Page 46 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

“I put too much on you when your father got sick,” she admitted shakily. “I know I expected too much and I leaned on you in ways I never should have. You were losing your dad and I wasn’t being a good mother. It haunts me to think of the things I’ve said and done. That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.”

Tears filled Haley’s eyes.

Her mother took a deep breath, her hands tightening over Haley’s. “As you know, I’ve been in therapy. I’m working on it. And I just need you to know—I see you. I see how strong you are. And I am so, so sorry for the weight I put on you.”

A tear slipped down Haley’s cheek as she squeezed her mother’s hands. “I know, Mom. And I love you.”

Her mother exhaled shakily, “I love you too, Bug.”

It struck Haley in that very moment that her dad truly was there with them. Her mom hadn’t used her childhood nickname in decades, and for her to bring it out in this moment could only mean one thing. He was there.

Her mom let out a strangled sigh. “I have to ask… is that why you and Ian decided to live with the pack? Because of me?”

Haley shook her head. “No. Not at all. I’m happy here, Mom. I’m learning so much from Neela, and Ian has become a valued member of the pack’s guard. This is where we were meant to be. Ian and I belong here.”

Her mother nodded, blinking rapidly.

“Mom?” Haley asked hesitantly. “Would you walk with me down the aisle?”

Her mother’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you sure?”

Haley nodded, her voice steady. “I’m sure.”

Her mother let out a watery laugh, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I would be honored.”

Despite the beautiful afternoon,the decorations, and the guests, Haley only saw one thing—Ian.

He stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in a fitted navy suit that made his blue eyes even more striking. His stance was strong, but she could see the nervous energy in the way he shifted slightly, his fingers flexing at his sides.

His eyes locked on to hers, and everything else faded.

Her heart pounded as she stepped into the aisle, her mother beside her, walking her forward.

The guests turned, smiling warmly. Verity was grinning and waving, while Bridget was openly crying, trying to mop up her tears with a damp hanky. Neela was smiling fondly, as were many of the pack members she’d worked with over the past year.

But none of that mattered.

Because Ian was waiting for her.

She reached the end of the aisle, her mother giving her hand one last squeeze before stepping back.

Ian took her hands, his grip firm but reverent.

“You’re breathtaking,” he whispered.

“You’re shaking,” she teased.

His laugh was rough, breathless. “You’re marrying me. Of course I’m shaking.”

The officiant cleared his throat, and the ceremony began.

Their vows were spoken through tears and laughter. Ian’s voice broke slightly when he promised to stand beside her, no matter what storms came their way. And Haley’s heart swelled as she vowed to love him with everything she had—for now and always.

The kiss wasslow, deep, and filled with everything they couldn’t put into words.

When they pulled apart, the pack let out a roar of approval,and the party began.

It washours later when everyone had finally eaten and drank their fill. The happy couple had danced the first dance and cut the cake, and a bonfire crackled in the clearing, fairy lights casting a golden glow over the dancing guests. Laughter and music filled the air.

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