we’ve created.

The rings are simple but carry so much meaning as we exchange them. When Gabriel slides the gold band onto my finger, it’s like a lock clicking into place, a promise made tangible. I do the same for him, my hands trembling slightly but my heart steady.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the registrar says with a smile.

Before I can even process the words, Gabriel pulls me close, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that’s both tender and full of passion. It’s a kiss that seals our vows and says everything words can’t.

When we pull apart, the room erupts in soft applause, and I turn to see Ed grinning like a fool, his eyes a little misty.

“Congrats, you two,” he says, stepping forward to give Gabriel a bear hug and me a gentler but no less heartfelt embrace.

As we step outside, the late-autumn sun warm on our faces, I feel lighter than I have in years. I glance over at Gabriel, who’s looking at me like I’m the only person he sees, and I know, without a doubt, that I made the right choice.

“I have a surprise for you,” Gabriel says as Ed drives us home. He pulls out his phone, dials a number, and hands it to me. “Someone wants to congratulate you on your wedding day.”

I give him a curious look as I raise the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“Wren?”

My breath hitches, and I freeze in shock. “Mom?”

“Yes, sweetheart. It’s me,” she replies, an audible tremor in her voice. “I’m… I’m so sorry I haven’t called sooner. I wanted to, but… I needed to get my head straight.”

“I can’t believe it. How are you? Are you okay?” I ask, my emotions swirling. “Gabriel told me you’re in rehab. I was going to call you a few weeks ago, but I didn’t know if you’d want to talk to me after the way I left. I couldn’t stay, Mom. Gregory… he made it impossible.” I don’t go into more detail because Gabe warned me that Mom didn’t know everything that happened. I want it to stay that way. I don’t want to jeopardize her recovery. She has enough guilt without adding more to the pile.

“Oh, Wren, of course I wanted to talk to you. I’ve missed you so much. I’ve missed my little girl… I’ve missed everything. And you didn’t leave me, honey. I left you a long time ago. Maybe not physically, but in every way that mattered. And that’s not all down to Gregory. Losing your dad destroyed me. I wasn’t there for you the way a mother should be, and I’m so sorry for that. I promise I’m doing everything I can to get better. For both of us.”

Tears of relief and sadness sting my eyes. “I’ve missed you, too, Mom. I was so worried about you, wondering if you were okay.”

“I know, my love. I’m trying, Wren. I’m trying to get better. I have a long way to go, but I’m still here, thanks to Cassio and his team. And Gabriel.”

I glance at my husband, reaching for his hand. “He’s amazing, Mom. He’s done so much for me. I can never repay him.”

He squeezes my hand and shakes his head, silently telling me that no repayment is necessary.

“You already have, Wren. You’ve found someone who loves you, who wants to take care of you, and that’s all I could ever want for you. He’s a good man, and I’m so grateful to him for giving me this chance.”

My throat threatens to close on the ball of emotion lodged there, and I struggle to find the right words. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Mom.”

“I’m here, Wren,” Mom says tenderly. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to get through this for you, for me… for us. You’re my daughter, and I want to be the mother you deserve.”

My tears finally spill over. “You’ve always been my mom, no matter what. I just want you to be happy, to be safe. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“I know, honey,” Mom says softly. “And I’m working on it every day. I’m not there yet, but I’m getting closer. And knowing that you’re happy, that you’ve found someone like Gabriel… it gives me the strength to keep going.”

I smile through my tears. “I am happy, Mom. I never thought I could be this happy, but Gabe… being with him feels so right. And knowing that you’re getting better, it’s like a weight has lifted off my chest.”

“You deserve all the happiness in the world, Wren. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve someone who loves you the way Gabe does. I’m so proud of you, honey.”

“I’m proud of you too, Mom. I know how hard this must be for you, and I’m so grateful you’re fighting to get better.”

“I’m not giving up, Wren. I’ll keep fighting, and I’m going to come out of this stronger. I want to be there for you. I want to be there for my grandchildren.”

“You will, Mom. I believe in you.”

“Thank you, Wren. I’m so sorry for… everything.”

“Everything will be okay now,” I say with renewed hope.

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