Page 81 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate

Behind the dance floor stood the white awning with silver balloons, white tinsel, and white carnations threaded around it. Excited hands rose to the sky to shout with the music. My heart thumped along with the beat as I jumped next to Cliff and Sydney, singing along with the crowd.

Moments ago, Cliff and I had stood under that awning with our hands clasped and the world watching us blubber our vows to each other. I never felt more alive than in that moment—except for when I gave birth to Sydney. I beheld my daughter in her satin dress and white buckle shoes, a smile lighting up her face as she held on to the pillow that held the rings.

On my left hand was a gorgeous and generous diamond. Cliff dragged his fingers over the rock, tracing it, massaging my knuckles, and touching the ring every chance he got. I was sure he was thinking the same as me, reflecting on those vows we had just exchanged.

I was afraid to say it,I told him,but not anymore. I love you. I’ll say that for the rest of my life. I love you, Clifton Spears.

Alpha. Mate. Husband.

Was there any title he couldn’t wear?

The music faded, giving me a moment to catch my breath as I melted into a chair. Sydney climbed into my lap. Cliff hoisted her up and set her in a chair right next to me. “Let your mother get some space.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Honey.”

“I’ll get you some more cake.”

I held my stomach. “I would love some more.”

Sydney swung her legs while beaming up at her father. “Can I have some cake, Daddy?”

“You can have anything you like, pumpkin.”

“Can I have a pony?”

I tipped my head back with glee as Cliff sighed. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?”

Sydney giggled as Cliff wandered off. I leaned forward to sneak my daughter back into my lap. Truthfully, I didn’t care how tired I got. I didn’t want to be left alone. “Are you having a good time?”

“The best time, Mommy.”

“Good!”

I spotted my mother weaving her way toward us with a champagne flute. Sighing, I watched her sit across from me with a tight smile. “Congrats, my dear.”

“That’s nice of you to say,” I said bitterly, “considering you weren’t at the engagement party.”

“How was I supposed to know he was going to propose?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. It just would have been nice if you were there.”

“Well, I’m sorry about that, Dear. I wouldn’t have missed your wedding for the world.” She sipped her champagne. “If only you let me attend the dress rehearsal.”

“Mom, can we not do this right now?”

She set her glass on the white tablecloth. “You bagged an Alpha. Good job.”

“Yeah, good for me, right?”

Mom raised her trim brows, observed the crowd with a posh look, and then scooted toward me. “Darling, I’m sorry about pressuring you.”

My shoulders drooped. “Are you serious?”

“Hear me out. I want to…” She avoided eye contact. “I want to be accountable. I was obsessed with you getting into a secure marriage and disregarded your needs.”

I looked at her aged features. “You’re being serious.”

“Your father agrees I was harsh.”

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